Italy remains one of the most desirable countries to live in. It attracts homebuyers seeking a balance between comfort, style, and high-quality living. People move to Italy from other European countries, Dubai, and even across the ocean because this country offers more than just real estate. Italy provides a cozy atmosphere, mild climate, affordable cost of living, and a true sense of home often missing in other places.
What Types of Properties Do People Buy in Italy?
Italy offers a wide variety of locations and types of real estate, providing unique options for every taste. Let’s explore the most popular areas in detail.
Buying a House by the Sea
Italy’s coastline is surrounded by five seas: the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenian, Ligurian, and Mediterranean. This opens up incredible opportunities for buyers who dream of enjoying water views and a seaside lifestyle.
- The Ligurian Coast — One of the most prestigious locations, famous for villas on the Italian Riviera, including San Remo, Portofino, and Rapallo. Its proximity to France and international resorts makes it especially appealing.
- The Tyrrhenian Sea — Coastal Tuscany and Lazio feature historic villas and modern homes with direct beach access, such as those in Forte dei Marmi and Monte Argentario.
- The Adriatic Coast — An affordable option offering beautiful homes in regions like Marche, Abruzzo, and Puglia, ideal for those seeking peace and privacy.
- The Amalfi Coast and Islands — One of the most popular destinations for luxury real estate buyers. Homes in Positano, Ravello, and Capri combine style, prestige, and stunning views.
- Calabria and Puglia — Areas with some of the most affordable seaside homes, perfect for those who want to blend the charm of rural Italy with the comfort of living by the water.
Buying a House in Tuscany
Tuscany is the cultural heart of Italy, famous for its vineyards, cypress-lined alleys, and historic villages. This region appeals to those who value privacy, luxury, and the authenticity of the Italian countryside. Buyers here seek:
- Classic stone houses in the areas of Siena, Arezzo, or the Chianti hills.
- Modern villas with panoramic pools, for example, near Florence or on the Tuscan coast (Maremma).
- Historic estates in Pienza, Montepulciano, or Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Buying a House on Lake Garda
Lake Garda is one of Italy’s most famous lakes, located in the northern part of the country, between Veneto, Lombardy, and Trentino. This real estate is ideal for nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle.It’s a popular area thanks to:
- Luxurious villas in Salo, Gargnano, or Desenzano del Garda.
- Historic homes with lake views in Malcesine and Riva del Garda.
- Convenience for leisure: yacht docks, developed infrastructure, and proximity to Verona and Milan.
Buying a House in the Italian Alps
Italy’s ski resorts in the Alps and Dolomites are world-renowned. These properties are ideal for active living, winter sports, and enjoying stunning natural landscapes. Top destinations include:
- Cortina d’Ampezzo (Veneto region) — One of Italy’s most prestigious winter resorts, featuring chalets and homes in traditional Alpine style.
- Valle d’Aosta resorts (Cervinia, Courmayeur) — Villas with panoramic views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn.
- The Dolomites (Trentino-Alto Adige region) — Secluded homes and chalets in Selva di Val Gardena and Madonna di Campiglio.
Buying a House in Milan
Milan is a city where style, fashion, and business intersect. It attracts families, investors, and professionals alike. Real estate prices in Milan remain high, but the city is an excellent investment due to its economic activity.
- Homes with private grounds in Milan are a perfect choice for families. Neighborhoods like Wagner, Pagano, and Monte Rosa feature lush green areas and charming courtyards.
- Districts with historic villas: Wagner, Pagano, Monte Rosa are close to the modern CityLife district and combine classic elegance with convenience.
- Luxury penthouses and apartments in Brera, Porta Nuova, or the beautiful Porta Venezia district.
- Navigli offers stylish urban properties for those looking for a vibrant city lifestyle.
Real Estate Prices in Italy: Where to Find Luxury and Affordable Options
The range of prices for homes in Italy accommodates nearly any budget. The luxury segment is characterized by high costs in prime locations, but with the right choice, even properties requiring renovation can become profitable investments.
Luxury Seaside Homes
- The Ligurian Coast (Portofino, San Remo): Villas start at €2–3 million and can reach tens of millions for properties with direct sea access.
- The Amalfi Coast and Capri: Homes in Positano and Capri begin at €5 million, while elite villas can exceed €20 million.
- The Tyrrhenian Sea (Forte dei Marmi, Monte Argentario): Villas in Tuscany start at €1.5 million, with premium options from €5 million.
- The Adriatic Coast: Homes are more affordable here, with properties in Abruzzo and Marche ranging from €250,000 to €1 million.
In these areas, properties requiring renovation are excellent investments. With the right location, such homes become more liquid after upgrades, making them easier to sell or rent.
Tuscany
- Historic estates and wineries in Chianti and Val d’Orcia are priced at €2–3 million.
- Classic homes and villas in Pienza or Siena range from €800,000 to €1.5 million. Elite options can reach €10 million.
- Modern homes with pools near Florence start at €1.5 million.
Investing in historic homes in less touristy areas of Tuscany is an excellent strategy for boosting property value through renovation.
Lake Garda
- Luxurious villas with docks start at €2 million, while exclusive options can exceed €10 million.
- Homes with lake views in Malcesine or Desenzano del Garda begin at €500,000, with elite properties starting at €1.5 million.
Renovation projects around the lake are popular with investors, as they become highly attractive to tourists after updates.
Ski Resorts
- Cortina d’Ampezzo: Chalets with panoramic views start at €3 million.
- Cervinia and Courmayeur: Homes start at €1.5 million, with elite chalets priced from €5 million.
- The Dolomites (Val Gardena, Madonna di Campiglio): Chalets start at €1 million, while premium properties are priced at €3–5 million.
Affordable homes needing reconstruction can be found in lesser-known villages near popular ski areas.
Milan
- Wagner, Pagano, and Monte Rosa districts: Fully restored historic villas with private grounds start at €3 million.
- Brera and Porta Nuova: Apartments and penthouses range from €1.5 to €10 million.
- Navigli: Stylish apartments start at €800,000, with luxury properties from €2 million.
- Milan suburbs (Monza): Homes are available for €400,000–700,000, including new developments.
Why Affluent People Choose Italy for Living
Italy is not just a country with a rich history and culture but also a place offering unique conditions for comfortable living. This is why it becomes the top choice for many affluent families, including those who already own properties in Spain, France, or Dubai. Let’s look at the main reasons behind this trend.
- Lower Cost of Living. Italy, especially outside of major metropolitan areas, offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to countries like France or the United Kingdom. The cost of food, services, utilities, and even luxury living is noticeably lower. This is particularly appealing to those seeking comfort without excessive expenses.
- Peaceful Atmosphere and Safety. Life in Italy is synonymous with tranquility. Most Italian cities, even the larger ones, maintain a high level of safety. Strolling through narrow streets in historic towns or along scenic promenades is enjoyable and secure at any time of day or night.
- Ideal Climate. Italy is known for its mild climate, which makes living here especially comfortable. Winters are rarely harsh, and summers are filled with sunshine. Combined with the stunning natural landscapes — mountains, lakes, and coastlines — Italy offers perfect year-round living conditions.
- Friendly and Welcoming Locals. Italians are famous for their hospitality and friendliness. They create a warm, family-like atmosphere, which is especially important for those relocating with their families. Living among welcoming and open people makes integration into the local community smooth and pleasant.
- Delicious and Healthy Food. Italian cuisine is not only a delight but also a vital part of the culture. Fresh local produce, olive oil, cheeses, wines, and of course, pasta are integral to life in Italy. Additionally, the Mediterranean diet is considered one of the healthiest in the world.
A Sound Investment
Buying a home in Italy is a reliable investment and a chance to enjoy life in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Trevi Elite offers professionalism, years of experience, and a broad selection of luxury properties across Italy to help you find your dream home.
