Best Places to Buy Property in Italy [full list]

Every day, I engage with foreign clients who dream of buying a home in Italy. Their motivations? Oh, they’re driven by deep psychological reasons—each one as unique as the next and equally fascinating.

Some want to fulfill a lifelong dream (cue Maslow’s hierarchy of needs), others are gripped by the nostalgic glow of their Italian vacations (hello, Rosy Retrospection!), and then there are those swept away by the Italy they’ve seen in the movies—La Dolce Vita in all its cinematic glory.

But while their reasons for buying are varied, so are the places they want to buy in. And that's what I want to focus on in this article—the places.

Why Italy is a TOP destination for property investment

Let me explain why Italy is one of the top destinations for foreign investment—and no, I’m not going to fall into the cliché of talking about food, sunshine, mandolins, or the "dolce vita."

After 15 years in the real estate industry, I can confidently say that the "pull factors" drawing foreigners here are, in order of importance:

1. Nuance: Italy is a country of countless nuances. Drive just 30 minutes, and you’ll find the traditions, dialect, climate, food, and landscape have all changed. This diversity means everyone can find their ideal place to live.
2. Media: Italy’s portrayal in media, especially films and social networks, is simply unmatched. Its cultural image is unique and stands out from all others.
3. Breakthrough: Many seek a change during life’s pivotal moments—retirement, for example. Italy offers the perfect fresh start.
4. Local: There’s a hunger for authentic, local experiences that help people escape the monotony of globalization.
5. Breeze: Let’s not forget the therapeutic effect of the Mediterranean climate on people’s moods—it’s practically medicinal.

So far, I’ve been romantic. Now let’s get to the more practical, financial incentives that have stirred up considerable interest in Italy’s real estate market: the “Flat tax” and the “€1 Homes” initiative.

The Flat tax offers significant tax advantages for HNWIs (High Net Worth Individuals) looking to move their residency to Italy. The goal is clear: attract wealthy entrepreneurs and investors, especially for the luxury real estate market (and beyond).

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ve got the famous “€1 Homes” scheme. The media frenzy was an absolute hit. The goal? Combat the depopulation of small historic towns, particularly in southern Italy, while restoring derelict buildings.

Without sounding too smug, I can say that once I understand the specific “pull factors” driving a foreign buyer to invest in Italy, I can also pinpoint exactly where they’ll want to buy.

Regions’ features to invest in Italy

Sure, I can sing the praises of Italy’s stunning lakes or Sardinia’s crystal-clear seas all day long, but if you want the Alps because your grandparents were born in South Tyrol, there’s not much I can do to sway you.

So, I’ve decided to describe Italy’s regions in a slightly different way. Let’s see if you like my fresh and engaging approach!

Valle d’Aosta – Aosta

• Slogan: Mountain living among snow-capped peaks and medieval castles
• Average prices: Aosta: €2,500 - €3,500/m² | Mountain areas: €2,000 - €6,000/m²
• Character: Reserved, deeply rooted in mountain traditions and their regional autonomy.
• History: A key alpine crossing between Italy and France, known for its numerous medieval castles.
• Food: Fontina DOP, zuppa valpellinentze, polenta concia.

Piemonte – Turin

• Slogan: Wine country estates in the heart of Barolo.
• Average prices: Turin: €2,200 - €3,200/m² | Suburbs: €1,500 - €2,500/m²
• Character: Reserved, pragmatic, and hardworking.
• History: Key role in Italy’s unification, led by the House of Savoy, which hails from this region.
• Food: White truffle from Alba, bagna càuda, and world-class wines like Barolo and Barbaresco.

Liguria – Genoa

• Slogan: Coastal villages and pastel-colored homes perched above the sea.
• Average prices: Genoa: €1,800 - €2,800/m² | Coastal areas (e.g., Portofino): €5,000 - €20,000/m²
• Character: Humble, with deep connections to the sea; historically sailors and merchants.
• History: Genoa was a powerful maritime republic in the Middle Ages.
• Food: Pesto alla genovese, focaccia, and chickpea farinata.

Trentino-Alto Adige – Trento

• Slogan: Alpine chalets and year-round outdoor activities
• Average prices: Bolzano: €4,500 - €5,500/m² | Mountain areas: €2,500 - €10,000/m²
• Character: Cordial, rigorous, and respectful of nature.
• History: Part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire until World War I.
• Food: Dumplings, apple strudel, speck.

Veneto – Venice

• Slogan: Venice: Romantic canals and architectural gems.
• Average prices: Venice: €4,500 - €6,000/m² | Inland areas: €1,800 - €2,500/m²
• Character: Pragmatic, hardworking, and deeply connected to local traditions.
• History: Venice was a maritime and commercial powerhouse for centuries, leaving a lasting mark on art, architecture, and culture.
• Food: Radicchio risotto, baccalà mantecato, tiramisu, prosecco.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia – Trieste

• Slogan: Crossroads of cultures and rolling vineyard landscapes.
• Average prices: Trieste: €2,000 - €3,000/m² | Inland areas: €1,200 - €1,800/m²
• Character: Reserved yet hospitable.
• History: A border territory influenced by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, heavily affected by both World Wars.
• Food: Prosciutto di San Daniele, frico, and wines like Friulano and Ramandolo.

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Emilia-Romagna – Bologna

• Slogan: Bologna, a gastronomic capital with medieval charm and an ancient university.
• Average prices: Bologna: €3,200 - €4,000/m² | Smaller towns: €1,500 - €2,500/m²
• Character: Open, friendly, and passionate about food.
• History: Home to the oldest university in the Western world, with a rich musical and artistic tradition.
• Food: Parmigiano Reggiano, Parma ham, lasagna, traditional balsamic vinegar.

Tuscany – Florence

• Slogan: A dream for art lovers and luxury buyers. Florence is an open-air museum of Renaissance beauty and cultural splendor.
• Average prices: Florence: €3,800 - €4,500/m² | Rural areas: €1,800 - €2,500/m²
• Character: Creative, passionate, and fiercely proud of their artistic heritage. They love beauty and quality of life.
• History: The cradle of the Renaissance, birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Dante Alighieri.
• Food: Bistecca alla fiorentina, ribollita, Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Umbria – Perugia

• Slogan: Affordable countryside retreats. Perugia: Umbria’s heartland with an artistic soul.
• Average prices: Perugia: €1,600 - €2,200/m² | Rural areas: €1,000 - €1,500/m²
• Character: Genuine, spiritual, and closely connected to nature.
• History: Known as the “green heart of Italy” for its pristine landscapes, rich in medieval and religious traditions.
• Food: Black truffle from Norcia, cured meats, Castelluccio lentils.

Marche – Ancona

• Slogan: Undiscovered beauty and countryside serenity.
• Average prices: Ancona: €1,800 - €2,500/m² | Inland areas: €1,200 - €1,800/m²
• Character: Balanced, with a strong connection to artisanal traditions.
• History: A border region between northern and southern Italy.
• Food: Olive all'ascolana, fish stew (brodetto), vincisgrassi (a lasagna variant).

Lazio – Rome

• Slogan: Rome, the heart of Italy and a top rental market.
• Average prices: Rome: €3,800 - €4,800/m² | Outskirts: €2,000 - €3,000/m²
• Character: Outgoing, witty, and passionate about social life.
• History: Rome, the capital of Italy, was the center of the Roman Empire and the Catholic Church, deeply influencing Western civilization.
• Food: Pasta alla carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, supplì.

Abruzzo – L'Aquila

• Slogan: Mountains and sea in one affordable package.
• Average prices: Pescara: €1,500 - €2,000/m² | Mountain areas: €1,000 - €1,500/m²
• Character: Proud, resilient, and closely tied to mountain traditions.
• History: Known for its wild nature and national parks. L'Aquila was heavily affected by a 2009 earthquake and is undergoing reconstruction.
• Food: Arrosticini (grilled lamb skewers), maccheroni alla chitarra, Sulmona confetti.

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Molise – Campobasso

• Slogan: Discover Italy’s best-kept secret. Molise: authenticity and tranquility in an untouched land.
• Average prices: Campobasso: €1,000 - €1,500/m² | Rural areas: €800 - €1,200/m²
• Character: Genuine and deeply connected to local traditions.
• History: Molise became an autonomous region in 1963, separating from Abruzzo.
• Food: Caciocavallo cheese, pampanella (spiced pork), fusilli al ferretto.

Campania – Naples

• Slogan: Naples, a cultural hub with great renovation potential. The Amalfi Coast: cliffside villas with stunning sea views. Ischia: thermal springs and island escapes. Capri: glamorous island living.
• Average prices: Naples: €2,800 - €4,000/m² | Inland areas: €1,500 - €2,500/m²
• Character: Exuberant, creative, and passionate about art and music.
• History: Influences from Greek, Roman, Norman, and Bourbon cultures. Pompeii and Herculaneum are ancient Roman landmarks.
• Food: Neapolitan pizza, mozzarella di bufala, sfogliatella, limoncello.

Puglia – Bari

• Slogan: A rising star for budget-friendly investments. Charming trulli homes and olive groves.
• Average prices: Bari: €1,800 - €2,500/m² | Inland areas: €1,200 - €1,800/m²
• Character: Warm and hospitable.
• History: A crossroads between East and West, influenced by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans. An important launching point for the Crusades.
• Food: Orecchiette alle cime di rapa, taralli, burrata, and extra virgin olive oil.

Basilicata – Potenza

• Slogan: Invest in history amidst breathtaking landscapes and ancient traditions.
• Average prices: Potenza: €1,200 - €1,700/m² | Rural areas: €800 - €1,200/m²
• Character: Reserved yet welcoming.
• History: Matera, with its Sassi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to prehistoric times.
• Food: Peperoni cruschi, Matera bread, cavatelli con mollica.

Calabria – Catanzaro

• Slogan: Hidden gem for affordable coastal living.
• Average prices: Reggio Calabria: €1,200 - €1,800/m² | Coastal areas: €2,000 - €3,000/m²
• Character: Proud and closely tied to family traditions.
• History: Once part of Magna Graecia, Calabria has been an important Mediterranean strategic point.
• Food: 'Nduja di Spilinga, Tropea red onions, Rossano licorice.

Sicilia – Palermo

• Slogan: Where sun and savings meet. Mediterranean living with rich history and sun-soaked beaches.
• Average prices: Palermo: €1,600 - €2,200/m² | Coastal areas: €2,500 - €3,500/m²
• Character: Passionate, hospitable, and with a strong cultural identity.
• History: A crossroads of civilizations, from Phoenicians to Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards.
• Food: Arancini, cannoli, cassata, pasta alla Norma.

Sardegna – Cagliari

• Slogan: The most exclusive island retreats and crystal-clear waters. Top location: Porto Cervo.
• Average prices: Cagliari: €2,200 - €3,200/m² | Costa Smeralda: €5,000 - €20,000/m²
• Character: Proud, independent, and somewhat introverted.
• History: Despite various dominations, Sardinia has preserved a strong identity.
• Food: Porceddu (roast suckling pig), pane carasau, seadas, and pecorino cheese.

Why you want to buy in Italy

The reasons for buying a property can be as diverse as they come, but here are the most common ones I’ve heard directly from my clients:

1. Retirement: Because what better place to enjoy your golden years than sipping espresso in a piazza, basking in the Italian sun?
2. Vacations / Lifestyle upgrade / Historical and cultural obsession / Escaping the urban rat race
3. Family or ancestral roots: How could you possibly say no to a house in the village where your great-great-grandfather once harvested grapes?
4. Business opportunities: Let’s face it, working from a terrace overlooking the Mediterranean is a step up from that dreary office cubicle.
5. Affordable education: Yes, Italian universities come with a side of culture, charm, and much lower tuition fees than you’d expect. Win-win!
6. Real estate investment / Bargain-priced properties / Agricultural ventures / Renovation projects / Diversifying investments / Restoring a piece of history
7. Rental income / Tourist rentals: Because who wouldn’t want to rent a villa in Tuscany for a summer? Exactly.
8. Tax incentives: Italy practically begs you to move here with its tax programs. You get to live in paradise and save on taxes! Where do I sign?
9. Religion and spirituality: Whether reconnecting with your soul or attending a Sunday mass in a centuries-old church, Italy’s got you covered.

Once you’ve nailed down why you're buying, the where pretty much picks itself. So, now that you know why and where to invest, all that’s left is choosing what to buy.

Ready to start packing?

Property types to consider

When it comes to Italy, the sheer variety of property types and lifestyles is absolutely over the top! You can practically take your pick of dream homes:

• Historic apartments in Renaissance palaces
• Penthouses with skyline views
• Farmhouses, country estates, or masserie nestled in the countryside
• Historic villas full of charm and grandeur
• Trulli, those iconic stone houses unique to Puglia
• Waterfront properties—lake or sea, your choice!
• Homes shaped like lighthouses or towers (yes, really!)
• Medieval castles and fortresses if you're feeling like royalty
• Agriturismi for your very own countryside retreat
• Mountain chalets for year-round outdoor adventures
• Golf apartments because why not live where you play?

No clue about prices? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with a quick rundown of average costs:

Apartments:

• National average: €2,000 - €2,500/m².
• Major cities (think Milan, Rome): Prices can soar above €4,000/m².
• Medium to small towns: Typically between €1,500 - €2,500/m².
• Rural or less developed areas: Prices can dip below €1,500/m².

Villas:

• National average: Between €2,500 - €3,500/m².
• Tourist hotspots or luxury areas (hello, Costa Smeralda, Amalfi Coast, Lake Como): Prices can skyrocket to over €5,000/m², reaching a staggering €10,000/m² or more.
• Suburban or rural areas: Expect between €1,800 - €2,800/m².

So, no matter your budget or style, Italy has a property calling your name! Ready to find your dream home?

Understanding the Italian rental market

One of the most frequent questions I get is, “Is Italy a good place to invest in real estate?”

The answer? Absolutely—but only if your investment goals and location are well defined. Here's why:

• Prices are affordable (yes, even for luxury properties in some areas).
• The government offers plenty of incentives to sweeten the deal.
• Taxes on purchases, property ownership, and inheritance—even for luxurious homes—are relatively low.

However, there is one downside: Italy’s public debt could potentially lead to some economic instability and, yes, possibly higher taxes.

Airbnb, short-term, and long-term rentals: what’s the difference?

Below is a quick comparison of the main features of these three rental types. Check it out in the table:

There’s no one-size-fits-all choice here. It all depends on where your property is and whether you prefer the stability and lower management effort of long-term rentals, or you’re ready to take on more risk for higher returns.

That said... Italy is home to a whopping 58 UNESCO sites, making it the number one country in the world, with over 95 million tourists a year. If you want to take advantage of this flood of visitors, short-term rentals in tourist hotspots are the way to go.

I generally advise that my clients choose long-term rentals in major cities (Milan, Rome) and short-term rentals in tourist destinations.

In addition to being a real estate agent, I’m also an investor. In Milan, I’ve opted for long-term rentals near international schools with 4+4 year contracts. Interested in learning more? Contact me for details.

Final considerations for foreign buyers

Investing in Italy is easy.

The legal requirements? Just two simple things: your Italian fiscal code and making sure the reciprocity condition is met (check out “Can Foreigners Buy Property in Italy” for more info).

The buying process differs from what you're used to, but don’t worry—you can read my super-comprehensive guide, and you’ll be an expert in no time!

After reading this article, I hope you have a clearer idea of where and why to invest in Italy. But before you dive in, here are a few pitfalls to avoid—a little wisdom from someone who’s seen it all:

• Getting a mortgage? It's not fast and definitely not easy.
• Using an unlicensed agent is like trying to put out a fire with a flamethrower (or, if you prefer, wearing a colander as a motorcycle helmet).
• Underestimating the importance of location—it’s everything!
• Skipping due diligence? That’s a cost-saving decision you’ll probably regret!
• Forgetting that moving your residence to Italy means you become a tax resident too (hello, global income taxes!).
• Older properties can hide sky-high renovation costs.
• And lastly: Don’t forget to get insurance, at the very least, a civil liability policy.

Now, go ahead and make your Italian investment with confidence!

Elena Manzhos: Mother of two beautiful children, wife, and real estate agent for over 15 years. Frankly, I don't know what is more complicated. More than 20 years ago,  I moved to Italy from Eastern Europe, where I taught English. I have always had a deep-seated passion for houses; as a child for the Barbie house, and now as a real estate professional, my love for luxurious properties is unwavering.
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