In depth · Property
Buying property in Rome: the steps for buyers
The official steps for buying a home in Rome. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
The proposal and the compromesso
Buyer and seller usually sign a purchase proposal and then a preliminary contract, the compromesso, with a deposit. Have your own lawyer or notary read it before you sign.
The notaio
The final deed, the rogito, is signed before a notaio, who checks the title, the planning position and any charges on the property, and registers the sale. The Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato explains each step on notariato.it.
The codice fiscale
Every buyer needs an Italian tax code, issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate or by an Italian consulate abroad.
Where people live
See our property guide for the Centro Storico, the Aventine, Parioli, Prati and Trastevere. We don’t publish prices or yields.
Questions and answers
Who completes a property sale in Italy?
A notaio, a public official, who registers the sale.
Do I need an Italian tax code?
Yes: every buyer needs a codice fiscale.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with an Italian notary or lawyer.