Property & Residency
Property Made Simple, Residency Made Certain, Italy Made Home
Buying, owning, or inheriting property in Italy is a dream for many, but the legal landscape can be complex. Our team provides international clients with the strategic insight and local experience needed to navigate Italian property law with confidence, protecting your valuable asset every step of the way.
Legal guidance for every step of your Italian property journey
Whether you’re buying your dream home, managing inherited real estate, or resolving a property dispute, our legal team is here to guide you—step by step.
We support foreign purchasers/sellers and expat communities in Italy with strategic legal support grounded in clarity, care, and local expertise.
Need help with property in Italy?
Our legal services
Manage, plan, or sell inherited property in Italy – without the stress.
From estate management and real estate sales to strategic planning, we help you protect and transfer Italian property with confidence. Legal expertise, local know-how, and seamless support – no matter where you are.
Buying and selling property in Italy
We guide you through every step of buying or selling property in Italy—whether it’s a family home, a vacation residence, or an investment. Our team is experienced in both residential and investment properties and makes sure everything is legally sound and stress-free from start to finish.
Here’s what we take care of:
- In-depth due diligence on the property
- Negotiating the best terms for you
- Full legal representation
- Handling the contract signing and closing—so you don’t have to travel to Italy
- Managing the transaction from every step of the way
- Helping you get your Italian fiscal code (codice fiscale) and open a local bank account—both required for the purchase
Whether you’re buying your first home in Sicily or selling an inherited apartment in Rome, we simplify every step.
We handle the paperwork—so you can focus on your plans.
Property disputes
If you’re dealing with a real estate dispute, we’re here to help. Property conflicts in Italy can be complicated and time-consuming—especially if you’re not familiar with local laws or living abroad. We focus on resolving these disputes efficiently while protecting your rights.
We assist with:
- Clarifying ownership issues
- Handling breaches of sale agreements
- Disputes over easements or right-of-way
- Landlord-tenant conflicts
- Negotiation, mediation, or legal action, if needed
Facing a property dispute?
Property management (taxes, utilities, rentals & more)
Owning property in Italy comes with ongoing responsibilities. We help you stay fully compliant with Italian property laws—whether you live here full-time or only visit occasionally.
Our team assists with:
- IMU (property tax): we calculate, file, and pay it for you
- Guidance on other taxes and declarations
- Utility setup and problem resolution with providers
- Acting on your behalf with tax offices, utility companies, and town halls
- Supporting your long-term or short-term rental plans, including lease drafting
You don’t have to navigate these steps alone. Our experienced team ensures every requirement is handled correctly, so you can move forward with a peace of mind.
Whether you live abroad or part-time in Italy, we act as your trusted legal partner—ensuring every detail is handled with care.
Worried about compliance or bills? Let us manage it for you
Property compliance (building and planning Laws)
We make sure your property meets all legal and building code requirements. Whether you’re planning a renovation or trying to sell, we help identify and resolve any compliance issues that could cause delays or penalties.
Our compliance services include:
- Reviewing past or future renovations and changes in property use
- Working with the land registry (Catasto)
- Verifying planning and building permits (conformità urbanistica e catastale)
- Helping you regularize non-compliant properties, so they’re fully up to code and ready to be sold or purchased—so your investment is protected and ready for its next chapter.
We help you make sure your property is ready.
FAQs
Can I legally purchase property in Italy?
What does your property due diligence service include?
We conduct a full legal and compliance check of the property. This includes:
- Verifying title and ownership
- Checking zoning and planning compliance
- Identifying any liens or encumbrances
- Confirming the seller’s legal right to sell the property
Do I need an Italian fiscal code to buy property?
Yes. The codice fiscale (Italian fiscal code) is required to buy property or inherit property in Italy. We obtain the codice fiscale on your behalf as part of our service.
Do I need an Italian bank account?
It depends.
- Yes, if you need to manage utilities and ongoing property expenses.
- No, for the actual purchase—funds can be transferred to our law firm’s trust account or directly to the notary.
We’ll advise you based on your specific situation.
Do I need to be in Italy to buy or sell property?
No. With a special power of attorney, we can represent you fully in Italy. We prepare this document in both English and Italian.
We’ll handle:
- All legal formalities
- Contract signing
- Closing
- Payment transfers
Please note: Italy does not allow digital closings. Property transactions must be finalized in person at an Italian notary’s office—which we attend on your behalf.
What is a “Notaio” and why are they required in Italy?
A Notaio is a public official who legally formalizes property transactions in Italy. Every sale, purchase, or donation must be done through a Notaio. The buyer chooses the Notaio for the transaction. We work with a trusted network of Notai across Italy and will help you select the right one.
How long does it take to buy a property in Italy?
On average, a straightforward purchase takes about 9–12 weeks from the offer’s acceptance to closing.
However, delays can occur depending on:
- Findings during due diligence
- Seller and buyer readiness
- Municipal clearance timelines
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Will buying a property in Italy grant me residency?
No. Buying property does not automatically give you residency rights. If you plan to live in the property full-time, we recommend securing a relevant visa—or confirming that you qualify for EU or residency rights—before starting the purchase process.
Can you help me rent out my property (Airbnb, long-term)?
Absolutely. Many of our clients rent out their property when not in Italy.
We help you:
- Make sure the property is compliant with local laws
- Register with the municipality to pay any applicable tourist taxes
- Avoid potential fines or legal issues
We’ll also guide you on how to set it up for short-term or long-term use.
What is IMU, and do I have to pay it?
IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica) is a municipal wealth tax on real estate in Italy.
- If your property is not your primary residence in Italy, you’ll likely have to pay IMU.
- The exemption applies only to properties officially registered as your habitual residence.
IMU is calculated based on the cadastral value of the property. It’s paid annually in June and December. If the property is co-owned, each owner must pay their share separately.
Client spotlight
Bruna C.
Probate & Property Client
A seven-year stall, resolved by the power of specialized expertise.
After seven years of little progress on their complex Italian inheritance case, Bruna C. and her family discovered a critical truth: such intricate legal matters require an experienced specialist. That’s when they came to My Lawyer in Italy (MLI).
Our dedicated team did what others couldn’t: we reopened the stalled process, cut through the complexity, and efficiently brought the case to a close. The result was a finalized inheritance and a successful property sale.
Bruna’s story is a powerful reminder that for even the most stalled cases, with the right specialized legal team, a lasting resolution is always possible.
Nancy
Property & Probate Client
Nancy D., a Los Angeles-based attorney, knew that buying property in Italy involved layers of legal, tax, and cross-border challenges. When she decided to purchase a vacation home for her family, she turned to My Lawyer in Italy.
With our team, Nancy received step-by-step guidance through the purchase process, including due diligence, contract review, and local compliance. We helped her navigate Italian bureaucracy while maintaining full transparency.
Nancy appreciated not just the legal expertise, but also our responsiveness and reasonable fees. As a fellow legal professional, she saw firsthand the care and precision behind our work.
Today, Nancy continues to rely on MLI for all her Italian legal needs.
Your path to living and investing in Italy with confidence starts here
If you’re ready to take the next step, your dedicated advisor is here to provide expert guidance, clarity, and personal support throughout your journey.
Attorney Fiammetta Lesen
Managing Partner
