Mortgage services for non-residents buying property in Italy
At Dolce Vita Real Estate, we offer expert assistance to international buyers seeking financing options for property purchases in Italy. Whether you are investing in a luxury villa, a primary market development, or a charming secondary market property, our experienced team will guide you through the entire mortgage process with clarity and efficiency.
Who can apply
Italian banks offer mortgage loans to non-resident foreign buyers under specific conditions. Mortgages are granted for residential properties only commercial or undeclared-use properties do not qualify. To be eligible, the property must be registered as a residential dwelling and must comply with requirements for mortgage permission.
Loan terms & currency
- Currency options: EUR, USD, CHF, or JPY
- Loan amount: up to 60% of the property value
- Duration: from 5 to 20 years
- Interest rates:
- Variable rate: ~5% annually
- Fixed rate: ~7% annually
- Variable rate: ~5% annually
- Age limit: borrowers must not exceed 75 years of age at the end of the loan term
Italian law also stipulates that monthly mortgage payments cannot exceed 35% of your verified income.
Required documents
When applying for a mortgage, banks will typically request the following:
- Copy of your passport
- Personal Identification Number
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code, issued after signing a deposit agreement)
- Proof of employment (certificate or contract)
- Payroll slips or income verification
- Tax payment certificate
- Bank account details
- Recent account statements
- For business owners: official company registration documents
Optional supporting documents:
- Proof of prior loan repayments
- Tax compliance certificates
- Family composition, birth certificates, or driver’s license (if requested)
Approval process & timeline
- Application Review: 3–4 weeks
- Loan Decision: Typically finalized within 6–7 weeks
- Final Loan Transfer & Notary Deed: 2–5 days post-contract signing
Once approved, both buyer and seller open accounts at the lending bank. The buyer makes an initial deposit, and upon signing the final sale agreement, the bank transfers the loan funds directly to the seller. A notary certifies the transaction.
Additional costs
Mortgages for non-residents involve several mandatory and optional expenses:
- Property insurance: deducted from the loan amount
- Life insurance (optional): €150–€600 per year
- Bank commission: 0.5%–1% of loan amount
- Application fee: €100–€160
- Notary fees: 1%–1.5% of loan amount
- Mortgage registration tax: 2% for non-residents
- Property valuation: ~€300 (paid to independent assessor)
Navigating the mortgage system in a foreign country can be complex, but we simplify the process. Our team has extensive experience working with Italian credit institutions and will support you every step of the way from gathering documents to finalizing the sale and beyond.
We’re here to help you secure the right financing and start your journey toward owning a beautiful property in Italy.