English-Speaking Lawyers in Amalfi

Question 1

What legal checks are essential before buying on the Amalfi Coast?

Answer

Key checks include: (1) visura ipotecaria — confirms no mortgages or liens on the property; (2) conformità urbanistica — verifies the building matches its authorised plans at the Comune di Amalfi or Comune di Positano; (3) vincoli paesaggistici check — confirms the property is not subject to Soprintendenza restrictions that prevent alterations; (4) conformità catastale — confirms the cadastral map matches the actual property. An avvocato immobiliarista coordinates all of these before your rogito.

Question 2

What is the imposta di registro for buying a house on the Amalfi Coast?

Answer

Resale properties are subject to imposta di registro of 9 % of the declared value (or higher cadastral value if applicable), plus €50 imposta ipotecaria and €50 imposta catastale. If you qualify for the prima casa benefit (intending to become resident within 18 months), the rate drops to 2 %. New-builds are subject to IVA (10 % standard, 4 % prima casa, 22 % luxury).

Question 3

Can a non-EU citizen buy property on the Amalfi Coast?

Answer

Yes — Italy applies reciprocity: nationals of countries that allow Italian citizens to purchase property there may buy freely in Italy. Most Western countries satisfy this. There are no nationality-specific restrictions on the Amalfi Coast, though foreign buyers need a codice fiscale from the Agenzia delle Entrate before signing. An avvocato can obtain your codice fiscale on your behalf with a power of attorney.

Question 4

What visa do I need to live on the Amalfi Coast as a non-EU retiree?

Answer

Non-EU retirees typically apply for an Elective Residency Visa at the Italian consulate in their home country. Requirements include proof of passive income (minimum ~€31,000/year for a single person), Italian health insurance, and accommodation in Italy. After arrival, you register with the local Anagrafe and apply for a permesso di soggiorno. An immigration avvocato in Naples or Salerno can guide you through the process.

Question 5

Are there restrictions on renovating a property on the Amalfi Coast?

Answer

Extensive ones. The Costiera Amalfitana sits within a UNESCO World Heritage Site and multiple landscape protection zones. Any exterior alterations — window changes, terrace extensions, facade colours, external structures — typically require: (1) CILA or SCIA at the local Comune; (2) Nulla Osta from the Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio; (3) possibly a Valutazione di Incidenza Ambientale for works near protected habitats. An avvocato or geometra familiar with local planning law is essential before starting any works.

Factor	Detail
Imposta di registro (resale)	9 % (second home); 2 % with prima casa benefit (must become primary residence)
IVA on new-build	10 % (second home); 4 % prima casa; 22 % luxury (A1/A8/A9 cadastral class)
UNESCO / vincoli	Strict paesaggistici and idrogeologici constraints — most works need Soprintendenza approval
Average price	€6,000–15,000+/m² for sea-view properties on the Costiera Amalfitana
Codice fiscale	Required for all buyers before signing any contract
Bar association	Ordine degli Avvocati di Salerno (nearest full barreau)
Language	Italian; limited English-speaking legal community locally; Naples/Salerno better served
Access	Road access only via SP163 — restricted for large vehicles; property logistics are complex

English-Speaking Lawyers in Amalfi

Diritto Immobiliare Costa

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