Buying a second home in Italy might be a dream — but owning one is a long-term commitment. And like any home, it comes with running costs. Whether it’s a countryside farmhouse, a coastal villa, or a charming apartment in a medieval town, maintenance is part of the package.
So before you picture yourself sipping Chianti under the Tuscan sun, let’s look at what it really costs to maintain a second home in Italy, year after year.
1. Property Taxes (IMU + TARI)
If the home is not your primary residence (which applies to most foreigners), you’ll pay two key property taxes:
IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica)
- Annual property tax based on cadastral value
- Varies by municipality, location, and luxury level
- Average cost: €600 to €3,000 per year
TARI (Tassa Rifiuti)
- Waste collection tax
- Based on square meters + number of residents (even if it’s empty!)
- Average cost: €150 to €400 per year
2. Utilities
Your second home still “lives” while you’re away.
- Electricity: €50–€150/month (depending on use, provider, and appliances)
- Gas/Heating: €500–€1,200/year (higher if you have a large rural home)
- Water: €100–€400/year
- Wi-Fi/Internet: €20–€35/month (optional, but useful for security cameras or remote access)
Total annual utilities (estimate): €1,000 to €2,500
3. Maintenance & repairs
Even if no one’s living there, homes need upkeep:
- Annual inspections: €500
- Routine maintenance (boiler service, chimney, AC): €200–€600
- Garden upkeep: €500–€3,000 (depending on size and frequency)
- Pool maintenance (if applicable): €1.000–€3,500/year
- Unexpected repairs: always budget a cushion. Some of Italy’s older homes can bring surprises
Typical annual upkeep range: €1,500 to €5,000+ depending on the size and type of property
4. Administrative & bureaucratic costs
Especially if you live abroad, you’ll likely need:
- Property caretaker or manager: €1,000–€3,000/year
(Monthly check-ins, key holding, supplier coordination) - Accountant (commercialista): €100–€500/year for tax filings
- Insurance: €200–€700/year (home, fire, liability)
5. Opening & closing the house
If you use the house only part of the year, you may pay for:
- Opening services (airing out, turning on heating, opening shutter and getting house cleaned before arrival): €100–€250
- Closing services (draining pipes, closing shutter, turning off heating system and cleaning sheets and general cleaning): €150–€300
- Cleaning services: €15–€20/hour depening on the hours needed
Total annual cost
| Type of Home | Typical Yearly Cost Estimate |
|---|---|
| Small apartment (city) | €1,000 – €2,500 |
| Medium countryside home | €2,500 – €4,000 |
| Villa with pool & garden | €4,000 – €8,000+ |
These figures include taxes, utilities, essential maintenance, and basic support — but not renovations or major upgrades.
How to reduce costs
- Work with a local property caretaker to avoid emergencies and catch small issues on time
- Turn off gas/water systems during long absences
- Do the maintenace – Regular yearly maintenance and checks especially of the boiler, regular gardening and keeping the house in order avoids extra costs later on
- Consider renting the home short-term to offset costs
Final thoughts
A second home in Italy is a joy — but like a vintage car, it needs love and care to stay beautiful.
By understanding the real costs and planning ahead, you can enjoy your Italian home with peace of mind, knowing it’s safe, clean, and cared for even while you’re miles away.
How to maintain your Italian home while you’re abroad?
We specialize in property caretaking for foreign homeowners in Italy, from regular inspections and bills to full-service management.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation.
