In depth · Property
Buying property in Venice: the steps for buyers
The official steps for buying a home in Venice. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
The preliminary contract
Buyer and seller usually sign a preliminary contract, the compromesso, which sets the terms and the date of the final deed. Take independent legal advice before you sign.
The notaio
The final deed, the rogito, is signed before a notaio, who checks the title and any charges on the property, collects the taxes and registers the sale. The Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato explains each step on notariato.it.
Historic buildings
Much of Venice is protected, and works on historic buildings need permits. Ask what has been done, and what the building allows, before you buy.
Where people live
See our property guide for Dorsoduro and San Marco, Cannaregio and Castello, the Giudecca and the Lido. We don’t publish prices or yields.
Questions and answers
Who completes a property sale in Italy?
A notaio, a public official, who registers the sale.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with an Italian notaio or lawyer.