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A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Mortgage in Italy for Non-Residents

#Mortgage Approval
#Finance
#Home Buying
David Green
March 17, 2025
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#Mortgage Approval
#Finance
#Home Buying

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Mortgage in Italy for Non-Residents

By
March 17, 2025

Buying a home in Italy sounds like a dream—and it absolutely can be. Whether you're picturing a vineyard in Tuscany, an apartment in Rome, or a cozy retreat by the Amalfi Coast, one of the biggest questions we get at LikeJunco is: “Can I get a mortgage in Italy if I don’t live there?” Good news: yes, you can! But like most things in Italy, the process involves a bit of patience, paperwork, and the right guidance. As your friendly mortgage broker who helps non-residents like you every day, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to make things clear and stress-free.

🏡 Step 1: Understand Your Eligibility

Italian banks do offer mortgages to non-residents, but not all of them. The conditions can vary, but in general:

  • You’ll need a stable income outside Italy.
  • Most banks finance up to 60-70% of the property value.
  • The mortgage term can range from 5 to 25 years.

Tip: We know which banks are open to working with foreigners and what they're looking for—we’ll point you in the right direction from day one.

📝 Step 2: Prepare the Right Documents

To apply for a mortgage in Italy, you’ll need to provide several key documents (translated into Italian, if necessary):

  • Valid passport or ID
  • Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale)
  • Proof of income (payslips, tax returns, etc.)
  • Bank statements
  • Preliminary purchase agreement (Compromesso, if available)

Tip: Don’t worry if you’re just getting started—we’ll help you collect and prepare every document properly.

💶 Step 3: Get Pre-Approval (If Possible)

Some banks in Italy offer mortgage pre-approval (called delibera reddituale) based on your income and financial standing—before you've even chosen a property.

Why it helps:

  • It shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
  • It gives you a clear idea of your budget.

Tip: We highly recommend pre-approval. It puts you ahead of the game in Italy’s competitive property market.

🏠 Step 4: Find Your Property

Now for the fun part! Once your finances are lined up, it’s time to find your Italian dream home. Keep in mind:

  • Some properties may have legal or structural issues—due diligence is key.
  • Work with a trusted real estate agent and surveyor.

Tip: We can connect you with local experts who work regularly with foreign buyers, so there are no surprises.

🏦 Step 5: Final Mortgage Approval

Once you’ve signed the preliminary sales contract and agreed on the purchase price, it’s time to finalize your mortgage:

  • The bank will order a property appraisal.
  • A notary will verify legal documents.
  • You’ll sign the loan agreement and property deed in front of the notary.

Timeline: This part typically takes 6–8 weeks, but we’ll keep things moving as fast as possible.

💰 Step 6: Pay the Fees

Here’s what you can expect to pay:

  • Mortgage arrangement fee: 1–2% of the loan
  • Notary and legal fees
  • Property taxes (based on value and residency status)
  • Translator fees (if required)

Tip: We’ll help you estimate all costs upfront so there are no last-minute surprises.

✅ Step 7: Move In and Enjoy!

Once everything is signed and sealed, the funds are transferred, and you get the keys—congratulations, you're officially a homeowner in Italy!

Time to pop some Prosecco and start living your Italian dream.

Final Thoughts

Getting a mortgage in Italy as a non-resident might seem daunting, but with the right guidance, it’s absolutely doable. At LikeJunco, we walk you through every step—no jargon, no stress, just straight-up help and honest advice.

Thinking of buying property in Italy?
Let’s chat! We’ll help you explore your mortgage options and take the next steps with confidence.

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