5 Reasons to buy a property in Italy

Food!

Food is high on the list of every expat's list of reasons for wanting to buy a property in Italy. Imagine waking up to the aroma of freshly brewed espresso, strolling down cobblestone streets to vibrant local markets, sitting in cute little trattorias and indulging yourself with authentic pasta dishes made from time-honoured recipes. Purchasing a property in Italy means having a front-row seat to the gastronomic delights that have made Italian cuisine so beloved throughout the world. Mild, sunny winters and warm, dry summers contribute to the country's renowned agricultural produce. Pasta, a culinary icon, comes in myriad forms, with each region boasting its own speciality. Bolognese sauce hails from Emilia-Romagna, while carbonara represents Rome's culinary prowess. Pizza was born in Naples, while Lombardy is proud of its creamy risottos. Tuscany's rustic fare highlights hearty dishes like Ribollita, while southern Italy embraces seafood. Olive oil, a staple, accentuates dishes across the country, as does Italian wine, with Tuscany and Piedmont producing world-class varieties. Check out our carefully curated list of the best destinations to buy property in Italy for food and drink lovers for further foodie inspiration!

Cheap property & low cost of living

The cost of living in Italy is roughly 27% lower than in the UK and 33% lower than in the USA (it can be as much as 70% cheaper to live in Italy, depending on where you choose to settle). Regions like Sicily, Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna and Calabria offer attractive property bargains. Check out our regularly updated list of the best budget properties for sale in Italy right now for inspiration. Reasonable property prices, generally larger properties and more outdoor space, position Italy as an economical yet luxurious location to buy a property. 

The Italian real estate market's continued stability and resilience, even amid global economic fluctuations, make Italy a potentially lucrative investment opportunity, and Italy’s continuing popularity as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations means for property buyers looking to make money on their purchase, there is good rental potential in many key regions. 

Italy is a beautiful mosaic of unique regions 

Italy is like lots of small countries brought together under one sparkling green, white and red umbrella. Each region is different and the people are fiercely proud of their region’s history, traditions, food and wine. Historians will love getting to grips with the ancient history of Sicily and Rome, the unique cultural identity of Sardinia, the Renaissance art of Florence and the maritime chronicles of Venice. There’s an abundance of different landscapes in Italy to explore and settle in. From the sun-drenched beaches of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, and the glorious snow-capped mountain landscapes of the Dolomites. All you need to decide is which region is right for you. And there are lots of different property types to choose from; historic properties in cities like Milan and Palermo provide a unique opportunity to own a piece of Italy's rich cultural heritage, often featuring classical architecture and elegant interiors. For those seeking a more relaxed lifestyle, the countryside beckons with its charming farmhouses, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, while coastal regions offer stunning villas with panoramic sea views. 

History, culture & La Dolce Vita 

Italy holds the record for the most UNESCO heritage sites in the world - as of 2023, you can find a whopping 59 UNESCO sites - 53 cultural and 6 natural - in Italy. And Italy's central location makes it an ideal base for further exploration of the continent. Imagine hopping on a train and exploring the cultural gems of France, the gastronomic highlights of Croatia and Slovenia, or the charming villages of Switzerland. Owning a property in Italy means embracing ‘La Dolce Vita.’ Whether it's enjoying a leisurely meal with family and friends, taking an afternoon siesta, or simply wandering through historic streets, Italians are committed to savouring the sweetness of life. In villages and small towns, neighbours know each other by name, and communal events are common, creating a feeling of belonging for residents. This sense of community is another great reason to buy a holiday home in Italy. 

Secure purchase process 

In Italy, the integrity of real estate transactions is safeguarded through stringent regulations governing the licensing of agents and notaries. To act as a real estate agent in Italy, an official licence is mandatory. This legal requirement ensures that individuals engaging in real estate transactions possess the necessary qualifications and adhere to ethical standards. Real estate agents in Italy must be registered with the local chamber of commerce, and they are obligated to hold a specialised identification card known as the ‘patentino di agente di affari in mediazione.’

Moreover, Italian law mandates that registered real estate agents must secure liability insurance. This insurance policy is designed to protect the interests of clients in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It adds an extra layer of security to property transactions, assuring clients that their investments are safeguarded by insurance coverage. Find out more about the Italian property buying process and legal considerations you need to consider before purchasing a property in Italy.