By Garen Ajderhanyan · 8 July 2026 · 6 min read
In brief
An Italian buyer purchases in France without any restriction: a citizen of the European Union, he benefits from freedom of movement, for purchase as for residence. The process follows the French line, offer, compromis, authentic deed at the notary. The border proximity makes the Riviera accessible at the weekend from Milan or Turin. Property tax is due, wealth tax on property may apply, and the France-Italy tax treaty avoids double taxation. Tax matters are reviewed with counsel, before the offer.
Nice, an Italian history?
One sometimes forgets: Nice belonged to the House of Savoie, then to the Kingdom of Sardinia, until its attachment to France in 1860. Garibaldi was born there. The old town, its ochre facades, its cuisine, retain this imprint, and our Italian clients feel at home there without effort.
This cultural proximity doubles a geographical proximity. For a buyer from Northern Italy, the Côte d'Azur is not the distant abroad, it is the natural extension of the Ligurian Riviera, on the other side of Vintimille.
Does an Italian citizen buy freely?
Yes, and more simply still than a buyer from outside the Union. A European citizen, the Italian benefits from freedom of movement: he buys without restriction, and may reside in France without the stay limits imposed on nationals of third states.
The process remains the French process: offer, compromis or promesse, cooling-off period, then authentic deed at the notary. The contract is in French, a sworn translator may intervene, a precaution I recommend as soon as any doubt exists.
Is the border truly an asset?
It is even the primary argument. Vintimille is some forty minutes from Nice, Milan and Turin a few hours by road or rail. A residence on the Riviera then becomes a weekend place, not only for holidays, which changes the way one inhabits it and chooses it.
Many of our Italian buyers seek precisely that: the sea, the light and a Mediterranean table, within reach of a Friday evening.
What taxation for an Italian owner?
Property tax is due each year. Depending on the value of property assets held in France, wealth tax on property may come into play. On resale, capital gains follow their own rules.
A tax treaty binds France and Italy to avoid double taxation. As always, each situation is particular, and tax counsel is consulted before committing.
Frequently asked questions
- Can an Italian buy in France without restriction?
- Yes. A citizen of the European Union, he buys freely, without authorisation or condition of nationality, in full ownership.
- Can an Italian buyer reside in France?
- Yes. European freedom of movement allows him to reside in France without the stay limits imposed on nationals from outside the Union.
- How far is the Italian border?
- Vintimille is some forty minutes from Nice. Milan and Turin are accessible in a few hours, which puts the Riviera within reach of a weekend.
- Is the sale contract in French?
- Yes, the authentic deed is drafted in French. The notary may call upon a sworn translator if the buyer does not master the language.
References
The author
Garen AjderhanyanEditor of La Gazette de la Promenade
Editor of La Gazette de la Promenade. He writes on Riviera property and the art of living, from Nice.