10 Steps to Buying a House in Italy:

1. Find the house that fills your criteria
2. Make a provisional offer on the house
3. Hire an international or English-speaking lawyer to handle the legalities of the purchase - you are not legally obliged to do this but we recommend it for peace of mind. Many Italians themselves become unstuck at this point
4. Do a land search with the local land agency to check for outstanding debts ('ipoteca') attached to the property and or land
5. Your lawyer should ensure that the land attached to the house (if deemed agricultural), has been offered first to the immediate neighbours for purchase (called 'prelazione'). This is an Italian law and therefore must be strictly observed
6. If the land search shows no debts ('ipoteca'), make an official offer ('compromesso') and pay the vendor 10% of the agreed price as a deposit
7. From this point you are obliged to go through with the purchase. If you back out for any reason the vendor can keep the deposit, if the vendor backs out however, they have to repay double the price of the deposit (this is valid in all private sales; NOT valid in purchases from state or semi-state bodies)
8. With private sales the process usually goes quite quickly between the 'compromesso' and the time you sign the final contract and pay the remainder of the cost of the house (anything from 6 weeks to 3 months). The final stage is called the 'rogito'. This is conducted in front of a local notary who must read out the official document to you, the vendor, and your legal representation (if any). The notary ('notaio') also registers the house in your name and fulfils other administrative requirements. Expect to pay approximately 5-6% for the notary, tax, registration and agency fees
9. At the 'rogito' or closing you must pay the notary. At this point you will be given the keys and the house will be yours
10. Move in and immerse yourself in the Italian way of life!

Notes:

• Non-residents of Italy pay 10% purchase tax (stamp duty), whereas residents who are first-time buyers in Italy pay only 3%. Obtaining residency as an EU citizen is a relatively straightforward process.

Although these steps may seem long and complicated don't be disheartened! With the help of a lawyer and your English-speaking estate agent it should all run smoothly. With a little patience your dream of living in Italy can come through!