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Selling property in Italy
Your guide to preparing, marketing and completing the sale of your Italian home
Introduction
Selling residential property in Italy can be straightforward with the right preparation and professional support.
Whether you are selling a city apartment, a country villa or an investment property, we recommend seeking independent advice from reputable professionals (lawyer, accountant, Notary, surveyor, etc.). This guide has been compiled for potential sellers of residential property in Italy. It does not seek to provide or replace legal advice, which you should obtain, nor is it intended to have any contractual effect.
Knight Frank's network in Italy
Throughout Knight Frank's Italian network, we provide sellers with a comprehensive level of service and international exposure. Working with our associates across Italy, our dedicated team can help you position your property effectively and connect with qualified buyers worldwide.
All local network offices are well established and locally owned businesses trading under strict Italian real estate laws. We can help with sourcing legal, survey, planning and tax advisors for due diligence and completion, and put you in touch with mortgage brokers, currency specialists, architects and interior designers where relevant.
None of our agents are qualified to give legal, survey, planning or tax advice, although they are happy to share their years of experience in the Italian market.
Seller's checklist
Documents to collate in advance of marketing your property
We recommend collating the following documents before marketing to facilitate a smooth transaction. Please seek independent advice from a financial and legal advisor as the below should be treated as a guide only.
Title deeds
Confirmation of ownership structure & proof of ID
Cadastral plans
Surveyor's report (including APE — energy performance certificate)
Floorplans
Planning conformity documents
Surveyor's report
A surveyor's report includes relevant documentation on a property, including planning status and recordations as required by law. This is conducted at the expense of the seller and helps buyers proceed with confidence.
Breakdown of selling costs
Costs to consider when selling your property in Italy
Estate agency fees
A Mandato di Mediazione Immobiliare (sales agency contract) should clearly lay out any fees or commission payable upon a successful sale. Our standard fee is 4% + IVA of the sale price.
Capital gains tax
Only applicable to private individuals if the property is sold within five years of purchase. Upon sale, the net capital gain is calculated and the base rate applied as determined by place of residence and holding period.
Translator fees
If the seller or buyer does not speak Italian fluently, an interpreter will be required by the Notary for exchange of the Compromesso and final deed.
Moving costs
Sellers should be aware of any costs for moving furnishings and belongings not included in the sale of the property.
Currency conversion
Costs associated with converting currency, especially for international transactions. A currency broker can help manage deposit and completion payments.
Valuations
Whether you are thinking of selling or simply need an opinion of value for tax planning, we can provide a range of written or verbal valuations, depending on the specific requirement and use of this information.
Please contact Bill Thomson in Italy or Tony Hill in London to discuss this further
Glossary
Mandato di Mediazione Immobiliare — A sales contract with an estate agency including the terms of the sale (e.g. asking price, agency fees, term).
Proposta d'acquisto — The buyer's formal offer letter outlining price, conditions and expiry date. If accepted unconditionally, it may be binding under Italian law.
Notary — An independent, impartial professional appointed by the state who acts on behalf of both parties to register the transaction.
Suspensive clause — Conditions between exchange and completion that may be actioned prior to completion (e.g. financing or planning permission).
Compromesso — The preliminary sales contract prepared by the Notary with all relevant details of the transaction.
Deposit — A financial sum payable, normally to the seller at the time of signing the preliminary contract (typically 30% of the purchase price).
Rogito Notarile — The final contract indicating completion of the transaction.
Thinking of selling your Italian property?
Speak to our local experts for a confidential discussion about your sale.
Florence Office
Via del Purgatorio, 18/r,
50123 Firenze FI
+39 055 218457
Radda in Chianti Office
Viale XX Settembre, 5
53017 Radda in Chianti, Siena
+39 0577 738908
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