The deed (rogito) is the notarial act by which ownership of the property officially passes to the buyer. It is the closing moment of the transaction and involves a series of costs that should be known in advance to plan the budget correctly.
The notary's fee
The notary is a public official who guarantees the legality of the act, verifies the documentation, handles registration and pays the taxes to the State on the buyer's behalf. The fee varies according to the value of the property and the complexity of the transaction. It is good practice to request several quotes.
Taxes on the purchase
Taxation depends mainly on who sells and the use of the property:
- Purchase from a private individual: proportional registration tax applies, plus mortgage and cadastral taxes at a fixed rate.
- Purchase from a company: in many cases VAT applies, with registration, mortgage and cadastral taxes at a fixed rate.
- "First home" relief: reduces the tax burden for those who meet the requirements (generally not available to non-residents).
Note: rates and amounts are set by current legislation and may change. Exact figures must always be calculated for the individual case.
Taxable base and the "price-value" rule
For purchases of residential property from a private individual, the price-value mechanism allows, under certain conditions, taxes to be calculated on the revalued cadastral value rather than on the price paid. This often results in significant tax savings.
Other incidental costs
- Any real estate agency commission.
- Survey and processing costs in the case of a mortgage, with related taxes on the mortgage deed.
- Searches and certifications.
Plan ahead
Knowing the full set of deed costs in advance avoids surprises and makes it possible to assess the real value of the investment. An independent advisor can estimate the overall costs and identify the most tax-efficient solutions.