Italy Property Guide #011

Author

Matteo Bruschi
July 23, 2025

How Real Estate Agents Get Paid in Italy

In Italy, real estate agents are legally allowed to collect a commission from both the buyer and the seller, and they typically do. This is often surprising for foreign buyers.

Here’s how it usually works:

  • Each party pays 3% of the sale price, plus VAT (which is 22%), directly to the agent.

  • This means that on a €500,000 property, your agent’s commission could cost you €18,300 (that’s €15,000 + €3,300 VAT).

  • The commission is due at the time of signing the Contratto Preliminare (the preliminary contract), not at the final closing.

So even if you feel the agent is "working for you," remember: they are also getting paid by the seller, and legally, their job is to mediate between the two sides, not represent your interests exclusively.

The Bottom Line

Italy’s real estate system isn’t designed to protect the buyer, but that’s where I come in.

With me on your side, you get:

  • An expert consultant who speaks the language, knows the process, and works on your behalf.

  • Clear visibility on agent commissions — and help negotiating them when possible.

  • Peace of mind that you’re not being overcharged, misled, or left in the dark.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Italy, let’s talk. I’ll help you navigate the system, without paying more than you need to.
If you’re ready to explore your options, reply to this email or book a call with me here.

About Italian Property Advisory

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN ITALY

đź‘‹ Ciao! I’m Matteo Bruschi — an Italian with a passport full of perspective and a mission rooted in frustration.

After 13 amazing years in Australia, I returned to Italy with two things: a deep love for both countries… and a burning question:

Why is buying property in Italy still so confusing, slow, and risky for foreigners?

I’d seen the worst of both worlds.
In Australia, I worked with buyers’ agents who promised the world and delivered almost nothing. In Italy, I watched developers sweet-talk international clients—then leave them buried in red tape, budget blowouts, and broken expectations. It made my blood boil.

So I decided to do something about it.

I started my advisory service not to sell homes, but to protect buyers.
To represent you, and only you, through every twist and turn of buying property in Italy.

Because I’ve seen too many people fall in love with Italy, only to get lost in translation — literally and figuratively. You deserve better. You deserve a trusted advocate who puts your interests first.

🔍 What I help with:

✔️ Finding the right region, town, and home — not just what’s on the market
✔️ Negotiating with your goals (not the seller’s) at the center
✔️ Vetting and managing lawyers, surveyors, and renovation crews you can trust
✔️ Handling utilities, taxes, and ownership details post-sale
✔️ Acting as your boots on the ground — even if you’re oceans away

This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about making the dream of Italian living possible, safe, and exciting — from your first question to long after you get the keys.

I’m not here to sell you a fantasy.
I’m here to help you find your place in Italy — and do it the right way.

Until next time,

Matteo Bruschi
Italian Property Advisory

📧 [email protected]
đź“ž +39 331 434 6135

Your Trusted Partner in Finding and Securing the Right Property in Italy 🇮🇹