Thinking about buying a home in Italy and wondering how mortgages actually work? Good news! getting an Italian mortgage (mutuo) as a foreigner is absolutely possible. The process is a bit bureaucratic (it is Italy, after all), but with the right preparation, you can secure financing smoothly and avoid the usual surprises.
In this quick guide, you’ll learn how Italian mortgages work, what banks typically ask for, and what you can realistically expect as a foreign buyer.
Can Foreigners Get a Mortgage in Italy?
Short answer: Yes, most major Italian banks offer mortgages to non-residents, especially if you’re buying a holiday home or investment property. However, requirements are usually stricter than for Italian residents.
Key requirements usually include:
- A valid passport
- Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)
- Proof of income from your home country
- Last 3–6 months of payslips
- Last 6–12 months of bank statements
- Credit history report
- Stable employment or business documentation
Tip: Some banks still prefer in-person meetings, but others allow the first steps to be taken remotely. Contact us if you need more info about which ones
How Much Can You Borrow?
For non-residents, banks usually finance 50–60% of the property value.
Residents can access up to 70–80%, especially for first homes.
Example:
You’re buying a €250,000 apartment in Trieste.
As a non-resident, expect banks to offer around €125,000–€150,000.
The rest must be paid in cash.
Interest Rates & Duration
Italy typically offers:
- Fixed-rate mortgages: stable monthly payments
- Variable-rate mortgages: based on the Euribor
In 2024–2025, rates have generally stabilized, with fixed rates often preferred by foreign buyers for safety and predictability.
Mortgage durations usually range between 5 and 30 years, but non-residents are commonly offered 10–20 years.
What’s the Mortgage Process Like?
Here’s the simplified version — the real-life process is a bit more “Italian,” meaning slower and paperwork-heavy:
- Get your Codice Fiscale
- Open an Italian bank account (this step is often the hardest due to strict controls)
- Submit documents and application
- Bank conducts a property valuation
- Approval issued
- Mortgage is signed at the notary on the day of purchase (rogito)
Banks also check that the property is legally compliant — no unauthorized building works, no missing documents, no hidden debts.
Final Takeaway
If you’re thinking about getting a mortgage in Italy as a foreign buyer, it’s totally achievable! All you need is a bit of patience, the right paperwork, and some realistic expectations. When you have the proper support, the whole process can feel much easier, bringing your dream of an Italian home within reach sooner than you’d imagine.
