How much tax is paid on residential rentals?

Italy has progressive tax rates. If you lease residential real estate on a regular basis you need to declare your total annual rental income every year. If this amount does not exceed € 15,000 per year, it is taxed at 23% plus 2% of the annual rent. If the annual rental income is greater than € 75,000, it is taxed at 43% plus 2% of the total annual rent. However, paying less tax is possible: for example, when registering a rental contract with the cedolare secca option, the tax rate is fixed at 21% of the annual rent. And on a comodato d'uso contract, no tax is paid because this type of agreement implies a temporary provision of housing for free.

What is the property purchase payment process?

According to Italian law, non-residents must open a local bank account and transfer the full property purchase amount to it. In addition, 10% of the deposit must be paid by bank cheque. When the notarial act is issued, the bank will issue a cheque with the remaining amount to the seller.

What documents are required to buy property in Lake Como?

Passport; Marriage certificate or premarital agreement; Tax identification code – codice fiscale (on request from an Italian consulate in the applicant's home country or the local tax authorities).

Which regions of Italy offer the cheapest property prices?

It’s possible to buy a one-bedroom apartment for about € 60,000 in the city of Pizzo (Calabria) and from € 105,000 in the region of Abruzzo.

How much does it cost to maintain real estate in Lake Como?

Residential property maintenance costs comprise three parts: tax, utilities, and insurance. Italy introduced a unique communal property tax called imposta unica comunale (IUC) on January 01, 2014. It is calculated on three taxes: Municipal property tax (imposta municipale unica, IMU). It is levied at 0.76% but not on the real estate used as primary residence; Waste tax (TARI) – about € 100; Municipal tax for road maintenance, street lighting, and so on. On average, the tax on an 85 m² apartment is about € 850 per year. As for utility payments, they depend on the property. Anywhere between € 200-5,000 per annum for an apartment, depending on its size, while a villa with a swimming pool will be somewhere between € 1,200-6,000 per annum. The insurance fee depends on a property’s value and usually ranges from € 300-2,000 per annum (usually 1–2% of the property value)

Can Italian citizenship be obtained through buying real estate?

Property owners do not automatically become Italian citizens. It is necessary to live in the country for at least 10 years before becoming eligible for citizenship.

Which regions of Italy are the most promising for investing in real estate?

The most advantageous regions in terms of property investment are Lombardy, Piedmont and Liguria thanks to the well-developed infrastructure, which fuels price growth.

What is the process for the transaction closure?

To start, you need to open an Italian bank account and obtain a tax identification code. After that, a deposit is paid to reserve the property. The sum of the deposit is 1% of the purchase amount. Next, a sales agreement is signed. If the transaction closure is particularly time-consuming, a preliminary agreement with a deposit of as much as 10–30% can be signed. The final sales agreement is processed at a notary office. The agreement is also officially registered with Italy’s Real Estate Registration Department. The payment can be made in two ways: by a cheque or via a direct transfer of funds from the buyer’s bank account. After this is sorted, the new owner will receive the keys, sales agreement, and property register extract.

Do foreigners pay the same property taxes as Italians?

Yes, in Italy the taxes for residents and non-residents are the same. If buying a new-build you will have to pay: VAT — 4% of the property value; Fixed registration tax — € 200; Fixed mortgage tax — € 200; Fixed cadastral tax — € 200; For an existing property you will have to pay: Fixed registration tax — 9% of the property value (€ 1,000 at least); Fixed mortgage tax — € 50; Fixed registration tax — € 50. Owners pay a communal tax of up to 10.6%. Income tax for individuals is between 23–43%.

Are there any extra costs related to the purchase of real estate in Lake Como?

Yes, in addition to the expenses mentioned above there are a number of additional costs. For example, the payment of notary fees at 2–4% of the property's assessed value. This includes: Cadastral tax and a mortgage instalment – € 50 or € 200 depending on the buyer's residence permit availability; State duty – € 230; property tax – € 24.71; State register inscription fee – € 90; Notary fee – about 1–2.5% (for properties priced between € 300,000-1M the fee is € 5,000-7,000).

Can non-residents obtain a residential mortgage loan in in Lake Como?

Yes, but it is difficult to do so. Non-residents must have lived in Italy for at least two years and in some cases for five years. The income must be euro or dollar -denominated.

What is the process for property title registration in Lake Como?

Property title registration involves several stages. Firstly, the parties sign the sales agreement at a notary office. The notary then forwards the information to state agencies: tax authority, cadastre chamber office, and registration chamber. The lead time for documents ranges from a few days to three months, depending on the region where the transaction is closed. Only when all of the registration processes are completed does the buyer receive their original documents.

Lake Como real estate from 300,000 € - property for sale in lake Como

Comfortable villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a garage, a terrace and a Lake view, Lenno, Italy for 1,250,000 €

With swimming pool

Comfortable villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a garage, a terrace and a Lake view, Lenno, Italy

1,250,000 €

Total area 250 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

250 m², 3 bedrooms, villa

Lenno, Lombardy, Italy

1,250,000 €

A comfortable villa overlooking the lake is surrounded by a large private garden with a swimming pool and a garage. The villa... Read more

With balcony/terrace

Refined property of timeless charm in the town centre of Como

1,250,000 €

Total area 220 m²3 bedrooms4 bathrooms

220 m², 3 bedrooms, villa

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

1,250,000 €

The property, which is located in a privileged position on the Lungolago of Como, wins for its unique style and the fairytale... Read more

Residence permit

New apartments with sea views in Nice, Cote d'Azur, France

410,000 €

2 bedrooms 1 bathroom

Exclusive historic villa with a garden and a wharf, directly on Como Lake, Torno, Italy for 3,400,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Exclusive historic villa with a garden and a wharf, directly on Como Lake, Torno, Italy

3,400,000 €

4 bedrooms6 bathrooms

4 bedrooms, villa

Torno, Lombardy, Italy

3,400,000 €

We offer a three-storey villa, completely restored in 1995 and featuring views of the lake and the town, three entrances,... Read more

Comfortable villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a parking, a terrace and a Lake view, Tremezzo, Italy for 3,100,000 €

With swimming pool

Comfortable villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a parking, a terrace and a Lake view, Tremezzo, Italy

3,100,000 €

Total area 200 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

200 m², 3 bedrooms, villa

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

3,100,000 €

A comfortable villa has a spectacular view of the lake from all its rooms, as well as the presence of its own pool.... Read more

Furnished apartment with a terrace and a Lake view, San Siro, Italy for 760,000 €

Furnished

Furnished apartment with a terrace and a Lake view, San Siro, Italy

760,000 €

Total area 60 m²1 bedroom1 bathroom

60 m², 1 bedroom, apartment

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

2 floor

760,000 € 12,666 € per m²

A prestigious apartment located in an elegant and luxurious complex, in the famous medieval castle. This fabulous property... Read more

Furnished apartment with a parking, a terrace and a Lake view, Sala Comacina, Italy for 450,000 €

Furnished

Furnished apartment with a parking, a terrace and a Lake view, Sala Comacina, Italy

450,000 €

Total area 85 m²2 bedrooms1 bathroom

85 m², 2 bedrooms, apartment

Sala Comacina, Lombardy, Italy

1 floor

450,000 € 5,294 € per m²

A sunny apartment located on the ground floor has a covered parking space and is tastefully furnished. The windows... Read more

Cozy cottage with a private garden, a garage, a terrace and a Lake view, Tremezzina, Italy for 1,090,000 €

Cozy cottage with a private garden, a garage, a terrace and a Lake view, Tremezzina, Italy

1,090,000 €

Total area 204 m²4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

204 m², 4 bedrooms, detached house

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

1,090,000 €

Large panoramic windows and an open portico of this cozy cottage allow you to enjoy lunch and dinner al fresco. On the plot... Read more

Furnished villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a terrace and a Lake view, Menaggio, Italy for 1,900,000 €

With swimming pool

Furnished villa with a private garden, a swimming pool, a terrace and a Lake view, Menaggio, Italy

1,900,000 €

Total area 187 m²Land area: 1,429 m²3 bedrooms3 bathrooms

187 m², 3 bedrooms, villa + plot 1,429 m²

Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy

1,900,000 €

A cozy villa with a large garden and pool offers a charming view of the magnificent panorama of Lake Como. The furnished... Read more

With swimming pool

Classic villa with a Lake view, Valsolda, Italy

1,900,000 €

Total area 660 m²Land area: 3,000 m²6 bedrooms6 bathrooms

660 m², 6 bedrooms, villa + plot 3,000 m²

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

1,900,000 €

The villa 660 m² has a plot 3000 m². The villa has three floors. The property contains a garage for two cars and additional... Read more

Penthouse – Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy for 830,000 €

Sea view

Penthouse – Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

830,000 €

Total area 120 m²2 bedrooms2 bathrooms

120 m², 2 bedrooms, penthouse

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

830,000 € 6,916 € per m²

Prestigious four-storey villa overlooking the Lake, the city, and the mountains, Cernobbio, Italy for 9,000,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Prestigious four-storey villa overlooking the Lake, the city, and the mountains, Cernobbio, Italy

9,000,000 €

Total area 710 m²Land area: 6,500 m²4 bedrooms5 bathrooms

710 m², 4 bedrooms, villa + plot 6,500 m²

Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy

9,000,000 €

The villa was built in the early 20th century and has an invaluable historical significance for the whole region. Complete... Read more

Apartment – Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy for 395,000 €

Furnished

Apartment – Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy

395,000 €

Total area 135 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

135 m², 3 bedrooms, apartment

Cernobbio, Lombardy, Italy

395,000 € 2,925 € per m²

Villa – Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy for 1,900,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Villa – Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

1,900,000 €

Total area 200 m²Land area: 2,000 m²5 bedrooms5 bathrooms

200 m², 5 bedrooms, villa + plot 2,000 m²

Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

1,900,000 €

Como lake. A lake-view villa plus annexes, in 18,210 m² grounds in Argegno-Dizzasco. for 4,000,000 €

With swimming pool

Como lake. A lake-view villa plus annexes, in 18,210 m² grounds in Argegno-Dizzasco.

4,000,000 €

Total area 890 m²Land area: 18,210 m²7 bedrooms4 bathrooms

890 m², 7 bedrooms, villa + plot 18,210 m²

Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

4,000,000 €

A magnificent lakefront villa with a private garden of 18.210 m², various annexes, swimming pool and garage, in a convenient... Read more

Villa – Torno, Lombardy, Italy for 1,430,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Villa – Torno, Lombardy, Italy

1,430,000 €

Total area 200 m²Land area: 1,000 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

200 m², 3 bedrooms, villa + plot 1,000 m²

Torno, Lombardy, Italy

1,430,000 €

Apartment – Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy for 420,000 €

Sea view

Apartment – Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy

420,000 €

Total area 120 m²3 bedrooms3 bathrooms

120 m², 3 bedrooms, apartment

Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy

420,000 € 3,500 € per m²

Villa – Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy for 680,000 €

Villa – Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy

680,000 €

Total area 180 m²Land area: 200 m²4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

180 m², 4 bedrooms, villa + plot 200 m²

Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy

680,000 €

Villa – Moltrasio, Lombardy, Italy for 2,600,000 €

With swimming pool

Villa – Moltrasio, Lombardy, Italy

2,600,000 €

Total area 390 m²Land area: 1,500 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

390 m², 3 bedrooms, villa + plot 1,500 m²

Moltrasio, Lombardy, Italy

2,600,000 €

Beautiful villa overlooking the Lake, Faggeto Lario, Italy for 1,300,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Beautiful villa overlooking the Lake, Faggeto Lario, Italy

1,300,000 €

Total area 200 m²Land area: 3,500 m²2 bedrooms3 bathrooms

200 m², 2 bedrooms, villa + plot 3,500 m²

Faggeto Lario, Lombardy, Italy

1,300,000 €

The villa was completely renovated in 2000. On the territory of the site, there is a beautiful park with terraces and lawns... Read more

Apartment – Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy for 490,000 €

Sea view

Apartment – Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

490,000 €

Total area 188 m²4 bedrooms2 bathrooms

188 m², 4 bedrooms, apartment

Argegno, Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

490,000 € 2,606 € per m²

Villa – Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy for 1,200,000 €

Villa – Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy

1,200,000 €

Total area 250 m²Land area: 1,400 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

250 m², 3 bedrooms, villa + plot 1,400 m²

Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy

1,200,000 €

Villa – Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy for 890,000 €

Villa – Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

890,000 €

Total area 240 m²Land area: 700 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

240 m², 3 bedrooms, villa + plot 700 m²

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

890,000 €

Ancient castle on the shore of the Lake, Ossuccio, Italy for 6,000,000 €

Ancient castle on the shore of the Lake, Ossuccio, Italy

6,000,000 €

Total area 1,000 m²Land area: 9,000 m²8 bedrooms6 bathrooms

1,000 m², 8 bedrooms, castle

Ossuccio, Lombardy, Italy

6,000,000 €

This castle is one of the most famous architectural monuments in the area of lakes. The living area of the castle... Read more

Villa – Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy for 750,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Villa – Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy

750,000 €

5 bedrooms3 bathrooms

5 bedrooms, villa

Menaggio, Lombardy, Italy

750,000 €

With balcony/terrace

Apartment – Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

750,000 €

Total area 150 m²Land area: 250 m²3 bedrooms2 bathrooms

150 m², 3 bedrooms, apartment

Lake Como, Lombardy, Italy

750,000 € 5,000 € per m²

Property for sale in Lake Como

FAQ about Lake Como

A Step-by-step Guide to the Italian property purchase procedure

1. Making the Offer to Purchase

2. Signing the preliminary agreement

3. Signing the Final Deed of Sale

4. Observing formalities after the sale completion