Blog · October 12, 2026
Can an American, a Brit or a Canadian buy a house in Italy?
Ask the Scout · Episode 2
The short answer
EP02 · Can an American, a Brit or a Canadian buy a house in Italy? Yes, it can be done. Buyers from outside the EU (and since 2021 that includes the UK) can buy if their own country lets Italians buy property there: this is called reciprocity. The notary checks it before you sign, and legal residents of Italy skip the check.
In plain English
Italian law gives foreigners civil rights on condition of reciprocity (Civil Code, preliminary provisions, art. 16). EU and EEA citizens, and non-EU citizens living legally in Italy with a valid residence permit, have the same civil rights as Italians. According to the Foreign Ministry, a bilateral investment treaty between Italy and your country also satisfies reciprocity.
Ask the Scout #2 by Piedmont Scout #MoveToItaly #Piedmont #ItalyRealEstate
- EP02 · Can an American, a Brit or a Canadian buy a house in Italy?
- Italian law gives foreigners civil rights on condition of reciprocity (Civil Code, preliminary provisions, art.
- Ask the Scout #2 by Piedmont Scout #MoveToItaly #Piedmont #ItalyRealEstate
Transcript
Buyer: I'm American. Only Europeans can buy here, right?
Scout: Not true. Non-EU buyers can too, and since 2021 that includes the UK.
Buyer: So what decides it for Americans, Brits and Canadians?
Scout: Reciprocity. If your country lets Italians buy homes, you can buy here.
Scout: The notary checks it before you sign. Legal residents of Italy skip the check.
Buyer: So it depends on my country's rules!
Scout: Exactly. For your own case, check with a notary.
Made with AI: the characters are animated and the voices are AI-generated.
Sources
- Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato, Notarial services for foreigners
- Ministero degli Affari Esteri, FAQ: I am a foreigner and would like to buy property in Italy
- Normattiva, Codice civile, Disposizioni sulla legge in generale, art. 16
- Normattiva, D.Lgs. 286/1998 (Testo unico immigrazione), art. 2
- European Commission, EU-UK Withdrawal Agreement
Facts checked: 12 October 2026. General info, not legal or tax advice. Check your own case with a notary or commercialista.
More from Ask the Scout
- What tax do I pay when I buy a house in Italy? (episode 9)
- Is the purchase tax on the price I pay? (episode 10)
- Can I pay for an Italian house in cash? (episode 8)
Related guides
- Relocating to Italy: research the area first
- Living around Gavi: a newcomer's orientation
- How Piedmont Scout works
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