Our Guide on Renting or Buying a Home in Italy

Jump right in:

• Renting a place in Italy as a foreigner
• What are the types of rental contracts in Italy?
• Short-term rentals and the rent-to-buy scheme
• Paying utility bills in Italy
• Buying property as a foreigner in Italy
• Steps to buying a house
• The famous one-euro houses
• Utilities
• Internet and mobile phones

Renting a place in Italy as a foreigner

Learning how to rent houses or apartments in Italy well in advance will save you some surprises with your budget and your calendar. While some expats experienced difficulty securing a home, others state having no trouble at all. The majority of Italians are friendly and open-minded towards foreigners.

If you don’t want to take any chances, whether to have a speedy rental process or avoid the language barrier, you can always rely on real estate agents to help you find the most suitable home for you.

Find out how you can rent a house or an apartment in the country, from how much it will cost, to the duration of rental contracts, and more.

What is the average rent in Italy?

The average monthly rent price in Italy is around 800 EUR (approx. 880 USD). However, this largely varies by region. Below are some examples of average rental prices in Italy, from the most expensive city to the cheapest:

Furnished or unfurnished

Whether your future Italian home is going to be furnished or unfurnished will depend on the duration of your contract. Long-term rentals, between two and four years, are typically unfurnished. Unfurnished in Italy means no appliances whatsoever — no refrigerator, no stove, no oven. When it comes to short-term rentals and short-term contracts, you can expect apartments and houses to be fully furnished.

What are the types of rental contracts in Italy?

Free Market Contract (4+4) (Contratto di locazione a canone libero)

• Duration: 4 years + automatic 4-year renewal

• Ideal for: Long-term residents, individuals, and families

• Flexibility: Can be terminated early with 6 months’ notice (if stated in the contract)

• Key Feature: Rent freely negotiated between tenant and landlord

Agreed Rent Contract (3+2) (Contratto a canone concordato)

• Duration: 3 years + 2-year renewal

• Ideal for: Tenants looking for lower rent in high-demand cities

• Advantages: Rent set by local guidelines (often 10–20% cheaper), tax benefits for landlords

• Note: Common in Milan, Rome, Florence, and other cities with housing shortages

Temporary Contract (Contratto di locazione transitorio)

• Duration: 1 to 18 months

• Ideal for: Expats, students, or anyone on a short stay

• Requirements: Must specify a valid reason (e.g., study, temporary work)

• Note: Not renewable and often not used for rentals under one month

Subletting Agreement (Contratto di subaffitto)

• What it is: A tenant rents out part of their rental to another person

• Legal requirement: Must be explicitly allowed in the main contract

• Ideal for: Students or professionals in shared housing

• Important: Always check the legality to avoid disputes

Rental process and rules for tenants and landlords

Italian rental laws generally favor tenants and provide strong protections. If your landlord wants to evict you, they must follow formal legal steps, which can take several months or even years.

If your rental contract lasts more than 30 days, you need to register it with the Agenzia delle Entrate within 30 days of signing. To do this:

• submit the RLI form
• pay a 2% registration tax (usually split with your landlord)
• add the required revenue stamps

If you need to end a standard 3+2 or 4+4 contract early, you can do so by giving six months’ written notice.

Make sure your contract includes a termination clause to avoid any issues. To protect yourself, always pay rent by bank transfer and keep all receipts. This way, you have clear proof of payment if any disputes come up late.

What documents are required to rent an apartment in Italy?

Some documents are required by both tenants and landlords to rent an apartment or house in Italy. To sign the rental contract, tenants and landlords need the following documents:

To rent an apartment or house in Italy, you’ll typically need the following documents:

• valid ID or passport
• Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code): for any lease over 30 days
• valid residence permit or visa: required for non-EU citizens to prove legal status in Italy
• proof of income: helps to assure landlords that you can pay the rent; acceptable documents can include the latest pay-slip, or the employment contract, or the CUD; if self-employed, the latest tax return can be requested
• guarantor information (if required): some landlords may ask for a guarantor, especially for students, younger renters, or those without stable income

Italian vocabulary for renting a home

• Apartment for rent: Appartamento in affitto
• Rental contract: Contratto di affitto / locazione
• Furnished: Arredato
• Unfurnished: Non arredato
• One-bedroom: Bilocale
• Two-bedroom: Trilocale / due camera da letto
• Studio apartment: Monolocale
• Amenities: Servizi
• Utilities: Utenze
• Rent: Affitto
• Lease: Locazione
• Deposit: Caparra / deposito cauzionale
• Bills: Bollette
• Landlord: Proprietario / locatore
• Tenant: Inquilino

Short-term rentals and the rent-to-buy scheme

If you find yourself in need of a short-term rental for your first days or weeks in Italy, you can look for vacation places. These are usually under affitto breve (short-term rentals), and you can start your search on popular websites in Italy such as:

• Subito
• idealista
• Casa.it
• Mio Affitto

The average price of these rentals will largely depend on the region where you are renting and the season.

In Italy, short-term rentals under one month may have rental contracts. However, these don’t need to be registered with the Revenue Agency.

For this type of contract, landlords ask for a deposit which can be returned in full at the end of the tenancy if there aren’t any damages. At the end of the lease, the landlord must issue a receipt for the accommodation, which includes any tourist tax paid by the tenant.

Italy’s rent-to-buy scheme

In Italy, the rent-to-buy option (affitto con riscatto) lets you move into a home right away and decide later if you want to buy it. You pay rent while also putting money toward the final purchase. After a few years, usually between three and ten, you can choose to buy the property or walk away.

It’s a flexible option for people who aren’t ready to commit right away or need more time to get a mortgage. Keep in mind, though, that this type of agreement is more common in less competitive areas like suburbs or rural towns.

Paying utility bills in Italy

Your rental contract should clearly state whether utilities are included. In most cases, especially for mid- to long-term rentals, utilities are excluded and must be managed by the tenant. If utilities are included, it’s a good idea to ask your landlord to itemize the costs annually, so you’re fully aware of your actual consumption. However, many landlords now charge tenants based on actual usage, especially due to rising energy costs.

Typical utilities include:

• electricity (luce)

• gas (gas)

• water (acqua)

• internet and phone

• TV: If there is a TV in your home, whether you use it or not and even if it belongs to the landlord, you are required to pay annual TV tax (Canon RAI). The fee is 90 EUR (104 USD) per year and is typically included in your electricity bill. If the electricity bill is not in your name, you must pay the tax separately using the F24 form.

You can find more information about setting up your utility contracts later in this article.

Buying property as a foreigner in Italy

If you’re wondering how to buy a house in Italy as a foreigner, you’ll be glad to know that while prices vary widely by region, there are still many areas where property remains relatively affordable compared to other European countries.

Can expats buy property?

There are no restrictions on land ownership in Italy. However, you may still need to hold a valid resident permit if you are a non-European citizen. Non-European citizens may buy property in Italy if their country of origin has a reciprocity agreement with Italy — for example, US citizens may buy property in Italy, just like Italian citizens can purchase property in the US.

What are house prices like in Italy?

The average home price in Italy is around 380,000 EUR (approx. 440,000 USD) for a 2,000-square-foot (186 m²) property, which comes to about 1,821 EUR (approx. 2,120 USD) per square meter. Prices vary widely depending on location.

Milan is the most expensive city, with property prices exceeding 5,400 EUR (approx. 6,300 USD) per square meter, followed by Florence and Bologna. On the more affordable end, regions like Molise and cities like Perugia and L’Aquila offer homes at less than 1,500 EUR (approx. 1,750 USD) per square meter.

While over half of real estate agents report stable prices, some cities such as Trieste and Trento, have seen significant price growth in recent years.

Types of property in Italy

You’ll find a variety of apartments and houses in Italy. Apartments, or appartamenti, can be found in major cities and metropolitan areas. These have different terminologies depending on their size: studios (monolocale), two-bedroom (bilocale), three-bedroom (trilocale).

Houses also go by many names in Italy:

• Casa gemella: semi-detached home
• Casa padronale: manor house
• Casale: farmhouse
• Casetta: typically refers to a small house, especially in the countryside
• Villa: detached house with a garden or surrounding land
• Villino: cottage or small house with a garden
• Casa a schiera: a house that is part of a continuous row of houses joined together, sharing side walls 

What are the requirements to buy property in Italy?

To purchase property in Italy, you’ll need a tax code (codice fiscale) and an Italian bank account. If you’re a non-EU citizen, your country must have a reciprocity agreement with Italy or you must hold a valid residence permit. EU and EEA citizens can buy without restrictions.

Buyers cover most of the purchase costs, which usually amount to 10–20% of the property price. This includes notary fees, legal costs, registration taxes, and usually around 3% commission plus VAT if using a real estate agent. Some taxes are lower if you’re buying as a resident, especially for a primary home. If you're planning to move to Italy, gaining residency within 18 months could reduce your overall costs.

Can foreigners get a mortgage in Italy?

Yes, foreigners can get a mortgage in Italy, though the process may come with stricter requirements compared to local buyers. Non-residents are generally eligible for mortgage loans, but they’re typically offered lower loan-to-value ratios. Most Italian mortgages range from 5 to 30 years, and borrowers must not exceed the age of 75 at the end of the loan term.

There are no legal restrictions for foreigners, but banks may apply stricter due diligence, especially for non-residents, to comply with anti-money laundering regulations. It’s common for foreign buyers to face more scrutiny regarding income verification and the source of funds. Fixed and variable interest rates are both available, with variable rates being more common. Working with a local mortgage broker or legal advisor can improve your chances, as not all banks cater to international clients.

Steps to buying a house in Italy

If you’re thinking of buying a house in Italy, there are a few steps you should know.

The Italian real estate market is regulated, but it may be biased against the buyer. It’s recommended that you hire a real estate attorney if you want to ensure a safe purchasing process.

Step 1: Make an offer Once you find a property you like, you submit a written offer (proposta di acquisto). If the seller accepts, the property is taken off the market for a set period.

Step 2: Do your checks Before committing, it’s strongly advised to carry out legal and technical checks. This includes confirming that the property is properly registered, free of debt, and structurally sound.

Step 3: Sign the preliminary contract The preliminary contract (compromesso) outlines the agreed price, conditions of sale, and timeline. At this stage, a deposit is paid, usually 10–30% of the price.

Step 4: Finalize financing (if needed) If you’re getting a mortgage, finalize it before signing the final contract. The bank may require a property valuation.

Step 5: Sign the final deed The final contract (rogito) is signed in front of a notary. At this point, the remaining balance and fees are paid, and ownership is officially transferred.

Step 6: Register the property The notary registers the new ownership with the local land registry. You are now the legal owner.

Can you get permanent residence or citizenship by buying a house in Italy?

Buying property in Italy doesn’t automatically grant you permanent residence or citizenship. Unlike some other countries, Italy doesn’t offer a visa or residency simply through real estate investment. While Italy has an Investor Visa program, it applies only to business investments, not property purchases.

If you want to live in Italy long-term, the closest option related to owning property is the Elective Residency Visa (residenza elettiva). This visa is for foreigners who can financially support themselves (and their family) without working in Italy. It’s renewable if you continue to meet financial requirements, but it doesn’t permit employment.

After five years on this visa, you may apply for a permanent residence permit. Citizenship, on the other hand, usually requires long-term legal residency, family ties, or other conditions.

The famous one-euro houses

You inevitably stumble upon this initiative when looking for houses in Italy. In some remote areas of the country, you can buy a house for no more than 1 EUR (approx. 1.10 USD).

If you buy one of these homes, you’re required to renovate it often within a set timeline and cover all related costs. This includes notary fees, taxes, legal paperwork, and a renovation budget. Some towns may also require a deposit as a guarantee that the work will be completed.

Each town sets its own rules, but generally, you’ll need to submit a renovation plan, start work within a few months, and finish within a few years. You’re free to design the interior but may be required to preserve the original exterior.

Utilities

How to set up your utilities in Italy

To set up utilities in your new home in Italy, the first step is to get a tax number (Codice Fiscale) from the local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate), as it’s required for all utility contracts. You’ll also need valid ID and a bank account (an Italian account is ideal but not strictly necessary).

If utilities are already active in the property, the simplest option is to request a voltura — a name change on the existing contract. This avoids delays and disruptions in service, and you can start using the utilities right away. Make sure to take meter readings and ask for the latest bills to avoid unexpected charges.

If the utilities are disconnected but meters are in place, you’ll need a subentro to reactivate the services under your name. For newly built or long-unoccupied properties with no meters or contracts, you’ll need to open new accounts, which typically takes longer and may involve in-person visits.

Once active, bills usually arrive every two months and can be paid via post office, online, or through direct debit. Meter readings are taken once or twice a year, with your bills adjusted accordingly.

Water

Each administrative region in Italy has its own water company. To get connected to water, you must go to your local Ufficio Acquedotto. The main water supply is limited to a fixed metered account for each household yearly. The price is regulated depending on the availability of water in reserves.

If you need to use water outdoors, such as for watering gardens or swimming pools, you will need a separate contract and meter, the uso vario.

Electricity

Electricity is provided by private companies. Basic electricity contracts are usually set at 3 kilowatts. This power can be extended to 6 kilowatts, depending on the size of your home and if you plan to use many appliances.

Gas

Gas in Italy can be found throughout the country and is used mainly for cooking and heating your home during winter. You can pay your invoice by direct debit or at your local Post Office.

Some of the top utility companies in Italy providing both electricity and gas are:

• Edison
• Enel
• Eni
• A2A
• Terna
• Hera

Internet and mobile phones

Getting an internet connection in Italy is easier in bigger cities than in more remote areas. In city centers and highly populated areas, you can connect to fiber optic, broadband, and wi-fi services, as well as ADSL.

In rural areas, your only options may be ADSL or fixed wireless access.

Some internet providers

• Vodafone
• Telecom Italia
• WindTre
• Fastweb
• Tiscali

Getting a SIM card in Italy is simple, whether you’re visiting for a short stay or planning to stay longer. You can stop by any mobile provider’s store, which can be found in most cities and towns, and request a SIM card. A passport is usually enough to get started. Prepaid SIM cards are the easiest option and are great for calls, texts, and data without any long-term commitment.

If you’re staying longer, you might consider a monthly plan, which often includes more data and can be more convenient. These plans typically last around 24 months and may require additional documents, such as an Italian tax code and a local bank account. An Italian phone number is useful not just for staying connected, but also for things like opening a bank account, signing up for utilities, or dealing with public services.

Popular SIM card providers:

• TIM
• Vodafone
• WindTre
• Iliad