Originally Posted by Nardini

I must firstly point out to you that neither of the words "could", nor "might" were used in the post to which I responded.

When you purchase property in Italy, the taxes that you pay on the purchase are reduced if the house is your "prima casa" in Italy. If the house you are buying is not your "prima casa" than you must pay the increased tax on the purchase. You have 18 months to achieve this qualification, after which the higher rate of taxation must be paid.

It is, obviously, well worth your while applying for residenza as soon as possible after the purchase has been confirmed, even though it may prove "inconvenient" to justify that you really do live in the house as your main residence in Italy. That is the price you must pay for the lower taxation level, which is designed to relieve the tax burden on the people who live in their houses full-time. Remember, that you must not sell the house for 5 years after purchase as well, or you will have to pay the higher level of tax at that time.

I note your comment on buying a vehicle, but have not answered that question here as this thread is all about property tax, no? I will only add, solely for your benefit, that you must have an address in Italy to which a car can be registered to - hence the need for residenza when you are buying a car.