In Italy, buying a property , is sanctioned by public deed by a Notary. At the time of this Notary Act, the purchaser must bear the expense for “Imposta di Registro” or I.V.A and cadastral tax depending on whether the seller is an individual or company and whether or not to the first house.

If the seller is a private person:

- Buildings: 10% on the value set by the Building Registry Office - "valore catastale"

- Agricultural land: 18% of the declared price

- However, there are reduced tax rates for the house in the case of Italian residency: if within 18 months after the purchase, your new house is established as your primary residency in Italy, the property purchase taxes are reduced from 10% to 3% (imposta di registro) plus the imposta ipotecaria e catastale of €168 each. The taxes for the land don't change.

note: the above rules apply to residential property. for other sales operations (offices, shops or land) taxes are paid on the purchase price

If the seller is a building company and the sale takes place within 4 years after the end of the works instead of the registration tax, VAT must be paid:

- 10% VAT (20% if it is a luxury property) Plus the imposta ipotecaria e catastale of €168 each

- 4% VAT (if the buyer purchase the property as primary residence) Plus the imposta ipotecaria e catastale of €168 each

Further expenses: In addition to taxes, the following expense items are payable at the time of the final contract: