FAQs on Italian Real Estate, Bureaucracy & Buying Process


Our mission is to make buying a home in Italy simple and enjoyable, especially for international buyers.


Why do I have to pay two agents when buying a home in Italy?

In many countries, it is common to have two real estate agents—one for the seller and one for the buyer—operating in a system where only the seller pays.

In Italy, however, the system works differently. The buyer almost always pays a commission, while the seller sometimes does, depending on the agreement they have with their agent. This commission is not shared with a separate property finder.

For this reason, our property finding service is charged separately. Our clients consistently tell us that the guidance, support, and expertise we provide make the process smooth and worry-free. You can see their satisfaction in our Google reviews, and many of our clients even refer friends and family to us. In short, while there is a cost, the peace of mind and professional support we provide make it truly worth it.


Costs vary depending on the property and purchase type, but here is an indicative breakdown for buying an apartment priced around €250,000:

  • Property finding service: ~3% of the purchase price (~€7,500).
  • Seller’s agency commission: 4% + 21% VAT (~€12,100).
  • Taxes:
    • Best Case: Registration tax 9% of the cadastral value (~€11,700 if the cadastral value is €130,000).
    • Worst Case: VAT 10% on the full purchase price (~€25,000 for a new apartment from a company).
  • Miscellaneous taxes: ~€1,000.
  • Notary fees: €3,000–€4,000 depending on complexity.
  • Estimated Total Costs:
  • Best Case: ~€35,300 (registration tax on cadastral value, lower notary fees).
  • Worst Case: ~€49,600 (VAT 10% on full price, higher notary fees).

These are approximate costs to help you budget your purchase. Our property finding service will guide you through each step, ensuring clarity, peace of mind, and no surprises, so you can fully enjoy your home purchase in Italy.

⚠️ These figures are intended to give a general idea of costs only. Actual amounts will vary depending on each property and individual circumstances. Every purchase should be evaluated case by case.


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