Buying Property in Italy: Complete Guide for Brazilians

Buying a property in Italy is the dream of many Brazilians with Italian citizenship or those wishing to invest in the country. In this complete guide, we present the 7 essential steps to acquiring your Italian home safely, from choosing the builder to closing the contract.

The Italian Real Estate Market in 2025

The Italian real estate market has unique characteristics that every Brazilian buyer should know. Unlike Brazil, Italy has a centralized property registration system and a culture of documentary transparency that, when properly utilized, protects the buyer.

In 2025, property prices vary significantly between regions. While cities like Milan and Rome have high values (average of €4,000-6,000/m²), southern regions like Sicily, Calabria, and Puglia offer opportunities starting from €500-1,500/m².

1. Know the Builder's History

Not every Italian construction company operates the same way. Many work as generalists, building everything from residences to commercial buildings or warehouses. This does not always guarantee quality across all projects.

Bank Guarantee (Fideiussione)

Before handing over any deposit (caparra), demand that the company provide a bank guarantee equivalent to the amount paid in advance. This measure, called fideiussione, protects your money if problems arise during construction.

2. Prioritize the Property's Location

While it is natural to be charmed by a floor plan or finish, location is the most determining factor for quality of life and property appreciation. Define the neighborhood or city where you want to live before evaluating the properties.

What to Observe in the Location

• Infrastructure: public transport, access roads
• Safety: crime rates in the region
• Services: schools, hospitals, supermarkets
• Mobility: distance from work, airports
• Appreciation: growth potential of the region

3. Secure Your Mortgage Pre-Approval

Before negotiating, seek mortgage pre-approval (mutuo) from an Italian bank or obtain a pre-approved credit letter.

Financing for Foreigners in Italy

Italian banks such as Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and BNL offer financing for foreigners, including Brazilians with Italian citizenship. Typical requirements include:

• Provable income in Italy or abroad
• Minimum down payment of 20-30% of the property value
• Interest rate: fixed (2-4%) or variable (Euribor + spread)
• Term: up to 30 years, depending on the buyer's age

4. Verify the Property Documentation

Checking the documentation is essential in the Italian buying process. The main documents are:

Essential Documents

5. Consider All Involved Costs

The property price is only part of the bill. In Italy, additional costs can represent 10-15% of the total value.

Taxes and Fees on Purchase

• Imposta di Registro (Registration Tax): 2% (first home) or 9% (second home)
• Imposta Catastale (Cadastral Tax): €50 (fixed)
• Imposta Ipotecaria (Mortgage Tax): €50 (fixed)
• IVA (VAT): 4% (new first home) or 10% (new second home)
• Notaio Fees (Notary): 1-2.5% of the value
• Real Estate Commission: 2-4% (paid by both buyer and seller)

6. Inspect the Property and Demand Guarantees

Visit the property in person or request a technical inspection (perizia) and record any defects.

For New Properties

• Demand contractual guarantees against construction defects
• Check the garanzia decennale (10-year warranty)
• Request the use and maintenance manual

For Used Properties

• Check electrical and plumbing installations
• Analyze the structure and presence of dampness
• Confirm urban planning compliance

7. Count on Specialized Advice

Having a real estate lawyer (avvocato immobiliarista) or a trusted consultant is an investment that pays off.

What Professional Advice Can Do

• Review contracts and identify abusive clauses
• Negotiate more favorable conditions
• Verify documentary regularity
• Monitor the entire process until the rogito (deed)

The Step-by-Step Buying Process

1. Purchase Proposal (Proposta d'Acquisto): formal offer to the seller
2. Preliminary Contract (Compromesso): binding agreement with deposit payment
3. Due Diligence: verification of all documentation
4. Financing: final approval of the bank mortgage
5. Deed (Rogito Notarile): signing before the notary
6. Registration: entry in the land registry and conservatory

Popular Regions Among Brazilians

Some Italian regions are especially sought after by Brazilians:

• Veneto: Venice, Padua, Verona - strong presence of descendants
• Tuscany: Florence, Siena - quality of life and beauty
• Lombardy: Milan - professional opportunities
• Emilia-Romagna: Bologna - universities and gastronomy
• Campania: Naples - affordable cost of living

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Buying a property in Italy is a process that requires planning, research, and proper advice. By following the 7 steps presented in this guide, you minimize risks and increase the chances of making an excellent deal.

Remember: haste is the enemy of a good purchase. Take time to understand the market, verify all documentation, and rely on qualified professionals. Investing in legal and technical advice always pays off given the values involved.