Taxes on buying property in Italy eat up 10-15% of the price - but there's a way to save half.

It all depends on who's selling. If an individual pays registration tax (from 2% to 9% depending on status). If the developer - VAT from 4% to 22%. But here’s the main thing: taxes are not considered from the real value, but from the cadastral value of real estate, which is usually much lower. This significantly reduces the real burden.

Foreigners can claim first-home benefits (as can Italians). Condition: no luxury category, no other residential property in the same municipality, and you must register your official residence within 18 months. If you do this, the tax will fall from 9% to 2% when buying from a private owner or from 10% to 4% from a developer.

Plus taxes: notary (1.5-4.5 thousand euros), agent (2-4% of the price), possibly a lawyer. All in all, put 10-15% from the top to the price.

Credit: Italian Lawyer Real Estate