Five essential queries to consider before purchasing a secondary residence in Italy:
Navigating the Italian property market as a non-EU citizen requires careful consideration before making a purchase. Whether you dream of a rustic countryside retreat or an urban apartment in Rome, Florence, or Milan, a second home in Italy can become a reality—but there are crucial questions to answer beforehand.
Primary Purpose:
Determine the purpose of your property acquisition. Is it a holiday home year after year, potentially transitioning to a permanent residence in the future? Understanding the end goal will help you better prepare for the practical and legal implications.
Residency Status:
If you plan to reside in Italy full-time, you'll need a long-stay visa, with the specific type depending on your intentions—work, study, or retirement. After obtaining a visa, you must apply for a residency permit within eight days of arrival.
Employment and Healthcare:
For those planning to work or retire in Italy, research employment opportunities and local healthcare facilities to ensure a smooth transition. If you plan to work, check for job prospects near your potential location. For those retiring, assess the availability of quality health services.
Car Ownership:
Foreign nationals who are not Italian residents cannot purchase and register a car in Italy, making car rentals or driving a friend's vehicle the most viable options. Be aware that international driving permits or translations of foreign licenses may be necessary, depending on your nationality. After one year of residency, you will need to obtain an Italian license to drive in the country.
Financial Considerations:
Factor in ongoing costs such as maintenance, taxes (including Italy's tax on second homes, IMU), and possible tax obligations for rental income. If your plan involves earning income from holiday rentals, familiarize yourself with local and national regulations.
Renovation Projects:
Old Italian properties may catch the eye, but they often require extensive and expensive renovations, with numerous fees and taxes associated with the purchase process. Ensure you can comply with current regulations regarding energy efficiency, earthquake safety, and securing construction permits.
Buying Legally:
Before purchasing any property, conduct a technical inspection and review cadastral records by a notary to prevent buying an illegal build or one with undeclared modifications.
Social Life:
Cultivating relationships within the local community adds to the enjoyable aspect of owning a second home. Learn some Italian, join local clubs, or take classes to find new friends and integrate into the community.
For more information on buying or renting a property in Italy, visit our property section.
Reference(s):
[1] The Italian Highway Code: foreigners and driving. (n.d.). https://www.italymagazine.com/tips-for-italy/life-in-italy/photo-articles/the-italian-highway-code-for-foreigners
[2] Driving in Italy: A guide for British nationals. (n.d.). https://travelaware.campaign.gov.uk/before-you-go/local-laws-and-customs/driving/driving-in-italy-a-guide-for-british-nationals/
[3] ZTL: how to recognize and respect them. (n.d.). https://www.italymagazine.com/travel/city-region/rome/rti-residents-only-italys-zlt-zones-what-they-are-how-to-recognize-and-respect-them/
- To secure a residence in Italy, it's crucial to determine if your property acquisition is for a holiday home, a potential permanent residence, or another purpose, as this impacts the practical and legal implications.
- For those aiming to reside in Italy full-time, a long-stay visa is necessary, with the specific type depending on work, study, or retirement intentions. After obtaining a visa, a residency permit must be applied for within eight days of arrival.
- Regarding employment and healthcare, foreign residents should research job opportunities and local health facilities to ensure a smooth transition, especially if planning to work or retire in Italy.
- Non-Italian residents are unable to purchase and register cars in Italy, making car rentals or driving a friend’s vehicle the most feasible options. International driving permits or translations of foreign licenses may be required, and after one year of residency, an Italian license is necessary for driving within the country.
- Financial considerations, such as ongoing costs like maintenance, taxes (including Italy's tax on second homes), and possible tax obligations for rental income, must be factored in when buying a property in Italy. Familiarity with local and national regulations is essential if you plan to earn income from holiday rentals.
- Old Italian properties might need expensive renovations and compliance with current regulations regarding energy efficiency, earthquake safety, and securing construction permits.
- To buy a property legally in Italy, a technical inspection and cadastral record review by a notary are recommended to avoid purchasing illegal builds or properties with undeclared modifications. Cultivating relationships within the local community can improve the lifestyle experience of owning a second home in Italy. Additional resources can be found in the property section for more information on buying or renting in Italy.
