Rome, the capital city of Italy, is a sound investment if you’re looking for a property in a city that you can rent out to tourists or as a long-term rental to students or expatriates. As remote working becomes more popular too, Rome is an excellent choice for remote workers who want to base themselves in the city for a few months of the year.
Below is our guide to the best areas to invest in property in Rome.
About Rome
Rome is full of history with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, and the Trevi Fountain drawing millions of tourists each year. Residents have the opportunity to immerse themselves in centuries of history and artistic achievements.
As the seat of the Catholic Church, Rome holds significant religious importance, with landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums attracting millions of pilgrims and visitors each year.
Buying property in Rome is still possible, even after Brexit. Follow our guide to buying property in Italy and talk to an iad Overseas property consultant*. We can advise you on the most profitable regions of Rome and how to find a property to suit your budget.
Recent developments
- Urban renewal
Rome has undergone various urban renewal projects¹ to develop residential areas, enhance public spaces and preserve cultural heritage sites. - Transportation infrastructure
Rome is experiencing an ongoing expansion of the metro system and improvements to bus and tram networks, to improve connectivity and accessibility². - Sustainable initiatives
Rome is focusing on sustainability initiatives, including pedestrian-friendly zones, bike-sharing and efforts to reduce pollution and traffic congestion.
Where to invest in Rome
The following areas are the most popular to visit and live in and therefore ideal for property investment in Rome.
- Historic Centre (Centro Storico)
The historic centre of Rome is popular for its iconic landmarks and vibrant atmosphere. Properties in areas like Trastevere, Piazza Navona and Campo de’ Fiori tend to command higher prices but offer excellent potential for capital appreciation and rental income due to their central location. - Piazza di Spagna and Via Veneto
These areas are full of luxury boutiques, elegant cafes, and proximity to landmarks like the Spanish Steps and Villa Borghese. This location appeals to tourists and renters looking for high-end accommodation. - Prati
Located near Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica, Prati is a residential district popular with expatriates and professionals. Properties in Prati offer relatively lower prices compared to the historic centre. - Monteverde
Situated on Janiculum Hill overlooking the historic centre, Monteverde is a residential area known for its green spaces, panoramic views, and family-friendly atmosphere. This area is appealing if you’re after a quieter lifestyle while still being close to the city centre. - Parioli
Parioli is an affluent residential area known for its tree-lined streets, prestigious schools, and exclusive properties. If you plan to target affluent renters, this is where to invest in Rome. - Ostiense
With its industrial past and recent redevelopment projects, Ostiense has become a trendy district attracting artists, young professionals, and creatives. - Testaccio
Testaccio has been redeveloped in recent years and is home to a vibrant food scene and authentic Roman atmosphere. Properties in Testaccio offer good value for investors looking for a district with future growth potential.
In 2023 Rome ranked the 7th best city in the world for visitors, one reason being the city’s investment in tourism³.
The Rome property market
Prices for Rome property can range between €6,000-€10,000 per m² with the average price currently being €7,162⁴. This compares to €5,400 for Florence and €9,224 for Milan. So it’s cheaper to invest in property in Rome than in Milan.
The table below gives example rental prices for studios and rentals in Rome:
Property type | Average monthly rental price (€) |
---|---|
3-bedroom city centre apartment | 2,103 |
3-bedroom apartment outskirts | 1,228 |
1-bedroom city centre studio apartment | 1,084 |
1-bedroom city outskirts studio apartment | 666 |
Source: https://www.combien-coute.net/prixm2-centre/italie/rome/
Rome is home to several universities and therefore has a vast student population, which is a rental opportunity for property investors. The main universities are:
- Sapienza University of Rome – located in the historic centre of Rome, near the Colosseum and the Roman Forum.
- Tor Vergata University of Rome – situated in the eastern part of Rome and features state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities.
- Roma Tre University – located in several areas of Rome, including the historic centre and the Ostiense district, with a focus on social sciences, humanities, and arts.
- Luiss Guido Carli University – located in the heart of Rome.
When searching for a property to purchase in Rome as an investment you should research other similar properties in the area. Are they rented out as holiday lets or long-term rentals and what are the prices? This will ensure that you set a competitive price.
Things to do in Rome
In addition to its history, Rome is famous for numerous cultural events, festivals, and exhibitions held throughout the year, which are an attraction for visitors to the city.
Annual events in Rome include:
- The Summer Festival – with stalls and crafts along the Tiber River
- Romaeuropa – a popular arts festival
- Rome Independent Film Festival – an open-air event
- Carnival – a celebration of live performances, street parties and general merriment
- Natale di Roma – the birthday of Rome which took place on 21 April 753 BC
There are many other events, one of the most important being Easter when thousands of visitors descend on Rome to view the religious celebrations in St. Peter’s Square.
Each of these events offers an opportunity to promote your holiday property and offer tourists a magical trip to Rome.
How to find a property in Rome?
If you’re considering investing in property in Rome, an iad Overseas property consultant is your ideal point of contact to assist you with your plans. Contact us and take advantage of our in-depth knowledge of the Rome property market.
- https://www.rees-journal.org/articles/rees/full_html/2023/01/rees220031/rees220031.html
- https://www.webuildvalue.com/en/infrastructure/rome-projects-nrrp.html
- https://www.ansa.it/english/news/general_news/2023/01/05/rome-7th-in-worlds-best-tourist-cities-2023-list_9caa22f5-8f54-4eb2-9359-512cc71c813f.html
- https://www.combien-coute.net/prixm2-centre/italie/rome/