Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Italy Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Turin's property market is included in our pack
If you're a foreigner thinking about buying property in Turin, you probably have a lot of questions about what you can actually own, what taxes you'll pay, and how the whole process works.
This guide answers all of those questions using official Italian government sources, and we keep it updated as rules change.
We also cover current housing prices in Turin and the latest mortgage rates for 2026.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Turin.
Insights
- Non-EU buyers in Turin must pass a "reciprocity check" before purchase, which your notary verifies case by case since there is no single public list of eligible countries.
- Buying property in Turin does not give you the right to stay in Italy beyond 90 days, which surprises many foreign buyers who assume ownership equals residency.
- Turin's 2026 IMU property tax rate for non-primary residences is 1.06%, but because it applies to cadastral value (not market price), your actual bill is often just 0.4% to 0.9% of what you paid.
- Foreign non-residents can expect mortgage rates roughly 0.3 to 0.8 percentage points higher than Italian residents, putting fixed rates in the 3.1% to 4.0% range for early 2026.
- Closing costs in Turin typically run 9% to 14% of the purchase price when buying from a private seller, with the 9% registration tax being the biggest chunk.
- The "trascrizione" of your preliminary contract is a powerful but underused protection tool that locks in your priority as a buyer against future claims or liens.
- Turin is overwhelmingly an apartment market, so most foreign buyers will deal with condominium rules that can restrict pets, renovations, and short-term rentals.
- You must have an Italian codice fiscale (tax ID) before you can buy property in Turin, and you can apply for one at any Italian consulate or tax office.
- The cedolare secca flat tax on rental income is 21% for most landlords, but rises to 26% if you rent out a second property as a short-term rental.
What can I legally buy and truly own as a foreigner in Turin?
What property types can foreigners legally buy in Turin right now?
Foreigners in Turin can generally buy the same residential property types that Italians buy, including apartments, condos, townhouses, and villas.
However, if you're from outside the EU, your country must grant Italians the same property rights (called "reciprocity"), or you need to hold a valid Italian residence permit.
EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens face no special restrictions and can purchase freely, just like Italian nationals.
Your notary will verify your eligibility before the sale goes through, so this check happens automatically as part of the standard buying process in Turin.
Finally, please note that our pack about the property market in Turin is specifically tailored to foreigners.
Can I own land in my own name in Turin right now?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements to buy property in Italy (EU citizenship or reciprocity for non-EU buyers), you can own land in your own name just like an Italian citizen.
That said, most buyers in Turin are purchasing apartments, where you own your unit plus a proportional share of common areas like the stairwell and roof, rather than a separate plot of land.
If you're buying a detached house or villa in areas like Borgo Po or the Collina, the land underneath typically transfers to you as part of the standard purchase.
As of 2026, what other key foreign-ownership rules or limits should I know in Turin?
As of early 2026, there are no foreign ownership quotas or caps on how much property foreigners can buy in Turin, unlike some other countries.
There is also no quota rule for apartments or condos in Turin, so you do not need to worry about a building having "too many foreign owners."
However, condominium regulations (regolamento di condominio) can impose practical restrictions on things like short-term rentals, pets, or major renovations, so always review these rules before buying an apartment.
No major regulatory changes specifically targeting foreign ownership have been announced for Turin in 2026, though you should always verify reciprocity status if you are a non-EU buyer.
What's the biggest ownership mistake foreigners make in Turin right now?
The biggest mistake foreigners make in Turin is assuming that "the notary checks everything" and skipping targeted due diligence, especially around the preliminary contract (compromesso).
If you sign a preliminary contract without proper protections or fail to use "trascrizione" (registration of the preliminary), you could lose your deposit or find the property sold to someone else before closing.
Another classic pitfall is believing that buying property in Turin gives you the right to live in Italy long-term, when in reality property ownership and immigration status are completely separate.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Italy. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which visa or residency status changes what I can do in Turin?
Do I need a specific visa to buy property in Turin right now?
No, you do not need a specific visa to buy property in Turin, and many foreigners complete purchases while visiting on a tourist entry or short-stay Schengen visa.
The main administrative requirement that can slow things down is not having an Italian codice fiscale (tax ID), which you must obtain before the purchase can proceed.
Yes, you absolutely need this codice fiscale before buying property in Turin, and you can apply for one at an Italian consulate abroad or at any Agenzia delle Entrate office in Italy.
Foreign buyers typically need to present a valid passport, their codice fiscale, proof of funds, and sometimes translated and apostilled documents depending on their country of origin.
Does buying property help me get residency and citizenship in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, buying property in Turin does not by itself give you residency or citizenship in Italy.
Italy does have an Investor Visa program, but it requires specific qualifying investments (such as 500,000 euros in an Italian company or 2 million euros in government bonds), not simply purchasing a home.
If you want to live in Italy long-term, you will need to qualify through other routes such as work, study, family reunification, or the investor visa, completely separate from any property you own.
We give you all the details you need about the different pathways to get residency and citizenship in Turin here.
Can I legally rent out property on my visa in Turin right now?
Your visa status generally does not affect your legal right to own property and collect rental income in Turin, since property rights and immigration status are treated separately in Italian law.
You do not need to live in Italy to rent out your Turin property, and many foreign owners manage their rentals remotely through local property managers or appointed representatives.
The key requirements are having your codice fiscale, properly declaring rental income to Italian tax authorities, and complying with any condominium rules or local short-term rental regulations that may apply.
We cover everything there is to know about buying and renting out in Turin here.
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How does the buying process actually work step-by-step in Turin?
What are the exact steps to buy property in Turin right now?
The standard sequence in Turin is: get your codice fiscale, make an offer (proposta d'acquisto) with a deposit, conduct due diligence, sign a preliminary contract (compromesso), finalize your mortgage if needed, then complete the final deed (rogito) before a notary who registers the transfer.
You do not need to be physically present for most steps, since many foreigners use a power of attorney (procura) to have a trusted representative sign documents with the notary on their behalf.
The step that makes the deal legally binding is typically the signing of the preliminary contract (contratto preliminare), at which point both buyer and seller are committed and deposits become non-refundable under normal circumstances.
The typical timeline from accepted offer to final deed and registration in Turin is around 2 to 4 months, though it can be faster for cash buyers or slower if mortgage approval takes time.
We have a document entirely dedicated to the whole buying process our pack about properties in Turin.
Is it mandatory to get a lawyer or a notary to buy a property in Turin right now?
A notary is effectively mandatory for property purchases in Turin because Italy's system requires a notary to complete and register the final deed (rogito), making it legally valid.
The key difference is that the notary is a public official who ensures the deed is legally correct and properly recorded, while a lawyer works specifically for you to protect your interests and review contracts before you sign them.
If you hire a lawyer, make sure their scope explicitly includes reviewing the preliminary contract, checking for undisclosed encumbrances, and verifying that the property's documentation matches its actual condition.
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Italy versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
What checks should I run so I don't buy a problem property in Turin?
How do I verify title and ownership history in Turin right now?
To verify title and ownership history in Turin, you (or your notary) will access the Registri Immobiliari (Land Registry) to confirm who legally owns the property and review its chain of title.
The key document to request is a "visura ipotecaria" (mortgage inspection report), which shows the current owner, any registered mortgages, and other encumbrances on the property.
Buyers in Turin commonly look back 20 years or more in the ownership history to ensure there are no unresolved inheritance disputes, unpaid liens, or other issues that could affect your title.
A clear red flag that should stop or pause your purchase is any pending legal claim (such as a judicial seizure or inheritance litigation) or an unresolved mortgage that the seller has not disclosed.
You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Turin.
How do I confirm there are no liens in Turin right now?
The standard way to confirm there are no liens on a Turin property is to request an "ispezione ipotecaria" (mortgage inspection) from the Conservatoria dei Registri Immobiliari, which lists all registered mortgages, judicial liens, and encumbrances.
One common type of lien to specifically ask about is an "ipoteca legale" (legal mortgage) from unpaid taxes or condominium fees, which can transfer to the new owner if not cleared before closing.
The best written proof of lien status is a fresh "certificato ipotecario" (mortgage certificate) issued close to your closing date, since new liens can be registered at any time before the final deed.
How do I check zoning and permitted use in Turin right now?
To check zoning and permitted use for a property in Turin, you should contact the Comune di Torino's urban planning office (Sportello Unico per l'Edilizia) or hire a local geometra (surveyor) to review the relevant municipal plans.
The document that confirms zoning classification is the "certificato di destinazione urbanistica" (CDU), which states what the land or building can legally be used for under Turin's city plan.
A common pitfall foreign buyers miss in Turin is purchasing an apartment where past renovations (like converting a storage space into a bedroom) were never properly permitted, which can create legal problems when you try to sell or rent.
Buying real estate in Turin can be risky
An increasing number of foreign investors are showing interest. However, 90% of them will make mistakes. Avoid the pitfalls with our comprehensive guide.
Can I get a mortgage as a foreigner in Turin, and on what terms?
Do banks lend to foreigners for homes in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, yes, Italian banks do lend to foreigners for home purchases in Turin, though the terms are typically stricter than for Italian residents.
Foreign non-residents can usually expect a loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of 50% to 70%, meaning you will need a larger down payment than a local buyer who might get 80% financing.
The most common eligibility requirement is proving stable income that the bank can verify, which often means providing translated and apostilled pay stubs, tax returns, or business financials from your home country.
You can also read our latest update about mortgage and interest rates in Italy.
Which banks are most foreigner-friendly in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, the banks most commonly used by foreigners for mortgages in Turin are Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena, all of which have experience processing international documentation.
What makes these banks more foreigner-friendly is their established procedures for handling translated documents, foreign income verification, and their willingness to work with buyers who do not yet have Italian residency.
Yes, these banks will lend to non-residents, though you should expect more paperwork, potentially lower LTV ratios, and slightly higher interest rates than resident borrowers receive.
We actually have a specific document about how to get a mortgage as a foreigner in our pack covering real estate in Turin.
What mortgage rates are foreigners offered in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign non-residents in Turin can expect fixed mortgage rates in the range of 3.1% to 4.0% and variable rates around 2.8% to 3.6%, which is roughly 0.3 to 0.8 percentage points higher than rates offered to Italian residents.
Fixed-rate mortgages typically come with slightly higher starting rates than variable options, but they protect you from future rate increases, while variable rates are lower initially but carry the risk of rising over time.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Italy compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What will taxes, fees, and ongoing costs look like in Turin?
What are the total closing costs as a percent in Turin in 2026?
Total closing costs in Turin typically run between 9% and 14% of the purchase price when buying an existing home from a private seller, or 10% to 16% when buying a new build from a developer subject to VAT.
The realistic range is wide because some taxes (like registration tax) apply to cadastral value rather than market price, which can significantly reduce your effective percentage on higher-priced properties.
The main fee categories that make up closing costs in Turin are registration tax or VAT (depending on seller type), notary fees, agency commission, and smaller fixed charges for mortgage and cadastral registration.
The single biggest contributor is usually the registration tax, which is 9% of the cadastral value for non-primary residences bought from private sellers, or VAT at 10% of the purchase price for new builds.
If you want to go into more details, we also have a blog article detailing all the property taxes and fees in Turin.
What annual property tax should I budget in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, foreign owners of a Turin apartment that is not their primary Italian residence should budget roughly 1,000 to 2,250 euros per year (about 1,050 to 2,400 USD) for IMU property tax on a property with a market value around 250,000 euros.
IMU in Turin is calculated by applying a rate (1.06% for non-primary residences in 2026) to the property's cadastral value, which is typically much lower than the market price you actually paid.
How is rental income taxed for foreigners in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, most foreign landlords in Turin use the "cedolare secca" flat tax regime, which means paying 21% on rental income from long-term leases or a first short-term rental property, rising to 26% for additional short-term rental properties.
If you choose cedolare secca, the tax is withheld or paid directly, replacing ordinary income tax, registration tax on the lease, and stamp duties, which simplifies your Italian tax filing significantly.
What insurance is common and how much in Turin in 2026?
As of early 2026, a standard home insurance policy in Turin typically costs 200 to 600 euros per year (about 210 to 640 USD), while the more basic fire and explosion coverage required by mortgage lenders runs around 100 to 300 euros annually.
The most common coverage that Turin property owners carry is fire and explosion insurance, which is mandatory if you have a mortgage, plus optional coverage for theft, water damage, and civil liability.
The biggest factor that affects your premium in Turin is the insured value of the property and its contents, followed by the building's age and construction type, since older buildings in the historic center may carry higher risk profiles.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Turin
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What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Turin, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Property Purchase Taxes | Italy's official tax authority explaining exactly which purchase taxes apply. | We used it to determine the official registration tax rates (9% for non-primary residences) and VAT rules. We converted these rates into practical closing cost ranges for Turin buyers. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Cedolare Secca | The official reference for Italy's flat-tax regime on rental income. | We used it to explain when you can opt into cedolare secca and what taxes it replaces. We built the rental income tax section based on this guidance. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Services for Foreign Citizens | Official instructions specifically for non-Italians dealing with Italian tax administration. | We used it to confirm that foreigners need a codice fiscale to buy property. We wrote the tax ID section based on these official steps. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato - Garanzia Preliminare | The national notary body explaining how Italy's conveyancing system protects buyers. | We used it to explain preliminary contracts and the trascrizione protection tool. We shaped the due diligence checklist based on this guidance. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato - Buyer Protection Guide (PDF) | An official notary publication focused specifically on protecting buyers from common risks. | We used it to identify the biggest mistakes foreigners make when buying in Italy. We reinforced the warning about skipping proper due diligence. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato - Prima Casa Guide (PDF) | An official guide updated for 2025 explaining primary residence tax benefits. | We used it to explain why many non-residents won't qualify for prima casa discounts. We kept our tax language consistent with their official wording. |
| Italian Foreign Ministry - Visa Types | Italy's official foreign ministry page on visa categories and durations. | We used it to clarify that buying property does not grant residency rights. We prevented the common misunderstanding about ownership and immigration status. |
| Investor Visa for Italy - Official Portal | The official government portal for Italy's investor visa program. | We used it to show what investment-based residency actually requires. We confirmed that property purchase alone does not qualify for the investor visa. |
| City of Turin - IMU 2026 Announcement | Official City of Turin communication about local property tax decisions. | We used it to confirm that Turin's 2026 IMU rates were approved and aligned with 2025. We wrote the property tax section based on these official rates. |
| Banca d'Italia - Interest Rate Statistics | Italy's central bank data source for borrowing costs. | We used it to ground our mortgage rate discussion in official methodology. We triangulated market ranges for our early 2026 estimates. |
| Intesa Sanpaolo - Mortgages | A major Italian bank describing real mortgage conditions and requirements. | We used it to confirm practical details like mandatory fire insurance for mortgages. We cross-checked mortgage requirements against real bank products. |
| UniCredit - Mortgage Simulator | Another major Italian bank with strong mortgage operations and national presence. | We used it to verify typical LTV ratios and documentation requirements. We confirmed that large banks in Turin work with foreign buyers. |
| Facile.it - Mortgage Rate Averages | A major Italian comparison site reporting current mortgage market rates. | We used it to estimate the fixed and variable rate ranges available in late 2025. We added a spread to reflect typical non-resident pricing. |
| Mondaq - Reciprocity in Italy | A legal analysis explaining the reciprocity principle for foreign property buyers. | We used it to explain why non-EU buyers may need eligibility verification. We confirmed that notaries check reciprocity case by case. |
| Immobiliare.it - Turin Neighborhoods | Italy's largest property portal with detailed local market coverage. | We used it to identify which neighborhoods foreign buyers typically consider. We verified that Turin's market is dominated by apartment-style properties. |
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Italy. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
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