Getting a mortgage on an Italian property as a foreigner, either as a resident or a non resident, requires careful consideration and preparation.
Mortgages in Italy for foreigners
Mortgages in Italy for foreigners GTRES

Before embarking on the multi-year adventure of a mortgage to buy a house, it is good to have clear ideas and know exactly what you're getting into. If you're planning to buy a property and therefore take out a mortgage in Italy, there are a few things it is good to know before contacting the bank. Whether you're a resident in Italy or are looking for an Italian mortgage as a non-resident, to help you on your way, here are 5 questions to ask yourself before taking out a mortgage in Italy.

Can I get a mortgage in Italy?

The conditions for applying for a mortgage in Italy are usually in place to prove that you are able to repay the loan in the agreed time. The bank will then assess your, the borrower's, creditworthiness. To get a mortgage in Italy, you must either have a demonstrable income or provide adequate guarantees

Can a foreigner get a mortgage in Italy? Foreigners can take out a mortgage in Italy: if you're fully registered as a resident in Italy and pay your taxes in the country, you will be treated like any other Italian. On the other hand, if you're a non-resident in Italy, you can still take out a mortgage but it's important to be aware that the conditions in some Italian banks may be stricter.

How much can you ask for a mortgage in Italy?

Banks usually grant up to 80% of the value of the property, which is determined by an independent valuation carried out by a surveyor. This is the case for residents in Italy, who in some cases can also get mortgages up to 100% of the value of the property. Italian mortgage rates for non residents are often not as favourable, and the percentage of money the bank will loan is often lower, generally a maximum of 60-70%.

What mortgage can I afford?

Before applying for a mortgage it is important to know your income and how much you can afford to pay each month. Banks in Italy usually state that your monthly mortgage payments should not exceed one third of your disposable income, while the rest will be used for the borrower's other expenses and savings.

How much will the mortgage cost me?

Remember that there are often extra costs when taking out a mortgage in Italy. The cost of the mortgage is given by the capital to which the interest to be paid to the bank as remuneration for the loan must be added. All ancillary charges and expenses must then be considered; it is usually a good idea to consult the annual percentage rate of charge (APR), which includes the interest rates plus the rates linked to the other expenses, giving the actual cost of the loan.

What mortgage term is appropriate?

The duration of the mortgage determines how much interest you will pay on the loan in total. For the same loan amount and interest rate, the shorter the duration, the higher the instalments, but the lower the amount of interest you will pay in the long term. Conversely, the longer the duration, the higher the amount due for interest but the lower the instalments and less pressure on your monthly budget in the short term.

  • For more information on mortgages in Italy and to calculate your mortgage, head to idealista/mutui where you can find the best mortgage.