One of the most common myths about buying a property in Italy is the belief that its subsequent maintenance generates high and difficult to predict costs. In reality, especially in Calabria, expenses are relatively low and easy to plan for - especially compared to the north of Italy or other Western European countries.
The main tax to be considered is IMU (Imposta Municipale Unica). It applies to second homes and investment properties. For a flat with a cadastral value of around €50-70,000, the annual IMU tax in Scalea is typically between €300 and €700, depending on the municipality and property class.
The second mandatory cost is TARI, which is the waste disposal fee. For a 50-70 m² flat, this is on average 150-300 euros per year. This is a fixed fee, independent of the actual use of the premises.
If the property is located in a multi-family building or on a housing estate, the following must be added administrative fee (condominio). In Scalea these are usually very moderate amounts - from 300 to 800 euros per year, depending on the standard of the building (lift, garden, monitoring).
Utilities are also not a major burden. With occasional use, the annual costs for electricity, water and gas can close in the amount of 600-1000 euros. In the case of rentals, these costs are often passed on to tenants or included in the price of the stay.
In summary - annual maintenance of a flat in Calabria is usually EUR 1 800 - 1 500, making the region one of the cheapest in terms of fixed costs in Italy. For the investor, this means a low break-even point and greater financial predictability.
