First Home Buyer Guide in Italy 2026

Your First Home in Italy — Where to Start

Buying your first home in Italy is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. The process can feel overwhelming, but breaking it down into clear steps makes it manageable. This guide covers everything from saving your deposit to collecting the keys.

Saving for Your Deposit

Most lenders in Italy require a deposit of 20-30% standard, 0% possible with Fondo di Garanzia of the property price. The more you save, the better your loan terms and the less you pay in additional costs.

If you are under 36, prioritise checking your ISEE (Indicatore della Situazione Economica Equivalente) status — if it is below €40,000, you qualify for extraordinary benefits. Build savings to cover at minimum the notary and registration costs (5-10%). Maintain a clean credit history with the Centrale Rischi

Government Support for First-Time Buyers

The Fondo di Garanzia Prima Casa provides an 80% state guarantee enabling up to 100% LTV for first-time buyers under 36 with ISEE below €40,000. These buyers also receive exemption from registration tax, mortgage tax, and cadastral tax, plus a VAT credit on new builds — saving thousands of euros. This is one of Europe’s most generous first-time buyer schemes

Check our government grants guide for the full list of current programmes and eligibility requirements.

Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can borrow and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In Italy, the process works as follows.

Use MutuiOnline.it or Facile.it to compare rates across all major lenders. Get a preventivo (quote) from at least 3 banks. If under 36, specifically ask about Fondo di Garanzia access — not all branches are proactive about offering it

Use our mortgage calculator to model different scenarios before applying. Read our mortgage types guide to understand which loan product suits your situation.

Understanding the Full Cost of Buying

The purchase price is just the beginning. Budget for additional costs that can add significantly to your total outlay.

For primary residences from a private seller: imposta di registro of 2% of cadastral value (much lower than market value), plus fixed taxes of €100. Read our buying costs guide for a complete breakdown of every expense.

Common First-Time Buyer Mistakes

Not checking Fondo di Garanzia eligibility if under 36 (missing out on massive tax savings and 100% LTV), not understanding the difference between imposta di registro and IVA depending on whether buying from a private seller or developer, underestimating notary costs, and not using the free surroga option to switch lenders later

Avoid these pitfalls by taking your time, doing thorough research, and leaning on qualified professionals throughout the process. Our property inspection checklist covers what to check before committing.

Your Step-by-Step Timeline

The typical first home purchase follows these stages: establish your budget and savings target, explore government support options, get pre-approved for financing, search for the right property, make an offer, complete legal due diligence and inspections, and finalise settlement.

Our property buying guide walks through each stage in detail, and our mortgage guide covers everything about financing.

Next Steps

Ready to start? Use our mortgage calculator to see what you can afford, browse Italy FAQs for quick answers, or explore our full property buying guide.