Purchase and Sale of Real Estate in Italy
English-speaking notarial assistance Notarial assistance for foreign buyers and sellers. We handle the legal process — you focus on the property.
What Notary in Italy Does for Your Property Transaction
In Italy, every property transfer must be executed before a notary (notaio) — a state-appointed public official. Our office provides the complete notarial service for the purchase and sale of real estate in Italy, with dedicated assistance for international clients who need the process managed in English, from any country.
We do not just authenticate the deed. We manage every legal and documentary step between offer and registered ownership — including all coordination with agents, banks, and public registries.
Who This Service Is For:
Private buyers and sellers purchasing or transferring residential property in Italy — including expats, retirees, and non-residents buying from the USA, UK, UAE, Germany, or any other country.
Buyers acquiring investment properties, rental units, or mixed-use assets in Italy who require full legal due diligence and a compliant notarial structure.
Foreign companies, family offices, and funds buying or selling Italian real estate directly, requiring coordination between notarial, corporate, and tax documentation.
Our Notarial Services for Property Purchase and Sale
This is what our office handles on your behalf — from the first document check to the final registration of ownership.
| Service | What We Do for You | Available Remotely |
|---|---|---|
| Title & Cadastral Due Diligence | We verify ownership history, existing mortgages, liens, and cadastral and planning compliance before any contract is signed. | ✓ Yes |
| Preliminary ContractCompromesso — drafting, review, registration | We draft or review the preliminary agreement and register it with the Agenzia delle Entrate. Your deposit is legally protected from this point. | ✓ Yes |
| Final Purchase DeedRogito notarile — authentication | We authenticate the notarial deed transferring ownership, collect and remit transfer taxes, and ensure full legal compliance for both parties. | ✓ Via POA |
| Power of AttorneyFor buyers and sellers residing abroad | We coordinate the full power of attorney process: drafting, apostille, sworn Italian translation, and filing. You sign in your country. | ✓ Yes |
| Tax Code AssistanceCodice fiscale for all parties | We obtain the Italian tax code required for all parties before the deed can be executed — coordinated remotely through consular channels. | ✓ Yes |
| Ownership RegistrationConservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari | We register the transfer of ownership in the Italian public land registry within the statutory 30-day deadline and deliver full documentation in English. | ✓ Yes |
| Professional Coordination | We liaise with your real estate agent, lawyer, tax advisor, and bank throughout. One point of contact — in English — for the full transaction. | ✓ Yes |
How Our Office Manages Your Transaction
Our process is built for international clients. Every stage is managed in English, with written updates at each step. Physical presence in Italy is not required — we can coordinate the full transaction remotely through a notarial power of attorney.
1. Written Cost Estimate Within 48 Hours
Before any commitment, we provide a written, itemized estimate of all costs: notary fee, transfer taxes, sworn translator, power of attorney if needed, and all ancillary expenses. Nothing is added later.
2. Title and Cadastral Due Diligence
We verify the property’s title history, confirm the absence of mortgages and liens, check cadastral compliance, and review building permit regularity. If there is a legal or administrative problem with the property, you know before you sign the preliminary contract — not after.
3. Preliminary Contract (Compromesso)
We draft or review the preliminary purchase agreement, advise on deposit terms and conditions, and register it with the Agenzia delle Entrate. From this point, your deposit is legally protected.
4. Document Preparation and Coordination
We prepare all documentation required for the final deed: power of attorney for buyers abroad, sworn Italian translations, apostille coordination, codice fiscale for all parties, and bilingual document exchange throughout.
5. Deed Signing (Rogito Notarile)
We authenticate the notarial deed transferring ownership — in person or through your attorney-in-fact. Transfer taxes are calculated, collected, and remitted to the state at this stage. A certified interpreter is present when required by law.
6. Registration and Delivery
We register the ownership transfer in the Italian public land registry (Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari) within the statutory deadline. You receive the registered deed and full documentation in English
Why International Clients Work With Our Office
One office. Full process.
We manage the entire notarial process — due diligence, preliminary contract, deed, registration. You do not need to coordinate between multiple Italian professionals.
English at every stage
Direct communication in English with our notarial team throughout. All deeds, estimates, and correspondence produced in bilingual format — no intermediaries.
Remote purchase fully supported
We coordinate the complete power of attorney process for buyers and sellers abroad: drafting, apostille, sworn translation, filing. The transaction completes without you travelling to Italy.
Transparent costs, no surprises
Written cost estimate before any commitment. Every fee — notary, taxes, translator, filings — disclosed upfront and itemised. What we quote is what you pay.
Indicative Costs for Property Purchase in Italy
The total cost of a property purchase in Italy depends on the purchase price, the seller type, and your tax status as a buyer. Below is a reference overview. For a full breakdown with worked examples, see our dedicated guide.
| Cost Item | Indicative Amount | Key Variable |
|---|---|---|
| Notary professional fee | €1,500 – €6,000+ | Property value and complexity |
| Registration taxPrivate seller — prima casa | 2% of cadastral value | Minimum €1,000 |
| Registration taxPrivate seller — seconda casa | 9% of cadastral value | Residency and prima casa status |
| VAT — IVADeveloper sale | 4% / 10% / 22% | Prima casa / seconda casa / luxury |
| Sworn translator | €500 – €1,500 | Mandatory if buyer non-Italian speaking |
| Power of attorneyRemote buyers and sellers | €500 – €1,500 | Jurisdiction and apostille process |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be in Italy to complete the purchase?
No. Our office prepares a notarial power of attorney (procura notarile) that authorises a representative to sign the deed in Italy on your behalf. We coordinate the full process — notarization, apostille, and sworn translation — from our office. You sign the power of attorney in your country of residence.
What does your office do that a real estate agent does not?
The agent finds the property and negotiates the price. Our office provides the legal foundation of the transaction: title verification, contract drafting, notarial authentication, tax compliance, and registration of ownership. Both roles are necessary — they do not overlap.
How long does the full process take?
From preliminary contract to registered deed: typically 30 to 90 days, depending on mortgage timelines, due diligence complexity, and the preparation of foreign documentation. We provide a transaction timeline at the start of each engagement.
Can I qualify for prima casa tax relief as a foreign buyer?
Yes — provided you commit to establishing Italian residency (residenza) in the property’s municipality within 18 months of the deed signing. This commitment is declared in the deed. We advise you on whether this is viable for your specific situation before you sign.
Do you assist with property sales as well as purchases?
Yes. We provide the same level of notarial assistance for sellers: verification of title regularity, deed drafting and authentication, tax compliance on the sale proceeds, and coordination with the buyer’s legal representatives.
What if the property has legal problems?
Our due diligence process identifies cadastral irregularities, undisclosed encumbrances, and title defects before you are contractually committed. If a problem is found, we advise on options — renegotiation, remediation, or withdrawal — with full transparency.
Start Your Property Transaction in Italy
Contact our office with the property details — address, purchase price, and seller type. We will provide a written cost estimate within 48 hours and advise on the optimal structure for your transaction