Financial advice in Italy

Living in luxury doesn't cost the same everywhere, and in 2026, the geography of high net worth individuals experienced an unprecedented shakeup. The cost of maintaining a premium lifestyle increased by an average of 10.2% in dollar terms compared to the previous year. Singapore still dominates the top spot, but Europe is gaining momentum, American cities are disappearing from the top 10, and metropolises like Bangkok are entering the ranks of the world's most exclusive. Finally, Milan, representing Italy, also makes the list. So, here are the most expensive cities in the world.

Every year, between late October and early November, the avenues of Italian cemeteries fill with flowers, vases of chrysanthemums, and small lights. Yet the day dedicated to the deceased falls on November 2nd, while the lines at the gates almost always form the day before. So, why do we go to the cemetery on November 1st?

According to the International Energy Agency’s Household Energy Spending Index, Sweden has the highest household energy expenditure in the world, at $1,926 per person in 2025. Europe accounts for 24 of the top 30 countries in the ranking, highlighting the unusually high energy costs faced by ho

Some people decide to build a house not to live in, but to cut off their neighbour's electricity. Or they move their home brick by brick, rather than give in to pressure from an administration. These aren't movie gimmicks, but true stories, in Italy and around the world. Spite houses—called spite houses in the Anglo-Saxon world—are constructions born from personal conflicts, inheritance disputes, neighbour quarrels, and disputes with institutions. From Sicily to Bergamo and Beirut, some have become tourist attractions; others have entered architectural history books.

Like any vehicle registered in Italy, camper vans are also subject to a mandatory annual tax: the camper tax, technically known as the "vehicle tax." What few people know is that the amount to be paid is not the same for everyone: two owners of identical campers, with the same power output and the same year of registration, can pay very different amounts simply because they reside in different regions.

Legislative Decree 162/2026, approved by the Council of Ministers, suspends the car tax for 2027. The measure affects approximately 70% of the Italian car fleet and represents a direct saving for millions of families. However, not all cars are eligible, and the benefit does not apply to every vehicle registered to the same person. Here, then, are the cars that will be exempt from car tax starting in 2027.

Italy’s pay system differs from that of many other European countries.

Keeping a property vacant involves ongoing outgoings that weigh on every owner’s finances. The fixed and variable costs of an empty home range between €400 and €1,500 per quarter. IMU has a significant impact because, unlike properties used as a main residence, it must be paid. TARI is also almost always payable in full, except in rare cases involving homes without furnishings or utility connections. Electricity, gas and water bills continue to include fixed network charges even when consumption is zero.

The choice between northern and southern Italy can bring a major difference in everyday spending.

A village on Lake Como has decided to help young people stay and live there through funding allocated via a public call to people who choose to establish their official residence in Bellano and build a life there. Called “Abitare Bellano”, the initiative is a trial measure set up by the local Comune — municipal council — for 2026. It has a total fund of €100,000 and addresses an issue shared by many small Italian towns. On Lake Como, it takes on a particular form: a picturesque area that is increasingly unaffordable for the people who would genuinely like to make their home there.

Abruzzo is one of the most underrated regions during the summer months. It’s often seen as more of a winter destination, thanks to its mountains and well-known ski resorts popular across Europe. In reality, a holiday in Abruzzo works perfectly well in summer too. The key is understanding the regional climate, so you can pick the periods that suit you best and avoid the less favourable ones.

Only 2.7% of people in employment in Italy worked mainly from home in 2025.

Sicily remains one of Italy’s favourite summer destinations, thanks to its sweeping beaches, hilltop villages and dramatic scenery, but also because of its climate. Rising temperatures linked to climate change are reshaping Mediterranean summers, and each month now brings slightly different conditions.

For those wishing to renovate or improve the energy efficiency of their homes, as well as upgrade furnishings and appliances, significant incentives are still available. These include the 2026 Home Bonus, the set of tax breaks available for residential properties. The most important measure is the Renovation Bonus, which provides a 50% IRPEF tax deduction on a spending limit of €96,000 for primary residences and a 36% tax deduction for second homes.

From the I-Days in Milan to open-air gigs in Puglia’s parks, and on to the international buzz of Florence and Lucca, summer in Italy is once again one of the best times of year to catch live music.So which music festivals are taking place in Italy in summer 2026?

Owning a property for tourist use involves specific local tax obligations. The law does not grant discounts simply because a property is left unused.

IMU (property tax) in Italy continues to be one of the most significant taxes for owners of properties, second homes, and buildings other than their primary residence.

Buying a home in Italy is a common goal, but getting a mortgage can be challenging, particularly under strict lending criteria. So, can you get a mortgage in Italy with a foreign salary? Yes, but it’s often more complex than applying with Italian income. Banks typically require a permanent employment contract, a strong income profile and a lower loan-to-value ratio (LTV). In practice, this usually means a deposit of 20% to 40%.

Which city will be the most affected by inflation in 2026? The picture reveals an unexpected divide: the North leads in absolute terms, while the South has the highest rates but the smallest price increases.

How do foreigners access mortgages to purchase a first or second home in Italy? In recent years, demand for Italian properties from foreign citizens has increased significantly.

In real estate transactions, the declaration of cadastral compliance is a crucial step. Included in the notarial deed, it confirms that the actual condition of the property matches the cadastral details on record.

Failure to submit Form 730 can lead to different consequences depending on your tax situation. If submitted within 90 days of the deadline, the return is late and carries a reduced penalty; if submitted after this deadline, it is omitted, with higher fines. Those in debt risk penalties of up to 240% of the unpaid tax and, in the most serious cases, even criminal prosecution. Those in debt, however, lose their refund. This can be remedied by submitting a late return or, after 90 days, the Personal Income Tax Form.

We’re heading into the busiest part of tax return season in Italy.

Improving the energy efficiency of buildings by replacing windows and doors is a strategic intervention supported by specific government incentives.

The 2026 tax return season, covering 2025 income, will begin on April 30, with the pre-filled 730 form available on the Revenue Agency's website. The 730 form must be submitted by September 30, while the personal income tax form must be submitted by November 2. Among the first deadlines to remember is March 16, the deadline for submitting the Single Certifications. The tax calendar also includes IRPEF payments and the option to submit the supplementary 730 form by October 26.