Buying a home in Sanremo from afar: a practical guide for those who do not live in Liguria

Buying a home in Sanremo without living there is possible, but it requires a different approach from a local purchase. Viewings need to be planned, documents can be signed remotely, and there are bureaucratic steps that those unfamiliar with Italy or Liguria may find surprising.

This guide is aimed at those coming from another Italian city looking for a seaside second home, and at those coming from abroad. Where the rules are the same, we cover them together. Where there are differences, we point them out clearly.

Before you start looking: get to know Sanremo

Before talking about properties, I always give my clients the same advice: come to Sanremo without rushing, walk around, explore, sit in a café. Understanding the city before looking for a home makes all the difference.

Sanremo has very distinct areas — la Foce, San Martino, the historic centre, la Pigna, the Casino area, Baragallo, Solaro — and each has its own character.

But there is an even more important question to ask before looking at any listing: how do you want to spend your time in Sanremo? Some people want to live mainly at home — for them, a sea-view terrace, light and space matter most. Others want to live outside — the home is just for sleeping, and the good hours are spent at the beach and on the seafront. There is no right answer. But knowing which type you are completely changes the kind of property that suits you.

1. Before you come to view

Organising a viewing from a distance requires more preparation than it might seem. Before contacting an agency, ask yourself: do you want a holiday home or will someone live there permanently? Do you need parking, a lift, a terrace? Do you have a preferred area? Do you have a defined budget?

The more precise you are, the fewer unnecessary viewings you will make.

A serious agent will provide on request: the cadastral floor plan, complete photos including common areas and garage, a virtual walkthrough video call. Do not book a physical viewing without having seen at least a floor plan.

2. How to organise the viewing

Sanremo is not large: in half a day it is possible to visit 3-4 apartments. Coordinate with the agent in advance to plan an efficient tour.

There are things a photo cannot convey. A practical rule: interiors are usually better in photos, exteriors are usually better in person. During the viewing, check: the actual aspect, the noise level of the area, the condition of the building, exactly where the sea view is from, the age of the installations.

3. From offer to deed signing

Once you have found the right property, the purchase process follows defined stages. Some require your physical presence, others do not.

If you cannot be present at the deed signing, you can sign a notarial power of attorney — in Italy or in your country of residence — authorising another person to sign on your behalf. The power of attorney must be drawn up by a notary, be specific to that deed, and be translated into Italian if drafted in another language. The cost ranges between 100 and 300 euros.

4. Digital signatures: how it works from a distance

For the purchase offer and the preliminary contract there is no need to come to Sanremo. You can sign digitally using the same procedure whether you are in Italy or abroad.

Once all the details have been agreed and the final version of the document is ready, I send the file via Adobe. You simply follow the instructions to sign. Alternatively, the agent can send the document in paper format to be signed and returned by registered post — less practical, but equally valid.

5. The Italian tax code (for those coming from abroad only)

To purchase a property in Italy you must have an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). Without it you cannot sign the notarial deed, open an Italian bank account, or transfer the utilities into your name. It should be requested as soon as you decide to proceed with the purchase, not at the last moment.

It can be requested at an Italian consulate or embassy in your country (free of charge, requires a passport), directly at the Italian Revenue Agency if you are already in Italy, or through your estate agent. The process takes from a few days to a few weeks.

6. Do you need a mortgage?

If you are an Italian buyer not resident in Sanremo there are no particular difficulties — Italian banks grant mortgages to residents of any region.

If you are a foreign buyer not resident in Italy, some Italian banks do grant mortgages to non-residents, but the conditions are more restrictive: maximum LTV often at 50%, income documentation requiring translation and apostille, longer process (2-3 months). Alternatively, many foreign buyers finance the purchase through banks in their own country or with their own funds.

In any case: before making an offer, verify your purchasing capacity. An offer without bank pre-approval weakens your position in the negotiation.

7. After completion: what to manage remotely

Electricity, gas and water need to be transferred into your name — I usually handle this for my clients. If the property is not your primary residence, you are subject to IMU (municipal property tax), payable in two instalments in June and December via the F24 form.

If the apartment is part of a residential building, you will receive notices of residents’ meetings — most building managers now provide for online participation. For any issue after completion, I remain available to my clients.