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Selling a house to foreigners can represent a great opportunity for those who own real estate in Italy.
In this article, we explain in detail why Italy is particularly attractive for Foreign Buyers, what do they need for Buying a House in Our Country, what taxes and fees are required and what are the costs that the seller must bear.
You will also find a section dedicated to the most common frequently asked questions on this topic, useful for better managing the entire sales process.
Selling a house to foreigners
To sell a house to a foreign buyer in Italy, it is necessary to know the tax, legal and practical rules that govern this type of sale.
In particular, it is useful to know:
- Which Papers are required from the foreign buyer, such as a tax code, an identity document and, in some cases, a residence permit;
- the purchase conditions for non-EU citizens, including the Verification of the principle of reciprocity between States;
- The Sales Taxes Charged to the Seller (e.g. capital gain) and those borne by the buyer (registry, cadastral, mortgage);
- The Concessions for the Purchase of a First Home by foreigners resident or intending to move;
- I Supplementary documents required, such as a translated certificate of civil status or notarial powers of attorney;
- I Costs to consider for those who sell, such as APE, agency, land registry or urban planning regulations, cancellation of mortgages;
- The alternatives between Sale with Agency or Private, with pros and cons in terms of management and costs;
- The Italian areas most in demand from foreigners to buy a house;
- I Average times of a sale to foreigners (2-4 months);
- The Cautions to Take if the buyer does not speak Italian, such as the mandatory presence of an interpreter.
Now let's look at these points in detail.
Reasons that push foreigners to buy in Italy
There are many reasons that push foreigners to buy a house in Italy.
First, the Fascination exercised by our country is indisputable, thanks to its rich history, unique culture and artistic and natural beauty: many buyers, in fact, They are looking for a second home just to spend vacation periods immersed in Italian culture and lifestyle.
Others see in buying real estate in Italy aInvestment opportunities, given the ability of Italian properties to maintain their value over time and to revalue themselves.
Finally, there is no shortage of those who intend to settle permanently or spend their retirement in a pleasant place, characterized by a mild climate and excellent quality of life.
What does a foreigner need to buy a house in Italy?
To buy a house in Italy, foreign buyers must first have a Italian tax code, obtainable from the Italian Revenue Agency and essential for any real estate transaction.
In addition to possessing the Italian tax code, foreign buyers must meet certain legal conditions in order to buy a property in Italy.
In particular, for non-resident non-EU citizens, the purchase is possible only if there is a International Treaty That Allows Reciprocity, that is, if Italian citizens are also allowed to buy real estate in the buyer's country.
They must also have a valid identity document such as the Passport Or the ID card.
For buyers from non-EU countries, a residence permit may be required, especially if the purchase of the property is linked to a definitive transfer to our country.
Documents necessary for foreigners to buy real estate in Italy
In addition to the tax code and identity document, additional documents may be required, such as the civil status certificate translated into Italian or any translated and certified power of attorney if the purchaser cannot physically participate in the notarial act.
Complete documentation helps to reduce buying and selling times and to avoid possible complications during the procedure.
To summarize, the Main documents required from foreigners They are:
- Italian tax code;
- valid identity document;
- residence permit (only for non-EU citizens in specific situations);
- translated certificate of civil status;
- any translated and certified notarial powers of attorney (if not physically present at the act).
Taxes and taxes for those who sell homes to foreigners
Selling a house to foreign citizens does not involve substantial differences in taxation compared to selling to Italian citizens.
However, the seller should consider having to pay aCapital Gain Tax, that is, the difference between the sale price and the purchase price, if the property is sold within five years of the initial purchase Or if it was not received for Succession.
It is important to note that the main taxes on the real estate transfer (such as registration, cadastral and mortgage tax) generally fall on the buyer.
In addition, to facilitate the payment process, it is It is advisable for the foreign buyer to open a bank account in Italy.
Alternatively, you can transfer the funds directly to the account of the notary in charge of the transaction.
Tax Breaks for the First Home
Foreign buyers can benefit from the tax breaks provided for the purchase of their first home, provided that theThe property is intended as a main residence And that the buyer Don't own other properties in Italy.
In this case, the registration tax is reduced to 2% if you buy from a private individual, while the VAT is 4% if you buy from a construction company.
The categories subject to tax benefits do not fall into the categories subject to tax benefits Properties considered luxury in the A1, A8 and A9 cadastral categories (i.e. stately homes, villas and castles).
Costs for the seller
Those who sell their homes must take into account some essential costs:
- Commission for the Sale of the House with Agency (usually 2% to 4% of the sales price plus VAT);
- Energy Performance Certificate (APE), mandatory document;
- costs for any urban planning or land registry adjustments;
- costs related to the cancellation of any mortgages on the property.
Some landlords prefer Selling a House Without an Agency to reduce costs, but they must be aware of managing all phases of the negotiation and documentation independently.
Those who choose to sell with Casavo, on the other hand, have a fixed commission up to 1% (with Some Exceptions), obtaining a complete sales management service, including bureaucratic and operational aspects.
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Frequently asked questions about how to sell a house to foreigners
Where do foreigners buy houses in Italy?
The places most loved by foreigners include coastal areas such as Sardinia, the Liguria And the Tuscany, known for their natural beauty and breathtaking beaches.
Also in high demand are the Great Art Cities, such as Rome, Florence and Venice, rich in historical and cultural charm.
Finally, regions such asUmbria and Sicily are attracting more and more interest thanks to their authenticity and peace of mind.
Can a non-EU citizen buy a house in Italy?
There are no restrictions on the purchase of real estate by non-EU citizens, as long as they have valid documents, such as the Italian tax code and, if required, a residence permit.
On average, how long does a sale to a foreigner take?
Normally a sale to a foreigner It can take 2 to 4 months on average, based on the speed with which all the necessary documents are provided and prepared, including those translated and certified.
What changes if the buyer doesn't speak Italian?
If the foreign buyer does not speak Italian, it is It is mandatory to involve an official interpreter during the signing of the notarial act or provide a sworn translation of all relevant documents.
This precaution protects both parties and ensures clarity and transparency throughout the entire sales process.
Also, if you would like to know How to sell a second home Or know the Costs of Donating the Property, it is always advisable to contact an experienced professional for accurate and up-to-date advice.
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