Buying Land in Italy
Our Italian law firm can advise you on any legal matters and guide you through the process of buying land in Sicily and in other locations.
Are you interested in buying land in Italy in 2026? Below is information about property and land purchases in Italy, plus details about the legal services that can be offered by our attorneys in Italy as soon as you access our online services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Can foreigners buy land in Italy? | Yes |
| Types of land for purchase in Italy | Agricultural, plots for commercial or subdivision development, greenfield land, etc. |
| Land ownership restrictions for foreign nationals in Italy (Yes/No) | The reciprocity principle can apply (purchase is allowed for a foreigner if his or her country of origin also allows Italian citizens to buy land there). Other conditions can apply. |
| Real estate agent use | Common |
| Real estate agent fees in Italy (approx.) | Between 2 and 5% of the purchase value. Commissions vary according to region. |
| Deed registration | Performed with the land registry office in the area in which the land is located. |
| The Italian agency dealing with property matters | The Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate – cadastre and land registry services) |
| Provisional agreement | Can be used |
| Initial deposit | Can be 10% of the land value or as otherwise negotiated with the seller. |
| Property due diligence | Always advisable. Our team can give you details on the recommended verification. |
| Mandatory representation by an Italian lawyer | Not mandatory, but highly advisable. |
| Property purchase taxes and other costs | The proportional registration tax, the fixed cadastral tax, and others. |
| Reasons to buy land in Italy | The country’s landscapes and mild climate rank high on the list of reasons to buy land or property in Italy. |
| Assistance for individual buyers | Complete information on the purchasing process if you are interested in buying land to build a house or in other cases. |
| Assistance for corporate buyers | Companies looking to purchase land in Italy for residential or commercial development, or for farm/agricultural use can reach out to our lawyers for information on the requirements. |
Are there any restrictions on buying land in Italy as a foreigner?
EU/EEA citizens and non-EU citizens legally resident in Italy can purchase land in Italy just as any local. Stateless persons resident in Italy for at least three years are treated like Italian citizens.
Can non-EU citizens living abroad buy land in Italy?
The principle of reciprocity applies.
What types of land can be purchased in Italy?
- Commercial plots,
- Agricultural land,
- Greenfield land, etc.
IMPORTANT: Purchases by foreigners of land in certain border or military zones may require prefectural authorisation. Specific agricultural land can be purchased, and some restrictions might be imposed.
Please check this infographic and explore information about buying land in Italy:
What are the key conditions to buy land in Italy in 2026?
- persons interested must first obtain the Italian tax code – Codice Fiscale,
- checking the zone with a specialist (geometra) is advisable, and an urban-planning certificate (certificato di destinazione urbanistica) must be attached to the deed when purchasing land in Italy,
- a preliminary contract is provided first if the price is decided,
- the final deed is signed at the notary between the seller and the buyer.
NOTES:
- our Italian lawyers can represent parties involved in the sale-purchase process of land in Italy,
- property titles must be first verified,
- all documents must be translated into Italian before signing the deal.
Is due diligence required before buying land in Italy?
Yes.
Is a real estate agent mandatory or can I buy land on my own in Italy?
It is highly recommended to work closely with a real estate agent when buying land in Italy. We can put you in contact with such a specialist.
Is a deposit needed when buying land in Italy?
Yes, normally clients pay around 10%-30% of the total price.
What does the preliminary sale-purchase contract comprise?
- both the buyer and seller’s identification details (date and place of birth, names in full, nationality, passport number, tax identification number, etc.),
- information about the land in question (including its location provided according to province or commune and any other specifics),
- the data extracted from the National Land Register, which can be obtained by citing the register document, via the notary office.
Can I gain residency after buying property or land in Italy?
No. There is no current residency by investment program that grants this status to those who buy property or land in Italy.
Are there any precautions to consider when buying land in Italy in 2026?
- check the seller’s property title;
- see if there are any limitations to the title (mortgages, inheritance or property rights belonging to other parties, leases signed with third parties),
- verify the sale price and the date for the final sale act, etc.
If you want more details on purchasing land in Italy in 2026, our experts are at your service. Please contact our law firm in Italy and explore more about the legal services we offer to international and local customers in this matter.
Francesco Dagnino, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026