If you are under 36 and dreaming of owning your first home in Italy, the Under 36 Prima Casa benefit can save you thousands and make homeownership actually possible. The government created this program to help young buyers step onto the property ladder with much less financial stress.
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Why This Benefit Matters
This scheme cuts the taxes on your first home dramatically:
- registration tax drops from 9% to just 2%;
- mortgage registration and cadastral taxes reduce significantly;
- cadastral tax is also reduced or fixed €50 for first-time buyers;
- IVA is normally exluded or reduced if you buy from a private seller, it may be 4% instead of 10% or 22% if you buy froma developer;
- you don’t have to the municipal property tax (IMU), generally exempt on first homes, except for luxury properties;
- you can combine it with a bank loan without losing eligibility.
For expats, this means upfront costs shrink, making italian property affordable even if you’re still navigating residency or financing.
Who Can Apply
Before planning your purchase, make sure you meet all the requirements:
- you must be under 36 at the time of signing the contract;
- you need to be an EU resident or hold a valid Italian residence permit;
- you cannot already own another residential property in Italy.
This ensures the benefit goes exactly to those buying their first property in Italy.
How to Make the Most of It
Choose your property wisely, because whether it’s a Milan apartment or a Tuscan villa, the tax reductions apply the same. Have your documents prepared, for you may have to prove your age, residency status, and first-time buyer eligibility. And at least, we suggest you to work with a local expert. A notary or real estate agent familiar with the program can prevent you from making costly mistakes.
At least, choose the right bank
When you apply for the “Under 36 Prima Casa” benefit, choosing the right bank becomes really important. Not every bank in Italy works with this program, so you’ll want to find one that participates in the Consap “Fondo di Garanzia Mutui Prima Casa”.
This fund gives young buyers extra support by offering a public guarantee that covers up to 80% of your mortgage. In simple terms, the Italian government guarantees most of the loan for you. Because the bank takes on less risk, it’s often more willing to approve your mortgage — even if you don’t have a large down payment or a long credit history in Italy.
The Consap guarantee has been extended until 31 December 2027, which means there’s still plenty of time to benefit from it. However, each bank manages the process differently. Some handle Consap applications quickly and efficiently, while others can be slow or unfamiliar with the details.
Before choosing a bank, ask specific questions:
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Do they take part in the Consap guarantee scheme?
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What documents do they need for the application?
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How long does approval usually take?
It’s a good idea to compare several banks to check interest rates and extra costs. A cooperative and experienced bank can make your home-buying journey much smoother. On the other hand, picking one that doesn’t understand the “Under 36” rules can lead to delays and unnecessary stress.
In short, take your time when selecting your lender. The right bank won’t just give you a mortgage — it will help you use the Consap guarantee to unlock the full value of the “Under 36 Prima Casa” benefit.
Following these tips can make you save time, stress, and money
The “Under 36 Prima Casa” is more than a tax break: it’s a gateway to your life in Italy. With careful planning and the right guidance, you can secure your first home without overwhelming costs and start enjoying Italy with a solid investment behind you.
