General FAQ

Why Sicily?

1. What makes Sicily such an attractive place to buy property?

Sicilian property prices are well below those of mainland Italy and especially northern Europe, but the island offers 300 days of annual sunshine and astonishing natural beauty. The island’s rich cultural heritage spans Greek, Arab, Norman and Baroque influences, creating an architectural and social landscape that’s unique even on the rich shores of the Mediterranean. Of course, Sicilian food is the envy of even the rest of Italy, with local produce and unbeatable recipes.. 

In more practical terms, tax incentives introduced in recent years make relocating to Sicily particularly attractive for retirees and remote workers, with significant savings for new residents. Ever-growing visitor numbers give the region significant investment potential, particularly in  the holiday rental market. Transport infrastructure has improved greatly, including two of Italy’s busiest airports in Catania and Palermo.  Whether buyers want a lifestyle change, retirement destination or a second home, Sicily combines affordability with quality of life. 

From village homes and renovation projects under €50,000 to luxury villas with pools and sea views, the market offers something for every possible budget.

The supply of Sicilian property is abundant, following a twentieth century population decline that has continued into the present day. The island’s geographical distance from Italy’s industrial north contributed to prolonged economic challenges, and many young people have needed to look elsewhere for work. This leaves a varied property stock, from urban apartments to grand farmhouses, some of which has remained unoccupied for decades

Accordingly, many properties require renovation or modernisation, which helps keep prices low. Some municipalities have embraced headline-grabbing schemes to encourage repopulation, though these come with mandatory renovation obligations and tight deadlines. Infrastructure in rural areas remains less developed than major European urban centres.

These factors create opportunities for buyers willing to invest in improvements and adapt to a slower pace of life. In return, Sicily delivers natural beauty, cultural heritage and quality of life difficult to match elsewhere. Properties under €100,000 demonstrate the value available across the island.

Sicily is generally very safe for property buyers and residents, with crime rates comparable to other southern Italian regions. While the island’s reputation has sadly been heavily influenced by historic organised crime, the reality of contemporary life here is a world away from what you will have seen in Hollywood movies. We’re happy to say with confidence that violent crime targeting foreigners or property owners remains exceptionally rare. Our guide to crime and the Mafia in modern Sicily addresses in detail how the region has modernised and become safer.

Any organised crime that does still exist in Sicily is heavily focused on large-scale construction contracts and public tender processes rather than individual citizens. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas and major cities, but not more so than is an unfortunate part of urban life anywhere. Smaller towns and rural areas experience minimal crime of any variety. 

The role of the notary in the real estate purchase process gives buyers a safeguard against any accidental involvement with problematic assets. Once this has been completed, most foreign residents find Sicily exceptionally welcoming, with strong community bonds and family-oriented culture creating safe, friendly environments. If you are leaving a house unoccupied for a long period of time you may enjoy greater peace of mind by employing a local property management service such as the one offered by Property in Sicily to conduct regular checks on your home.

Yes, overseas arrivals are received very warmly in Sicily. We have actually never heard any negative feedback from any local residents after one of our sales. In contrast to other Mediterranean markets like some areas of Spain, Portugal and Greece, the trend for expat living in Sicily is still very new. The region’s troubled past and lack of mass-market tourism has meant that international buyers have been relatively rare. This is especially true in smaller towns and villages. 

It is important to remember that Sicily has seen a lot of emigration, both overseas in the early twentieth century and more recently to the north of Italy. This left many rural communities in Sicily with small populations and therefore motivated to attract new buyers from anywhere they can – hence schemes like Sicilian Homes for €1. Even towns and villages who don’t choose to promote themselves in this way appreciate the investment brought in by new residents. 

Such injections of money can make a material difference to the life of a village. When we first began to sell property in the Madonie Park village of Gratteri, for instance, there was no grocery store in the town. Now, with 20 new families owning property in the beautiful hilltop hamlet, one is open every day and the whole community benefits. It’s even helpful to the workers on the construction sites where some of our clients are renovating and building homes – a real success story. 

Based on all of these factors, as well as the extent to which Sicily has always been a meeting-point for different cultures and the way in which the people here pride themselves on their hospitality, you can expect a very warm welcome on our island.

The level of difference you notice will obviously depend on the system you are used to, but the most common surprise for first-time buyers in Sicily is that buyers and sellers here very rarely appoint separate lawyers. Instead, transactions are handled through estate agencies who have a legal obligation to remain neutral in the process. The notary (notaio), a public official who oversees all legal aspects of a sale, is also a fundamental figure in the process, and represents neither party, but rather the interests of the state. This creates a largely non-adversarial process, which certainly has many benefits.

Another feature of Italian property transactions which may be new to overseas buyers is that any purchase offer needs to be backed by a deposit. Non-binding, informal offers aren’t permitted. The deposit will be held by a third party – either the estate agency or the Notary – and if the offer is refused, it is immediately refunded in full. If accepted, it forms part of the purchase payment and creates legal obligations for both parties; a seller who withdraws from the deal after accepting an offer will have to pay the buyer more than the deposit in compensation. So the payment actually provides protection to both parties. 

Chartered surveyors as understood in some countries are uncommon in Sicily. Instead, buyers appoint an architect or technical surveyor (geometra) to assess the property’s condition, identify planning issues and estimate renovation or building costs. Our comprehensive guide to buying property in Sicily explains the full process in detail. Buyers can also access Property in Sicily’s network of trusted professionals, including experienced technical surveyors (geometri), accountants (commercialisti) and English-speaking notaries.

How it works

6. What is the process for buying property in Sicily?

The Sicilian property purchase follows a clear structure. After identifying a property, buyers make a formal offer accompanied by a deposit, typically of between €5,000 and €10,000. If the offer is accepted, this deposit becomes a downpayment, otherwise it is refunded in full.

Once terms are agreed, both parties sign the preliminary contract (compromesso), with buyers sometimes needing to pay a further deposit of 10-30% of the purchase price. This contract legally binds both parties. The seller cannot accept other offers and the buyer commits to completing the purchase. The preliminary contract includes all terms, conditions and the completion date.

Before completion, the buyer’s technical surveyor (geometra) or architect conducts surveys whilst the notary (notaio) performs legal due diligence on titles, mortgages and planning permissions. The notary is a neutral state official, not representing either party’s interests specifically.

The final step is the notarial deed (rogito), where the buyer pays the balance, the notary formally transfers ownership and keys are handed over. Buyers need a tax code (codice fiscale) and must register with the local land registry. Our complete guide to buying real estate in Sicily will give you step-by-step detail of the process.

It is possible to buy a property in Sicily entirely remotely. You can conduct viewings via video calls, make enquiries via email, send funds via an agency’s Escrow account and even give power of attorney to a legal representative or agency who can then sign the purchase deed on your behalf. Some of our buyers make their first physical visit to the property when they collect the keys from our office.

Most buyers, however, prefer to be there in person, at least for certain key moments. The preliminary contract (compromesso) signing is often delegated power of attorney, but the final completion (rogito) at the notary’s office traditionally involves the buyer. However, if circumstances don’t permit that, we or other nominated people can sign absolutely everything on your behalf.

There is typically a 60-90 day hiatus between the preliminary contract and completion, during which the technical surveyor (geometra) and notary handle all checks and documentation. There is certainly no need to be here in person during this period.

Property in Sicily offers comprehensive video tours and can conduct in-person inspections on behalf of remote buyers, providing detailed reports. Our services include complete remote purchase support. Our varied testimonials and positive reviews demonstrate the confidence our clients have in our track record of managing purchases and even subsequent renovation work for international buyers who aren’t often in Sicily.

Sicily’s property market is generally safe, but sensible precautions will protect you in any market. Work only with registered estate agencies – in Sicily these must have their registration on prominent display. You can verify this through the registry of the relevant local Chamber of Commerce.

It is mandatory to use an independent notary, which protects all parties. They will perform comprehensive due diligence on titles, mortgages, planning permissions and legal issues.

If you have any concerns about the structure of the building you can always appoint an independent technical surveyor (geometra) or architect. It’s inadvisable to rely solely on what the seller declares about the condition of a building or its compliance with planning regulations. Undeclared building works are common issues but will quickly be identified by a professional eye.

Never transfer money directly to sellers or to accounts outside Italy. All deposits and payments should go through the notary’s designated account or the real estate agency’s client account.

Exercise caution with properties priced significantly below market rates, as this is unlikely to be the practice of trustworthy realtors. In general, the process should follow this typical structure for a Sicilian property purchase. If you have doubts our friendly team are always happy to share the benefit of their professional experience.

Where to look

9. Which of Sicily's main cities are best for international property buyers?

Palermo, Sicily’s capital, offers the convenience and culture of a major European city, and the biggest range of infrastructure you can find on the island. Baroque architecture sits alongside fascinating street markets and Palermo’s legendary culinary scene encompasses everything from street food to fine dining. Overground, sea, road and rail connections are good and the beautiful beach at Mondello is the icing on the cake. Average property prices are around €1,400/m2.

Catania, the island’s second city, sits beneath Mount Etna with incredible views of the volcano. Home to about 300,000 people it has similar urban infrastructure and civic character to Palermo but is more walkable in the centre. Proximity to the Etna natural park, with skiing, cycling and hiking opportunities, is a big draw – as is the glamour of eastern Sicily, from Taormina in the north to the Val di Noto in the south. The nearby airport offers even more international flights than Palermo and property is a little cheaper here at around €1,300m2.

Trapani and Marsala deliver great value on the western tip of the island, with property averaging less than €1,000/m2. The smaller cities are a great compromise and the region enjoys Sicily’s sunniest climate and direct access to beaches repeatedly voted among Italy’s best in San Vito lo Capo and the Egadi islands. Lower levels of congestion and noise are greatly appreciated by buyers – so, too, are the region’s excellent wineries.

Cefalù is one of Sicily’s most famous coastal towns, and for good reason. The UNESCO-listed historic centre commands premium pricing, but properties here deliver reliable rental income, averaging around €35,000 annually. Savvy second home buyers cash in during the summer high season and then arrive for the autumn when the crowds have dissipated but the temperatures are still in the high 20s and the water beautiful. Buyers on a budget can find good value and some sensational views in the hilly neighbouring municipalities.

Besides the town of Noto itself, the Val di Noto in Sicily’s south-east includes spectacular Baroque towns like Modica (around €1,100/m2), Ragusa and Scicli. These UNESCO World Heritage sites showcase superb architecture and the infrastructure of established tourism destinations at a much more attractive cost than the centre of Noto itself, where old town properties reach €6,000/m2.

An insider tip we love to surprise buyers with is the peninsula of Capo Zafferano on the coast just east of Palermo. This naturally beautiful region offers outstanding value just 20 minutes from the city and 40 from the airport. Untouched fishing villages like Aspra and Sant’Elia frame the glamorous Mongerbino coastline, where some of Sicily’s most luxurious villas offer stellar views and direct access to the sea. Train and bus connections in Bagheria and Santa Flavia make car-free living feasible. Best of all – despite attractions like the nature reserve of Monte Catalfano and the archaeological park of Solunto and incredible opportunities for diving, boating and swimming, area remains undiscovered by mass international tourism despite spectacular coastal settings.

The natural parks of Sicily’s north coast offer some of the island’s most spectacular and undiscovered property opportunities, combining mountain and sea views with authentic village life and exceptional value.

The Madonie mountains hold villages like Gratteri, Pollina and Collesano where properties average around €700-750/m2. You’re close to Cefalù but away from crowds, and there is abundant culture and great food. The region is not heavily touristy but it’s not hard to find English, German or French speakers. There are many superb opportunities for renovating homes on a budget.

The Nebrodi Natural Park is an even larger area than the Madonie, covering 80,000 hectares. In some villages here property can be found for even less than €500/m2. Some municipalities like San Marco d’Alunzio will even provide cash grants to help with renovation work. There is less international influence here and the region will reward buyers who really want to engage with genuine Sicilian culture on its own terms. It’s also a paradise for nature lovers and those who want to get away from it all. You’ll need your own transport unless you’re in one of the towns right at sea level, but this is deep Sicily and those who take the time to get to know the region adore it.

Legal basics

12. Can non-Italian citizens buy property in Sicily?

Yes, non-Italian citizens can absolutely buy property in Sicily. EU citizens have it easiest, as they face no restrictions whatsoever. People who are already resident in Italy with necessary documentation will also have no issues. Non-EU buyers without residency can usually still buy, but some countries have reciprocity requirements. The general rule of thumb is that any rules the buyer’s home country might impose on Italians buying property there will be reciprocated.

Buyers should note the difference between the right to buy property and the right to spend time in Italy. Non EU citizens planning extended time in Sicily (over 90 days per six months for non-EU citizens) will need appropriate visas or residence permits. Property ownership can support certain residence applications but does not automatically grant residency rights.

The main requirement for all buyers is an Italian tax code (codice fiscale). Applying for this is a straightforward process and can be handled both through Italian consulates abroad and in person in Sicily. It is necessary for all Italian financial transactions.

Property in Sicily’s comprehensive guide to buying property in Sicily explains all requirements. Many buyers appreciate our Welcome to Sicily post-sale package, which handles all bureaucratic necessities including tax code (codice fiscale) applications.

The essential requirement is a tax code (codice fiscale), which you can get either from the Italian consulate in your home country or in person in Sicily. Beyond property transactions it will be essential for all utility contracts.

Buyers also need valid photo identification (passport) and proof of address. When buying as a couple, both parties need documentation. Companies purchasing property require additional corporate documentation.

Non-EU buyers should verify that their country has a reciprocal purchase arrangement with Italy (allowing Italians to buy property there, which most do). 

While owning property does not require having a residency permit, living in it full-time does. If you are a non-EU citizen you will need an appropriate visa to spend more than 90 days in total in Italy across any 180 day period.

Your appointed notary will handle all Italian legal documentation and a technical surveyor (geometra) can be engaged to manage technical certificates. Property in Sicily’s Welcome to Sicily package lets you delegate all bureaucratic necessities including tax code (codice fiscale) applications. We have also published a comprehensive guide to buying a property in Sicily.

Professional assistance is essential for safe, successful purchases. The Italian system differs significantly from that of many countries, and attempting to navigate it alone risks costly mistakes or legal problems.

Engaging a notary (notaio) is mandatory. However, notaries do not represent buyers’ interests specifically. They are impartial public officials who perform due diligence on the property’s documentation and legally transfer ownership. This is a guarantee of legal compliance for buyer, seller and the state.

Buyers may appoint a technical surveyor (geometra) or architect to assess the property’s structural condition, identify planning issues and estimate renovation costs. This typically costs €500-2,000 but will prevent expensive surprises.

An accountant (commercialista) can advise on tax implications, particularly for rental income or residency planning. For complex situations, English-speaking legal specialists prove invaluable.

Estate agencies provide crucial local knowledge, language support and transaction management, significantly reducing stress and risk. Property in Sicily’s network of trusted professionals includes experienced English-speaking specialists across all disciplines. The agency’s focus on international buyers and multilingual customer service also offers great reassurance.

What it costs

15. What’s the average price for Sicilian property?

Sicilian prices are well under the European average for all types of property. Of course, exact rates will vary dramatically by location, property type and condition. You will find renovation projects in rural villages for less than €20,000. Property in Sicily showcases an extensive range of properties under €100,000. Madonie Park villages like Gratteri and Pollina have been especially fruitful hunting grounds, with habitable townhouses typically around €700-750/m2.

Mid-range properties, especially in coastal towns, will average €1,000-1,500/m2. Major cities like Catania and Palermo sit around €1,300-1,400/m2. Premium resort areas like Taormina, Noto and old town Cefalù command €4,000-6,000/m2.

Luxurious villas with pools and sea views will start from around €300,000 and rise depending on location and specifications. Countryside estates with land vary enormously based on the condition of both the buildings and terrain. Remember that there may be income from orchards, olive groves and vineyards on Sicily’s rich soil.

Beyond purchase price, budget for taxes (around 9% for second homes, 2% for primary residences), notary fees (2% of purchase price and a minimum of €1,000), agency fees (4% if buying through Property in Sicily) and any renovation costs. Our article on how to buy a house in Sicily provides more details.

Sicily’s luxury property market offers superb value. You can find attractive prices for immaculate city penthouses, sea-view villas and sprawling countryside estates. In major cities, premium addresses like Palermo’s Liberty-style detached villas or Catania’s Baroque palazzi.command €4,000-6,000/m2. The highest prices on the island are for sea-view homes in Taormina and will be even higher. The Val di Noto’s Baroque towns and Cefalù’s medieval old town provide historic character alongside tourism infrastructure at slightly lower rates.

If privacy is a paramount concern, coastal villas offer views that can’t be overlooked – in any sense. These can be found with high-end amenities like pools, guesthouses and extensive grounds from €500,000 upwards. Our luxury homes collection showcases exceptional properties across Sicily.

You may consider building your own home to tailor everything to your tastes and requirements. Most agricultural land permits some development for residential use and even sea-view locations can be attractively priced.

High net worth individuals relocating to Sicily should note the flat-rate tax regime offering 7% income tax on foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. For qualifying individuals, this represents substantial savings compared to almost any other European or North American location.

Be flexible on location. Amazing value can be found when you hunt even half an hour away from tourist hotspots and major cities. Small villages, especially inland, offer properties from under €20,000. The number of properties under €100,000 we are able to offer speaks to the breadth of opportunity that exists across Sicily.

Allow a generous contingency when budgeting renovation costs. A €30,000 purchase requiring €50,000 renovation still delivers outstanding value compared to northern Europe, but if your initial sums showed €40,000 it will feel disappointing. Budget overruns of 20-30% are not uncommon – the best insurance is a detailed technical report from a geometra.

Consider total running costs. Rural properties mean car dependency and potentially higher startup fees for utilities. Solar panels and wells will reduce bills dramatically.

Project management services like those offered by Property in Sicily can help with price negotiations, prevent costly contractor mistakes and make early budgets much more accurate. Always prioritise structure – roof, walls and floors – over cosmetic condition. Painting and furnishing can happen gradually, but foundation repairs are expensive and disruptive.

Property in Sicily does not feature €1 houses in our listings. Whilst these schemes generate headlines, they rarely deliver the best value once buyers understand the full picture. €1 houses come with mandatory renovation obligations, tight deadlines (often as little as three years) and minimum spend requirements (typically €25,000-50,000). Total costs can reach €150,000 or more. 

Such schemes attract dozens of international buyers simultaneously to small villages, inflating for limited local contractors and transforming authentic communities into tourist-focused areas. Resale values suffer throughout the area.

Better value exists in villages without €1 house promotions, where habitable properties start from under €20,000 with no mandatory obligations. Buyers can renovate at their own pace. These villages retain authentic character and total budgets of €60,000-80,000 (purchase plus renovation) deliver excellent results. Some villages in the Nebrodi Park, like San Marco d’Alunzio, offer cash subsidies for renovation work which help buyers without creating the same market distortions.  

Purchase taxes depend on whether the property becomes a primary residence (prima casa) or second home. For primary residences, registration tax is 2% of the cadastral value (typically 30-60% less than the purchase price), with a minimum of €1,000. Other smaller administrative fees will come to around €600 in total. Second home purchases carry a 9% registration tax, again assessed on the cadastral value.

Notary fees are typically 1-2% of the purchase price, with rates for the public servants non-negotiable and set by law.

Estate agency fees are typically between 3% and 5% plus VAT (22%). In Sicily these are ordinarily paid by the buyer.

Discretionary costs to consider include technical surveyor (geometra) or architect surveys (€500-2,000 depending on property complexity), translation services if needed (this is included if buying through Property in Sicily) and utility connection fees, where properties have been disconnected.

Significant tax benefits exist for new residents and property renovations. Our tax benefits guide explains available incentives. Sadly the once-lucrative Bonus system is now very restricted but may offer some discounts to Italian taxpayers.

The cost of living is very low in Sicily, making it possible to maintain a property at very little expense. Your outgoings will include tax expenses and home expenses. This will obviously vary depending on the size of the property, its facilities and location. Of course, another central question is whether it is lived-in all year round – either as a primary residence or a rental property – or lies empty for periods.

If you make Sicily your primary residence you will pay zero property tax (IMU). Even if it is a second home, rates are low in Sicily compared with many other western markets. You can expect to be charged €3-400 for a small apartment and €1,000 for a large villa. The second tax which is levied by the local authorities, is the refuse tax (TARI). This does not vary nearly as much as the property tax: an apartment will be charged around €200, and a large property around €300.

Bills are also very affordable in Sicily. Everything depends on your consumption, of course, but a typical electricity bill for an apartment would be around €60-80 per month. If it is empty there will still be fixed charges, but only around €30. A water bill would usually be about €30 per month.

These numbers will inevitably be much larger in detached villas with infrastructure like swimming pools and irrigation. You can mitigate this greatly, as well as reducing your environmental impact, by installing photovoltaic cells and batteries. An investment of €8-9,000 can buy you a state-of-the-art solar power system that generates 9kW of electricity, and this can bring your running costs almost to zero. Some homeowners even sell surplus power back to the grid.. If you want an independent water supply you can usually dig and equip a well for around €6,000.

After i buy

21. Who can take care of my Sicilian property when I’m not there?

Second home owners can find local property managers to look after their empty residences in Sicily. Prices for Property in Sicily’s own highly rated management service start at €900+ VAT (IVA) per year, and there are similar service providers in all of Sicily’s major towns and cities. market for these  

While you will obviously be able to determine schedules and packages tailored to suit your own needs, should expect the frequency of visits by a quality property manager to be no less than twice monthly. They should provide you with photos and videos on request, as well as taking care of maintenance tasks and of course guaranteeing that the home will be secure. These services also mean you can expect to find your property spotless and fresh whenever you are able to visit in person, saving you valuable days of your precious vacation time.

Luxury villas with premium amenities like estates and swimming pools will obviously require specialist staff. A reliable pool manager will charge between €250 and €350 per month for a comprehensive service which guarantees you pristine water all year round. This will include cleaning, maintenance of filters and pumps, constant monitoring of water quality and all necessary chemicals. In summer you can expect a visit every week; in winter it may become twice monthly for unused pools.

Significant advantages exist to moving your tax base to Sicily, despite some incentives having been reduced from their peak levels in recent years. The most substantial offer is the flat-rate tax regime for new residents, guaranteeing a 7% income tax on foreign-sourced income for up to 10 years. It’s offered to retirees and others who receive pension income if they are newly relocating to Italy from abroad. Small municipalities in Sicily (under 20,000 residents) may offer even greater reductions.

For younger buyers, remote workers and freelancers relocating to southern Italy can benefit from reduced income tax rates for several years.

Property purchase taxes are significantly lower for primary residences (2% versus 9% for second homes), offering a significant incentive to establish Italian residency in the year after completing on the property.

Our comprehensive tax benefits guide explains current incentives in detail. Regulations change frequently, so we would always advise you to seek professional advice from an accountant (commercialista) before making any big decisions based on tax benefits.

Property in Sicily offers comprehensive project management for both renovation work and new builds, removing the stress and complexity from construction projects in a foreign country.

With the service, a hugely experienced team with a proven record of customer satisfaction takes responsibility for everything. They will coordinate architects and technical surveyors (geometri), obtain planning permissions and building permits, source and manage contractors, oversee construction quality and deliver written and video reports to you, manage the budget and timelines. Being able to ask about any of this in English (or a range of other languages spoken to native level) gives complete peace of mind. You have eyes, ears and a voice on the ground.

This proves invaluable for buyers living abroad who cannot visit frequently or manage Italian-speaking contractors directly. Our relationships with reliable local professionals, professional understanding of Italian building regulations and experience navigating bureaucracy deliver better outcomes at lower costs than any international buyer can realistically achieve.

See our services page for full details of this and other popular post-sale packages, including the extremely popular Welcome to Sicily relocation management offer.

Holiday rentals are legal and popular in Sicily, offering excellent income potential in the right locations. However, regulations exist and must be followed carefully. All holiday rentals require registration with regional tourism authorities, obtaining a CIN (national identification code) and complying with safety standards including fire extinguishers and emergency exits.

Tax obligations apply. Rental income must be declared and taxed, either through standard income tax rates (23-43%) or the flat-rate regime (cedolare secca) at 21% for short-term rentals. Local tourist taxes (typically €1-2 per person per night) must be collected and remitted.

Some municipalities restrict holiday rentals in historic centres or impose licensing caps. Condominium rules may prohibit short-term rentals. Our comprehensive guide to running an Airbnb in Sicily explains all requirements and procedures.

Solemar Sicilia, Property in Sicily’s sister company, provides full property management services, handling everything from guest communications and key handover to cleaning, maintenance and regulatory compliance. This makes holiday rentals genuinely hands-off, maximising investment returns whilst owners enjoy their property whenever desired. Many owners successfully balance personal use with rental income.

There are no restrictions on resale, unless you have bought through a promotion which expressly limits you. Property in Sicily has sold several properties on more than one occasion. 

Resale prospects depend heavily on location and property type: properties in established tourist areas like Cefalù, Taormina and the Val di Noto typically sell especially fast.. Well-maintained homes in towns and cities attract good interest, but rural and village locations with amenities like coastline nearby also perform well. 

The Italian tax system incentivises longer ownership. Properties sold after five years of ownership do not incur any capital gains tax, meaning all profit is tax free. Before the five year cut-off the rate of CGT is 26%, meaning most buyers approach Sicilian property as a medium to long-term investment rather than a quick flip.