Transferring Money to Italy: What International Property Buyers Need to Know in 2025
Ah, Italy. Rolling hills, cobbled streets, terracotta rooftops, €1 homes (yes, really)… it’s no wonder so many international buyers are making the leap. But between the vino and the views, there’s a slightly less romantic part of buying property in Italy that deserves your full attention:
Transferring your money.
If you’re purchasing from overseas whether in USD, GBP, CAD, or another currency you’ll need to convert your funds into euros. And how you handle that conversion can seriously impact what you pay (and how smoothly things go).
Here’s what every international buyer should know about transferring money to Italy in 2025.
Why Currency Strategy Should Be on Your Checklist
Property in Italy can be surprisingly affordable, especially in smaller towns or rural areas. But don’t let the romantic price tags fool you, exchange rates can eat into your budget if you’re not careful.
Let’s say you’re buying a €150,000 farmhouse in Puglia. A small shift in the exchange rate could add or subtract thousands from your total cost. That’s not just a holiday fund, that’s your renovation budget gone.
The key is not just transferring your money but timing and managing your transfers smartly.
Why Sending Money via Your Bank Might Not Be the Best Idea
Using your local bank might feel familiar but it can be more expensive than you realise.
Banks typically:
Offer less favourable exchange rates
Add hidden margins to the rate
Charge high international transfer fees
Don’t offer tools to manage market changes
Won’t give personal support (unless you count hold music)
A specialist foreign exchange partner like Moving Currency gives you:
Better rates
Low or no fees
Rate alerts and forward contracts
Dedicated, personal service
Which means more money for marble countertops, less stress at the notary.
Can You Lock in a Good Rate?
Absolutely and this can be a game-changer in Italy. Why? Because the buying process can move slowly (charmingly so, but still…), and delays are common. Plus, if you’re buying a renovation project, you may have staged payments for contractors or local taxes.
That’s where a forward contract helps. It lets you:
Lock in today’s exchange rate
Transfer funds later (up to 12 months in advance)
Avoid budget surprises down the line
It’s ideal if you’re waiting on a property sale in your home country or planning renovations after purchase.
How Property Payments Work in Italy
The Italian property process typically involves:
A small deposit at the proposal stage (Proposta d’Acquisto)
A 10–30% deposit when signing the preliminary contract (Compromesso)
The balance at completion, with the notary present
Funds are usually transferred to:
Your Italian lawyer’s or notary’s client account
The seller’s bank account
You'll need to provide documentation showing where the funds came from so clear, tracked transfers are essential.
Moving Currency ensures your euros arrive safely, with proper paperwork for your Italian legal team and peace of mind for you.
When Should You Start Planning Your Transfer?
Ideally, as soon as you’re seriously considering buying.
Even before you find the perfect property, we can help you:
Understand how far your budget goes in euros
Track rates and set alerts
Talk through transfer options if you’re planning a staged purchase or renovation
The earlier we speak, the more control you’ll have.
A Human Approach to Currency Transfers
At Moving Currency, we help clients from all over the world transfer funds for their Italian property purchases smoothly, securely, and with a personal touch.
Whether you're buying a villa in Tuscany, a fixer-upper in Calabria, or a €1 home in Sardinia, we've got your back.
We offer:
Friendly, expert support
Competitive exchange rates
Flexible tools to protect your budget
All with a big smile (and absolutely no confusing banking jargon).
Let’s Chat Before You Transfer
If you’re buying in Italy or even just exploring the idea, we’d love to help you feel confident about moving your money when the time comes.
Book a free chat with Claire
Or visit www.movingcurrency.com
We’ll help you make the most of your money and enjoy a smoother journey to your Italian dream.