Find your place in Sardinia
Buy property in Sardinia with confidence, without figuring it out alone. I’m an independent buyer’s advisor for international and American buyers, by your side from your first question to long after you receive the keys.
Consulting
Buy with confidence
Before you commit, I review the property’s documentation, legal compliance, condition and renovation costs so you can decide with confidence, not uncertainty.
Networking
A trusted local network
Local agents, notaries, architects and builders, matched to your needs.
About
Alessandro Carta
A Sardinian based in Amsterdam. I saw people fall in love with Sardinia and struggle with the practical side of buying here, so I started Sardinia Compass to be genuinely on their side.
Get started
Two ways to begin
Whether you’ve already found a place or you’re only just starting to look, there’s a way in that fits where you are.
Already found a property?
Send it over, and let's discuss the next steps.
Still searching?
Tell me your plans, and I'll help build a strategy.
FAQ
Buying property in Sardinia: your questions answered
Straight answers to what international and American buyers ask most. Every situation is different, so see this as a starting point, not legal or tax advice.
Can Americans buy property in Sardinia?
Yes. US citizens can buy property in Italy on the same terms as Italians, based on reciprocity between the two countries. You don't need residency or a visa to buy, but you do need an Italian tax code (codice fiscale), which you can request from an Italian consulate in the US or in Italy.
Does buying a home in Sardinia give me residency in Italy?
No. Owning property doesn't give you a visa or residency. Without a visa, US citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. For longer stays you need a visa, such as the elective residency visa, and owning a home can support that application.
How does buying a house in Italy work?
Usually in four steps: a written offer (proposta d'acquisto), a preliminary contract (compromesso) with a deposit, legal and technical checks, and the final deed (rogito) signed before a notary. The notary is a neutral public official, which is why many foreign buyers want an advisor on their own side.
What does buying cost on top of the price?
Plan for roughly 10–20% on top of the purchase price. When you buy from a private seller, registration tax is 9% for a second home or 2% if it becomes your main residence; new builds from a developer carry VAT instead. Notary fees, agency commission and checks come on top. I work out the real total for each property.
Are there direct flights from the US to Sardinia?
Yes, in summer. Since May 2026 Delta has flown New York JFK to Olbia, and United has announced Newark to Olbia from May 2027. The rest of the year, most travellers connect through Rome, Milan or another European hub.
Can I buy without being in Sardinia or speaking Italian?
Yes. Much of the process can be handled remotely, and you can sign the deed through a power of attorney if you can't travel. If you don't speak Italian, an interpreter is required at the notary. I coordinate every step in English.
Before you decide
Before you make one of life’s biggest decisions
Whether you’re considering a €500,000 apartment or a luxury villa, one conversation can help you move forward with confidence.