Budget roughly 8–15% of the purchase price for buying costs in Italy, depending on whether you buy from a private seller or a developer and whether it is your main residence. Here are the main items.
Taxes: the biggest item
Buying from a private seller incurs registration tax (Imposta di Registro): 9% of the cadastral value for a second home, reduced to 2% for a main residence (prima casa). Buying from a developer, VAT (IVA) of 10% applies instead (4% prima casa, 22% for luxury).
On private sales the tax is often calculated on the (usually lower) cadastral value, not the price — which reduces the bill.
Notary (notaio): 1.5–3%
The notary is a neutral public officer who executes the deed, checks the land registry and pays the taxes. The fee is typically 1.5–3% of the price.
Agent commission: 2–4% + VAT
In Italy both sides usually pay commission. The buyer share is typically 2–4% of the price plus 22% VAT on the commission.
Optional: lawyer / translator
Many foreign buyers also engage a lawyer (avvocato) to review contracts — roughly €1,500–5,000. If your Italian is limited, the notary appointment legally requires a sworn interpreter and possibly a translation.
Purchase cost calculator
Estimate the costs on top of the price. The result is a range because notary and agent fees are themselves ranges.
On private sales the registration tax is charged on the cadastral value, which is usually lower. Leave empty to calculate on the price — a cautious upper bound.
| Tax | €31,500 |
| Notary | €5,250 – €10,500 |
| Agent commission (incl. IVA) | €8,540 – €17,080 |
| Total costs | €45,290 – €59,080(12.9–16.9% of the purchase price) |
| Total including the price | €395,290 – €409,080 |
Indicative figures for orientation, not tax or legal advice. Have them checked by a notaio and a commercialista before buying.