Renovation Costs in Sicily: 2026 Guide

Is renovating in Sicily cheaper than Tuscany or Puglia? Yes. Is it cheap? Not anymore. Here is a transparent breakdown of costs for international clients.

One of the biggest mistakes foreign investors make is assuming that because property prices are low (you can buy a ruin for €30k), renovation will also be dirt cheap. In 2026, material costs are global, but labor is local.

Price Estimates per Sqm (2026)

• Light Renovation: €700 - €900 / sqm. (New floors, painting, basic bathroom refresh).
• Full Restoration (The standard): €1,000 - €1,300 / sqm. (New plumbing, electrics, walls, windows).
• Luxury / Historical: €1,400+ / sqm. (Restoring stone arches, high-end materials, custom carpentry).

Quality finishes (like this custom wall) increase the initial cost but double the rental appeal.

VAT (IVA) for Renovations

Italy has a complex tax system. For renovations, you often pay a reduced VAT rate of 10% (instead of the standard 22%) on labor and significant materials. This is a huge saving that we manage for our clients.

The "Island Factor"

If you are buying on the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo), add 35% to your budget. Everything must arrive by ferry, and builders charge for travel time.