Italy has been for long one of the top destinations for foreign property buyers, and for good reasons. Its vineyard-filled countryside, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and rich historical heritage are just a few of the countless reasons people are drawn to this beautiful country. Add in world renowned cuisine, a laid-back lifestyle, and a wide array of activities – from hiking and skiing in the Alps to sailing along the Amalfi Coast – and it is easy to see why Italy remains an attractive location for investment.
If you’re thinking about buying property in Italy – whether as a permanent residence or a vacation home – this article will tell you about everything you need to consider before making your decision.
The Italian property market in 2024/2025
In 2024, the Italian property market saw only a modest increase, with the latest figures for Q3 showing a 2.2% year-on-year growth. This slow growth is reflected in Italy’s economic situation, which expects a GDP increase of only 0.7% at the end of 2024 and the same figure for 2025.
While this may seem like a negative situation, it’s actually good news if you’re thinking of buying property in Italy. With less disposable income available property prices are likely to remain stagnant or only increase very slightly, making Italy a good choice to buy property in 2025.
Whether you’re buying for investment or looking for a new home abroad, iad Overseas property consultants are here to provide expert advice about Italian market.
Regional Property Prices in Italy
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Italian property market is the significant variation in prices across the country. While areas like Trentino, Tuscany, and Sardinia tend to have higher prices, it’s still possible to find cheap properties in Italy.
The table below shows a breakdown of prices per square metre by region in 2024.
As of September 2024, the average prices for residential properties in Italy vary significantly by region, measured in euros per square metre:
Region | Average Price (€/m²) |
---|---|
Trentino-Alto Adige | 3,462 |
Aosta Valley | 2,764 |
Liguria | 2,667 |
Tuscany | 2,488 |
Lazio | 2,462 |
Lombardy | 2,505 |
Sardinia | 2,360 |
Veneto | 2,018 |
Emilia-Romagna | 2,015 |
Friuli-Venezia Giulia | 1,620 |
Marche | 1,617 |
Apulia | 1,425 |
Piedmont | 1,395 |
Abruzzo | 1,377 |
Basilicata | 1,342 |
Campania | 1,897 |
Umbria | 1,162 |
Sicily | 1,162 |
Molise | 1,047 |
Calabria | 954 |
Take advantage of Italy’s “1-Euro House” scheme, where you can purchase properties in need of renovation for just 1 euro, as long as you commit to restoring them within a specified timeframe (typically one year).
What kind of property should I buy in Italy in 2025?
The kind of Italian property you buy to take advantage of the minimal expected price increases will depend on your situation and lifestyle. Do you want easy access to nature or the beach, or to live in a traditional Italian village or a chic city apartment?
If you’re planning to retire to Italy you may want a modern, practical villa or apartment that’s easy to maintain. Alternatively, if you want to invest in Italian property and use it for seasonal rentals you’ll need to consider the location carefully. Properties near the sea and in the major cities of Rome and Milan will be easier to rent to tourists than those in rural locations.
Here is a summary of average property prices by type in 2024, and what you could expect to pay with a 2-4% increase in 2025.
Traditional apartment (60 sqm / 646 sqft)
- 2024 Price €300,000
- 2025 Price with 2% increase €306,000
- 2025 Price with 3% increase €309,000
- 2025 Price with 4% increase €312,000
Modern apartment (75 sqm/807 sqft)
- 2024 Price €400,000
- 2025 Price with 2% increase €408,000
- 2025 Price with 3% increase €412,000
- 2025 Price with 4% increase €416,000
Luxury villa (100 sqm/1,076 sqft)
- 2024 Price €1,000,000
- 2025 Price with 2% increase €1,020,000
- 2025 Price with 3% increase €1,030,000
- 2025 Price with 4% increase €1,040,000
Studio (30 sqm/323 sqft)
- 2024 Price €150,000
- 2025 Price with 2% increase €153,000
- 2025 Price with 3% increase €154,500
- 2025 Price with 4% increase €156,000
Country house (150 sqm/1,615 sqft)
- 2024 Price €800,000
- 2025 Price with 2% increase €816,000
- 2025 Price with 3% increase €824,000
- 2025 Price with 4% increase €832,000
Investing in Italy
Not ready to move yet but want to take advantage of affordable property prices? Consider renting your property out.
Seasonal rentals to tourists are a profitable way to make a return on your investment, especially in the main cities and coastal areas. The islands of Sardinia and Sicily are also a good choice, particularly considering Sicily is one of the cheaper places to buy property (see table above).
The emergence of remote working over the past few years also makes Italy a popular destination for mobile workers needing a short-term property rental. In 2024, the Italian government introduced a new Decree, creating the category of ‘digital nomad’ and ‘remote worker’ within the immigration policy. Under this policy, remote workers and digital nomads can reside and work in Italy for up to a year, as opposed to the previous 90 days.
To comply with Italian laws you should understand the regulations for renting out a property in Italy. Seasonal rentals include the requirement for a tourist licence and collecting the tourist tax, while you must pay tax on both seasonal and long-term rentals.
With iad Overseas: get expert advice on buying poperty in Italy in 2025
If you’re considering buying property in Italy and want to capitalize on stable prices, we ( iad Overseas) are here to help. Our experienced consultants are experts in the Italian property market and can guide you to the perfect property that suits your needs and your budget.
3 key points to remember
- Property prices in Italy are expected to remain stable with modest increases in 2025, making it an ideal or good time to buy.
- Italy has a vast choice of locations to buy in, from the snowy Italian Alps in the north to stunning inland countryside, beautiful beaches and historic cities.
- The cost of living in Italy is currently 13% lower than in the UK, making it an attractive option for expats.
- https://www.globalpropertyguide.com/europe/italy/price-history
- https://investropa.com/blogs/news/italy-buy-property?_pos=6&_sid=64cb464ad&_ss=r
- https://1eurohouses.com/how-it-works-and-benefits/
- https://investropa.com/blogs/news/italy-price-forecasts?_pos=10&_sid=64cb464ad&_ss=r
- https://kpmg.com/xx/en/our-insights/gms-flash-alert/flash-alert-2024-083.html
- https://www.enit.it/en
- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=United+Kingdom&country2=Italy