What Are Spese Condominiali?
One of the most common questions from foreign buyers is:
“How much are the utilities here?”
In Italy, there isn’t one fixed “monthly payment” like in many other countries.Instead, every building (called a condominio) has its own shared expenses — spese condominiali.These fees cover everything related to the building’s maintenance and common areas.
1. The Type of Building
Costs depend heavily on the kind of building you live in.
A modern residence with a lift, garden, concierge, and shared heating will naturally have higher fees than a simple building without these features.
2. Heating System
If heating is centralized, it’s usually included in the spese.
If it’s autonomous (a private boiler inside the apartment), you pay your gas bill directly to the supplier.
Still, some shared maintenance costs — such as for pipes or pumps — may be included in the spese condominiali even in this case.
3. Lift, Gate, Garden, and CCTV
Each amenity adds to the overall budget:
– lift maintenance,
– automatic gate systems,
– garden care,
– hallway lighting,
– and even security cameras.
Every light bulb in a common staircase has its cost.
4. Concierge or Caretaker (Portinaio/Custode)
Having a concierge is convenient — especially in larger or more luxurious buildings.
But their salary, taxes, and insurance can easily add €40–70 per month to your share.
5. Reserve Fund and Building Works
Many condominiums maintain a reserve fund for future repairs or renovations.
If major works have already been approved (such as façade restoration, roof insulation, or lift replacement), each owner contributes proportionally to the cost.
Average Spese Condominiali per Month
| Building Type | Typical Monthly Range |
|---|---|
| Simple building | €30–70 |
| Mid-range (with lift/heating) | €70–150 |
| Large complex with garden/security | €150–200+ |
| Luxury residence | €1,000–2,000+ |
How We Verify Spese Condominiali Before You Buy
To help our clients plan realistically, we always:
– request the latest condominio invoices or annual budget;
– check if the building has debts or unpaid owners;
– review the official meeting reports (verbali dell’assemblea);
– compare similar buildings in the same area to predict future costs.
Every detail matters — especially if you’re buying a property for rental income, since high spese condominiali can significantly reduce your return.
Thinking about buying a property in Italy and want to know the real monthly expenses before making an offer?
Contact us — we’ll calculate the full budget and help you avoid hidden costs.
© ITALTY — Your Italian Realty
We write about buying real estate in Italy with maximum benefit for you, without risks and stress.