Blog · October 20, 2026
Who pays the estate agent in Italy?
Ask the Scout · Episode 3
The short answer
EP03 · Who pays the estate agent in Italy? Not only the seller. Under Italian law the estate agent can charge a commission to both the buyer and the seller, if the deal happens thanks to the agent. The amount and the split between the two sides are agreed, so ask about them before you make an offer.
In plain English
The Civil Code (art. 1755) gives the agent a right to a commission from each party; if nothing was agreed, professional tariffs or local custom apply, and failing those a judge decides. Only an agent registered with the Chamber of Commerce (in the business register or the REA) has a right to a commission (Law 39/1989, art. 6, with D.Lgs. 59/2010, art. 73). For your own case, check with a notary.
Ask the Scout #3 by Piedmont Scout #MoveToItaly #Piedmont #ItalyRealEstate
Can be charged
- The buyer
- The seller
Not entitled to a commission
- An agent not registered with the Chamber of Commerce
- Ask the agent how much the commission is
- Ask how it is split between buyer and seller
- Check the agent is registered with the Chamber of Commerce
- Assume only the seller pays
Transcript
Buyer: We love this house. And the seller pays the agent, right?
Scout: Not only the seller. In Italy, the agent can charge both of you.
Buyer: Wait, both of us? So who pays what?
Scout: By law, each side owes a commission if the deal happens thanks to the agent.
Scout: The amount and the split are agreed. Ask about them before you make an offer.
Scout: And only an agent registered with the Chamber of Commerce has a right to it.
Buyer: So I ask about the fee before the offer!
Scout: Exactly. For your own case, check with a notary.
Made with AI: the characters are animated and the voices are AI-generated.
Sources
- Normattiva, Codice civile, art. 1755 (Provvigione)
- Normattiva, Legge 3 febbraio 1989, n. 39, art. 6
- Normattiva, D.Lgs. 26 marzo 2010, n. 59, art. 73 (Attività di intermediazione commerciale e di affari)
Facts checked: 13 October 2026. General info, not legal or tax advice. Check your own case with a notary or commercialista.
More from Ask the Scout
- Is the purchase tax on the price I pay? (episode 10)
- Can I pay for an Italian house in cash? (episode 8)
- What if I back out after paying the deposit? (episode 6)
Related guides
- Is it safe to buy Italian property online?
- Buying a second home in Piedmont: where to start
- How Piedmont Scout works
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