Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Italy Property Pack
Yes, the analysis of Tuscany's property market is included in our pack
If you are a foreigner planning to buy property in Tuscany in 2026, you need to understand the extra costs, taxes, and fees that come on top of the purchase price.
This guide covers everything from transfer taxes and notary fees to ongoing ownership costs and what you will pay if you rent out or sell your Tuscany property later.
We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest rules and market practices in Tuscany.
And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Tuscany.
Overall, how much extra should I budget on top of the purchase price in Tuscany in 2026?
How much are total buyer closing costs in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total buyer closing costs in Tuscany typically range from 7% to 12% of the purchase price for most residential transactions, which means on a 300,000 euro property (about $315,000 or 275,000 euros at current rates) you should expect to pay roughly 21,000 to 36,000 euros in additional costs.
At the bare legal minimum, if you buy a resale property in Tuscany without using an agent and with straightforward paperwork, you could keep your closing costs as low as 4% of the purchase price, or around 12,000 euros on a 300,000 euro home.
On the higher end, if you purchase a new-build property from a developer in Tuscany with VAT, use a real estate agent, and need extra legal or translation services, your total closing costs could reach 15% to 18% of the purchase price, potentially over 50,000 euros on that same 300,000 euro property.
The main factors that push your Tuscany closing costs toward the low or high end include whether you buy from a private seller (registration tax) or a developer (VAT), whether you use a real estate agent, and how much extra legal or translation work your situation requires.
What's the usual total % of fees and taxes over the purchase price in Tuscany?
For most foreign buyers purchasing residential property in Tuscany in 2026, the usual total percentage of fees and taxes over the purchase price falls between 7% and 12% of the property value.
This range covers the majority of standard Tuscany property transactions, though resale purchases from private sellers tend to land near 7% to 10%, while new-build purchases from developers often reach 12% to 18% due to higher VAT rates.
Of that total percentage in Tuscany, government taxes (registration tax or VAT, plus fixed cadastral and mortgage taxes) typically account for 60% to 75% of your extra costs, with professional service fees like notary and agent commissions making up the remaining 25% to 40%.
By the way, you will find much more detailed data in our property pack covering the real estate market in Tuscany.
What costs are always mandatory when buying in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the mandatory costs when buying property in Tuscany include the purchase tax (either registration tax or VAT depending on seller type), mortgage and cadastral taxes (often fixed amounts of 50 euros each or 200 euros in VAT cases), and the notary fee for drafting and registering the deed since you cannot legally close a property purchase in Italy without a notary.
Beyond these legally required costs, highly recommended optional expenses for foreign buyers in Tuscany include independent technical surveys to check building permits and compliance, professional translation or interpreter services if you do not speak Italian fluently, and potentially a tax advisor if you plan to rent the property or have complex cross-border tax questions.
Don't lose money on your property in Tuscany
100% of people who have lost money there have spent less than 1 hour researching the market. We have reviewed everything there is to know. Grab our guide now.
What taxes do I pay when buying a property in Tuscany in 2026?
What is the property transfer tax rate in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property transfer tax rate in Tuscany depends on whether you buy from a private seller (registration tax route) or from a company or developer (VAT route), with resale purchases taxed at 9% registration tax for second homes or 2% for qualifying first homes, and new-build purchases typically taxed at 10% VAT (or 4% VAT with first-home benefits).
Foreign buyers in Tuscany do not pay extra transfer taxes simply because of their nationality, as Italy applies the same tax rates to everyone based on transaction type and first-home eligibility, though some non-EU buyers may face a legal "reciprocity" check that adds paperwork and translation costs rather than higher tax rates.
You pay VAT on residential property purchases in Tuscany when you buy from a company or developer that is subject to VAT on the sale, which is common for new-build properties, and in those cases the VAT is typically 10% for standard residential homes or 22% for luxury categories (A/1, A/8, A/9 cadastral classifications).
Stamp duty in Tuscany applies primarily when you register the preliminary contract (compromesso) before closing, with a fixed registration tax of 200 euros plus stamp duty calculated at 16 euros per every 4 pages or 100 lines of the contract, and smaller stamp duties may also appear in the notary's closing bundle.
Are there tax exemptions or reduced rates for first-time buyers in Tuscany?
Italy offers the "prima casa" (first home) benefit which reduces purchase taxes significantly in Tuscany, lowering registration tax from 9% to 2% for resale purchases or VAT from 10% to 4% for new-build purchases, though this is not strictly a "first-time buyer" exemption but rather a benefit for purchasing your primary residence when you meet specific conditions.
If you buy property through a company in Tuscany instead of as an individual, the purchase-side VAT and registration tax rules remain largely driven by the transaction structure and seller type, but your ongoing income tax treatment for rental earnings and expense deductions will differ under corporate taxation rules.
There is a meaningful tax difference between new-build and resale properties in Tuscany: new-builds from developers typically follow the VAT route (10% or 4% with first-home benefit) while resale properties from private sellers follow the registration tax route (9% or 2% with first-home benefit), and this single factor can swing your upfront tax bill by several percentage points.
To qualify for first-home benefits in Tuscany, you must establish residency in the municipality where the property is located within 18 months of purchase, you cannot own another property purchased with the same benefit, and the property must fall within certain cadastral categories (not luxury classifications A/1, A/8, or A/9).
We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Italy versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.
Which professional fees will I pay as a buyer in Tuscany in 2026?
How much does a notary or conveyancing lawyer cost in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary fees for a residential property purchase in Tuscany typically range from 2,000 to 6,000 euros ($2,100 to $6,300 or 1,850 to 5,500 euros equivalent) for most standard transactions, though higher-value or more complex purchases involving foreign documents or mortgage deeds can push fees above 6,000 euros.
Notary fees in Tuscany are usually charged as a combination of a base professional fee plus variable costs based on the property price and complexity, rather than a strict flat rate or pure percentage, and the notary also collects and remits your purchase taxes to the state as part of their closing role.
Translation and interpreter services for foreign buyers in Tuscany typically cost between 150 and 400 euros ($160 to $420 or 140 to 370 euros) for a signing appointment, with document translation running 25 to 60 euros per page depending on the language pair and whether certified translation is required.
If you plan to rent your Tuscany property (especially short-term rentals in cities like Florence), or have cross-border tax residency questions, a tax advisor consultation typically costs 200 to 600 euros ($210 to $630 or 185 to 550 euros), with ongoing annual support for rental tax filings running 500 to 2,000 euros or more depending on complexity.
We have a whole part dedicated to these topics in our our real estate pack about Tuscany.
What's the typical real estate agent fee in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the typical real estate agent fee in Tuscany ranges from 2% to 4% of the purchase price, meaning on a 300,000 euro property you could pay between 6,000 and 12,000 euros ($6,300 to $12,600 or 5,500 to 11,000 euros), and keep in mind that VAT at 22% often applies on top of this commission.
In Tuscany, buyers commonly pay a real estate agent commission, and in many transactions both the buyer and seller each pay their own agent fee, so you should treat the buyer-side commission as a normal expected cost unless you negotiate otherwise in writing.
The realistic low-to-high range for agent fees in Tuscany runs from about 2% (if you negotiate hard or work with a discount agent) up to 4% or occasionally higher for premium properties or specialized services in sought-after areas like Florence, Chianti, or Lucca.
How much do legal checks cost (title, liens, permits) in Tuscany?
The baseline legal checks for title search and registry verification in Tuscany are typically included in the notary's work and fees, but independent technical due diligence (which is highly recommended for older Tuscan properties) from a geometra or engineer costs roughly 800 to 3,000 euros ($840 to $3,150 or 740 to 2,750 euros) depending on property size and complexity.
If you need a mortgage for your Tuscany property purchase, the bank will require a property valuation, which typically costs between 300 and 800 euros ($315 to $840 or 275 to 740 euros), with unusual rural properties or farmhouses sometimes costing more to value.
The most critical legal check that should never be skipped when buying property in Tuscany is the technical compliance survey (perizia tecnica) to verify that the building matches its official permits and cadastral records, because older Tuscan properties, especially farmhouses and rural homes, frequently have undocumented renovations or outbuildings that can create legal headaches later.
Buying a property with hidden issues is something we mention in our list of risks and pitfalls people face when buying real estate in Tuscany.
Get the full checklist for your due diligence in Tuscany
Don't repeat the same mistakes others have made before you. Make sure everything is in order before signing your sales contract.
What hidden or surprise costs should I watch for in Tuscany right now?
What are the most common unexpected fees buyers discover in Tuscany?
The most common unexpected fees that catch foreign buyers off guard in Tuscany include preliminary contract registration costs (200 euros fixed tax plus stamp duty) paid before closing, the VAT that applies on top of your agent commission (adding 22% to that 2% to 4% fee), condominium arrears or special assessments in apartment buildings, and compliance fixes discovered by surveyors on older properties.
While you do not automatically inherit someone else's unpaid IMU or TARI taxes the way you inherit a physical defect, you can inherit practical problems like tax disputes, incorrect cadastral classifications, or administrative issues that will cost time and money to resolve before you can smoothly live in, rent, or resell your Tuscany property.
Real estate scams with fake listings or fake fees do exist in Tuscany as they do everywhere, and the best protection is to pay deposits only via traceable bank transfers, insist all commitments appear in the written preliminary contract, and work only with properly identified professionals such as a licensed agent with a clear mandate and a registered notary handling the closing.
Fees that are usually not disclosed upfront by sellers or agents in Tuscany include notary "extras" for special deeds (mortgage registration, powers of attorney, foreign document verification), certified translation costs, and municipality-specific costs that only appear when you operate the property, like waste tax (TARI) registration or tourist tax compliance if you do short-term rentals in Florence or Siena.
In our property pack covering the property buying process in Tuscany, we go into details so you can avoid these pitfalls.
Are there extra fees if the property has a tenant in Tuscany?
If you buy a property with a sitting tenant in Tuscany, you should expect extra costs of roughly 500 to 1,500 euros ($525 to $1,575 or 460 to 1,400 euros) for legal and administrative work to handle the lease transfer, security deposit documentation, and compliance paperwork, plus potential timing costs if you are paying ownership taxes and condominium fees while rental income is limited by the existing lease terms.
When you purchase a tenanted property in Tuscany, you legally inherit the existing rental contract and must honor its terms, including the remaining lease duration, rent amount, and tenant protections under Italian rental law, which means you step into the shoes of the previous landlord with all the same obligations.
Terminating an existing lease immediately after purchase in Tuscany is generally not possible unless the lease is already expiring or you can negotiate a voluntary departure with the tenant, because Italian law strongly protects residential tenants from eviction and requires valid legal grounds and proper notice periods to end a contract.
A sitting tenant typically reduces the market value of a Tuscany property by 10% to 20% because buyers have less flexibility, which gives you negotiating power on price but also means you are committing to a rental situation you did not create.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Tuscany.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Italy. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
Which fees are negotiable, and who really pays what in Tuscany?
Which closing costs are negotiable in Tuscany right now?
The closing costs that are negotiable when buying property in Tuscany include the real estate agent commission (both the rate and who pays it), the notary's professional fee portion (you can compare quotes from different notaries), and any independent technical or legal services you hire separately.
The closing costs that are fixed by law and cannot be negotiated in Tuscany include all government taxes: the registration tax or VAT rates, the fixed mortgage and cadastral taxes, the preliminary contract registration fee, and stamp duties, as these are set by Italian national legislation.
On negotiable fees in Tuscany, buyers can typically achieve a 0.5% to 1% reduction on agent commissions through negotiation, or save a few hundred euros by comparing notary quotes, which on a 300,000 euro property could mean 1,500 to 3,000 euros in savings.
Can I ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Tuscany?
You can ask the seller to cover some closing costs in Tuscany, and in a balanced or buyer-friendly market your request has a reasonable chance of success, though sellers are more likely to agree when their property has been listed for a long time, when there are few competing offers, or when they are motivated to close quickly.
The specific closing costs sellers in Tuscany are most commonly willing to cover include part of the agent commission (especially if both parties are paying the same agent), the cost of specific repairs or compliance regularizations discovered during due diligence, or a price adjustment that effectively offsets buyer costs.
Sellers are more likely to accept covering closing costs in Tuscany during slower market conditions, in less sought-after areas outside prime Florence or Chianti locations, when a property has compliance issues that make buyers hesitant, or when the seller is facing time pressure such as a relocation or inheritance situation.
Is price bargaining common in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, price bargaining is common and expected in Tuscany real estate transactions, with virtually all buyers making an offer below the asking price, though how much discount you achieve depends heavily on the specific property, its location within Tuscany, how long it has been on the market, and overall market conditions at that moment.
Foreign buyers in Tuscany typically negotiate between 5% and 15% below the asking price, which on a 300,000 euro property means potential savings of 15,000 to 45,000 euros ($15,750 to $47,250 or 13,850 to 41,500 euros), though prime properties in high-demand areas like central Florence or iconic Chianti estates often sell closer to asking while stale listings in less popular locations may accept larger discounts.
Don't sign a document you don't understand in Tuscany
Buying a property over there? We have reviewed all the documents you need to know. Stay out of trouble - grab our comprehensive guide.
What monthly, quarterly or annual costs will I pay as an owner in Tuscany?
What's the realistic monthly owner budget in Tuscany right now?
A realistic monthly owner budget for a residential property in Tuscany in 2026 ranges from roughly 200 to 800 euros ($210 to $840 or 185 to 740 euros) depending on property type and location, covering recurring expenses but excluding any mortgage payments.
The main recurring expense categories that make up this monthly budget for Tuscany property owners include condominium fees (for apartments), utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet), home insurance, the waste tax (TARI), and IMU property tax if the property is not your primary residence.
The realistic low-to-high range for monthly owner costs in Tuscany runs from around 150 to 300 euros ($160 to $315 or 140 to 275 euros) for a modest apartment with low condominium fees, up to 600 to 1,000 euros ($630 to $1,050 or 550 to 925 euros) or more for a larger villa or farmhouse with higher maintenance, heating, and insurance costs.
The monthly cost that tends to vary the most in Tuscany is the condominium fee (spese condominiali) for apartment owners, because it depends entirely on the building's services, age, and condition, ranging from under 50 euros for a simple building to over 300 euros for one with an elevator, doorman, heating system, gardens, or ongoing repairs.
You can see how this budget affect your gross and rental yields in Tuscany here.
What is the annual property tax amount in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the annual property tax (IMU) in Tuscany for a second home or investment property typically ranges from roughly 500 to 3,000 euros ($525 to $3,150 or 460 to 2,750 euros) per year depending on the property's cadastral value and the tax rate set by your specific municipality.
The realistic low-to-high range for annual IMU property tax in Tuscany runs from around 300 to 500 euros for a modest apartment with a low cadastral value, up to 2,000 to 5,000 euros or more for a large villa or valuable property in a municipality with higher tax rates.
IMU property tax in Tuscany is calculated by taking the property's cadastral value (rendita catastale), multiplying it by a national coefficient (currently 160 for residential properties), and then applying the tax rate (aliquota) set by your local municipality, which typically ranges from 0.76% to 1.06% for non-primary residences.
The main exemption available in Tuscany is for your primary residence (abitazione principale): if you establish legal residency in your property and it is not in a luxury cadastral category (A/1, A/8, or A/9), you are exempt from IMU, which makes a significant difference for owners who can live in their Tuscany home full-time.
We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Italy. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.
If I rent it out, what extra taxes and fees apply in Tuscany in 2026?
What tax rate applies to rental income in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the flat tax (cedolare secca) rate on rental income in Tuscany is 21% for long-term rentals and for one designated short-term rental property, while short-term rental income from a second property onward is taxed at 26%, or you can choose ordinary progressive income taxation with rates from 23% to 43% depending on your total income.
Under the cedolare secca flat tax regime in Tuscany, landlords cannot deduct expenses from rental income since the flat rate replaces all other taxes on that rental income, but under ordinary taxation you can deduct documented expenses which may result in a lower effective rate if your costs are high.
The realistic effective tax rate for typical landlords in Tuscany ranges from 21% (using cedolare secca on a single rental property) up to 26% to 35% for those with multiple short-term rentals or higher overall income, depending on which tax regime applies and how many properties are involved.
Foreign property owners in Tuscany pay the same rental income tax rates as Italian residents, though the process of declaring income and potential interactions with your home country's tax rules may add complexity and require guidance from a cross-border tax advisor.
Do I pay tax on short-term rentals in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, yes, short-term rental income in Tuscany is taxable under Italian law, and if you rent your property through platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com in cities like Florence, Siena, or Lucca, you must declare that income and pay either the 21%/26% cedolare secca flat tax or your ordinary income tax rate.
Short-term rental income in Tuscany is taxed slightly differently than long-term rental income because the 26% cedolare secca rate applies to your second short-term rental property onward (while your first can still use 21%), and cities like Florence also require you to collect and remit a tourist tax (imposta di soggiorno) from your guests, which is an additional administrative burden even though guests pay the actual tax.
If you want to optimize your rental strategy, you can read our complete guide on how to buy and rent out in Tuscany.
Get to know the market before buying a property in Tuscany
Better information leads to better decisions. Get all the data you need before investing a large amount of money. Download our guide.
If I sell later, what taxes and fees will I pay in Tuscany in 2026?
What's the total cost of selling as a % of price in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, the total cost of selling a residential property in Tuscany typically ranges from 3% to 8% of the sale price, depending mainly on whether you use a real estate agent, whether you owe capital gains tax, and the complexity of your transaction.
The realistic low-to-high range for total selling costs in Tuscany runs from about 2% to 4% if you sell privately without an agent and are exempt from capital gains tax, up to 8% to 12% if you pay both agent commission and capital gains tax on a profitable sale within the taxable period.
The specific cost categories that typically make up total selling expenses in Tuscany include the real estate agent commission (often 2% to 4% of the sale price), potential capital gains tax (26% on the profit if applicable), notary and administrative fees for the seller's side of the closing, and any early mortgage repayment penalty if you have outstanding financing.
The single largest contributor to selling expenses in Tuscany is usually the real estate agent commission, which at 3% to 4% of a 300,000 euro sale price means 9,000 to 12,000 euros, though capital gains tax can exceed this amount if you have significant profit on a property sold within the taxable period.
What capital gains tax applies when selling in Tuscany in 2026?
As of early 2026, sellers of residential property in Tuscany can opt to pay a 26% substitute tax (imposta sostitutiva) on the capital gain, calculated and applied by the notary at closing, or alternatively include the gain in ordinary income taxation with progressive rates from 23% to 43%.
The main exemption from capital gains tax in Tuscany applies if you sell your primary residence (the property where you have been legally resident), and another common exemption applies if you have owned the property for more than five years, in which case any gain is generally not taxable.
Foreign sellers in Tuscany do not pay a higher capital gains tax rate simply because of their nationality, as the same 26% substitute tax or ordinary income taxation rules apply, though cross-border tax considerations may affect your overall situation depending on tax treaties between Italy and your home country.
Capital gain in Tuscany is calculated as the difference between the sale price and your original purchase price (plus documented improvement costs), and the notary can apply the 26% substitute tax directly at closing if you choose that option, making the process straightforward for sellers who qualify.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Italy compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What sources have we used to write this blog article?
Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Tuscany, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can and we don't throw out numbers at random.
We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.
| Source | Why It's Authoritative | How We Used It |
|---|---|---|
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Purchase Taxes | It's Italy's official tax authority with legally binding rate tables. | We used it to determine the exact registration tax and VAT rates for Tuscany purchases. We also referenced it for the minimum tax thresholds and fixed charges. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Prima Casa Benefits | It's the official source for first-home tax reduction rules. | We used it to explain the 2% registration tax and 4% VAT rates for qualifying buyers. We also referenced the eligibility conditions foreign buyers must meet in Tuscany. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato | It's Italy's national notary body, central to all property closings. | We used it to describe mandatory notary involvement and how taxes are collected at closing. We also referenced it for explaining the fixed tax amounts in VAT purchases. |
| MEF Dipartimento Finanze - IMU Rules | It's the Finance Ministry's official guide to Italy's property tax. | We used it to explain when IMU is exempt for primary residences in Tuscany. We also referenced the luxury category exceptions that still require payment. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Cedolare Secca | It's the official source for Italy's flat rental tax regime. | We used it to state the 21% and 26% short-term rental tax rates in Tuscany. We also explained the difference between long-term and short-term rental taxation. |
| Comune di Firenze - Tourist Tax | It's Florence city government's official short-term rental tax page. | We used it as a practical Tuscany example of tourist tax obligations for rental owners. We highlighted the ongoing administrative compliance burden for Florence landlords. |
| Immobiliare.it - Notary Fees | It's Italy's largest real estate portal with reliable market data. | We used it to estimate realistic notary fee ranges for Tuscany property purchases. We triangulated their ranges with our own transaction data. |
| Immobiliare.it - Agent Commissions | It's a trusted Italian real estate resource on market practices. | We used it to determine typical agent fee percentages for Tuscany buyers. We also explained negotiation practices and who typically pays commissions. |
| La Legge per Tutti | It's a respected Italian legal explainer citing civil law concepts. | We used it to cross-check agent commission ranges of 2% to 4% for Tuscany. We validated this as a secondary source alongside Immobiliare.it data. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate - Capital Gains Tax | It's the official authority on real estate capital gains taxation. | We used it to explain the 26% substitute tax option at closing in Tuscany. We also detailed the exemptions for primary residence and holding period. |
Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Tuscany
Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.
Related blog posts