How Apartment Priorities Have Changed in 15 Years
In 15 years of real estate experience, I’ve observed a fascinating shift in what families prioritize when searching for apartments in Italy. A prime example? Terraces in Milan—once dismissed as “useless spaces” are now “essential.” Thanks, COVID!
Let’s explore the new criteria for choosing an apartment in Italy, setting aside the usual suspects like size and location:
1. Flexible and Multifunctional Spaces
Remember when we turned our cozy couch corners into conference rooms during lockdown? The real estate market has fully embraced this trend. Movable walls, foldable desks, multifunctional shelves, and hideaway furniture have become must-haves. These features allow even the quirkiest corners to transform into efficient workspaces, making your home office dreams a reality.
2. Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
If I may be cheeky, nothing has raised environmental awareness in Europe quite like skyrocketing energy bills! Jokes aside, my clients’ eyes light up when I show them A-rated energy-efficient apartments. Wall insulation, new-generation windows, solar panels, and heat pumps are more than just features—they’re feel-good choices for the planet. Bonus? Green homes command higher prices. Buyers are happy to pay extra for a sustainable, comfortable living environment.
3. Integrated Smart Technology
Imagine controlling lights, temperature, windows, and even security systems straight from your smartphone, wherever you are. Luxury used to mean marble floors or frescoed ceilings. Now? It’s all about connectivity. With remote work and online learning booming, a stable connection for webinars and Netflix isn’t just a perk—it’s a necessity.
4. Wellness and Outdoor Living
Gone are the days when buying a home was all about the walls and roof. Today, outdoor spaces are the real stars. That oversized, empty terrace you once used for drying laundry? Now it’s worth more than a penthouse with a blocked view. Don’t forget communal gardens—once grounds for complaints, now they’re coveted spaces for hyperactive kids or early-morning dog walks. Parks, bike paths, and pedestrian zones aren’t extras anymore; they’re must-haves for living in harmony with the city and yourself.
5. Proximity to Services and Public Transport
Location, location, location! But it’s no longer just about luxury neighborhoods or panoramic views. The new mantra is all about convenience. Welcome to the era of smart mobility and the 15-minute city—a dream where everything you need (from bakeries to gyms, schools to cocktail bars) is just a short walk or bike ride away. Designed to cut traffic and stress, this concept has become a game-changer in real estate.
6. Indoor Air Quality and Acoustic Comfort
Here’s a shocker: indoor air can be worse than outdoor air. Furniture, cleaning products, and carpets release harmful substances. Enter controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), a system that ensures fresh air circulation without the need to open windows. Add soundproof walls and high-seal windows, and you’ve got the modern essentials for peace and health in your home.
7. Community and Shared Amenities
Today, a home isn’t just four walls—it’s a lifestyle. Imagine waking up, taking the elevator to a fully equipped gym or coworking space with flawless Wi-Fi. Welcome to Condo 2.0, complete with play areas for kids, panoramic rooftop lounges for exclusive gatherings, and shared meeting rooms. It’s more than an apartment; it’s a way of life.
8. Tourist Potential
Own an apartment in a historic area with natural beauty, delicious food, and maybe even a picturesque festival? Congratulations! Tourists flock to platforms like Booking and Airbnb, eager for a place to stay. A well-located property in a tourist hotspot isn’t just an investment—it’s a cash-flow machine. Iconic cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice or seaside gems like the Amalfi Coast and Chianti hills attract visitors worldwide. Even lesser-known towns with charm and authenticity are seeing a surge in demand.
9. Orientation and Natural Light
Some things no renovation can fix: orientation and natural light. Ever felt a warm, inviting vibe upon entering a home? That’s the magic of natural light. Orientation determines how much sunlight a property gets, shaping its mood and energy. Pro tip: face south or west for extra sunlight hours, boosting serotonin and reducing heating costs. A bright, well-lit space is more than cozy—it’s a mood lifter and an energy saver.
Documents for the Purchase
Found the perfect apartment and ready to sign the purchase proposal? Hold on! There are essential documents and checks you can’t ignore.
Why? In Italy, an accepted purchase proposal becomes binding. Backing out means losing your deposit.
- Land Registry Extract: Reveals the property’s owner and cadastral income.
- Municipal and Cadastral Floor Plans: They must match the real layout. Discrepancies? Potential building code violations.
- Condominium Records: Review past resolutions to avoid unexpected renovation costs. Ensure the previous owner has cleared all dues.
It may seem overwhelming, but a real estate agent can help you navigate the process, ensuring no costly surprises. Now, you can focus on designing your dream home!
How to Prepare for an Apartment Visit
Start by listing the must-have features for your future home. Think beyond today—consider your needs in the next 10 years. Planning to expand your family? Will you work from home?
During the visit, pay attention to details: check for damp spots, the condition of windows and frames, and whether repainting or flooring updates might be needed. Visualize your life in the space—if you can picture your sofa by the window or a reading nook bathed in natural light, it’s a good sign.
Ask plenty of questions! Inquire about public transport, nearby amenities, room orientation, parking availability, utility costs, and any upcoming construction projects. A bedroom facing east gets morning light, while south-facing living areas enjoy sunlight most of the day. These practical details can make all the difference!