The Hidden Costs of Buying a House in Sicily

A transparent breakdown of real transaction costs in Sicily—so you can budget like an investor, not a tourist.

Buyers usually ask “what’s the asking price?” The smarter question is: what is the all-in cost to own a compliant asset ready for its intended use?

Main cost buckets

  • Notary & registration: depends on value, complexity and documentation quality.
  • Taxes: vary based on residency status and property category.
  • Agency commission: typically a fixed percentage—confirm it in writing.
  • Technical checks: due diligence, surveys, and structural evaluations.

Hidden costs that hurt

Common “surprises” include legalization work, missing documents, moisture remediation, and seismic upgrades once you open walls.

Our rule: if a seller can’t provide clean documentation, your cost of certainty goes up.