Living in Sardinia

A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Home in Italy — and Sardinia — If You Live Abroad

27/02/2025
Written by Edil Costa Sarda
Are you looking for a home close to the sea and surrounded by wild nature in Italy? Sardinia could be the perfect choice.

Buying directly from the developer has never been so simple, secure, and transparent. At Edil Costa Sarda, we guide our clients through every stage of the process.

  1. Required Documentation
  2. The Buying Process
  3. Costs and Taxes
  4. Customization and Finishes
  5. Tax Benefits
  6. Furnishing
  7. Property Management and Maintenance
  8. Services Offered by Edil Costa Sarda
  9. Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Sardinia is an extraordinary opportunity, but it requires a solid understanding of legal, tax, and administrative regulations.

This complete guide provides international buyers with all the information they need to navigate the process with confidence and transparency.

1. Required Documentation

To purchase property in Sardinia, international buyers must obtain:

  • Italian Tax Code (Codice Fiscale): Required for any financial transaction. It can be requested through the Italian Revenue Agency or the Italian consulate in your country of residence. At Edil Costa Sarda, we take care of this process for you.
  • Valid Identification: A passport or valid national ID card.

2. The Buying Process

Property purchases in Italy follow these main steps:

  • Preliminary Contract: Signed before completion, it defines prices and payment schedules during construction.
  • Final Deed of Sale (Rogito): The official document that transfers ownership, drafted and certified by a notary.

3. Costs and Taxes

Buying property in Italy involves several one-time taxes and fees:

  • VAT: 10% for second homes, 4% for primary residences with registered residency in Italy
  • Notary, registration, and legal fees: Approximately 2% of the purchase price
  • IMU (Property Tax): Paid annually to the municipality. We calculate this for our clients
  • No condominium fees: Edil Costa Sarda homes are fully independent and have no shared maintenance costs

4. Customization and Finishes

Purchasing directly from the developer while the property is under construction allows for full customization.

At Edil Costa Sarda, we offer:

  • High-quality finish specifications
  • Authorized layout and design modifications before completion
  • Projects designed to reflect your lifestyle and personal preferences

5. Tax Benefits

Buying a newly built home in Sardinia may offer important tax advantages, including:

  • 7% Flat Tax Regime: Under Article 24-ter of the Italian Tax Code, foreign pensioners may benefit from a 7% flat tax for ten years by transferring their tax residency to a municipality in Southern Italy with fewer than 20,000 inhabitants — including those in the Ogliastra province

6. Furnishing

Once construction is completed, furnishing and final setup become essential.

We handle everything — from furniture selection to installation — delivering a fully furnished, move-in-ready home without stress.


7. Property Management and Maintenance

After purchase, we provide comprehensive property management services:

  • Maintenance: We take care of your property if you do not live in Sardinia year-round
  • Common Area Management: We ensure that your residence always looks impeccable
  • Short-Term Rentals: If you wish to generate income, we manage the entire rental process — from legal registration (IUN and CIN) to guest management

8. Services Offered by Edil Costa Sarda

  • Full-Service Support: From property selection to customization and notarization
  • Multilingual Assistance: Translation and consulting to ensure complete clarity
  • Property Management: Maintenance, cleaning, and short-term rental services

9. Final Thoughts

Buying a home in Sardinia with Edil Costa Sarda is simple, secure, and stress-free.

We offer transparency, professionalism, and complete support at every stage of the process.Contact us today to start your journey toward owning your dream home in Sardinia: info@edilcostasarda.it