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Your complete guide to buying a home in Italy, part 1

Buying a home overseas is a big financial commitment, and it's usually both an exciting and stressful time for most.

So you need to be sure that the agent you choose to work with, can not only find you the right property at the best price, but also understand fully your requirements, and be able to guide you confidently through the process.

The list below covers the first steps you will go through, once you have found a property that you would like to buy in Italy.

1) ITALIAN TAX FILE NUMBER (Codice fiscale)

The first step is to obtain your codice fiscale which is an Italian tax file number, necessary in order to purchase a property, open an Italian bank account or to enter into any form of contract be it setting up utilities, a rental contract or other. It is a unique identification code calculated on the basis of your surname, your first name, the place of your birth and the date of your birth and which will be used any time you will need to deal with the Authorities.

This can be requested at any local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate) or online via an Italian Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence. This request should be submitted on the relevant forms along with a photocopy of your passport. Please note that married women should only use their maiden names for the request.

2) OPENING AN ITALIAN BANK ACCOUNT

In the event of a purchase it is a good idea to open a bank account in Italy not only to transfer the funds for the completion, but also to set up direct debit payment for the various utility companies.

3) FORMAL OFFER TO PURCHASE (Proposta di acquisto)

The negotiation starts with a formal offer (proposta di acquisto) which must be in writing and accompanied by a refundable deposit which is normally held by the Estate Agent and can be made by electronic bank transfer or credit card. If the offer is refused, this deposit will be refunded. In the case of acceptance, the sum deposited will be transferred to the Seller or the Notary office, and the formal offer becomes a legally binding contract under Italian law for both parties.

4) DUE DILIGENCE PRIOR TO ENTERING INTO A CONTRACT

As part of our selection process for the properties that we choose to list, we automatically undertake the following initial checks such as:

• Land registry certificate of ownership

• Consistency of floor plans deposited in land registry

• Search to check if there are any mortgages or loans against the property

• Compliance with town planning/regulatory

• Energy efficiency certification (APE)