Buying a home in Abruzzo from abroad

A clear, step-by-step guide for international buyers, from a local agency in Popoli Terme run by an architect with over twenty years of experience in the area.

Last updated: October 2026. General information only, not legal or tax advice: rules and rates are always confirmed by the notary before signing.

1. Who can buy

• EU citizens can buy property in Italy exactly like Italians.
• Non-EU citizens can buy when their country grants the same right to Italians (the "reciprocity" principle). This is the case for most countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia. Non-EU citizens legally resident in Italy can always buy.
• Buying a home does not grant residency or a visa: those follow separate rules.

2. The buying process, step by step

1. Get your Italian tax code (codice fiscale). It is free and required to sign any contract, open utilities or a bank account. You can request it from the Italian consulate in your country or from the Italian Revenue Agency once you are here.
2. Find the property. Browse our listings and ask for photos, documents or a live video tour: you can shortlist properties before booking a flight.
3. Technical and legal checks. Before any offer we check that the house matches the land registry (catasto) and the approved building plans, that the energy performance certificate (APE) is available, and whether there are mortgages or other encumbrances. As an architect, Ines can also tell you honestly about the condition of the building and give you a first estimate of renovation work.
4. Written offer (proposta d'acquisto). You make a written offer, usually with a deposit. Once the seller accepts it, it becomes binding for both parties.
5. Preliminary contract (compromesso). Buyer and seller sign the preliminary contract, which sets the price, the date of the deed and the conditions. The buyer usually pays a deposit (caparra confirmatoria), often between 10% and 30% of the price. The contract is registered with the Revenue Agency.
6. Final deed (rogito) before the notary. The notary, chosen by the buyer, checks the property and the parties, collects the taxes and registers the purchase. If you do not speak Italian, the law requires an interpreter at the signing (or a bilingual deed). The balance is paid by traceable means (bank transfer or banker's draft). You receive the keys the same day.

From accepted offer to deed it typically takes one to three months, depending on the documents and on any mortgage.

3. Buying without traveling: power of attorney

You don't have to be in Italy for every step. With a power of attorney (procura) a trusted person can sign on your behalf. It is signed before a notary in your country or at the Italian consulate; when signed before a foreign notary it needs the Apostille and a certified translation into Italian. Ask the Italian notary for the exact wording before you sign it.

4. Taxes and costs

When an individual buys a home from a private seller, purchase taxes are calculated on the cadastral value (valore catastale), which is usually much lower than the price. The notary calculates the exact amount.

The main home rates require, among other conditions, that you move your residence to the town within 18 months of the purchase (or that you work there). If you are not going to live in Italy, plan with the second home rates.

Other costs to budget for

• Notary: fees depend on the price and the work involved; for a typical home they are often in the range of €2,000–5,000.
• Agency fee: agreed in writing before the offer. Ask us and we'll tell you upfront.
• Interpreter and translations, and the power of attorney if you use one.
• Currency exchange: compare your bank with a specialized transfer service; the difference on the exchange rate can be significant.

5. After the purchase

• Utilities (electricity, gas, water) are transferred to your name: you'll need your codice fiscale and usually an Italian or SEPA bank account.
• IMU, the local property tax, is due on second homes; main homes are exempt (except luxury categories).
• TARI, the waste collection tax, is paid to the town every year.
• If you rent the house out, rental income must be declared in Italy.

6. How we help

7. Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Italian bank account?

It is not legally required to buy, but payments must be traceable and an account makes utilities and taxes much easier.

Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?

Some Italian banks lend to non-residents, usually for a smaller share of the price and with more paperwork. Many foreign buyers pay cash or borrow in their home country.

Who chooses the notary?

The buyer, who also pays the notary's fees. We can suggest notaries used to working with international clients.

Is the price negotiable?

Often, yes. We'll tell you honestly how a price compares with recent sales in the area.