Fast House Sale in Milan [for expats]

Got a property in Milan and keeping an eye on the market? Then you already know—real estate prices are skyrocketing. And I can confirm it as a professional: I sell everything in Milan, often in record time.

If you need to move abroad, change jobs, or cash out to seize new opportunities, selling quickly isn’t just a wish—it’s a necessity. And with a market this competitive, the right strategy can land you a fantastic deal faster than you think.

So, if you're looking for the best way to sell your house in Milan—and fast—you need to know two key factors:

• The average selling time based on location and strategy.
• The real market value of your property (determined with a precise method, not guesswork).

But first, let’s take a look at what’s happening in Milan’s real estate market right now.

How Fast Can You Sell a House in Milan

Now, before you start celebrating (or panicking), let’s get one thing straight: the longer your listing sits unsold, the more it loses its "new-on-the-market" appeal. After the first 30 days, the number of interested buyers drops dramatically (real estate agents call this the DOM30 effect—Days on Market).

So, what really determines how quickly you’ll close a deal? Four main factors:

1. Market Trends
2. Property Location
3. Asking Price
4. Condition of the Home

Let’s break them down.

Sell fast, sell smart! Get expert guidance and secure the best deal for your Milan property. Contact us today for a free valuation!

1] Market Trends

Milan’s real estate market is fast-moving and competitive—great news if you want to sell! Demand is still strong, and prices keep rising despite occasional dips in transaction volume.

Here’s a little history lesson:

• 2000-2006: 25,000 property sales per year.
• 2007-2014: Sales dropped to 15,000 during the financial crisis.
• 2015-2019: Back up to 25,000 transactions.
• 2020: A temporary slowdown (thanks, pandemic).
• 2023: Sales dipped by 13%, totaling 24,831 transactions. Why? Mortgage rates shot up, and prices had been rising too fast over the last five years.

Source OMI - Osservatorio del Mercato Immobiliare Agenzia delle Entrate^[1].

But here’s the kicker: prices per square meter have steadily increased since 2015.

• Until 2019, prices hovered around €3,500/m².
• 2019-2020: The big jump—€4,000/m².
• 2021-2024: An even bigger surge—now over €5,500/m².

Moral of the story?

2] Property location

Not all Milanese neighborhoods are created equal. Some areas are hotter than espresso (good luck keeping your property on the market for more than a few days), while others take a bit more work.

Hottest areas for quick sales:

• Brera, CityLife, Pagano, Porta Garibaldi – Always in demand.
• New builds – If it's modern, it's selling.
• Apartments between 50-85m² – The sweet spot for most buyers.
• Penthouses with terraces – If you have one, you’re golden.

Slower movers:

• Properties between 115-145m² – Not as many buyers for this size range.
• Homes far from metro stations – The “15-minute city” concept is king. Buyers want everything within a short walk or metro ride.
• Properties to be renovated – Buyers' nightmare.

What does this mean for you?

3] Asking price

Milan’s property prices have climbed by an average of 4% per year over the past five years.

And here’s a hard truth: if your asking price is even just 5% too high, your property could sit unsold for over a year. Buyers in Milan are savvy. If your price isn’t aligned with market realities, they’ll move on fast.

But don’t worry—I have a killer pricing strategy coming up for you. Stay tuned.

Timing is everything! Milan’s market is booming—don’t miss your chance to sell at peak value. Let’s strategize your sale now!

4] Condition of the home

Want to know the single biggest turn-off for buyers? A property that needs renovations.

Renovation costs in Milan range from €700 to €2,000 per m².

Time required? Months of headaches.

On the flip side, if your property needs work, expect longer selling times and lower offers. Buyers will either negotiate a hefty discount or skip your listing entirely.

Best Strategies to Sell Your Milan Property Quickly

Want to sell your property fast in Milan? Then nail the price from the start and work with an agency that actually knows what they’re doing. Sure, they’ll take a commission, but in exchange, they should guarantee maximum visibility and a professional sales strategy.

Let’s break down how to get it done.

Price It Right from the Start

I’ve seen some property valuations in Milan that are about as reliable as a fortune teller reading tea leaves. Even some so-called professionals seem to pull numbers out of thin air. But here’s the deal: valuing a property isn’t guesswork—it’s data-driven.

So, what’s the best method? Let me explain in three words: "Rogiti in Chiaro" (Clear Deeds).

Here’s how it works:

• Let’s say your apartment is in Corso Magenta 12, Milan.
• We analyze all the sales in exactly the same building over the last 5-10 years.
• We download the official deeds, study the selling prices, and adjust for factors like floor level, year of sale, square footage, and condition.
• The result? The real market value of your home, calculated down to the euro per square meter.

Now that we have a precise valuation, we set the listing price strategically. Think of it like a new iPhone launch—you introduce something fresh to the market, set the right price, and create buzz around it.

If you start too high? Crickets. Your property sits on the market, loses appeal, and eventually sells for less than it should have.

88 days or less? That’s the average selling time in Milan. Want to beat it? Let’s talk and get your home sold quickly!

Work with a Real Estate Agent

Thinking about selling without an agent? If you’re an expat or not in Milan full-time, that’s like starring in a real estate horror movie—where you’re the victim.

Instead, choose an expert agent and make sure they deliver on these six key points:

1. License & Credentials: Official registration with the Chamber of Commerce (no sketchy “agents” allowed) and Professional liability insurance (because mistakes can be expensive).
2. Premium Exposure on Property Portals: Listing in top positions on both Italian and international property portals. Access to exclusive, high-visibility advertising that private sellers can’t buy.
3. High-End Marketing & Photography: A professional photo shoot—because buyers look at photos before reading a single word. Your home needs to look bright, spacious, and stylish. If the photos scream "fixer-upper," expect lowball offers (or no offers at all).
4. Document Preparation: Your agent should gather all necessary documents upfront, including: Deed of ownership, Cadastral survey, Mortgage survey, Cadastral map, Urban conformity declaration, Habitability certificate, Energy performance certificate. Why does this matter? Because a missing document can delay or kill your sale at the last minute.
5. Power of Attorney (PoA): Don’t want to fly back to Italy just to sign paperwork? Use a Power of Attorney (PoA) to authorize someone you trust. This lets you finalize the sale remotely, saving time and travel costs.
6. Easy Home-Staging Tips: You don’t need to hire a professional home stager or spend a fortune—but a few tweaks can work wonders:
   • Fresh paint (especially if walls are dingy).
   • Declutter! Less is more—think Scandinavian minimalism.
   • Improve lighting—bright spaces sell better.

Legal and Tax Considerations for Expats Selling in Milan

Selling a house in Milan is usually easier than buying one—no need to hunt for the perfect location, visit endless properties, or decode Italy’s complex buying process. But don’t relax just yet!

Mistakes as a seller can cost you way more than they would as a buyer. A single misstep could lead to legal battles, sale cancellations, or financial headaches that drag on for years. So, let’s talk about what not to mess up.

Urban Planning Compliance: Check Before You Sell

Picture this: you’ve signed a preliminary contract, the buyer is excited, and then—boom!—it turns out your property isn’t compliant with urban planning regulations.

Best-case scenario? Delays.

Worst case? The sale is canceled, and you have to return double the deposit or, even worse, end up in a legal nightmare that freezes your sale for years.

Soooooo… Get your urban planning paperwork in order before accepting any offers.

Your property deserves top dollar! With the right approach, you can sell faster and at the best price. Contact us today for expert advice!

Capital Gains Tax: Are You in the Clear?

Made a profit on your Milan property? Great! Now, let’s talk about whether the taxman wants a slice.

If you're selling as a company, there's no escape—capital gains tax applies every time. But if you’re a private seller, it depends on how long you’ve owned the property. Held it for more than five years? You’re in the clear—no tax to pay. Selling within five years? You’ll be taxed either under the IRPEF system or with a flat 26% substitute tax on your profit.

One extra twist: If your property or building benefitted from Italy’s Bonus 110% incentives, tax rules might change. Always check before selling, or you could be in for an unwelcome surprise!

Resident vs. Non-Resident: Any Difference?

Not really! The selling process is nearly identical whether you’re an Italian resident or not. However, non-residents might face extra anti-money laundering checks when transferring money abroad. Nothing too complicated, but something to be aware of.

Cash Buyers & Real Estate Investors: Quick Sales, Lower Prices

Need to sell yesterday? Cash buyers could be your best bet. These buyers don’t rely on mortgages, meaning no bank delays, no loan rejections—just a smooth, guaranteed sale. The best part? You could close in a few weeks instead of months.

Then there are real estate investors—individuals or companies looking for properties to renovate, flip, or rent out. They love homes with hidden potential, even if they need work.

The catch? Speed comes at a price. Cash buyers and investors typically offer less than market value in exchange for quick, hassle-free deals. So, if time is more important than squeezing every euro out of your property, this could be the way to go!

FAQ

How do I sell my house in Milan as a foreigner?

To sell your house in Milan as a foreigner, gather key documents like the Atto di Provenienza (proof of ownership) and APE (energy certificate). Pricing it right is crucial—working with a local agent helps attract buyers quickly. Listing on major platforms like Immobiliare.it and Idealista.it can speed up the process.

If selling remotely, you may need a Procura Speciale (power of attorney). Be aware of possible capital gains tax if selling within five years. The sale involves a Preliminary Contract (Compromesso) and a final notarized deed (Rogito Notarile).

Avoid costly mistakes! Selling without the right strategy can cost you thousands. Let’s price it right and attract the best buyers.

Is now a good time to sell property in Milan?

Yes, Milan’s real estate market remains strong, making it a good time to sell. Property prices have been steadily rising, surpassing €5,500/sqm in 2024, driven by high demand and limited supply. While transaction volumes have slightly decreased from 2022’s peak, buyer interest remains strong, especially in prime areas.

If your property is well-located and priced competitively, it can sell quickly. However, economic factors like interest rates and market fluctuations can impact demand. For a faster sale, working with an experienced real estate agent and listing on top platforms can maximize your chances of securing a good deal.

Conclusion

Selling your house in Milan is a great idea. The market is hot, prices are soaring, and buyers are out there. But before you pop the champagne, let’s get one thing straight—selling fast and at the right price isn’t just about luck. It’s about strategy.

If your property is in a prime location and well-presented, you could close a deal in 30-60 days. If it’s overpriced or needs renovation, be prepared to wait. A move-in-ready apartment sells fast. A fixer-upper? Not so much.

Remember to price it right from the start – Overpricing means your house will sit on the market while others sell. The trick? Use real sales data from your building (not wishful thinking). Our “Rogiti in Chiaro” method analyzes past transactions, so you don’t end up pricing your apartment like tomorrow’s horoscope.

Now is the right time to sell. If you’ve been thinking of cashing in, this is your moment. In Milan, the right strategy makes all the difference.

Elena Manzhos: Mother of two beautiful children, wife, and real estate agent for over 15 years. More than 20 years ago,  I moved to Italy from Eastern Europe. I have always had a deep-seated passion for houses; as a child for the Barbie house, and now as a real estate professional, my love for luxurious properties is unwavering.
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