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

A Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining a Mortgage in Italy for Non-Residents
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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This site does not provide advice or personal recommendations. While we are not advisers, all our partner advisers are fully regulated. By submitting your details, you consent to being contacted for an initial consultation. We will not use your information for other purposes or share it outside this service. Our partner advisers specialize in Italy expat home financing, ensuring expert guidance tailored to your needs.
