Hvor er det best å kjøpe bolig i Italia

Ownership and management of housing in Italy

Once the purchase process is complete, the phase of establishing and operating the property begins. This involves liaising with Italian authorities, banks and service providers to ensure that all fixed obligations are met in accordance with current regulations.

Bank account and payments

In Italy, there is no legal obligation to have a local bank account, but in practice it is almost inevitable for smooth ownership.

Limitations: Not all Italian banks offer accounts for non-residents. The process can be bureaucratic, requiring physical presence and proper documentation.
Direct debit (SDD): Without an Italian account, it is very difficult to set up regular payments for electricity and water. International bank transfers are rarely accepted as a payment method for current invoices.

Municipal taxes (IMU and TARI)

Local Property Taxes (IMU & TARI)

The Italian property tax system distinguishes clearly between primary residences and secondary homes, with higher rates typically applied to the latter.

Self-Assessment and Payment: Unlike systems where property tax is automatically invoiced by the authorities, Italy operates on a self-assessment basis. As an owner, you are responsible for calculating and paying the municipal tax (IMU) via a specific payment form (F24) twice a year (June and December).
Tax Exemption (Prima Casa): If you register your official residency (Residenza) at the property, you are generally exempt from IMU for most standard types of housing. This is one of the most significant financial benefits of permanent residency in Italy.
Waste Tax (TARI): In addition to property tax, all owners must pay a waste collection tax (TARI). This is usually invoiced directly by the municipality or the local waste management company based on the size of the property and the number of occupants.

Utility contracts

The transfer of electricity and water (Voltura) is an administrative process that requires accuracy to avoid double billing or shutdowns.

The market: The electricity market in Italy is changing (transition from Mercato Tutelato to Libero), and there are large differences between the various providers.
Water: Water supply is often municipal or controlled by regional monopolies, which means that procedures for changing ownership vary greatly from region to region.

Insurance and Risk

Unlike in Norway, there is no tradition of change of ownership insurance or home buyer insurance in Italy. This means that the buyer takes over the home "as is", without the same safety net against hidden defects that we have in the Norwegian market.

Building insurance: It is essential to take out ordinary property insurance (Assicurazione Casa) from the day of takeover. This covers fire, water damage and natural disasters.
Liability insurance: In Italy, it is very common (and highly recommended) to have liability coverage (Responsabilità Civile) that protects you if your home causes damage to third parties or your neighbor's property, for example due to a water leak.
Risk understanding: Since you cannot rely on change of ownership insurance, the focus shifts from insurance after purchase to thorough technical investigations before signing.

Official Residency (Residenza))

This is more than just a change of address; it is a strategic tax decision.

The 18-Month Rule: To qualify for the lowest property purchase tax rates (Prima Casa), one must normally register their official residency within the municipality within 18 months of the purchase.
Global Tax Liability: Please be aware that obtaining Residente status in Italy normally entails becoming tax-resident in Italy for your global income and assets. This often requires professional advice from a specialized accountant (Commercialista).

Maintenance and Condominium (Condominium)

Owning an apartment in an Italian building involves a formal relationship with an Amministratore (building manager).

Joint and Several Liability: As the new owner, you are legally liable for the current and previous year's unpaid condominium fees. We always verify that the seller has obtained a "clearance certificate" from the manager before completion.
Maintenance and Supervision: Due to the Mediterranean climate and older building structures, periodic inspection of roofs, terraces, and drainage systems is critical to avoid significant costs during seasonal changes.