Acquiring a property in Italy with a reduced rate: typically, about 8% savings are achievable

Based on the most recent study conducted by the Tecnocasa research group, during the latter part of 2025, the average markdown when purchasing real estate in Italy stood at 7.7%. This closely mirrors the percentage recorded during the same period in 2024 (7.8%). Such consistency denotes a certain level of maturity in the property market: transactions between sellers and buyers are governed by established norms, and the extent of potential negotiation has become rather foreseeable.

The age of the property and its energy efficiency are pivotal factors

The discount amount is greatly influenced by the state of the property. The most significant bargaining power lies with properties requiring refurbishment: the average discount in such cases amounts to 7.9%. For renovated flats and houses, this rate stands at 7.7%, while for new constructions, it dwindles to 4.5%.

The rationale is clear: buyers of properties in need of modernization factor in future renovation expenses and aim to offset them through a lower buying price.

The property's energy rating also holds notable sway. Properties classified as A, denoting high energy efficiency, are sold with an average discount of 5.1%. Conversely, for class G properties, the average markdown rises to 8.5%. With escalating energy costs and stricter European efficiency standards, this divergence may widen.

Investment real estate: enhanced bargaining capabilities

Acquiring property for rental purposes or investment income typically leads to more substantial discounts. In this sector, the average negotiation level stands at 10.8%, surpassing the general market rate.

Investors primarily focus on the property's future profitability and often wield stronger negotiating leverage. Consequently, compact studio apartments and budget-friendly residences, which are particularly sought after by investors, are sold with discounts averaging around 9.8% and 9.7%, respectively.

The impact of an apartment's placement within the building is also intriguing. Ground-floor properties usually depreciate by 8.4% on average during negotiations. However, if there is a private garden or courtyard, this discount diminishes to 6.9%. Conversely, units on higher floors and penthouses remain highly coveted, resulting in discounts of merely 7.4% and 7.0%, respectively.

It merits mention that initial prices are typically set by professional real estate agents considering the local market conditions, thus, for highly sought-after properties, significant room for negotiation is initially limited.

Major urban centers: Milan and Bologna exhibit stability, Palermo leads in discount rates

During the latter part of 2025, the average discount in Italy's largest cities was 7.8%, slightly lower than the 2024 figure (8.1%). This is attributed to a scarcity of offerings and a rising demand for high-quality, readily available housing.

Significant differences can be observed among cities. Bologna maintains its position as the most stable and fluid market, with an average discount rate of merely 5.0%. In Milan, this percentage rises to 6.2%, while in Rome, it hovers around 7.1%.

Conversely, Palermo presents buyers with an average reduction in prices of 10.8%. This indicates a more intricate equilibrium between supply and demand, necessitating more substantial price adjustments during negotiations.