New Law! Some People Cannot Now Buy a House in Italy, With Italian Lawyer Nick Metta

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

We're so glad you brought up this topic, most people don't even know it's in effect!

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

So true! It was a total surprise!

[@davidsteele8983]

Thank you for posting. My wife and I have an inspection lined up on an apartment in Italy for next week. This new 'law' was just put on our radar this morning, by another Canadian who owns in Italy. Your tips on finding the right notary sound like the key. We'll be looking forward to updates and any new developments on this.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi David, yes, it is an unfortunate change of circumstances for a lot of Canadians. There are some things you can still buy, for example, houses or apartments that are not considered habitable and of course, farmland and things like that, however I think that most people want to buy are out of reach. It’s a huge shame, but let’s hope there’s enough backlash against it that the officials in Canada change their minds. Let us know if we can be of help.

[@davidsteele8983]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC The loophole of buying something needing restoration isn't of interest. We are looking at an apartment that's renovated and ready for occupancy. The plan was to purchase within the month. There was one loophole in your video about paying a penalty for filing the offer late. If we can say that we made the offer 6 months or so ago but didn't file, perhaps we can pay the penalty for late filing and have a notary sign off on it. Provided the buyer is on board, maybe this is the ticket.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

There is that although I would be very careful about any possible misrepresentations.

[@serenabennett3622]

The ban is simply because it’s almost impossible for a Canadian born citizen like myself to ever be able to afford a house in my country without a massive mortgage because of dwindling inventory. The homes currently being built are meant to attract foreign investment. It’s just to try and slow down the runaway inflated prices of homes that are no where worth what is being paid. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked too well and the housing market is still way to expensive @@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC 😣

[@pinknosechronicles]

Are there any updates on this? We were planning on coming to Scalea, Italy in fall to buy a property until we found this out🥹 So sad.

[@Bella-ul8mq]

Would like to thank you for being on top of this change. You are so helpful and professional.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Thank you Bella! We so appreciate the kind words!

[@sunnyprashar2722]

The Canadian government is under a lot of pressure to control real estate prices as it is going out of the hands of ordinary people to buy their primary residence. However, Italy should also consider reevaluating its reciprocity law, as Italy's situation is different than Canada's. Italian Government, please Let me buy my dream holiday home in Italy :) I am in love with the country!

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Sunil, Yes I don't know the politics of either side but making it easy for Canadians to purchase would definitely help a lot of the small hill towns that are worried about dying out. Fingers crossed things change.

[@fran-qx5pt]

Oh no. I hope this law changes by the time I intend to buy . Thank you Chris for this valuable info. Very professional as always. Thank yu.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Thank you Fran! Remember, There is always a workaround!

[@rosaliegalasso791]

wow!! Thanks for keeping all informed....

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

You are so welcome!

[@SB-kd8le]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention and explaining with solutions. You guys are truly Super Savey ;) Dual citizen here, so should be ok. Canada did this because affordability here is a big problem. It had affected prices but a basic detached has gone from 2.8M to 2.5M in Vancouver, so long way off. Also there is no inventory and politicians are desperate. I could see the USA or certain states implementing this law too. The offshore money that was headed for Canadian real estate will divert south to the states.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi and thank you! Wow! I had no idea prices were so high there. We also have high prices here too. I surely hope there is no implementation of this here in the US as many many people's dreams of retirement Italy could be made more difficult.

[@MosieOsie]

I don't see the US doing this. The government has not stopped Airbnb's, Uber, or any other industry killer. I was a real estate broker I'm the US for decades. It's rare for the government to step in as heavily as Canada has.

[@SB-kd8le]

@@MosieOsie Ron Desantis Florida is doing this as we speak.

[@kenmcclow8963]

There have been so many millionaires from Asia (mostly China) buying houses in Vancouver that even a total ruin of a house was in the million dollar range. I think so many had chosen Vancouver because the US has been very restrictive. I think a lot of it started because of the hand over of Hong Kong to China in 1997. After the initial rush it slowed down for awhile, but more recently China has been cracking down on tech companies, so maybe a lot of people have been buying houses in Canada as a hedge. Canada also has a lot of the same issues as the US as far as inventory not going on the market because of interest rates. They just have the extra pressure from a lot of rich foreigners and like Seattle and San Francisco, Vancouver has a shortage of place to build houses.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I get it. We had a lot of foreign investment from China for awhile in California. It was amazing, purchasing very expensive properties with cash.That stopped when China cracked down on large sums of money leaving China. That was a few years ago. The market is always hot in California though.

[@tnt8092]

Well this is very sad to hear 😢

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I know. We will have to come up with work arounds.

[@cherylbower6639]

Hi Chris, We are Canadians. We have property in Calabria already and we are looking for more. But I wanted to clarify that the rule against Canadians purchasing property in Italy due to the ban on foreign buyers in Canada law is ONLY FOR 2 YEARS. It will expire in 2025. So keep house hunting friends! Cheers, Cheryl

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Cheryl! That is what we heard too! Also there are workarounds! Don't give up!

[@tahneeconradie7570]

i'm so glad you commented, thank you! my hubby has dual citizenship, i was worried by the title of this video. thanks so much!!

[@DMills-un1tl]

So, my question is why was the law enacted to begin with?

[@AdamZMusic]

​@@DMills-un1tldue to skyrocketing prices in canada due to foreign investment from China

[@catherinemori4496]

@@AdamZMusic Ah, but it turns out that’s not actually true! Skyrocketing prices and homelessness continue apace…

[@pinknosechronicles]

Is there a notary in Scalea that agrees that no kitchen is sufficient for Canadians to buy?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi, it really is a matter of the property being non habitable meaning no kitchen or bathroom facilities. It can be quite technical. We had a couple who had signed a compromesso before the law took effect and they ended up going to Tuscany to do their act because that notary interpreted the law a certain way. Sine then the notaries have relaxed and the parameters have been made more clear but I am not sure how much documentation of what documentation you would need, I would pull in Nick Metta at Studio Legale Metta if you are looking to purchase a home in this way. In any case, BEFORE you do anything like signing a compromesso or writing an offer letter, make sure that you get legal advice. If you enter a contract and it turns out you cannot carry it out, you are very likely still on the hook for the deposit. Obviously I am not an attorney or agent so please check with the correct professionals.

[@arkadiavikoifman8122]

Hi, Chris. The new rules in Canada have exemptions. It applies only to amalgamated urban areas of over 100,000 people with core (city) population of 50,000 or more. If Italian law calls for reciprocity, then Scalea, other small towns and rural areas should be exempt! But this needs to be confirmed by Italian notary or lawyer. Would be great to hear Nick Metta weigh in on this. P.S. Other exemptions include if property is tenanted at the time of purchase, if buyer has refugee status (even temporary), and a few more.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Oh how interesting! Thank you! I will share this with our notaios. I hope it makes a difference. I Will also share this with Nick. It could make a difference for some of our clients!

[@utkanhakan]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC any updates on this , does that mean Canadians can also buy with the same condition ?

[@tsocanuck]

i am a dual citizen ...Canadian/Italian .can i still purchase a property in Italy?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I do think that with Italian citizenship you can. This is a good Nick question.

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

If a Canadian citizen has also another citizenship, for example Italian, or American citizenship, they can buy a residential property in Italy based on the non-Canadian citizenship. For this purpose, when the Italian notary who will certify the sale will ask for your ID, you can identify yourself under a valid non-Canadian passport. Italy has a similar reciprocity property purchase ban in place with some other countries. For citizens from such restricted countries, we have resolved hundreds of similar property purchase cases through their dual citizenship. Therefore, if you have another passport, just use that one to buy a residential property in Italy, instead of the Canadian one.

[@lindafazio1481]

Can You do a segment on renting ? Some of us want to use our assets to retire , also do rrsp, count as passive income?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Linda, We can do something about renting. I believe it does but it is but to ask Nick.

[@keywestcatlady]

You’re Really Good, Chris! I want you in my corner when/if I buy. ( in Lucca)

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Jan, Ok! Let us know know ready! And thank you for the kind words!

[@keywestcatlady]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC You Bet!

[@nadijahedian7299]

Thank you both very much, this video was very informative, however my dream of moving to Italy has to be kept on hold, hoping someday soon the laws would change!

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I know what you mean. Fingers crossed this is temporary.

[@laurafrederick3326]

Thanks for this info. This video is from 1 year ago - is there any more recent information regarding this?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

The reciprocal agreement banning Italian property purchases by Canadians has been extended by another 2 years to 2027. There are some workarounds however, which Nick covers in a recent blog update here: www.studiolegalemetta.com/legal-questions-and-answers/italian-implications-of-canadians-buying-property-in-italy/

[@laurafrederick3326]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC We spoke with a Real Estate Lawyer who has had success helping Canadians purchase property in towns under 10,000 people. This seems to be the best option for Canadians who want to purchase residential property in Italy. If anyone knows of a list of towns under 10,000 people, especially ones with a train station this would be very helpful information. Thanks!

[@rtheben]

Please explain how to workaround to Canadian Law denying foreign purchases

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

If you find a town of less thank 10k inhabitants in one of the regions that qualify (like Calabria and I think Basilicata) you are ok but I would always check with an attorney

[@rtheben]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC no I mean, in the video you analyse the potential workarounds to buy a property in Italy as a Canadian. I’m interested in the opposite, that is how to play around with Canadian Law to buy a house as an Italian

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Lisa, I am afraid I cannot advise you on that. It would be best to get an attorney to help you because it is not in my zone of expertise other than bringing it to people's attention. There Amy be some good legal websites with advice as well. Good luck!

[@NatalyaNatatrip]

So helpful TY🤩

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

You are so welcome!

[@SnookieGalore]

So as a Canadian you can no longer have the opportunity to buy in Italy at all?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi, There are still options. If you become a resident you can purchase pretty much anything and this only applies to residential property that is habitable. You can purchase something that needs renovating or something that is not zoned as residential. It is definitely something you want to check with Nick on.

[@utkanhakan]

Sorry who is policing this then, Italian Notary ? So based on the notary there might be exceptions is that what I am hearing ? Having a Candian Citizenship (not member a EU) will I be stopped by the notary ?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

In some cases you will however there are certain exceptions. For example some towns that have less than 20K residents may be exempt also if you purchase a house that is not considered "habitable" you can as well. And yes it is the notary that polices this because he is ultimately responsible.

[@calinionescu4385]

Thank you for the info ! I do have dual citizenship , Canadian and EU( not Italian..) two valid passports...In this case wonder if using the EU passport for ID in the purchasing process I can avoid any association with Canadian new regulations..?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

HI Calin, With your EU passport you should have no trouble.

[@redwine2664]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC me too.

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

If a Canadian citizen has also another citizenship, for example Italian, or American citizenship, they can buy a residential property in Italy based on the non-Canadian citizenship. For this purpose, when the Italian notary who will certify the sale will ask for your ID, you can identify yourself under a valid non-Canadian passport. Italy has a similar reciprocity property purchase ban in place with some other countries. For citizens from such restricted countries, we have resolved hundreds of similar property purchase cases through their dual citizenship. Therefore, if you have another passport, just use that one to buy a residential property in Italy, instead of the Canadian one.

[@serenabennett3622]

I recently mentioned this to some other Canadian people since the ban has been extended until 2027 and was quickly told that I was wrong, and they recently bought a house (not dual citizens or EU citizens)but I’m guessing there are some loopholes?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Serena, There are some loopholes. As I recall there are some smaller villages in certain regions that this rule can be waived. I would definitely consult with a knowledgable attorney if you have a zone in mind. or you could consult with an Italian notary.

[@kathrynmassey1188]

New Zealand have done the same thing!!!!

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I read that ! It makes things so much more complex. Pete and I are working on some solutions.

[@kathrynmassey1188]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC so upset.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I understand. From what I hear you can still purchase a house if it has no bathroom or kitchen facilities. Pete and I are looking into possibly renovating some properties and just leaving the kitchen and bathrooms for Canadian and NZ clients.

[@sandrabeltman9418]

Hi Kathryn - I am also a NZer and following this information. Have you looked into whether you have any rights to an EU passport via your parentage? My father is from the Netherlands and I have a Dutch passport I used many years ago for travel in Europe. I am hopeful that I will be able to update this to an EU passport if I do choose to purchase in Italy. It appears however that you can still buy a renovatable house in a small town - so something that hasn’t already been made habitable - you renovate yourself or by employing a builder I guess(!).

[@Mark-el8sb]

By way of background, the Italian reciprocity law was passed by the Fascist Mussolini government in 1942 (during WW 2) to retaliate against Western governments that imposed trade sanctions on Italy as a result of its alliance with Nazi Germany. A bit odd that it's still in force in this day and age, and hasn't ever been abrogated, but there you go.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Thank you Mark!

[@crissignori7482]

I am a Canadian resident with my home in Canada but I have been living in Italy for the several months each year for decades. (I don't have Italian citizenship although my mother was born here but she gave up her citizenship before I was born.) I am looking to buy property at this time and make Italy my main and permanent residency. How long should I expect to wait to have the permanent residency status so that I can complete a purchase? P.S. I also have British citizenship.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Cris! I am so glad you nave British citizenship because Canadians are not allowed to purchase residential property right now but you can with your British passport. In answer to your question, you do not need residency to purchase. You only have to have either a recorded rental contract or a house that you own. The residency process and purchase process are two separate things. I would start talking to an attorney now about your residency to get it set. up. Here is a website that gives you good information www.studiolegalemetta.com/en/italian-elective-residence-visa/ Let us know how it goes!

[@crissignori7482]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC Thanks very much ... all very incouraging.

[@BattlefieldEducation]

What about buying a farm?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

From what I hear as long as it does not have kitchen or bathroom you can but again this is a Nick question

[@MosieOsie]

What is a "permanent resident" exactly. Someone who came on a visa, submitted the package to the Questura, etc. and were given their permesso di soggiorno that has to be renewed annually?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi and thank you for your comment. There is a lot of confusion about the permesso di soggiorno. When you have already received your elective residence visa you have two years to obtain your permesso di soggiorno. When you have obtained it that way you do not need not renew and you are a permanent resident. Here is Nick's blog post on the subject: www.studiolegalemetta.com/en/permit-to-stay-permesso-di-soggiorno/

[@Liveyourbestlife905]

Can Canadians planning to retire in Italy still buy a principal residence prior to having their ERV?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

This is still being clarified by the Italian notaio's association and we are waiting for guidance for them but as it stands now it appears that Canadians cannot buy RESIDENTIAL property that is habitable and in this case "habitable" means lacking kitchen and/or bathrooms facilities. We do need clarification as to whether that means the fixtures themselves or the electric and plumbing setups for them. From what we know this will be in effect for 2 years unless the Canada government decides to extend their ban. Canadians can purchase commercial properties and rezone them as residential. They can also purchase ruins and renovation properties that fall under the uninhabitable designation. I am not an attorney so please check everything with Studio Legale Metta but this is my understanding.

[@Liveyourbestlife905]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC Thank you!

[@digamuska]

Hi, thanks for the information. I have dual citizenship (Argentina/Canadian) can I purchase with my Argentinian passport?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Gosh, I am not sure. The answer may lie in whether Italians are allowed to purchase in Argentina as this particular circumstance is due to a reciprocity policy in Italy. If so it looks like they can. That is a good question for Nick. This is only my opinion as I am not an attorney.

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

If a Canadian citizen has also another citizenship, for example Italian, or American citizenship, they can buy a residential property in Italy based on the non-Canadian citizenship. For this purpose, when the Italian notary who will certify the sale will ask for your ID, you can identify yourself under a valid non-Canadian passport. Italy has a similar reciprocity property purchase ban in place with some other countries so you'd want to explore if that's the case with Argentina. For citizens from such restricted countries, we have resolved hundreds of similar property purchase cases through their dual citizenship. Therefore, if you have another passport, just use that one to buy a residential property in Italy, instead of the Canadian one.

[@digamuska]

@@StudioLegaleMetta thanks so much for the info Nick!

[@Eva-qh9zd]

Super frustrating for those of us Canadians who are dreaming of Italy. Hopefully they can figure it out. I also wonder if it would make a difference if you came to Italy on an Investor's visa?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Eva, I don't think an investor's visa would do it but you can get your elective residency and then buy properties. Additionally if you buy a property to renovate those do not appear to be included in the restrictions. there are many work arounds. This will be in effect for 2 years from what we know.

[@andrewmilton6331]

Does this affect Canadians who already own property in Italy?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Andrew, from everything I have seen, no it doesn't however Nick is going to do a follow up video on this in the next few days.

[@jewelsd1]

Very disappointed that Canadian government has done this. I understand why as there has been a shortage of homes for full time residents . But we were hoping to purchase a home in the coming years. Hopefully things will change in a couple of years. Glad that you are working to find loopholes for those who have more immediate plans to purchase. Thank you Chris.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I hope so to Julie. I hear that there is pushback on the government in Canada for doing this. Let's see. That said you can purchase certain renovation properties.

[@fran-qx5pt]

What if I have dual citizenship Italian/ Canadian?

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

For what I am seeing you should be fine. We are doing a follow up video with Nick so I can ask him.

[@MarcoEsposito-iy5pp]

same question for me, dual citizenship, I have an Italian citizenship also.

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

If a Canadian citizen has also another citizenship, for example Italian, or American citizenship, they can buy a residential property in Italy based on the non-Canadian citizenship. For this purpose, when the Italian notary who will certify the sale will ask for your ID, you can identify yourself under a valid non-Canadian passport. Italy has a similar reciprocity property purchase ban in place with some other countries. For citizens from such restricted countries, we have resolved hundreds of similar property purchase cases through their dual citizenship. Therefore, if you have another passport, just use that one to buy a residential property in Italy, instead of the Canadian one.

[@StudioLegaleMetta]

@@MarcoEsposito-iy5pp If a Canadian citizen has also another citizenship, for example Italian, or American citizenship, they can buy a residential property in Italy based on the non-Canadian citizenship. For this purpose, when the Italian notary who will certify the sale will ask for your ID, you can identify yourself under a valid non-Canadian passport. Italy has a similar reciprocity property purchase ban in place with some other countries. For citizens from such restricted countries, we have resolved hundreds of similar property purchase cases through their dual citizenship. Therefore, if you have another passport, just use that one to buy a residential property in Italy, instead of the Canadian one.

[@davidsteele8983]

Sadly, Canada just renewed the policy until 2027… It’s not just a reciprocal law in Italy but all of the EU. Such a shame.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I know! It is a shame however you can get a non habitable property and renovate.

[@mc_1]

If i am a long time permanent resident of another EU country, but a Canadian citizen, would my EU permanent residency help me out here? Thanks.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Michael, That is a great question and one I asked yesterday and the answer was "We don't know." Your best source is to ask Nick. I will see if we can do an updated video and will definitely ask that question.

[@mc_1]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC thanks!

[@FSSpag]

What if they extend the law past two years….it’s not the best situation….unclear too much uncertainty

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Unfortunately that is possible. there are other workarounds and perhaps a fully renovated place is not in the cards and one without kitchen and bathroom facilities that needs some love may be a safer bet.

[@catherinemori4496]

Canada is a “bijural” country as the province of Québec uses civil law except for criminal matters.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Thank you Catherine. I had no idea!

[@catherinemori4496]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC I’d just learnt that the correct word is bijural! 😂. It goes back to 1774 and the Quebec Act, when French Canadians were allowed keep their language (!), religion and civil but not criminal law. So,there’s no common law marriage protection….

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

HI Catherine! I tried responding to your comment but I don't see it here. Thank you for the data. We will see what happens soon with this situation.

[@catherinemori4496]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC I can still see it! 😀

[@danstoye3902]

Have you heard about this: ETIAS

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Hi Dan, Yes. I have heard but not really researched it yet. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.

[@LoeZack]

It's an electronic visa, same as ESTA: the American one that us, as Europeans, need in order to visit the US for tourism.

[@rtheben]

Are you saying that because Canadian law says @ with kitchen facilities @ then this is a workaround to the Italian reciprocal law?? Who’s the mob here!!!

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

Canada recently put into effect a law that does not allow Italians and others to purchase property in Italy. the law specifically lays out what types of properties they mean. The Italian law, being reciprocal is an exact mirror of the Canadian law and automatically goes into effect as soon as Canada or any other country enacts a law denying their citizens the right to purchase property there. This law outlines habitable properties. Properties with no facilities for kitchens and bathrooms are not considered habitable. This is a Canadian law so you can look to the Canadian government as the mob. (I see you have another message here that I have not read yet. Will comment on that too. )

[@hugolafhugolaf]

The irony of Trudeau's stupid government trying to prevent chinese from buying condos in Vancouver (and leaving them vacant), yet it affects canadians wanting to buy something abroad with what little money they have left after paying our sky-high taxes. This makes my blood boil.

[@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC]

I am so sorry.

[@martinsmith5520]

@@SuperSavvyTravelersLLC don't be sorry. The Canadian government did this to protect Canadians from foreign investors buying up all the land. Italy is doing the right thing. Honestly, I wish I could move to Italy but if this law protects Italy from turning into a place where Chinese investors plays their money, I'm glad.

[@saintpreferred9223]

You probably voted for that socialist.