Marco Rossi is a real estate and commercial lawyer in Rome with 23 years of experience advising international buyers on Italian property acquisition, real estate due diligence, and cross-border commercial transactions. He is admitted to the Rome Bar (Ordine degli Avvocati di Roma) and holds a postgraduate specialization in Real Estate Law from LUISS University.

Professional Background

Mr. Rossi earned his law degree from Sapienza University of Rome and completed his postgraduate specialization in Real Estate Law at LUISS Guido Carli University. He trained at leading commercial firms in Rome before establishing his own practice focused on international real estate transactions. Over his 23-year career, he has assisted hundreds of international buyers, including Chinese investors, in acquiring residential, commercial, and hospitality properties throughout Italy.

He is a member of the Rome Bar Association and the Italian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He has completed advanced training in Italian notarial practice, cadastral law, and international property taxation. He speaks fluent English, Italian, and conversational Mandarin Chinese.

Practice Focus

Mr. Rossi specialises in Italian real estate law, assisting Chinese buyers with residential and commercial property acquisition, due diligence, title verification, and transaction structuring. His practice covers the full spectrum of real estate matters including property searches, cadastral compliance, building permits, urban planning certificates, energy performance certification, and tax implications under Italian law. He handles transactions across all property types including historic properties, residential developments, commercial real estate, and hospitality assets.

• ⚖️ Italian property acquisition and title due diligence
• 🛡️ Commercial real estate transactions and leasing
• 📜 Cadastral compliance and building permit verification
• 💼 Cross-border real estate investment structuring
• 📋 Tax planning for international property buyers

Representative Experience

• Advised a Chinese family office on the acquisition of a historic villa in Tuscany, including full title due diligence, cadastral compliance verification, and tax structuring
• Represented a Chinese hospitality group in the acquisition and redevelopment of a hotel property in Rome, coordinating with notaries, surveyors, and municipal authorities
• Guided a Chinese real estate investor through the acquisition of multiple commercial properties in Milan, including financing arrangements and corporate structuring

Working Method

Mr. Rossi takes a meticulous approach to Italian property transactions, conducting thorough due diligence on title, cadastral records, building permits, and encumbrances before proceeding with any acquisition. He coordinates with notaries, surveyors, tax advisors, and municipal authorities to deliver comprehensive transaction support for international buyers. He provides clear, practical guidance on the Italian property acquisition process and maintains regular communication with clients throughout the transaction.

Client Considerations for Chinese Companies

Italian real estate offers significant opportunities for Chinese investors, particularly in residential, hospitality, and commercial segments. The Italian property system operates through a public deed (rogito notarile) system with mandatory notarial involvement. Key considerations include verification of cadastral compliance and building permits, which is essential for properties with unpermitted modifications; urban planning certificates confirming lawful property use; energy performance certification (APE) required for all property sales; and potential tax obligations including registration tax, VAT, cadastral taxes, and mortgage taxes.

Non-EU buyers should also consider residency implications, as property ownership does not automatically confer residency rights. An investor visa may be available for properties valued above certain thresholds. Financing from Italian banks may be available to non-resident buyers, though terms and conditions differ from domestic purchasers.

Italian property transactions require careful coordination between buyer, seller, notary, and legal counsel. Engaging local legal expertise early in the process is essential to avoid costly complications. Thorough due diligence on cadastral compliance, building permits, and title status is the foundation of a successful Italian property acquisition.

Education and Qualifications

• Laurea in Giurisprudenza (Law Degree), Sapienza University of Rome
• Postgraduate Specialization in Real Estate Law, LUISS Guido Carli University
• Admitted to Rome Bar (Ordine degli Avvocati di Roma)
• Member, Rome Bar Association and Italian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce

Local Context

Rome, as Italy's capital, offers a diverse real estate market spanning historic properties in the city centre, modern residential developments in the suburbs, and prime commercial locations. The city is also a major tourist destination, driving demand for hospitality and short-term rental properties. Rome's legal market provides specialised expertise in international property transactions, with well-established connections to notaries, surveyors, and municipal authorities essential for efficient transaction completion.

Languages

• Italian (native)
• English (fluent)
• Mandarin Chinese (conversational)

Professional Memberships

• Rome Bar Association (Ordine degli Avvocati di Roma)
• Italian-Chinese Chamber of Commerce
• International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Italy

Key Publications

• "Italian Real Estate Acquisition Guide for Chinese Investors" — Camera di Commercio Italo-Cinese, 2024
• "Cadastral Compliance in Italian Property Transactions" — FIABCI Italy Quarterly, 2023