Buying property in Lombardia, Italy: guide for international buyers
We assist international buyers across Lombardia — Milano and Porta Romana, plus Jesolo, Venice, Verona, Lake Garda, Treviso and Cortina d'Ampezzo. In our home market of Milano and Porta Romana homes trade between 1900 and 13000 €/sqm according to official OMI data (II semestre 2025). bocconi.casa, affiliate of L'Arte di Abitare, guides you in English through viewings, offer, notary deed and utilities — office in Via Toscana 13, Milano (MI), phone 02 0024 9420.
Why Milano and Porta Romana
Milano borders Milano to the south: 15 minutes by bike or bus to the historic centre, direct access to the A13 motorway, Milano train station 25 minutes away (Venice in 30 minutes by train). It offers newer, larger and cheaper housing than the city centre, with schools, shops, healthcare and green areas — the reason most families and relocating professionals choose it.
The purchase process step by step
1) Codice fiscale (Italian tax code) and an Italian bank account. 2) Viewings and due diligence: land registry, urban planning compliance, energy certificate (APE). 3) Written offer (proposta d'acquisto) with a deposit. 4) Preliminary contract (compromesso), usually 10–20% down. 5) Notary deed (rogito) and handover of keys. Non-EU buyers are subject to the reciprocity rule; EU, EEA and Swiss citizens buy freely.
Taxes and costs to budget
Registration tax is 2% of the cadastral value for a first home (prima casa, if you register residency within 18 months) or 9% otherwise; new-build purchases from a developer are subject to VAT (4% or 10%). Add notary fees (roughly €1,800–3,000), agency commission plus VAT, and around €300–600 for technical checks. We provide a written cost estimate before any offer.
Mortgages for non-residents
Italian banks typically finance up to 50–60% of the appraised value for non-residents and up to 80% for residents, over 10–30 years. You will need income documents, credit history and translations. We introduce you to local brokers who work in English.
Buying across the Lombardia region
Beyond our home market of Milano and Porta Romana, we assist international buyers across the whole Lombardia region, with a particular focus on the new-build developments we publish on this site.
Milano
University city 30 minutes from Venice: strong rental demand from students and staff, historic apartments in the centre and modern homes in the southern belt (Milano, Porta Romana), where value per sqm is clearly better.
Venezia and the lagoon
Venice historic centre, Lido and Mestre. Strict heritage rules in the centre; Mestre and the mainland offer better yields and easier maintenance for non-resident owners.
Jesolo and the Adriatic coast
Seaside apartments and new residences in Jesolo, Eraclea and Caorle: holiday homes with a long summer rental season, ideal as a second home with income.
Verona and Lake Garda
Verona city and the Garda shore (Bardolino, Lazise, Peschiera, Manerba): the most international market in the region, with strong demand from German, Dutch and Swiss buyers.
Treviso and the Prosecco hills
Treviso, Conegliano and Valdobbiadene: country houses and restored farmhouses in the UNESCO Prosecco landscape, well connected to Venice airport.
Cortina d'Ampezzo and the Dolomites
Alpine apartments and chalets in Cortina and the surrounding Dolomite valleys: a limited, high-value market with year-round tourism after the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Areas we cover
| Bocconi | 6000–8200 €/m² |
| Porta Romana | 6400–9000 €/m² |
| Ticinese e Navigli | 6300–9200 €/m² |
| Tortona e Savona | 5900–8400 €/m² |
| Scalo Romano e Fondazione Prada | 4700–6800 €/m² |
| Lodi e Corvetto | 3300–4800 €/m² |
| Vigentino e Ripamonti | 3800–5600 €/m² |
| Morivione e Symbiosis | 4200–6100 €/m² |
| Barona e Famagosta | 3200–4700 €/m² |
Indicative values per sqm, OMI II semestre 2025, residential, normal condition.
FAQ
Can a foreigner buy a house in Italy?
Yes. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens buy with no restrictions. Non-EU citizens can buy if their country grants the same right to Italians (reciprocity) or if they hold a valid Italian residence permit. You always need an Italian tax code (codice fiscale).
How much does a house cost in Milano?
Official OMI quotations (II semestre 2025) place residential property in Milano and Porta Romana between 1900 and 13000 €/sqm, depending on district, condition, energy class, floor and garage or garden.
Do I have to be in Italy to complete the purchase?
No. You can grant a power of attorney to a trusted person or lawyer, so the notary deed can be signed on your behalf. We organise remote viewings by video as well.
Do you speak English?
Yes. Our team assists international clients in English throughout the whole process. Call 02 0024 9420 or use the contact form.
Which areas of Lombardia do you cover?
Our office is in Milano (Milano) and we work daily in Milano and Porta Romana. Through the L'Arte di Abitare network and the new-build developments published on this site we also assist buyers in Milano, Venice, Jesolo and the Adriatic coast, Treviso and the Prosecco hills, Verona, Lake Garda and Cortina d'Ampezzo.
Tell us what you are looking for
Send your requirements and budget: we reply with a shortlist of properties in Milano, Porta Romana and Milano south.
Contact us in English