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 calmness and serenity of the Italian lifestyle, as well as a convenient location in the center of Europe, combined with good food and artistic beauties, has been attracting Italian real estate buyers for several centuries.

Foreigners are either looking for a second home or house in Italy for permanent residence, or they are considering this opportunity as an investment to generate rental income.

• Geographic location and climate
• Multiple entry visa and residence permit
• High quality of life
• Eco bonuses for renovation and restoration
• Eligible property taxes – Flat tax regime
• A good investment due to the fact that Italy is among the top countries in terms of economic development, is one of the most visited countries by tourists in the world and has severe restrictions on the construction of new homes.

Sectors to invest in Italy real estate: the residential segment will continue to drive the market, while offices and the commercial sector may suffer. However, the hotel market in Italy is expecting a big push, which after a year of inactivity is recovering quickly thanks to large investors focused primarily on the elite segment.

A 2021 analysis of the Italian real estate market shows that most foreigners prefer detached houses, such as coastal Italy homes for sale, farmhouses in Italian countryside, or large garden houses in the vicinity of major cities – excellent choice for permanent residence living and spending holidays in complete tranquility with friends and family.
The Italian real estate websites also confirm that Italian coastal homes, mostly townhouses for sale or near big cities are in great demand, the price 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 allow to have at your disposal a private garden, a parking place and even a swimming pool.

The Apartments in Italy are mainly requested in major regional centers such as Milan, Rome and Florence, with an increase in the number of transactions + 11% is recorded compared to 2020. Three-bedroom apartments with a balcony or 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)
A non-resident private individual buying a newly built, an existing or an off plan property from a private individual pays 9% of fiscal value. For residents this tax is 2% of the cadastral value of the house. Other rules apply to the acquisition of land and whenever a company is involved.
– Land registry tax/cadastral tax (imposta catastale) is a fixed fee that varies from €50 (if you purchase a house from a private seller) to €200 (if you purchase the house from a registered company in Italy).
– The Mortgage Tax (imposta ipotecaria) is payable for all property transactions, including both new builds and older properties. The fee is €129.11 for residents buying their first home. The fee is 1% of the cadastral value for non-residents and purchases of second homes.
The maintenance taxes in Italy are:
– Property ownership tax (IMU)
It is calculated at a rate that ranges from 0.4 % to 0.76 %, depending on the municipality. If your property is your primary residence, you do not have to pay IMU. However, if the property is either your second house or your primary residence but it is categorized it as a luxury – 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’s in. The average cost is about € 70.
– Waste collection tax (TARI) The particular amounts vary by location, the quantity of registered residents and therefore the intensity of the operation of the property.
– VAT (IVA)
If you’re buying a house in Italy from a private seller who isn’t registered for IVA, you won’t need to pay this tax.
But if you buy your property from an IVA-registered company or property developer, the subsequent tax rates will be payable, that ranges from 4% to 22%.

Although the ownership of a house in Italy does not entitle you to a residency permit (permesso di soggiorno), it can will definitely facilitate to get an Elective Residence Visa if you prove you have stable and sufficient funds to support your stay without employment. Owning property can also strengthen your application for an investor visa for Italy.