Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage in Italy. Whether you live in the EU, the US, the UK or elsewhere, Italian banks lend to international buyers, usually up to 60–70% of the property value. Here is how the financing process works, from the first budget check to the notary deed.
How the Process Works: Step-by-Step
- Review your finances. Start with your goals, budget and residency status. Banks look at your net income, existing loans and savings to decide how much they can lend. Our calculator gives you a first estimate.
- Start the property search. You can start looking now, but it pays to know your budget before you make an offer.
- Get a mortgage pre-assessment. A preliminary assessment from an Italian bank, or from a regulated credit broker, gives you a realistic budget and makes you a more credible buyer.
- Prepare your documents. Expect to provide ID, codice fiscale, proof of income (payslips or tax returns), bank statements, a credit report from your country and, later, the property documents. Documents not in Italian may need a certified translation.
- Submit the application. The bank reviews your file and commissions a valuation (perizia) of the property, which must support the loan amount.
- Approval and signing. The mortgage contract is signed in front of a notary, usually on the same day as the purchase deed. If you don't speak Italian, the law requires an interpreter at signing.
- Purchase and registration. After the final deed (rogito) the notary registers the transfer and the mortgage. You are now the owner of a property in Italy.
What Banks Look For in Foreign Applicants
- Stable, documented income. Employees usually need recent payslips and tax returns; self-employed buyers need two or three years of accounts.
- A sustainable debt ratio. All loan payments together should stay under roughly a third of net monthly income.
- A solid deposit. Non-residents typically need 30–40% of the price, plus around 10% for taxes and fees.
- Clean credit history. Banks may ask for a credit report from your country of residence.
Common Questions from International Buyers
Can I buy property in Italy and live there part-time?
Yes. Many foreign buyers purchase second homes or holiday properties and spend part of the year in Italy.
Do I need to open an Italian bank account?
In practice, yes. The lending bank will normally ask you to open an account with them for the mortgage payments.
Will my mortgage payments be in euros?
Yes, Italian mortgages are issued in euros. If you earn in another currency, exchange rate movements will change the real cost of each payment, so plan for them.
Start Your Journey to Italian Homeownership
Owning a home in Italy is within reach for many foreign buyers. With a clear budget and your documents in order, financing a property from abroad is very manageable.
