{"id":5037,"date":"2010-05-07T16:00:02","date_gmt":"2010-05-07T15:00:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rightmove.co.uk\/overseas-magazine\/?page_id=5037"},"modified":"2018-11-13T15:38:02","modified_gmt":"2018-11-13T14:38:02","slug":"italy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.rightmove.co.uk\/overseas-magazine\/legal-advice-buying-overseas\/italy\/","title":{"rendered":"Overseas Property Legal Advice – Italy"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Legal advice for property in Italy<\/h3>\n

A variety of fees (also called closing or completion costs) are payable when you buy a property in Italy. These vary considerably according to the price, whether the property is new or old, whether you\u2019re buying via an agent or privately, and whether you have employed a lawyer or other professionals. Most property fees are based on the \u2018declared\u2019 value of a property, which is usually less than the actual purchase price or its \u2018market\u2019 value. <\/p>\n

The fees associated with buying in Italy are among the highest in Europe and may include registration tax, land registry tax, value added tax (VAT), a notary\u2019s fees and estate agent\u2019s fees, mortgage completion of a sale and a range from around 9 to 15 per cent for a non-resident (the average is around 13 per cent), although they can be as high as 20 percent for luxury properties. Before signing a preliminary contract, check exactly what fees are payable and have them confirmed in writing. If you\u2019re a resident, the fees associated with buying a property in Italy can be offset against income tax. <\/p>\n

However since January 2006, in respect to dwelling houses only, the buyer (who must not be a company) has the option of choosing to pay the above taxes on the cadastral value rather than on the actual purchase price. This will allow him\/her to save approximately half the costs, previously payable. <\/p>\n

Registration Tax<\/strong><\/p>\n

Registration tax (imposta di registro) is the main tax on property and is levied at between 0 and 10 per cent of the declared value or rendita catastale. The amount payable depends on whether it\u2019s your first and only home or a second home, whether it\u2019s a new home and whether you\u2019re a resident, as follows:<\/p>\n