And why buying in Italy still makes sense.
Buying a house in Europe is not just about the property price – it’s also about taxes and legal costs, which vary greatly from country to country. Here’s what you need to know before you invest.
🏷️ Top EU Countries with the Highest Property Purchase Taxes
| Country | Minimum | Average | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇧🇪 Belgium | 2.0% | 7.2% | 12.5% |
| 🇪🇸 Spain | 6.0% | 8.5% | 11.0% |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 0.0% | 6.0% | 12.0% |
| 🇮🇹 Italy | 2.0% | 5.5% | 9.0% |
| 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 0.0% | 5.2% | 10.4% |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | 3.5% | 5.0% | 6.5% |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | 0.0% | 4.0% | 8.0% |
| 🇦🇹 Austria | 1.5% | 3.0% | 4.5% |
| 🇫🇷 France | 0.7% | 2.9% | 5.0% |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | 0.5% | 2.1% | 3.8% |
🇮🇹 Buying in Italy: What You Actually Pay
In Italy, total costs average 5.5%, including:
✅ If buying a FIRST HOME from a private seller:
- 2% Registration Tax (on cadastral value)
- €50 Land Registry Tax
- €50 Mortgage Tax
- Notary fees (~€2,000–3,500)
- Agency fee (~3/4% + VAT)
✅ If buying from a developer (with VAT):
- 4% VAT
- €200 Registry Tax
- €200 Land & Mortgage Taxes
❗ For SECOND HOMES:
- 9% Registration Tax or 10–22% VAT (for luxury properties)
- Fixed costs for taxes
- Annual IMU property tax
- No “first home” benefits
💡 With the Prezzo-Valore System, first-home buyers from private sellers can pay taxes on the cadastral value, often much lower than the purchase price – a big advantage in Italy.
🌍 Why Italy (Still) Makes Sense
Italy might not be the cheapest country, but it strikes a balance between fair taxation and property value – especially in hidden gems like Roseto Capo Spulico, where both foreign and Italian buyers are investing not just in real estate, but in a new way of life.
📩 Thinking of buying in Italy?
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