Here are five tips to help you get the best price when buying a house in Italy.

Having a home in Italy sounds like living the dolce vita: warm summer evenings, olive groves, and a view of the sea. It’s no surprise that more and more people from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland are interested in buying property in southern Europe. The good news is that the market continues to offer good opportunities. The bad news is that… Those who are not well prepared often pay too much.

But with the right strategy, buyers can save a lot of money without sacrificing quality or location. In this article, we’ll share five simple tips to help you get the best price when buying a house in Italy, even if you don’t speak Italian.

The region decides: Location is very important.

Italy is a diverse country, with different landscapes, cultures, and price ranges. While you can easily pay half a million euros for a small farmhouse in Tuscany, you can find charming country houses for a third of the price in Apulia or Calabria. These regional differences have a big impact on the price level. For example, the average price per square meter in Tuscany is often between 3,800 and 5,500 euros, while in Calabria, 900 to 1,800 euros per square meter is common.

Right now, Abruzzo and Lazio are especially good deals. They are less crowded with tourists, but they still have beautiful views, historical buildings, and a good quality of life for the people who live there. If you look for properties based on facts and potential rather than just the name of a region, you can save a lot of money and find great deals.

Don’t buy without thinking: A market analysis is worth the effort.

Many people looking to buy a home fall in love with a property, a village, or a view. But people who make a quick decision often pay more than they should. So, it’s a good idea to pay close attention to the local real estate market before making a purchase. Use websites like immobiliare.it, casa.it, or idealista.it to compare similar properties.

Ask yourself: How long has the property been for sale? Are there similar houses for sale in the area that are cheaper? What kinds of facilities are nearby, like shopping areas, hospitals, or airports? The better your analysis, the better you will be able to figure out asking prices and negotiate.

An experienced estate agent with a good local network, like ItalicaHomes, can help you understand the market and the hidden price differences between municipalities, locations, and property types. This helps you avoid overpaying and worry less.

Knowing extra costs and identifying hidden price drivers

The asking price of a property in Italy is only part of the truth. This is because there are often extra costs on top of the total price. The extra costs depend on the property, the type of purchase, and your residency status. These extra costs can quickly add up to ten to fifteen percent. It is very important to calculate these items carefully so that you can estimate the total price.

The most common additional costs include notary fees (1-2% of the purchase price), registration tax (usually 2% for primary residences, otherwise 9%), estate agent commissions of up to 5%, as well as flat-rate costs for the land register, cadastral entries, translations, or expert opinions. This can add up to several thousand euros, which is something to consider when buying.

It’s a good idea to list all the extra costs you expect in advance and think about them when you’re negotiating the price. Also, be aware of any problems that may have been passed down, such as unpaid mortgages or missing building permits. Look at the land register with an expert to avoid surprises. If you do your research, you will have a better understanding of the price and a strong basis for your arguments.

Negotiate in a smart way to get a better price.

Negotiating is just part of buying a property in Italy. Sellers often calculate with a certain amount of room for negotiation. This is especially true if the property has been on the market for some time, has visible defects or is being sold privately. There are three good reasons to expect a lower price: properties that need to be renovated, properties that have been listed online for more than six months, or properties with a seller who is in a hurry to sell.

One good strategy is to come up with solid arguments. Take a surveyor or architect with you to the second viewing and have any defects professionally assessed. If you can show the seller exactly how much a damaged roof truss costs, for example, they may be willing to lower the price.

If you’re willing to pay, that can also work wonders. For example, if you show that you can buy quickly, many sellers are willing to lower the price. Another lever is a clear comparison with better comparable properties: If you mention that a similar house in the neighbourhood costs much less, it can help change people’s minds.

During the negotiation itself, clear, objective formulations such as: Saying things like “I am very interested in this property, but it needs some work” or “I could make a quick decision if the price is lower” is helpful. If you act professionally and negotiate fairly, you will be seen as a serious buyer in Italy and have a much better chance.

Use timing: Buy at the right time of year

Many people don’t realize that the Italian property market changes a lot from season to season. In spring and summer, sellers often charge a lot more because there is a lot more demand. But from fall onward, things change. Demand drops, many potential buyers return to their home countries, and sellers are often willing to lower their asking prices.

If you’re flexible, you should plan your purchase for the period between October and February. During this less busy time of year, there is less competition among buyers, and sellers who want to sell before the end of the year for tax reasons or other reasons come across buyers. This makes it easier to negotiate.

If you are flexible, you should plan your purchase for the period between October and February. Since it’s a quieter time of year, there’s less competition and sellers who want to sell before the end of the year for tax reasons or other reasons. This makes it easier to negotiate.

For example, a rustico in Le Marche was offered for 390,000 euros in May 2024. In November, after not selling for months, it finally sold for 335,000 euros. The owner wanted to sell the property before winter so that he could focus on other projects. If you buy at the right time, you can often save a lot of money—without sacrificing quality.

Here are the most important tips:

• Pick a place that has reasonable prices and will probably do well in the future.
• Instead of reacting to the first offer, you should observe the market closely.
• Add up all the extra costs and get help from experts.
• Negotiate in a solid, professional way, using clear reasons and facts.
• Use the seasonal price differences to your advantage, especially in the fall and winter.

Conclusion: We offer knowledge and strategy at a great price

Buying a house in Italy doesn’t have to cost a lot. If you understand how the market works, check prices, negotiate well, and take advantage of the season, you can save a lot of money and stress. Good preparation and local knowledge are important. They can make a big difference.

If you’re looking for your dream property in Italy, let experienced professionals help you. The German-speaking team at ItalicaHomes will support you with their knowledge of the region, their negotiating skills, and their legal advice. Find the properties you’re looking for in your area. Or ask us for a personal consultation.