Liguria is often seen as the more affordable alternative to Tuscany or Lake Garda: sea, a mild climate and mountain villages are frequently only a few kilometres apart. This guide places the region, walks through the purchase in five steps and points to the detailed guide for each topic.
West or east of Genoa?
Liguria splits into two coastal strips. The Riviera di Ponente west of Genoa (provinces of Imperia and Savona) with Sanremo, Alassio, Andora and Finale Ligure lies closer to the French border; for the western part Nice airport is often the quickest way in, for the rest Genoa.
The Riviera di Levante east of Genoa (provinces of Genoa and La Spezia) with Rapallo, the Cinque Terre and Lerici is hillier and steeper, and the towns are often smaller. The town pages further down show which places suit you.
How the purchase works: five steps
1. Get a tax code (codice fiscale) — you cannot buy without one. 2. Have the property checked: cadastral extract, floor plan, building permits and energy certificate (APE); a geometra (technical surveyor) is worth it, especially for older conversions and hillside plots. 3. Make a written offer (proposta d’acquisto). 4. Sign the preliminary contract (compromesso) with a deposit (caparra). 5. Execute the deed (rogito) at the notary.
Each step is explained in its own guide: codice fiscale, the buying process and the notary.
What does buying cost on top of the price?
Taxes, notary and agent fees come on top of the price. The guides use 8–15% of the price as a rule of thumb; for a main residence (prima casa) it is lower than for a second home. When buying from a developer, VAT applies instead of registration tax.
The costs calculator in the purchase-costs guide works out the amount for your property. Financing through an Italian bank has its own guide.
Running costs after the purchase
Budget for the municipal property tax IMU (on second homes), the waste charge TARI, condominium fees, and electricity, water and heating. If you are moving to Liguria for good, the emigration guide covers residency registration and daily life.
Common mistakes when buying in Liguria
Buying without a technical check: differences between the floor plan and the actual property do happen. Looking only at the sea view and forgetting access, parking and stairs — in the steep towns that is an everyday matter. No Italian bank account, which makes the deposit and running costs more cumbersome. A language barrier at the notary: bring a sworn interpreter if needed.
FAQ
Browse current listings in Liguria or get in touch: we put you in contact with local agencies that serve German-speaking buyers. This guide is general orientation, not legal or tax advice. Always consult a notary (notaio) and an accountant (commercialista) before buying.