Property for Sale in Italy – Buy Italian Property

Where to Buy Property in Italy

Italy is not the only country that specialises in living stylishly and well – the Germans and the French know how to enjoy themselves too – but in Italy they do it all with a verve and zest that makes Italians among the most popular people in the world.

We love their art, opera, Ferraris, pizzas, clothes, cities, ancient ruins, rolling hills and shimmering waters. We have taken to every corner of Italy: in the north-west, the Alps and Lakes. DH Lawrence said of Lake Garda: “I sat and looked at the lake. It was as beautiful as Paradise, as the first creation.”

It still is, this is one country that has avoided the temptation to overdevelop. In the north-west is Venice, on the other sid ein the middle you’ll find Tuscany. And in the middle are Rome, “the eternal city” and the Bay of Naples, then south to the heat and beauty of Sicily in one corner and Puglia in the heel, where Amanda Lamb chose to buy, out of all the places in the world she’s seen.

Unlike some of its neighbours on the Mediterranean coast, Italy is not known for large-scale package holidays or Brits seeking early retirement. One survey found 26,000 British people living permanently in Italy, which is far fewer than in Spain, France or Portugal, although it has the same winter warmth in many areas, a superb coastline and lower living costs than the UK.

You are less likely to find a gated community in Italy, but it is more popular for holiday homes within the towns and villages, particularly in old renovated properties. Italy’s reputation as a weekend-break destination means that budget flights from the UK continue all year direct to most Italian airports. Those weekend-breakers are often looking for culture, lifestyle, romantic views and café culture – all of which Italy has in abundance.

The north of Italy is wealthier and its property prices are generally a little higher, especially if you are looking for properties in the Milan area. The south is more rural and traditional, with cheaper property including the famous trullos of Puglia.

There is less of an infrastructure of English-speaking agents, lawyers and professionals in Italy, but in all the most popular areas for foreign house buyers you will find them.

Historically the Lakes in the north of Italy were the first areas to attract overseas second-home owners, and for their beauty, accessibility and dual season appeal. Lake Como – also home to Sir Richard Branson – is more fashionable than ever although can be surprisingly affordable, with apartments with a view for €100,000. 

Most popular with the Milanese, Maggiore is elegant but similarly priced, whilst Garda tends to appeal to the actively inclined. Iseo and Orta are less popular, however Lugano remains sought-after for those after a mix of Swiss efficiency (or tax regime) coupled with Italian culture. 

Tuscany and Umbria then became a big hit in the late 1900s when many buyers dreamt of a farmhouse amid rolling hills within handy distance of those beautiful medieval villages or Renaissance cities. The area in Tuscany around Arezzo, Siena and Florence – the so-called Chiantishire – became fashionable and expensive and you won’t get much change from €1 million for a well-presented six-bedroom farmhouse with a pool in Sting and Trudie Styler’s patch of Arezzo. 

That said, some prefer to escape the tourist buses and communities of British expats and Lucca slightly north has been growing in popularity; as has the Garfagnana, Lunigiana or Bagni di Luca where prices drop – you can get a two-bed home for less than €100,000.  In neighbouring Umbria, the area around Lake Trasimeno and nearby Perugia remains of high interest. 

Le Marche, south of Tuscany, is also now firmly on the radar of overseas buyers, and in San Benedetto del Tronto you are both close to airports and beaches.  The area is popular with second-home owners from Rome, so you are looking at around €125,000 for an apartment. It’s close to the border with the Abruzzo region, a wonderfully undiscovered and green area which is highly affordable – find plenty of options for €50,000 to €100,000. You can do ski and beach in the same day in some!

Italy’s coastal areas have grown in popularity, with Puglia leading the way after a couple of years of high-profile owners, celebrity weddings and a growing fame with foodies. British buyers tend to love the area around Ostuni and Martina Franca where houses are available for well under €100,000. Be careful of buying a trullo (listed cone-shaped stone house) because these can be expensive to restore and also might be illegally extended.

Heading back north, Liguria has also gained greater interest, and in this stylish area close to the Cote D’Azur in the attractive town of Imperia you can get an apartment for €150,000. 

If the Italian islands appeal, head to Sardinia for affordability (outside the chic Costa Smeralda), and in the lovely little beach town of Valledoria, you can buy a two-bedroom apartment for €80,000; Sicily tends to be surprisingly expensive due to lack of supply. 

Cities have also been growing in popularity but are more expensive: Florence, Venice and Rome are all popular for holiday rentals and the Airbnb market.