Buying Property in Italy as a Foreigner
About the service
Dreaming of a villa in Tuscany or an apartment in Rome? Italy's property market offers extraordinary opportunities — but the buying process is rooted in civil law traditions that may feel unfamiliar if you come from a common-law country such as the United Kingdom or the United States. Security here is not provided by title insurance: it is built on formal checks, public registers and preventive legal review.
At Athena, we combine legal, tax and accounting expertise under one roof, guiding foreign buyers through the entire Italian property purchase — from eligibility checks to the final notarial deed.
Watch our complete video guide below, then read on for a detailed overview.
About the service
Buying property in Italy as a foreigner involves specific legal requirements — from reciprocity checks and binding purchase proposals to urban planning compliance and tax obligations — that differ significantly from common-law systems. Our English-speaking team handles the entire process: eligibility assessment, contract review, due diligence on cadastral and building records, tax planning under Italy's favourable price-value regime, and assistance at the notarial deed. Watch our complete video guide above for a detailed walkthrough of every step.
What We do
Eligibility and reciprocity assessment
Review and negotiation of purchase proposals and preliminary contracts
Coordination with technical consultants for urban planning and cadastral compliance checks
Tax planning and cost projections (first home relief, price-value system, applicable deductions)
Assistance at the notarial deed, including interpreter arrangements
Post-purchase compliance: residence transfer, municipal registrations, utility contracts
Ongoing tax and accounting support for property owners in Italy
Our clients
Foreign nationals — whether EU, British, American, Canadian, Swiss or from other countries — looking to purchase residential or commercial property in Italy. Expats already living in Italy who need English-speaking legal and tax support for their real estate transactions.
Why Athena?
Buying property in Italy as a foreigner involves legal, tax and technical complexities that no single professional can cover alone. Athena brings lawyers, chartered accountants and auditors together under one roof, providing a fully coordinated service — from the first eligibility check to the final deed and beyond. As a member of the TGS international network, we also ensure continuity with your advisors back home.
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