Inherited homes in Italy and Greece face tax and upkeep rules

In Italy, heirs who receive a primary‑residence property can benefit from reduced cadastral and mortgage taxes, but the law requires the home to be used as the main residence within 18 months and imposes a five‑year holding period before it can be sold without losing the tax advantage. Selling the house earlier triggers penalties under the DPR 131/1986 framework.

In Greece, all co‑heirs remain liable for the maintenance of an inherited house even if it stays vacant. Regular inspections are advised to prevent pipe bursts, roof leaks, or overgrown vegetation that could cause damage to neighboring properties. Responsibility is shared among the heirs, not limited to the person holding the keys, and coordinated upkeep helps avoid costly repairs.

Both sets of guidelines aim to balance fiscal incentives with the practical need to preserve the value of inherited real‑estate assets.