Buying a home in Italy is a dream for many — but if you’ve already started looking at listings online, you might have noticed something: the price you see on the ad is not the final price you’ll pay.
Just like in many other countries, purchasing a property in Italy comes with a series of additional costs — some predictable, some less obvious. Understanding these expenses in advance will help you plan your budget realistically and avoid unpleasant surprises along the way.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the main costs of buying a house in Italy, beyond the property price itself.
1. Taxes: Registration, VAT, and More
The type and amount of taxes you pay depend on two factors:
- Whether you’re buying from a private seller or from a company/developer.
- Whether you’re buying as a first home (prima casa) or a second home.
From a private seller:
- Registration tax (imposta di registro):
- 2% if it’s your first home in Italy (with certain conditions).
- 9% if it’s your second home.
- Fixed mortgage and cadastral taxes: €50 + €50.
From a company (new build):
- Instead of registration tax, you pay VAT (IVA):
- 4% for first home.
- 10% for second home.
- 22% in special cases (luxury properties).
- Plus fixed taxes of €200 each for registration, mortgage, and cadastral.
👉 Important: Taxes are usually calculated not on the market price, but on the cadastral value of the property — which is often lower. This can make a big difference in your budget.
2. Notary and Translations
In Italy, every property purchase must be finalized by a notary (notaio). The notary’s role is crucial: they check the legality of the transaction, verify ownership, ensure no mortgages or liens exist, and draft the final deed.
- Notary fees usually range between €1,500 and €3,000, depending on the property value and the complexity of the transaction.
- If you don’t speak Italian, you’ll also need a sworn interpreter for the signing of the deed. This cost is often underestimated: expect anywhere from €1,000 to €1,800, depending on the area and duration of the deed.
3. Agency Commissions
In Italy, real estate agents usually charge both the buyer and the seller. Commissions vary by region and agency, but on average:
- 2% to 4% of the purchase price, plus 22% VAT.
Sometimes, especially in smaller towns or with certain agencies, you might find fixed fees instead of percentages. In other cases, if you’re working directly with a consultant who isn’t tied to a specific agency (like me), you may pay for a service package rather than a commission.
4. Additional Professional Fees and Ongoing Costs
Beyond taxes and notary/agency fees, there are other important costs to consider:
- Surveyor/Architect (Geometra or Architetto):
To verify the property’s compliance with building and zoning regulations, check floor plans, and handle technical due diligence. Expect €800 to €2,000, depending on complexity. - Utilities setup:
After purchase, you’ll need to activate or transfer electricity, gas, water, and internet. Initial deposits and activation fees can add up to €300–600. - Municipal taxes (IMU and TARI):
- IMU (property tax) is not charged on primary residences (with some exceptions) but applies to second homes. The amount varies based on cadastral value and municipality.
- TARI is the waste collection tax, calculated on the size of the property. Expect a few hundred euros per year.
- Preliminary contract registration – about € 200-300.
5. A Practical Example: €150,000 Property
Imagine you’re buying a second home in Italy for €150,000 from a private seller.
- Registration tax (9% on cadastral value): ~€6,000 (assuming cadastral value lower than market price).
- Notary fees: ~€2,000.
- Interpreter: ~€1,200–1,500 (mid-range).
- Agency commission (3%): €4,500 + VAT = ~€5,500.
- Surveyor due diligence: €1,200.
- Utility activation: ~€400.
Total additional costs: about €16,000–17,000.
So, your €150,000 house actually costs around €166,000–167,000 all-in.
Conclusion: Plan Smart, Avoid Surprises
The Italian property market is full of opportunities — but only if you go in prepared. Knowing in advance how much you’ll really spend helps you:
- Avoid stress.
- Budget realistically.
- Focus on finding the home that’s right for you.
👉 Remember: the property price is just the beginning. The real value lies in a safe, transparent process — and in making sure your Italian dream doesn’t come with unexpected costs.
Frequently Asked Questions about Buying in Italy
- Do foreigners pay higher taxes when buying a house in Italy?
No, taxes are the same for Italian and foreign buyers. What changes is whether it’s a first or second home. - How much are notary fees in Italy?
Between €1,500 and €3,000, plus interpreter fees (€1,000–1,800 if needed). - What is IMU in Italy?
It’s the property tax on second homes. The amount depends on cadastral value and municipality.