The World Bank’s B-READY 2025 report recognises Italy for the efficiency, security, and quality of its real estate transactions, bolstering the confidence of those who choose to buy and invest in the country.
A RECORD THAT SPEAKS TO RELIABILITY
When purchasing a property—especially if it is a significant investment intended to last over time—security, transparency, and legal certainty are fundamental elements.
It is precisely in this field that Italy has earned significant international recognition. In B-READY 2025, the World Bank report that analyses the regulatory and operational environment for businesses in 101 economies, Italy ranks first in the world in the “Business Location” category, with a score of 83.6 out of 100.
The result takes three aspects into account: the quality of regulations, the quality and transparency of public services, and operational efficiency.
WHY ITALY IS AT THE TOP
Italy’s performance stands out in particular for the strength of its regulatory framework and the quality of the services that support real estate transactions.
According to the World Bank’s analysis, Italy scores 93.0 for regulatory quality and 84.9 for the quality of public services, while also maintaining scores above 70 in terms of operational efficiency.
Underpinning this system is a model in which verification of the transaction’s compliance precedes the transfer of ownership. This approach helps prevent critical issues and strengthens the certainty of legal relationships.
THE ROLE OF THE NOTARY: CHECK FIRST, PREVENT LATER
In the Italian real estate sales process, the notary plays a central role in ensuring the legality of the transaction.
Before the contract is signed, checks are conducted on the ownership, the legal status of the property, and the presence of any encumbrances, mortgages, or other factors that could affect the transfer.
It is a matter of prevention: identifying and resolving any issues before the sale is finalised, rather than leaving their resolution to subsequent legal proceedings. For buyers and sellers, this means being able to navigate the transfer of ownership within a structured system, in which legal certainty is an essential element of the entire process.
DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY AND TRANSPARENCY: AN INCREASINGLY EFFICIENT SYSTEM
Alongside the solidity of the regulations is the growing digitalisation of public services and property procedures. Digital registries and tools now make it possible to manage information and fulfill obligations more quickly, with greater traceability and transparency. It is precisely this integration of regulations, public services, and technology that represents one of the elements evaluated by B-READY.
This is a particularly significant development for those coming from abroad who wish to purchase property in Italy, as it helps make a process that may seem complex to those unfamiliar with the Italian system more understandable and reliable.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THOSE BUYING A HOME IN ITALY
The top ranking achieved in the B-READY program is more than just institutional recognition: it also has a tangible impact on the real estate market.
For a buyer, the security of an investment depends on the ability to verify who the rightful owner is, what the legal status of the property is, and whether there are any factors that could jeopardise the transfer of ownership. A system based on preventive checks reduces the risk that issues not identified at the time of purchase will later turn into disputes.
For international buyers, this represents an additional source of confidence: alongside the beauty of the locations, the quality of life, and the real estate assets, the robustness of the legal system also contributes to making Italy an attractive destination for real estate investments.
MORE CERTAINTY, LESS RISK
One of the main advantages of this model is therefore its ability to identify critical issues before they escalate into disputes.
The combination of preventive checks, professionals involved in the sale, public records, and digital tools helps create an environment in which ownership can be transferred with a high level of certainty and transparency.
This is a particularly important consideration in the luxury property sector, where the value of the investment makes it all the more crucial to properly verify every legal and documentary aspect.
AN ACKNOWLEDGMENT THAT STRENGTHENS CONFIDENCE IN THE ITALIAN MARKET
Italy’s top ranking in the B-READY 2025 Business Location index, therefore, reveals something that goes beyond a simple ranking.
Regulations, oversight, public services, and digital innovation all contribute to making real estate transactions safer. For those choosing to buy a home in Italy, this is a key source of confidence: behind every sale lies not just a property, a contract, and an investment, but a system of safeguards designed to ensure that the transfer of ownership proceeds with legality, transparency, and legal certainty.
In this process, the value of professional expertise also makes a difference. Great Estate supports buyers and sellers through professionals with experience in various international markets, capable of understanding the needs and expectations of a global clientele. This expertise is complemented by the use of digital tools and innovative technologies, which make the various stages of the transaction more efficient, transparent, and accessible—even remotely.
Investing in Italian real estate means choosing a location, but it also means being able to rely on people, expertise, and resources that can turn an important decision into a well-informed and secure journey.
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