Taxes and costs at a property auction: IMT, Stamp Duty and more
Updated on 2026-07-07
The winning bid isn't the final cost. IMT and Stamp Duty apply to the purchase, there are fees and, almost always, works. Knowing the true total cost before bidding is what stops a "good price" from becoming a bad deal.
IMT — Municipal Property Transfer Tax
IMT applies to the acquisition value on progressive brackets, with different rates for primary residence and for secondary/investment housing. On higher-value properties the marginal rate rises, so IMT can be a significant share of the cost.
Stamp Duty
On top of IMT there's Stamp Duty on the transfer (0.8% of the acquisition value). It's a smaller amount, but it counts in the total.
Fees and registration
Formalisation and registration have their own costs (fees). They're predictable and relatively small, but should be in the calculation.
Works and the true total cost
Auction properties are often sold as-is. A realistic estimate of works is essential. The true total cost = bid + IMT + Stamp Duty + fees + works — this number, not the bid, is what you should compare to the market value. Licito's bidding-cost calculator adds it all up for you.
Frequently asked questions
Is IMT the same for a primary residence and for investment?
No. There are distinct brackets and rates for primary residence and for secondary/investment housing. The applicable regime changes the amount payable, so calculate with your specific case.
Where do I calculate the total cost before bidding?
You can use Licito's bidding-cost calculator, which adds IMT, Stamp Duty, fees and works to your bid. The Relatório Licito does the same calculation for a specific property and compares it to the market value.