Getting a Mortgage in Italy – The Facts

With huge variety in landscape and culture from the snowy Alps in the North, the historic cities of Florence and Venice further South and the fine Mediterranean climate in the Mezzogiorno Italy has arguably something for everyone. Throw in the relaxed and indulgent Italian lifestyle and it’s not hard to see why so many UK nationals look to buy a holiday property here. So, if you’re thinking is similar, this guide should help you get the facts on buying a property in Italy and getting an Italian mortgage:

How much can I borrow?

The maximum amount you can borrow with an Italian mortgage is 70% of the value of the property. Only Repayment mortgages are available and the minimum amounts available start at €100,000.

What are the Interest Rates?

Italy is in the Eurozone where rates are a little higher that in the UK but, like in the UK, there are a wide variety of mortgage products available so a rate depends on your circumstances and requirements. Expect a range between approx 3.9-5.5%

What else do I need to know about Italian mortgages?

The maximum mortgage term available is 30 years and the maximum age for getting a mortgage in Portugal is 70 years.

How do negotiations work?

The one piece of advice we offer here is that you work with an Estate Agent licensed by the Chamber of Commerce; this will provide extra security. They will provide you with many properties to choose from in your desired area. We can put you in touch with some.

What is the Legal process like?

The real estate buying and selling process in Italy is fairly streamlined and thankfully not very complex.

• The first step you take after seeing a property you like and want to buy is signing a “Proposta irrevocabile d'acquisto” – an irrevocable Purchase Agreement. With this you’ll be asked to pay approx. 10% of the purchase price. This is then either returned to you when you sign the Compromesso (see next stage) or if the sale does not proceed through no fault of your own or used at that stage as part of the purchase price or it is forfeit if you subsequently pull out of the purchase. In the interim it is held by your Agent.
• At this point you can also instruct a survey on the property and conduct your searches, if you haven’t already done so.
• The next step is the Compromesso which details the terms of the sale and is legally binding. You must also put forward one-third of the purchase price (you can use the 10% from the Proposta irrevocabile d’acquisito) and this will be forfeited if you pull out after this stage. Your security in the deal though is that if the Seller pulls out they must pay you twice this amount in compensation.
• The final part of the process takes place 1-3 months later and is called “Rogito”. This is the final sale document drawn up by a Notary and signed by both parties to complete the sale with, of course, the balance of the purchase price
• Purchase tax is 4% but for Foreigners who either already own property in the country or don’t wish to adopt residency in the country this is 11%. However, the tax is calculated based on the Declared Value of the property, not the purchase price, and this is usually much lower than the purchase price

We hope this makes the process clearer and if we can help you with your Italian mortgage, fill in the form opposite and get in touch.