Buying and Selling Second-Hand in Italy: Platforms, Tips and What to Expect

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The main second-hand platform in Italy

Italy’s go-to classifieds platform is Subito.it. Think of it as the Italian equivalent of Craigslist, Gumtree or Marktplaats: a free, nationwide site where you can browse and post ads across all major categories, including vehicles, fashion, home goods, electronics, leisure, pets, property and jobs. Ads are sorted by region, making it easy to find listings near you.

Posting an ad is free. Optional paid features let you re-boost your listing every 7 days or increase its visibility in search results.

The best classifieds platforms in Italy

Subito.it is the most popular option, but it’s far from the only one. Here is an overview of the platforms Italians use most:

There are also many niche platforms dedicated to specific sectors such as property, vehicles, luxury fashion and electronics.

Italy’s second-hand market: a growing sector

According to data from the Osservatorio Second Hand Economy, conducted by BVA Doxa for Subito in 2024, Italy’s second-hand market is growing at a sustained pace.

In 2024, the value generated by the second-hand economy in Italy reached 28 billion euros, representing around 1.5% of Italian GDP. This growth reflects a broader shift in attitude: buying and selling used goods is increasingly seen as a normal, even virtuous practice.

The most popular categories for second-hand sales in Italy are:

• Home goods (76%)
• Leisure (65%)
• Electronics (59%)
• Vehicles (44%)

Buying second-hand saves money and reduces waste. Two good reasons to get started.

Buying a property in Italy through classifieds

Property is one of the most sought-after purchases for foreigners in Italy. Buying a home in Italy is a dream for many people who picture themselves retiring in the sun or owning a holiday home in Italy.

Choosing Italy as a base often means access to property prices lower than in many Western European countries, and sometimes remarkable initiatives such as the famous 1-euro homes in Italy. If you are looking for an English-speaking estate agent, our team can help guide your search.

Buying a used car in Italy

Cars are among the most searched items on Italy’s second-hand market. Here is what makes buying a vehicle here worth considering.

Very competitive prices

The main draw is price. Experts estimate that used vehicles in Italy are around 15 to 20% cheaper than in comparable Western European markets. This is driven by a highly active market with fast vehicle turnover, a generally lower cost of living, and favourable leasing conditions that regularly bring recent models back onto the second-hand market.

A few precautions to keep in mind

While the prices attract many foreign buyers, some caution is warranted, especially if you are not yet comfortable in Italian. Check the bodywork, engine and interior carefully, ask for service records, and make sure the seller can provide the European Certificate of Conformity (COC), which is required to register the vehicle in many countries. If the seller does not have it, you can obtain one through EuroCOC.eu or directly from the manufacturer (around €150).

Why buy from a professional dealer?

Buying from a registered dealer reduces risk considerably. Under Italian law (Il Codice del Consumo, articles 128 onwards), professional sellers are required to guarantee the conformity of used goods for 2 years. You can browse listings from reputable dealers on AutoScout24.it.

Before purchasing, it is also worth checking the rules around driving licences in Italy, particularly if you are planning to relocate.

Importing a vehicle: the full process

If you plan to register an Italian vehicle in your home country, requirements vary depending on where you live, but you will generally need:

• The Italian registration document (il libretto di circolazione)
• A tax clearance certificate from the relevant authority in your country
• The COC (European Certificate of Conformity)
• The purchase invoice
• A vehicle inspection carried out after importation, in line with your country’s requirements

Buying second-hand clothing in Italy

Fashion holds a central place in Italian culture, and the market for second-hand clothing is thriving. Vinted has made a strong impression in Italy, with over 3.5 million active users in the country.

For vintage and luxury lovers, major cities like Milan, the fashion capital, are home to a wealth of specialist shops:

• Humana Vintage: items from the 1960s to the 1990s at accessible prices, supporting humanitarian projects
• Second Hand Reuse: branded clothing from €1 to €18, with a commitment to social causes
• Lipstick Vintage and Cavalli e Nastri: two high-end vintage boutiques with completely different styles, both worth a visit

At weekends, flea markets are organised across major Italian cities. You can find them listed on cosedicasa.com.

Buying second-hand furniture in Italy

In Italy, you can not only buy second-hand furniture at low prices, you can sometimes get it for free. It is not unusual to find listings offering furniture at no cost, provided you collect it yourself.

Italian furniture tends to be large and heavy, which makes moving it a real challenge. Rather than renting a van, many Italians simply offer their pieces to anyone willing to come and take them away. A great opportunity to furnish your home without spending a thing.

Selling second-hand in Italy

Second-hand items in Italy tend to be listed at higher prices than in many other European countries. In markets like the UK or Germany, it is common for an item to sell within hours of being posted. In Italy, the higher asking prices can extend the selling period to several weeks, but patience almost always pays off.

To improve your chances of a quick sale on Subito.it or Bakeca.it, take care with your photos, write a clear and honest description (even a basic one in Italian works well), and respond promptly to messages from potential buyers.

For a broader picture of what things cost in Italy, our guide on the cost of living in Italy gives a useful overview of prices across the country.

Conclusion

Italy’s second-hand market offers real opportunities, whether you want to buy, sell or even furnish a home for free. Whether you are after a car, designer clothing, furniture or simply want to clear out your belongings before a move, platforms like Subito.it and Vinted give you access to a rich and expanding market.

Thinking about moving to Italy? Browse all our practical resources in our guide on relocating to Italy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main second-hand platform in Italy?

Subito.it is Italy’s leading classifieds platform. It works similarly to Gumtree, Craigslist or Marktplaats: you can browse and post ads for free across a wide range of categories, including vehicles, property, clothing, leisure and electronics. Other popular options include Bakeca.it, Kijiji.it and Facebook Marketplace.

How do I import a used car from Italy to another country?

Requirements vary by country, but you will generally need the Italian registration document (libretto di circolazione), a tax clearance certificate from your local authority, the European Certificate of Conformity (COC), the purchase invoice, and a vehicle inspection carried out after importation. Check the specific requirements with the relevant transport or licensing authority in your country.

Are used cars really cheaper in Italy?

Yes, used cars in Italy are on average 15 to 20% cheaper than in comparable Western European markets. This is due to a highly active resale market, a generally lower cost of living, and favourable leasing conditions that regularly bring recent vehicles back into circulation.

Where can I find second-hand clothing in Italy?

You can use Vinted (over 3.5 million users in Italy), explore vintage shops in major cities like Milan (Humana Vintage, Lipstick Vintage, Cavalli e Nastri), or visit the flea markets held every weekend in towns and cities across the country.

Can you really find free furniture in Italy?

Absolutely. It is common in Italy to find listings offering furniture at no cost, on the condition that you collect it yourself. Italian homes often contain large, heavy pieces that are difficult and expensive to move, so many owners prefer to give them away rather than pay for disposal. A great way to furnish a home on a tight budget.

Is Subito.it trustworthy?

Subito.it is a well-established and widely used platform. As with any classifieds site, some caution is sensible: be wary of prices that seem unrealistically low, prefer in-person exchanges for valuable items, and check seller reviews where available. For vehicles, buying through a certified dealer via AutoScout24.it is the safer option.

How do I post an ad on Subito.it if I don’t speak Italian?

The Subito.it interface is in Italian, but it is straightforward to navigate. Create a free account, choose your category, upload photos, write a short description (Google Translate works well for this) and add your location. Posting is free, and you can choose to be contacted by email or phone.