How to manage utility expenses and property taxes in Italy?

Introduction

The article is written by Yulia Kozyreva, a real estate specialist and owner of SFR Realty. I have a question: I live in a three-room apartment in a new residential complex located close to the seaside.

Apartment description

The area of my home is 76 square meters, and its layout includes:

• a bright living room,
• kitchen,
• two bedrooms,
• the bathroom and shower room,
• a spacious terrace with a partial sea view.

Building characteristics

The building I live in was built in 2013-2014 and has a high degree of energy efficiency, corresponding to class "A".Modern thermal insulationThe building contributes to significantly lower heat loss, which protects against overheating and reduces heating and cooling costs.

Location and utilities

The complex where I live is in the suburbs of Pescara, but this does not affect the cost of utilities.General costs for utility servicesIt doesn't matter whether you are in a big city or a small town. It is worth noting that the Abruzzo region is known for its low housing prices.

Territory and management

Our residential complex is surrounded by well-maintained grounds, which are looked after by the management organization. The area includes convenient parking spaces.

Real estate taxes

As for property taxes, their amount depends on the category of housing and its quality. In my case, the property taxes are about 800 euros per year, although I have a benefit called"prima casa"that allows you not to pay this amount.

Waste disposal tax

In Italy, the waste disposal tax can be applied from the moment of purchasing a property for permanent residence, provided you have a residence permit. The application for the tax benefit must be submitted at the time of the transaction, even if you do not yet have a residence permit, but you are confident that you will obtain it within 18 months and that the apartment will become your primary residence.

Calculation of real estate tax

When calculating property tax, a tax coefficient is used.rate), set by the municipality, and it can change every year. In Italy's larger cities, the coefficient is usually higher, resulting in a higher tax liability. The property tax must be paid twice a year, in June and December, but it is also possible to pay the full amount for the year in a lump sum.

Ways to pay taxes

There are various ways to pay the tax, including paying cash at the post office and transferring funds through some banks. The amount of the garbage tax also depends on where you live and the number of people who live in the apartment. In some municipalities, there are discounts for temporary residents or for owners registered under one person. For example, in 2018 I paid only 148 euros, taking advantage of a 30% discount, and in 2019 my tax was 129 euros.

Payment of taxes

You can pay the tax in one lump sum or split the payment into four parts using special payment documents. Utility bills are issued every two months, which allows for better financial planning.

Utility bills in Italy

A few years ago, Italian gas and electricity companies introduced subscription fees for their services, which range from €18 for local residents to €25 for users from other regions. Utility tariffs depend on market prices for gas and electricity, which can vary by location and service provider. The gas and electricity tariffs in force in 2018 are summarized below.

Gas bills

• January-February:€85,00
• March-April:€131.00
• May-June:€34,50
• July-August:€34.50
• September-October:€36.50
• November-December:€54.50

Electricity bills

• December-January:€51.44
• February-March:€74.41
• April-May:€66.31
• June-July:€64.65
• August-September:€61.43
• October-November:€43,81

Also present in the electricity bill is the TV antenna fee, amounting to €198 per year, which is broken down into 11 months (yielding approximately €18 per month). There are high costs for internet services, both ADSL and optical connection, which have to be paid even when not present, the average cost is from €30 per month. There is the possibility of connecting internet via satellite, but this requires a stable signal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I want to emphasize that living in such a cozy and modern home, like my three-room apartment in the suburbs of Pescara, has many advantages, especially in terms of comfortable living and sensible budget allocation. The presence of quality thermal insulation and modern energy-saving equipment not only creates a cozy atmosphere but also significantly reduces utility costs.

While there are some difficulties associated with paying taxes and utilities such as property taxes or garbage taxes, these can be handled quite easily through rebates and proper financial planning. Knowing the terms of the rebates and basing them on real numbers can make the process much easier.

It's important to remember

• Budget planningBy planning expenses in advance, one can avoid unpleasant situations.
• BenefitsUsing available benefits can significantly reduce the financial burden.
• Timely paymentRegularly paying bills helps avoid fines and disconnections.

I have taken the time to learn all the nuances of living in Italy and, despite the high taxes, I consider my apartment a real investment in my future. It is not just a place to live, but a place where I can enjoy life by the sea and be part of Italy's beautiful culture and traditions.

In addition, the perception of paying utility bills changes if you understand all the details. By paying your bills on time, you can avoid unpleasant situations such as disconnections or additional fines. We all know that long-term planning and honest handling of expenses is the key to financial stability.

Result

Ultimately, life here is not just about current expenses, but also an investment in a quality future, where every euro counts. I hope that my experience will help others who are considering buying property in Italy to navigate this process and make informed choices based on real data and personal insights.