How the fee is calculated
For each party: price × agreed percentage, or the fixed fee; if the percentage gives less than the minimum set in the mandate, the minimum applies. 22% VAT is added on top.
An example
A sale at €250,000, 3% from the buyer and 2.5% from the seller: €7,500 + €6,250 = €13,750 before VAT, or 5.5% of the price. With VAT, the buyer pays €9,150 and the seller €7,625. With a 40% agent's share and a 6% royalty, the agent gets €5,500, the network €825 and the agency €7,425.
For the buyer's full costs, with taxes, notary and mortgage, see the home purchase costs breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the estate agency fee in Italy?
There is no fee set by law: the percentage is agreed in writing with the agency, usually with each of the two parties. In practice fees of around 2-4% per party are common, often with a minimum for lower-value properties. 22% VAT is added to the fee.
Do both buyer and seller pay the agent?
Usually yes. Under Italian law the agent (mediatore) is entitled to a fee from each party to the deal they helped conclude, at the rates agreed in writing.
When is the fee due?
The right to the fee arises when the deal is concluded thanks to the agent (art. 1755 of the Italian Civil Code). In a sale this is usually the accepted purchase offer or the preliminary contract; payment terms are set in the mandate.
Is the agency fee tax-deductible?
For buyers of their main home, yes: 19% of the fee paid can be deducted from Italian income tax (IRPEF) on up to €1,000, so a maximum saving of €190. The fee must be stated in the deed and paid by traceable means. Sellers cannot claim it.
Sources
Articles 1754-1765 of the Italian Civil Code (mediation); art. 15(1)(b-bis) of Presidential Decree no. 917 of 22 December 1986 (deduction of estate agency fees).