Your Perfect Home in Italy

• Codice Fiscale: You can obtain this tax identification number at any Italian consulate in Lithuania or through the Italian tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate). There is no direct cost to obtain it, but you might incur minor expenses for translations or legal assistance if needed.
• Permits: As an EU citizen, you don't need any special permits to buy property. However, it's wise to ensure you have all your documents ready, such as proof of ID, residency if applicable, and financial statements.

• Offer and Acceptance (Proposta d’Acquisto): The initial step where you make a formal offer to the seller, often accompanied by a small deposit (typically 1-3% of the property price). If the seller accepts, this deposit is deducted from the total price. If the seller rejects, it is usually returned.
• Preliminary Contract (Compromesso): A legally binding contract signed by both parties. At this stage, a deposit (caparra confirmatoria) of around 10-30% of the property price is usually paid. If you decide to back out, this deposit might be forfeited; if the seller backs out, they may have to pay double the deposit back to you.
• Final Deed of Sale (Rogito Notarile): The signing of the final deed occurs in the presence of a notary. The balance of the purchase price is paid, and the property ownership is transferred. Notary fees range from 1-2% of the property price.

• Notary Fees: 1-2% of the property value, depending on the complexity of the transaction. For example, for a property worth €200,000, notary fees could range from €2,000 to €4,000.
• Agent Fees: Real estate agents typically charge between 3-5% of the property price. This is often split between the buyer and the seller, so you may pay around 1.5-2.5%. For a €200,000 property, this means around €3,000 to €5,000.
• Registration Tax as Primary Residence: 2% of the cadastral value (usually lower than the market value).
• Registration Tax as Secondary Residence: 9% of the cadastral value.
• Mortgage Tax (if applies): 0.25% of the loan amount if it's your primary residence, or 2% for a secondary residence.
• Cadastral Registration Tax: A fixed fee, generally around €50-200.

• IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica): A municipal property tax, applicable to second homes and properties above a certain value. The rate varies from 0.4% to 1.06% of the property’s taxable value. For a property valued at €100,000, this could mean an annual tax from €400 to €1,060.
• TARI (Tassa sui Rifiuti): Waste collection tax, which varies by municipality and property size but typically ranges from €100 to €600 per year.

Italian Mortgages: Many Italian banks offer mortgages to foreign buyers, but they may require:

• A down payment of 20-30% of the property value.
• Proof of stable income and a good credit history.
• Interest rates for foreign buyers can range from 2% to 4%, depending on your profile and the bank’s policies.
• Expenses: Additional costs may include mortgage arrangement fees (1-2% of the loan amount) and life insurance, which some lenders require.

Italy’s regions vary greatly: Factors like property demand, local amenities, climate, and future growth potential should guide your choice.

• Tuscany or Lake Como: Known for their scenic landscapes and luxury properties. Prices tend to be higher, with properties costing anywhere from €3,000 to €10,000 per square meter.
• Sicily or Calabria: Offer more affordable options, with prices ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 per square meter.

Many properties, especially in rural areas, may require significant renovation. Renovation costs in Italy can vary widely.

• Minor renovations (painting, small fixes): €100-300 per square meter.
• Major renovations (structural work, new plumbing): €800-2,000 per square meter.
• Permits and Restrictions: For properties in historical centers or under conservation laws, you'll need specific permissions, which can take time and may increase costs.