Purchaser costs

Closing Costs & Buying Property in Italy

This is a simplified and easy-to-understand overview of the closing costs when purchasing property in Italy.

Once you have found a property that interests you, we will be happy to provide you with a more detailed and tailored breakdown of the expected closing costs. We will also guide you step by step through the entire payment process, giving you clear insight into the amounts involved and the timeline, so you can move forward with confidence and complete peace of mind.

Buying a property in Italy should feel exciting, not complicated. We are here to guide you through the process and make everything as clear and straightforward as possible.

What Should You Budget? As a general rule, total purchase costs usually range between 12% and 25% of the property price.

 

The exact amount depends on:

  • How you plan to use the property (main home, holiday home, or investment).
  • The type of property.
  • Whether land is included (especially agricultural land).

We will always help you understand the exact costs for your specific situation.


Main Costs to Consider:

Government Taxes: These are required by law and are not subject to VAT.

  • Registration tax (based on the cadastral value, not the market price).
  • Additional taxes if agricultural land is included.


Notary & Legal Process: In Italy, a notary is required to complete the purchase. The notary:

  • Checks the legal status of the property.
  • Prepares the official documents.
  • Finalizes the transfer of ownership.

There are also costs for registering:

  • The initial offer (proposta di acquisto).
  • The preliminary agreement (compromesso).

Professional Support

To ensure everything is safe and correct, you may also need:

  • Legal assistance (especially recommended for international buyers).
  • Translation services (if needed).
  • General guidance throughout the process.


Practical Requirements: Every buyer will need to take care of a few essential practical steps:

  • Obtain an Italian tax number (codice fiscale): This is required for all legal and financial transactions in Italy.
  • Arrange secure payment transfers: Funds are typically transferred through the notary to ensure a safe and controlled transaction.
  • Power of Attorney (if required): If you are unable to be present in Italy, you may appoint a trusted representative to act on your behalf.
  • Due diligence:A thorough legal and technical review of the property to ensure everything is in order.
  • Property inspection: An assessment of the property’s condition, structure, and compliance with regulations.

 

VAT Explained: 

  • Government taxes: no VAT.
  • Professional services: VAT applies.

We will always clearly explain this to you.

 

The Buying Process: The process in Italy follows three main steps:

  1. Offer (Proposta di Acquisto): You make a formal offer to the seller
  2. Preliminary Agreement (Compromesso): A binding contract is signed and a deposit is paid
  3. Final Signing (Rogito Notarile)
    – Final payment is made
    – Ownership is officially transferred

 

Additional Situations: Some purchases are more complex (for example, buying through a company or including a business). In these cases, extra-legal or administrative costs may apply.

We will guide you through this if relevant.

 

Final Cost Overview: Before completion, the notary provides a full breakdown of all costs.

This gives you a clear and complete overview of the total amount required, so there are no surprises.

 

Do you have any other questions as seen below?

Let us know and we will provide you with all the necessary information.

  • How to calculate Taxes and Costs when Buying Property in Italy?
  • How is the Italian Property Purchase Process?
  • What are the Minimum Costs Involved When Purchasing An Italian Home?
  • What fees do buyers pay when buying a home?
  • What are the buyer fees of a property in Italy?
  • What are the hidden fees when buying a house in Italy?
  • How much & what is property tax in Italy?
  • What are the Closing Costs to buy a Property in Italy?
  • What are the real costs of buying a house in Italy as a foreigner?
  • How to buy a house in Italy?
  • What are the best places to buy a house in Italy?
  • Can I buy land in Italy?
  • How much does a house cost in Italy?

 

 

Updated: 8 September, 2025

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