Residential and commercial
properties for sale in Italy

Why does Italy attract so many tourists and people from all over the world looking to buy property here? The invariable charm of Italy, its culture, landscapes, sunny climate, and cheerful hospitality win the hearts of most tourists. The serenity and calm of the Italian lifestyle, as well as Italy’s convenient location in the center of Europe, combined with good food and artistic beauties, has been attracting Italian real estate buyers for many decades.

Foreign buyers are either looking for a second home or house in Italy for permanent residence, or they are considering investment opportunities to generate rental income.

• Geographic location and climate
• Multiple entry visas and residence permits
• High quality of life
• Eco bonuses for renovation and restoration
• Flat tax regime
• A good investment, as Italy:
  – Is among the top countries in terms of economic development
  – Is one of the most popular tourist destinations
  – Has severe restrictions on building new homes

Statistics from major Italian real estate portals show that most foreigners prefer detached houses, such as coastal homes, countryside or large garden houses in the vicinity of major cities – all excellent choices for permanent residence spending the holidays with friends and family in complete.

The Italian real estate websites also show that Italian coastal homes, mostly townhouses,
particularly near big cities are in great demand, the prices of which can be significantly less than for a detached house. Such types of Italian real estate as a townhouse, a section of a villa or a villetta come with a private garden, a parking place and often even a swimming pool.

The most popular destinations for buying property with an increase in the number of transations are major regional centers such as Rome, Milan and Florence. Three-bedroom apartments with a balcony or a terrace remain the most popular, followed by four-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments.

Taxes in Italy upon purchase:

– Registration tax/stamp duty (imposta di registro)
If you are buying a property with the intention of applying for residency, you are entitled to a tax incentive, paying 2%, instead of the usual 9%, of the cadastral value*. Other rules apply to aquisition of land and whenever a company is involved.

*The “fiscal value” (also known as “cadastral value”) is the value recorded in the land registry, which is usually significantly lower than the “transaction value”, the value recorded in the purchase deed.

If you buy a property from a developer or constructor as your main residence – you pay 4% of the purchase price.

As a second home – you pay 10% of the purchase price (unless the property is classified as a luxury property, in which case you pay 22% of the purchase price)

– Land registry/cadastral tax and mortgage tax are minimal.

Annual maintenance taxes:

– Property ownership tax (“IMU”)
It is calculated at a rate that ranges from 0.4 % to 0.76 %of the cadastre value depending on the municipality. If your property is your primary residence, you do not have to pay the IMU. However, if the property is either your second house or your primary residence but it is categorized as a
luxury dwelling – IMU is obligatory.

– Indivisible Services Tax (TASI) It is worked out as between 1% and 3.3% of the property’s
cadastral value, depending on the municipality it is in. The average cost is about € 70.

– Waste collection tax (“TARI”). The amounts vary by location and by the number of registered residents.

– VAT (“IVA”)
If you are buying a house in Italy from a private seller who isn’t registered for IVA, you will not need to pay this tax.

But if you buy your property from an IVA-registered company or property developer, IVA taxes range from 4% to 22% of the purchase price.

Although ownership of a house in Italy does not entitle you to a residency permit (permesso di
soggiorno), it will definitely facilitate getting an Elective Residence Visa, which also requires proof that you have sufficient funds to support your stay without having to work. Owning property can also strengthen your application for an investor visa.