Property owners in Italy must pay the Imposta Municipale Unica, a municipal tax targeting real estate that is not a primary residence [1, 2].
This tax system ensures that owners of holiday homes, second residences, and institutional properties contribute to local government funding. Because the tax applies to a wide range of assets, it significantly impacts both individual foreign investors and domestic organizations.
The IMU is required for any qualifying property owner throughout Italy, including major urban centers like Milan and Naples [1, 4]. While primary residences often receive exemptions, the law requires those owning non-primary properties to pay into municipal revenues [2, 3].
This enforcement extends beyond residential owners to include institutions. Local municipalities have requested taxes from religious schools that own property [1]. This move indicates a broader effort by cities to maximize local tax collection from all qualifying real estate entities.
For the 2026 tax year, owners of second homes and holiday homes must remain aware of current rates and exemptions [2, 3]. The financial burden varies depending on the property value and location. In some cases, annual household bills for very low-cost Italian properties can be as low as £50 per year [5].
Local governments manage the collection of these funds to maintain city infrastructure and public services. The requirement to pay remains a standard legal obligation for anyone holding real estate in Italy that does not serve as their main home [2, 3].
“The IMU is required for any qualifying property owner throughout Italy.”
The continued enforcement of the IMU tax, particularly the targeting of institutional properties like religious schools, suggests that Italian municipalities are under pressure to increase local revenue. For international buyers, the tax reinforces that owning a 'cheap' Italian home still carries recurring fiscal obligations to the state.
