In depth · Property
Buying property on Lake Como: the steps for buyers
The official steps for buying a home on Lake Como. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Updated October 2026
The proposal and the compromesso
Buyer and seller usually sign a purchase proposal and then a preliminary contract, the compromesso, with a deposit. Have your own lawyer or notary read it before you sign.
The notaio
The final deed, the rogito, is signed before a notaio, who checks the title, the planning position and any charges on the property, and registers the sale. The Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato explains each step on notariato.it.
The codice fiscale
Every buyer needs an Italian tax code, issued by the Agenzia delle Entrate or by an Italian consulate abroad.
Lakeside questions
On the lake, ask your notary and your lawyer about access from the road and the water, and about the rules for any landing, mooring or boathouse.
Where people live
See our property guide for Cernobbio and Moltrasio, Tremezzina and Menaggio, Bellagio, Como town and the eastern shore. 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.
Do I need an Italian tax code?
Yes: every buyer needs a codice fiscale.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. Confirm every step with an Italian notary or lawyer.