Step-by-Step Buying Guide
Our expertise and guidance could help you turn your dream into a reality.
So now you know that investing in the Italian Riviera is for you, let us explain the guide to buying. The process from start to finish will take you around six months meaning that your dream is a closer reality than you may have thought.
Month One
- Grab a map and work out the areas you want to live in. Ask what you like about the areas and weigh up which work better for your requirements. If you wish to live by the coast then you need to look at Sanremo, Bordighera, Ventimiglia etc where as for village life you will need to look at Apricale, Dolceacqua, Cuneo etc.
- Make connections and start to plant your foundations. Find a legal team and mortgage advisor. When working with The Riviera Concierge we also have connections for you to lean on in Italy and the UK.
- Visit or plan a trip to the Italian Riviera, get a feel for the places you have chosen. Explore your amenities in these areas.
- Be firm but realistic with your budget and leave room for negotiation.
Month Two
- Open an Italian Bank account, you are going to need this.
- Tell us your requirements and what you are looking for in your property. Meet us for a coffee or phone call, we want to get to know you so we can help you once you are in Italy.
- Plan your needs and your desires in your home and start to search properties.
To open an Italian Bank Account, you will need to have your codice fiscale which is a number issued by The Italian Revenue Agency.
This is not a difficult process but you will need a passport. Your solicitor can open a bank account on your behalf and you will need to go into your branch in person in Italy.
You may wish to consider one of the below Italian Banks for this process:
- Intesa Sanpaolo – has around 5,600 branches
- UniCredit
Month Three
- Book your viewings, we are happy to accompany you.
- Discuss your options with your solicitor.
- Look at your property structure and make sure your deposits are in hand.
- We can help you extend or renovate any property with our building and architect connections. Speak or meet with these to plan your dream.
Month Four
So close, it’s nearly yours.
- Use our connections who can advise you on matters such as tax or inheritance issues.
- Go back and have a second even third viewing on the property; make sure it’s right for you.
- Think about signing proposta di acquisto (purchase proposal), which is a declaration of intent that you wish to purchase the property, it may gain you some extra time. Keep in mind that the seller can refuse and you may lose out on the property.
- After you make a firm offer you will need to arrange a contract with a Notary who will sign your arrangement on behalf of the Italian state. We can help you with this.
- Transfer the funds and make sure that the exchange rate is held which could save you money in the long term.
Month Five
So, the property is almost yours now.
- Sign your contratto preliminare (preliminary contract), which is also signed by the seller. You will need to transfer your deposit at this stage.
- Both legal parties will need a few weeks to finalise final papers.
- You will need to attend the Notary office and sign your atto pubblico di compravendita final deed of sale.
Month Six
Start shopping: you have a brand new home!
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Tell us a little about your plans and we’ll guide you from the first viewing to the notary.