Essential Italian phrases for buying or renting a house

This guide filled with Italian real estate terms equips you with key phrases to ensure a smooth experience, from browsing listings to securing your perfect Italian home.

Federico Beccari on Unsplash

Emma Donaldson

10 June 2024, 9:00

Italy, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a dream destination for many looking to buy or rent a home. Whether you're seeking a rustic countryside villa, a chic urban apartment, or a charming seaside cottage, navigating the Italian real estate market can be easier with some key phrases under your belt. Here’s a guide to essential Italian phrases that will help you during your house-hunting adventure, both for buying or renting a house in Italy.

Introductions and general enquiries

When you first approach a real estate agent or a landlord, you'll want to start with some polite introductions and general enquiries. These phrases will help you make a good first impression and ensure you get the information you need.

Buongiorno/Buonasera – Good morning/Good evening
Mi chiamo [Your Name]. – My name is [Your Name].
Sto cercando una casa/un appartamento da comprare/affittare. – I’m looking for a house/apartment to buy/rent.
Quali sono le opzioni disponibili? – What are the available options?

Describing your preferences

Clearly articulating your preferences will help the agent or landlord understand your needs better. Here are some phrases to describe what you’re looking for:

Vorrei una casa con tre camere da letto. – I would like a house with three bedrooms.
Mi interessa un appartamento in centro. – I’m interested in an apartment in the city centre.
Preferisco una casa con giardino. – I prefer a house with a garden.
Cerco una casa vicino ai mezzi pubblici. – I’m looking for a property near public transport.

Asking about features and amenities

Understanding the features and amenities of the property is crucial. Use these phrases to ask about specific details:

La casa ha un garage? – Does the house have a garage?
C’è la piscina? – Is there a swimming pool?
L’appartamento è arredato? – Is the apartment furnished?
Qual è la superficie della casa? – What is the size of the house?
Ci sono negozi o supermercati nelle vicinanze? – Are there shops or supermarkets nearby?

Enquiring about costs and conditions

To avoid any surprises, it's essential to discuss costs and rental conditions upfront. These phrases will help you get the necessary financial information:

Qual è il prezzo di vendita/affitto? – What is the selling/rental price?
Quali sono le spese condominiali? – What are the condominium fees?
Quali sono le condizioni di pagamento? – What are the payment terms?
C’è una caparra? – Is there a security deposit?
Le utenze sono incluse nel prezzo? – Are utilities included in the price?

Negotiating and making decisions

Negotiation is a part of the process of buying or renting in Italy, especially when it comes to pricing and contract terms. Here are phrases to help you during negotiations and decision-making:

Il prezzo è trattabile? – Is the price negotiable?
Posso vedere il contratto di affitto? – Can I see the rental contract?
Ci sono altre offerte per la casa? – Are there other offers on the house?
Quando posso trasferirmi? – When can I move in?
Posso fare un’offerta? – Can I make an offer?

Finalising the deal

Once you’ve decided on a property, you’ll need to finalise the deal. These phrases will be useful in wrapping up the process:

Vorrei procedere con l’acquisto/l’affitto. – I would like to proceed with the purchase/rental.
Di quali documenti ho bisogno? – What documents do I need?
Quando possiamo firmare il contratto? – When can we sign the contract?
Grazie per il suo aiuto. – Thank you for your help.

Dealing with issues post-move

After moving in, you might need to address some issues or ask for assistance. Here are some useful phrases for post-move concerns:

C’è un problema con l’elettricità/l’acqua. – There is a problem with the electricity/water.
Ho bisogno di aiuto con il riscaldamento. – I need help with the heating.
Chi devo contattare per le riparazioni? – Who should I contact for repairs?
Può mandare qualcuno a controllare? – Can you send someone to check?

Navigating the Italian real estate market can be a smooth process with these essential phrases. Whether you're buying or renting, being able to communicate your needs and understand the responses is key to finding your dream home in Italy. Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)

For more detailed advice and property listings, idealista is here to help. You'll find a large selection of property for sale and for rent in Italy, while you can also check out our guides to living in Italy to take you through the process step by step. Happy house hunting!