The mortgage market in Italy is generally quite conservative and banks have strict criteria for non-Italian individuals when it comes to offering finance to potential homebuyers. Fortunately, there are options available.
However, for those of you who don’t have the cash available to purchase a property in Italy (or prefer not to use it) and are seeking finance options, be aware of the qualification criteria stipulated by banks which are outlined on the guide below.
Submitting a mortgage application correctly and choosing the most suitable bank are crucial steps to receiving beneficial economic conditions. It’s also worth noting that Italian banks only accept documents which are translated into Italian, which is why you should use a trusted, English-speaking broker in addition to legal representation.
Who's eligible for an Italian mortgage?
Unlike the UK, Italian banks don’t offer interest-only mortgages to buyers, and loan repayments must be paid on time. Mortgages for foreign buyers are also only available for residential property use, which include the following:
- Purchase of first or holiday home
- Renovation of first or holiday home
Applicants must also:
- Be a residential property buyer
- Be an employee, self-employed or a retiree
- Have an income in one of the following currencies (in addition to the Euro) -GBP, USD, CAD, AUD, SGD, HDK, CHF,(other currencies can be evaluated case by case)
The applicant is usually required to open a bank account with the lender bank too.
General banking criteria
- Max LTV/LTC: 60%
- Max duration: 25 years
- Max debt-to-income ratio: 30-35%
- Max 75 years of age at the end of the mortgage
- Good score on a credit report
What next?
After filling in the form, a mortgage consultant will contact you to schedule an appointment to discuss your requirements. The initial consultancy is free and non-binding.
Your mortgage application will be analysed by expert brokers, who’ll advise you on how to set up your mortgage operation and which credit institute best suits your needs.
How long can the process take?
The entire process can take from four weeks up to two months and the mortgage broker assistance is granted for the whole duration of the operation, from the first consultancy up to the first mortgage payment.