Buying real estate in Italy?

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Is 2025 a good time to buy real estate in Italy?

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Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Italy Property Pack

buying property foreigner Italy

Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Italy Property Pack

Italy's property market in June 2025 offers a balanced mix of stable growth and regional opportunities.

With mortgage rates at multi-year lows and rental yields reaching up to 8.3% in select cities, the market presents compelling opportunities for both lifestyle and investment buyers. Southern cities offer exceptional value while northern markets provide stability and infrastructure-driven growth potential.

If you want to go deeper, you can check our pack of documents related to the real estate market in Italy, based on reliable facts and data, not opinions or rumors.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At BambooRoutes, we explore the Italian real estate market every day. Our team doesn't just analyze data from a distance—we're actively engaging with local realtors, investors, and property managers in cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence. This hands-on approach allows us to gain a deep understanding of the market from the inside out.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through these conversations and our observations. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or expert validation were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Are current property prices in Italian cities offering good value for buyers in June 2025?

Property prices in Italy's major cities show significant variations that create distinct opportunities for savvy investors.

Milan remains the most expensive at €5,400-€5,700 per square meter, having risen 6% year-on-year, while Rome averages €3,124-€3,800 per square meter with a 3-6% annual increase. Florence has reached €4,331-€4,365 per square meter after a 6.1% rise, reflecting strong demand in these cultural centers.

However, excellent value emerges in several markets that shouldn't be overlooked. Naples, despite a 3.9% price drop to €2,712 per square meter, shows remarkably strong rental demand that creates investment opportunities. Turin offers exceptional value at just €1,871 per square meter with an impressive 8.3% rental yield, while Palermo presents even better affordability at €1,341 per square meter, also yielding 8.3% for investors.

The north-south divide creates clear opportunities for different investment strategies. While northern regions like Lombardy command €2,500-€3,500 per square meter, southern regions including Calabria and Sicily remain highly affordable at €950-€1,600 per square meter, offering entry points for budget-conscious buyers.

For buyers seeking value, Italy's secondary cities and southern regions offer compelling entry points compared to other European markets, particularly when considering the combination of lifestyle benefits and investment returns.

As of today, is there more supply or demand in Italy's residential property market?

The Italian residential market in June 2025 shows balanced conditions with a slight tilt toward buyers in most areas.

Transaction volumes have stabilized after the post-pandemic surge, creating more negotiating room for purchasers who are prepared to act. In Milan and Rome, inventory levels have increased moderately compared to the tight conditions of 2023-2024, giving buyers more choice and leverage in negotiations. This shift represents a significant opportunity for those who have been waiting for better market conditions.

The luxury segment remains seller-favorable, particularly in prestigious locations like Lake Como, Tuscany's wine regions, and Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, where international demand continues outpacing supply. These areas attract wealthy buyers seeking lifestyle properties, maintaining price premiums. Conversely, the affordable housing segment in major cities faces supply constraints due to limited new construction, maintaining upward price pressure in this crucial market segment.

Southern markets like Puglia and Sicily are experiencing renewed demand from digital nomads and international lifestyle buyers attracted by the Mediterranean lifestyle, but supply remains ample enough to prevent overheating. The most balanced conditions exist in mid-tier urban properties priced between €200,000-€500,000, where buyers can negotiate effectively without facing the bidding wars common in hotter markets.

This market balance creates ideal conditions for informed buyers who understand local dynamics and can act decisively when opportunities arise.

What types of properties offer the best value in Italy today?

Three distinct property categories stand out for exceptional value in Italy's current market.

Two-bedroom apartments in secondary cities like Turin, Bologna, and Naples priced between €150,000-€300,000 offer remarkable rental yields of 7-8%, making them ideal for income-focused investors. These properties benefit from strong demand from young professionals and students while remaining affordable enough to generate positive cash flow from day one.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

Property Type Best Locations Price Range Expected Returns
Two-bedroom apartments Turin, Bologna, Naples €150,000-€300,000 7-8% rental yields
Renovation projects Sicily, Calabria, rural Tuscany €50,000-€200,000 50-100% value uplift
Student rentals University cities €200,000-€400,000 7.5-8.5% yields
Coastal properties Puglia, Sicily, Abruzzo €180,000-€350,000 Appreciation + rental income

Renovation projects in Sicily, Calabria, and rural Tuscany represent exceptional opportunities, with properties available from €50,000-€200,000 offering 50-100% value uplift potential post-renovation. These benefit from government renovation incentives including up to 50% tax deductions through the Ecobonus program, making them particularly attractive for hands-on investors.

The sweet spot for investors lies in properties requiring minor renovations in Italy's secondary cities, combining immediate rental potential with value appreciation opportunities.

What are the short-term and long-term price forecasts for Italian properties as of mid-2025?

Short-term forecasts for the next 12-18 months predict continued moderate growth across different market segments.

Major cities are expected to see 2-4% annual appreciation, reflecting stable demand and limited new supply. Secondary cities show stronger growth potential at 3-5% annually, driven by improving infrastructure and lifestyle migration trends. Southern regions particularly stand out with projected 4-6% increases as demand strengthens from both domestic and international buyers discovering these undervalued markets.

Long-term projections spanning 3-5 years suggest sustained growth patterns that favor patient investors. Average national growth is forecast at 3-4% annually, with Milan potentially approaching €6,500 per square meter by 2028. Southern markets are expected to narrow the gap with northern regions as infrastructure improvements and increased accessibility drive demand. Areas benefiting from the €24 billion infrastructure investment program could see 15-20% premiums above baseline growth.

The 2026 Milan Winter Olympics represents a significant catalyst, likely creating a price surge in Milan and surrounding areas through 2027. This event, combined with Italy's massive infrastructure investment program running through 2029, should support steady appreciation nationwide.

However, Italy's modest GDP growth of 0.6-0.9% caps explosive price increases, maintaining the market as stable rather than speculative, which benefits long-term investors over speculators.

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Are current mortgage rates favorable for property buyers in Italy?

June 2025 mortgage conditions represent the most favorable financing environment since early 2022.

The European Central Bank's recent 25 basis point cut has brought rates down significantly, with non-residents now accessing fixed rates between 3.2-3.8% and variable rates around 4.7%. Major banks including Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit offer competitive rates starting at 3.5%, making property financing more accessible than in recent years when rates exceeded 5%.

Key lending terms for non-residents include loan-to-value ratios of 50-60% maximum, requiring substantial down payments of 40-50%. Minimum loan amounts typically range from €100,000-€150,000, with debt-to-income ratios capped at 35% of net income. While these requirements demand significant upfront capital, they ensure sustainable lending practices.

The ECB's commitment to supporting economic growth suggests rates will remain stable through 2025, creating a window of opportunity for buyers. Fixed-rate mortgages particularly offer value by locking in today's favorable terms for the loan duration, protecting against future rate increases.

For buyers who can meet the substantial down payment requirements, current financing conditions offer a compelling entry point into the Italian property market.

Are Italian residential properties regarded as safe investments today?

Italian real estate maintains its reputation as a safe, stable investment vehicle in June 2025.

The market demonstrates consistent price growth without bubble characteristics, supported by a strong legal framework protecting property rights and transparent transaction processes. Unlike more speculative markets, Italy shows limited volatile activity, with most buyers focused on long-term value rather than quick profits. Government support for property ownership and the mature regulatory environment provide additional stability.

Risk mitigation factors include Italy's diversified economy reducing single-sector dependence and EU membership providing broader economic stability. Strong rental demand in major cities ensures income generation potential, while tourism supports short-term rental markets in coastal and cultural destinations. Notably, Italy imposes no property ownership restrictions for treaty country citizens, facilitating international investment.

The main risks involve Italy's slow economic growth trajectory, with GDP growth forecast at just 0.6-0.9%, and potential regulatory changes affecting short-term rentals in tourist areas. However, Italy's property market has proven remarkably resilient through multiple economic cycles, including the 2008 financial crisis and recent pandemic disruptions.

For buy-and-hold investors seeking stable returns rather than quick profits, Italian real estate offers solid fundamentals with limited downside risk and predictable appreciation patterns.

What are today's total acquisition costs for foreign buyers purchasing Italian property?

Foreign buyers should budget 10-15% above the purchase price for total acquisition costs in June 2025.

Registration tax represents the largest component at 9% for second homes, though this drops to just 2% if establishing residency within 18 months. Notary fees, mandatory for all transactions, range from 2-4% of the declared value and ensure legal compliance. Legal representation, while technically optional, is highly recommended for foreign buyers and typically costs 1-2% of the purchase price.

Cost Component Percentage/Amount Notes
Registration Tax 9% (second homes) 2% if establishing residency
Notary Fees 2-4% of declared value Mandatory for all transactions
Legal Fees 1-2% Highly recommended for foreigners
Estate Agent Commission 3-5% + 22% VAT Negotiable in buyer's markets
Mortgage Arrangement 2% of loan amount If financing

Additional costs include estate agent commissions of 3-5% plus 22% VAT, though these are negotiable in buyer's markets. For those financing, mortgage arrangement fees add 2% of the loan amount, plus mortgage tax of 1% of the loan value.

These costs remain unchanged from 2024, providing stability for financial planning and allowing buyers to budget accurately for their Italian property investment.

How do current rental yields in Italian cities compare to other investment options?

Italy's rental yields in June 2025 significantly outperform traditional investment alternatives.

Top yielding cities demonstrate exceptional returns, with Turin and Palermo both offering 8.3% gross yields, while Naples and Florence deliver 7.4% returns. Rome provides 7.6% yields despite being the capital, Bologna offers 7.2%, and even premium-priced Milan generates respectable 5.4% returns. These yields reflect strong rental demand across diverse market segments.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

Compared to traditional investments, property yields are highly attractive. Italian government bonds yield just 2.5-3%, while European corporate bonds offer 3-4% returns. Bank deposits provide minimal 1.5-2% interest, and European stock dividend yields average 3-3.5%. The rental income alone from Italian property exceeds these alternatives before considering capital appreciation.

The combination of rental income and modest capital appreciation of 2-5% annually creates total returns of 7-13%, making Italian property particularly attractive for income-focused investors. Southern cities and university towns offer the highest yields for maximum income, while Milan provides lower yields but stronger capital growth potential for balanced returns.

This yield advantage, combined with the tangible nature of property assets, positions Italian real estate as a superior choice for investors seeking income generation with capital preservation.

infographics map property prices Italy

We created this infographic to give you a simple idea of how much it costs to buy property in different parts of Italy. As you can see, it breaks down price ranges and property types for popular cities in the country. We hope this makes it easier to explore your options and understand the market.

What impact will Italy's 2025 infrastructure projects have on property values?

Italy's €24 billion infrastructure investment program running from 2025-2029 creates significant opportunities for strategic property investors.

The Milan 2026 Winter Olympics stands as the flagship project, with the Olympic Village planned for conversion to student and affordable housing post-games. New metro line extensions will dramatically increase accessibility to previously disconnected neighborhoods, while green public spaces enhance urban livability. Properties in affected districts are projected to command 15-25% price premiums as infrastructure completion approaches.

Turin's designation as European Capital of Smart Tourism 2025 brings substantial investment in green infrastructure, digital connectivity upgrades, and inclusive urban design projects. These improvements are expected to drive 10-15% value increases in designated renovation zones, particularly benefiting older properties suitable for modernization.

Nationwide improvements include high-speed rail expansions connecting secondary cities to major hubs, comprehensive digital infrastructure rollout supporting remote work, green energy transitions reducing operating costs, and port and airport modernizations improving international accessibility. Historical data shows properties within 1 kilometer of new metro stations typically see 10-15% premiums, while areas designated for urban renewal show 20-30% appreciation over project timelines.

Buyers purchasing near planned infrastructure projects today can capture significant value appreciation as projects complete through 2029.

How do today's tax changes affect property investors in Italy?

The 2025 tax regime introduces significant changes that reshape investment strategies for property buyers.

Short-term rental taxation has been restructured with the first property maintaining a 21% flat tax rate, while additional properties now face an increased 26% flat tax, up from the previous 21%. All short-term rental properties must register in the national database and display a unique identification code (CIN), ensuring compliance and transparency in the vacation rental market.

First home benefits have been enhanced to encourage owner-occupation, with the sale period extended from 12 to 24 months, providing more flexibility for buyers. The registration tax remains at just 2% for primary residences versus 9% for second homes, creating substantial savings. Annual property taxes are also lower for primary residences, though buyers must establish residency within 18 months to maintain these benefits.

Renovation incentives continue through 2025, with the Ecobonus offering up to 50% tax deductions for energy efficiency improvements and the Sismabonus providing up to 85% deductions for seismic improvements. However, these incentives now offer reduced rates for second homes and rental properties, favoring owner-occupiers.

These changes clearly favor single-property investors over portfolio builders, potentially creating buying opportunities as some multi-property investors exit the market.

Should I wait for better opportunities or buy Italian property now in June 2025?

Current market conditions strongly favor buying now rather than waiting for uncertain future improvements.

Mortgage rates sit at multi-year lows following ECB cuts, creating exceptional financing opportunities that may not persist. The balanced market conditions provide genuine negotiating power for prepared buyers, unlike the seller's markets of recent years. Infrastructure projects remain in early stages, allowing buyers to capture future appreciation rather than paying premiums for completed improvements. Stable prices without bubble conditions mean you're not buying at a market peak.

It's something we develop in our Italy property pack.

While slow GDP growth might eventually create better deals and further ECB rate cuts remain possible, these potential benefits are speculative. Market adjustments from new rental taxes are already being priced in, reducing future downside surprises. The certainty of current favorable conditions outweighs the possibility of marginally better future opportunities.

With inflation at 2% and property appreciating 2-6% annually, waiting risks paying more later while missing current income generation opportunities. The combination of reasonable prices, low mortgage rates, and strong rental yields creates a compelling entry point that may not be repeated.

Unless you're specifically targeting luxury properties where patience might yield better negotiation leverage, June 2025 offers solid fundamentals for Italian property investment with minimal downside risk.

Conclusion

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Readers are advised to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided.

Sources

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