The Hidden Costs of Buying a Holiday Home in Southern Europe and the Alps

Beyond the asking price

Buying a holiday home in Southern Europe or the Alps can look straightforward — until you discover the gap between the listed price and what you actually pay can reach 15–25%.

Acquisition costs

Transfer tax, notary fees, land registry, agency commission — they vary enormously by country. In Spain, budget 10–14% on top of purchase price. In France, 7–8%. In Italy, 4–10% depending on residency status.

Recurring ownership costs

• Property tax and local habitation charges

• STR management and platform fees

• Insurance, utilities, and seasonal maintenance

Regional surprises

Alpine chalets need winter maintenance: snow clearance, higher heating, insulation upgrades. In Spain, Plusvalía tax applies on resale. In Italy, IMU on second homes can reach 0.76–1.06% of cadastral value.

Terrivio automatically models acquisition and recurring costs per country and region. The net yield we show accounts for these hidden expenses.