How to buy land in Italy as a foreigner: UK guide

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for reference purposes only. All information on this page should not be considered financial or tax advice. You are also solely responsible for calculating and paying your tax liabilities depending on the applicable law. All tax saving strategies or decisions should be made after thorough research and consultation with a qualified financial advisor.

Thinking about buying land in Italy for a retreat, investment or future home? Many UK buyers are drawn to the country, offering everything from countryside plots and farmland to scenic sites ideal for building.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to buy land in Italy and the key steps and requirements for foreign buyers. We’ll also cover what to expect in terms of costs and regional differences.

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Can foreigners buy land in Italy?

Buying land in Italy is only possible for foreigners whose home country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy. Fortunately, the UK has this agreement, so British citizens can buy land in Italy without restriction.¹

While you don’t need an Italian residency or any type of visa to buy land in Italy, you do need an Italian tax identification number or codice fiscale.

📚 Buying property in Italy

Is land investment in Italy worth it?

Investing in property abroad can be a smart move if you understand the local market and regulations. Italy attracts many buyers thanks to its diverse landscapes and wide availability of land, but there are important pros and cons to consider.

Land prices in Italy vary significantly by region, with some areas offering very affordable options. However, properties in less connected or less populated areas can take a long time to resell.

📚 Buying property in Italy

How to invest in Italy land from the UK

Let’s go through the steps if you decide to buy land in Italy:

Decide what type of land you want

You should first choose between agricultural land, buildable land or a land for specific use like a vineyard.

Agricultural land is often cheaper and easier to buy and it’s ideal if you’d like to get into farming. Residential land is more expensive and it requires checking zoning laws and permits.

Each kind has different costs, rules and potential returns, so thinking this through should be the very first step.

Choose a region

Land prices vary drastically across the country,s o you should decide where you’d like to invest. There’s a large difference between rural areas in the south of Italy and higher-value plots in the north or in Tuscany.

Get your Italian tax ID (codice fiscale)

You need a codice fiscale to buy land in Italy. You can apply through an Italian consulate in the UK or at an Agenzia delle Entrate office. A codice fiscale is free and usually obtained within the same day.¹

Appoint a team of local professionals

It’s a good idea to work with a local lawyer and real estate agent who both speak English. You’ll also need an Italian notary (notaio), who is essential for accessing cadastral records, verifying the seller’s authority and even holding the security deposit in an escrow account.¹

To find a notary, the easiest place to start is the website of the National Council of Notaries (Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato).²

When it comes to lawyers, you can consult the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for a list of English-speaking property solicitors.³

Find a property and sign the preliminary documents

Once you find a property you like, you can make an offer by signing the purchase proposal (proposta d’acquisto). You’ll then sign the preliminary contract (compromesso preliminare), ideally with a notary, as this prevents the seller from reselling the property while you complete due diligence.¹

Pay the deposit

You should arrange a transfer for a deposit of 10 to 20% after signing the compromesso preliminare. You can arrange to do this by bank transfer or using the notary’s escrow account, where the money will be held until the purchase is completed.¹

Sign the final deed of sale

Once you complete due diligence and go through mortgage options, you’ll sign the final deed of sale (rogito) in front of a notary.¹

📚 Renovating property in Italy

Is land expensive in Italy?

Compared to the price of land in some other Mediterranean countries, such as parts of Spain or Portugal, Italian land can be considered expensive. However, it’s cheaper than land in neighbouring Switzerland, which makes Italy a mid-range option in this part of Europe.¹

How much does 1 acre of land cost in Italy?

According to the latest official reports, the average cost of one hectare of land in Italy is €22,400, so one acre is approximately €9,070 (£7,830).

The northeast of Italy has the highest average land prices, with around €47,100 per hectare or about €19,000 per acre (£16,400). The islands have the lowest average land prices, with an average of about €9,000 per hectare or €3,600 per acre (£3,100).⁵

Residential buildable land is much more expensive at €250 per square metre on average, or €1,011,750 per acre (£874,911). At the upper end of the spectrum, in cities such as Milan and Rome, prices can reach €400 per square metre or €1,618,800 per acre (£1,399,860).⁵

Where is the cheapest place to buy land in Italy?

To find the best value, let’s look at the parts of Italy where land prices are lowest:

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That covers the main points to consider before you buy land in Italy. You should now have a better understanding of the expected costs and requirements, as well as the steps involved in the process.

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Sources used:

1. Investropa - buying land as a foreigner in Italy
2. Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato - find a notary
3. Gov.uk - find a lawyer abroad
4. Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry - land market in Italy
5. Investropa - cost of land in Italy

Sources last checked on date: 04-Feb-2026