Buying real estate in Italy?

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How much do houses cost now in Italy? (2026)

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

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

If you are thinking about buying a house in Italy, understanding how much you will actually pay is probably your first concern.

This guide breaks down house prices across Italy in 2026, from entry-level budgets to premium neighborhoods, along with all the extra costs you need to plan for.

We constantly update this blog post to reflect the latest market data and keep you informed.

And if you're planning to buy a property in this place, you may want to download our pack covering the real estate market in Italy.

How much do houses cost in Italy as of 2026?

What's the median and average house price in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the estimated median house price in Italy is around 220,000 euros (about 231,000 US dollars), while the average house price sits closer to 300,000 euros (approximately 315,000 US dollars).

The typical price range that covers roughly 80% of house sales in Italy falls between 120,000 and 600,000 euros (126,000 to 630,000 US dollars), reflecting the country's enormous regional diversity.

The gap between the median and average house prices in Italy reveals that a significant number of high-value properties in cities like Milan, Rome, and Florence pull the average upward, while most buyers actually purchase at lower price points.

At the median price of 220,000 euros in Italy, a buyer can typically expect a 3-bedroom house of around 120 to 140 square meters in a secondary city or a smaller town with good local amenities, though in Milan or central Rome that same budget would only cover a modest apartment.

Sources and methodology: we triangulated official price growth data from Istat (Italy's national statistics office), asking-price benchmarks from Immobiliare.it, and real-world negotiation discounts from the Banca d'Italia housing market survey. We applied the reported 7.8% average discount from asking to sale price to convert portal listings into realistic buyer budgets. Our own market analyses further refine these estimates based on property type and regional variations.

What's the cheapest livable house budget in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the minimum budget for a livable house in Italy starts at around 60,000 to 80,000 euros (63,000 to 84,000 US dollars), though 80,000 euros is a more realistic entry point for something move-in ready.

At this entry-level price point in Italy, "livable" typically means a structurally sound older house that may need cosmetic updates but has functioning plumbing, electricity, and a basic kitchen and bathroom already in place.

These cheapest livable houses in Italy are usually found in inland areas of Calabria, Sicily, Molise, Basilicata, and parts of Puglia or Abruzzo, often in smaller towns located 30 to 60 minutes from a major hub rather than the Instagram-famous coastal spots.

Wondering what you can get? We cover all the buying opportunities at different budget levels in Italy here.

Sources and methodology: we anchored "livable budget" using national negotiation norms from the Banca d'Italia survey and cross-checked with actual listings on Immobiliare.it and Idealista. Italy's market is highly uneven, so we focused on what actually exists on the market today in weaker-demand regions. Our internal data confirms these entry points are realistic for buyers willing to look beyond prime locations.

How much do 2 and 3-bedroom houses cost in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 2-bedroom house in Italy costs around 150,000 to 200,000 euros (157,500 to 210,000 US dollars), while a 3-bedroom house typically ranges from 200,000 to 280,000 euros (210,000 to 294,000 US dollars).

The realistic price range for a 2-bedroom house in Italy spans from 150,000 to 280,000 euros (157,500 to 294,000 US dollars), with the lower end found in southern regions and smaller towns, and the higher end in northern cities or popular tourist areas.

For a 3-bedroom house in Italy, buyers should expect a realistic price range of 200,000 to 380,000 euros (210,000 to 399,000 US dollars), though premium city zones in Milan or central Rome can push well above 800,000 euros.

The typical price premium when moving from a 2-bedroom to a 3-bedroom house in Italy is around 30% to 40%, though this premium shrinks in lower-demand areas where extra space is more readily available.

Sources and methodology: we combined per-square-meter data from Immobiliare.it with typical house sizes (90 to 160 square meters) to calculate these ranges. We applied the Banca d'Italia discount factor to avoid overstating budgets. Our own transaction data helps validate these bedroom-to-price relationships across different Italian regions.

How much do 4-bedroom houses cost in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical 4-bedroom house in Italy costs between 300,000 and 550,000 euros (315,000 to 577,500 US dollars), with significant variation based on location and condition.

For a 5-bedroom house in Italy, the realistic price range is 420,000 to 750,000 euros (441,000 to 787,500 US dollars), with renovated properties in desirable areas commanding prices at the top of this range or beyond.

A 6-bedroom house in Italy typically falls within the 520,000 to 1,000,000 euro range (546,000 to 1,050,000 US dollars), and properties in Milan, central Rome, or prime Tuscan locations can exceed these figures substantially.

Please note that we give much more detailed data in our pack about the property market in Italy.

Sources and methodology: we converted size bands (160 to 380 square meters) into budgets using city-level snapshots from Immobiliare.it for expensive-case reality checks. We factored in negotiation behavior from the Banca d'Italia survey. Our internal analyses also account for renovation quality and energy efficiency premiums that affect larger homes.

How much do new-build houses cost in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical new-build house in Italy costs around 250,000 to 350,000 euros (262,500 to 367,500 US dollars) for a standard family-sized property, though prices vary dramatically by region and energy efficiency rating.

New-build houses in Italy typically carry a premium of 15% to 20% compared to older resale houses in the same area, and in hot markets like Milan, this premium can reach 25% to 30% because buyers increasingly value energy-efficient homes with lower heating and cooling costs.

Sources and methodology: we used Istat's official new-versus-existing price split, which shows new dwelling prices rising faster quarter-on-quarter. We cross-referenced this with portal data from Immobiliare.it to express the premium as a buyer-friendly percentage. Our market tracking confirms that energy performance certificates significantly influence new-build pricing.

How much do houses with land cost in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical house with land in Italy ranges from 350,000 to 700,000 euros (367,500 to 735,000 US dollars) for a property with meaningful outdoor space, though renovated farmhouses in Tuscany or Umbria with several hectares can reach 1 to 2 million euros or more.

In Italy, a "house with land" typically means anything from a small garden of a few hundred square meters in suburban areas to country properties with several thousand square meters or even multiple hectares for rural farmhouses and estates.

We cover everything there is to know about land prices in Italy here.

Sources and methodology: we treat "land premium" as a market pricing behavior, so we analyzed portal listings on Immobiliare.it to understand how outdoor space affects asking prices. We contextualized this with Istat data showing Italy's housing market continues rising moderately. Our own research covers specific regions like Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia where foreign buyers frequently seek properties with land.

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Where are houses cheapest and most expensive in Italy as of 2026?

Which neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the neighborhoods with the lowest house prices in Italy include Tor Bella Monaca and Valle Fiorita in eastern Rome, Lido di Ostia on Rome's coast, and various outer municipalities near Milan like Opera, along with most inland towns across Calabria, Sicily, and Molise.

In these cheapest neighborhoods and areas of Italy, typical house prices range from 80,000 to 180,000 euros (84,000 to 189,000 US dollars), offering significant savings compared to central city locations.

The main reason these neighborhoods have the lowest house prices in Italy is their distance from employment centers and public transit, combined with older housing stock that often requires renovation and, in some cases, local economic challenges that reduce buyer demand.

Sources and methodology: we used neighborhood-level snapshots from Immobiliare.it with explicit timestamps (December 2025) and compared them to each city's overall average. We verified affordability claims using Idealista data for additional areas. Our internal tracking monitors which lower-cost zones are attracting foreign buyer interest.

Which neighborhoods have the highest house prices in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the three neighborhoods with the highest house prices in Italy are Milan Centro (the historic core), Rome's Parioli-Flaminio district, and Rome's Trastevere-Testaccio area, with Florence's centro storico and Venice's prime canal-side locations close behind.

In these most expensive neighborhoods of Italy, typical house prices range from 800,000 to well over 2,000,000 euros (840,000 to 2,100,000+ US dollars), with Milan Centro commanding around 11,000 euros per square meter.

The main reason these neighborhoods command the highest house prices in Italy is their combination of historic architecture, walkability, proximity to world-class dining and culture, and extremely limited supply of actual houses (most properties are apartments, making true houses exceptionally rare).

The typical buyers in these premium Italian neighborhoods are wealthy Italian families seeking generational homes, international executives on corporate relocations, and foreign investors looking for trophy properties in globally recognized locations.

Sources and methodology: we selected neighborhoods where Immobiliare.it provides dated per-square-meter figures and compared them to overall city averages. We cross-checked with Rome district pages and Idealista's Parioli data. Our analyses track buyer profiles in these premium segments.

How much do houses cost near the city center in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a house near the city center in Italy costs around 700,000 to 1,500,000 euros (735,000 to 1,575,000 US dollars) in Milan's Centro, Brera, or Porta Nuova areas, and around 500,000 to 900,000 euros (525,000 to 945,000 US dollars) in Rome's Trastevere, Testaccio, or Monti neighborhoods.

Houses near major transit hubs in Italy, such as Milan's Porta Romana (Metro Line 3) or Rome's San Giovanni (Metro Lines A and C), typically cost 400,000 to 700,000 euros (420,000 to 735,000 US dollars), offering better value than the historic core while maintaining excellent connectivity.

Houses near top-rated international schools in Italy, like the American School of Milan in the Opera-Noverasco area or St. George's British International School in Rome, typically range from 300,000 to 600,000 euros (315,000 to 630,000 US dollars) because these schools are located in suburban zones where houses are more common.

Houses in expat-popular areas in Italy, including Milan's Navigli and Isola districts or Rome's Prati and EUR neighborhoods, typically cost 450,000 to 850,000 euros (472,500 to 892,500 US dollars), though these areas are often apartment-heavy and true houses are scarce.

We actually have an updated expat guide for Italy here.

Sources and methodology: we used neighborhood-level snapshots from Immobiliare.it for center pricing and compared them to suburban municipalities like Opera. We referenced international school locations to identify family-friendly zones. Our expat-focused research tracks which areas foreign buyers actually choose.

How much do houses cost in the suburbs in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, a typical house in the suburbs of major Italian cities costs between 200,000 and 400,000 euros (210,000 to 420,000 US dollars), offering substantially more space and outdoor areas than city-center properties at the same budget.

The typical price difference between suburban houses and city-center houses in Italy is around 40% to 50% lower in the suburbs; for example, Opera in Milan province averages about 2,700 euros per square meter compared to Milan city's 5,600 euros per square meter.

The most popular suburbs for house buyers in Italy include Opera, Rozzano, and San Donato Milanese near Milan; Fiumicino, EUR, and Casal Palocco near Rome; and Scandicci and Fiesole near Florence, all offering good transport links to their respective city centers.

Sources and methodology: we compared side-by-side portal snapshots from Immobiliare.it for suburban municipalities versus city pages with the same timestamp. We used Milan city data to quantify the suburb discount. Our analyses identify which suburban areas offer the best value-to-commute ratios.

What areas in Italy are improving and still affordable as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the top areas in Italy that are improving and still affordable for house buyers include Turin (offering strong livability at lower prices than Milan), Bologna (with tight rental demand and steady growth), Bari (growing profile while remaining cheaper than northern cities), and select regeneration zones in Palermo and Catania near universities and waterfronts.

In these improving yet affordable areas of Italy, current typical house prices range from 150,000 to 350,000 euros (157,500 to 367,500 US dollars), representing significant savings compared to Milan or prime Rome.

The main sign of improvement driving buyer interest in these areas is new infrastructure investment, including metro extensions in Turin and Milan's outer zones, university campus expansions in Bologna and southern cities, and waterfront regeneration projects that attract younger residents and businesses.

By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Italy.

Sources and methodology: we anchored "improving" to Istat data showing national prices still rising moderately, then identified where momentum is strongest. We cross-referenced Banca d'Italia time-on-market data to confirm demand in secondary cities. Our investment analyses track infrastructure projects and their effects on local prices.
infographics rental yields citiesItaly

We did some research and made this infographic to help you quickly compare rental yields of the major cities in Italy versus those in neighboring countries. It provides a clear view of how this country positions itself as a real estate investment destination, which might interest you if you’re planning to invest there.

What extra costs should I budget for a house in Italy right now?

What are typical buyer closing costs for houses in Italy right now?

The estimated typical total closing cost for house buyers in Italy is between 10% and 15% of the purchase price, covering all taxes, fees, and transaction expenses in a standard purchase scenario.

The main closing cost categories in Italy include purchase taxes (the largest item, varying based on seller type and first-home benefits), notary fees (typically 1,500 to 3,000 euros or 1,575 to 3,150 US dollars), agency commission (often 3% to 4% of the price), and technical verification costs.

The single largest closing cost category for house buyers in Italy is typically the purchase tax, which can be either registration tax (2% for first homes, 9% for second homes when buying from a private seller) or VAT (4% for first homes, 10% for second homes when buying from a developer), plus fixed cadastral and mortgage taxes.

We cover all these costs and what are the strategies to minimize them in our property pack about Italy.

Sources and methodology: we used official tax tables from Agenzia delle Entrate for the hard law items and their official buyer guide to verify first-home benefit rules. We added standard transaction components that recur in the market. Our guides break down these costs into actionable budgets.

How much are property taxes on houses in Italy right now?

The estimated typical annual property tax (IMU) for a second home in Italy ranges from 800 to 2,500 euros per year (840 to 2,625 US dollars), though primary residences are generally exempt from IMU unless classified as luxury properties.

Property tax in Italy is calculated using the property's cadastral value (not market value), which is then multiplied by a coefficient and the municipal tax rate set by the local comune, meaning the exact amount varies significantly between municipalities.

If you want to go into more details, we also have a page with all the property taxes and fees in Italy.

Sources and methodology: we used the MEF (Ministry of Economy and Finance) framework to explain how IMU rates are municipality-set and formally published. We verified exemption rules through Agenzia delle Entrate guidance. Our property pack includes municipality-specific calculation methods.

How much is home insurance for a house in Italy right now?

The estimated typical annual home insurance cost for a house in Italy ranges from 200 to 600 euros per year (210 to 630 US dollars) for a basic buildings and contents package, with higher premiums for properties in earthquake or flood zones or those with luxury finishes.

The main factors that affect home insurance premiums for houses in Italy include the property's rebuild value, location (seismic and hydrogeological risk zones), coverage level chosen (basic versus comprehensive), property age, and whether optional add-ons like earthquake or flooding coverage are included.

Sources and methodology: we anchored our information to IVASS (Italy's insurance supervisor) as the authoritative source confirming insurance is a regulated market product. We derived the budget range from typical market quoting logic based on coverage and risk. Our guides help buyers understand which coverage options make sense for their specific property.

What are typical utility costs for a house in Italy right now?

The estimated typical total monthly utility cost for a house in Italy ranges from 180 to 350 euros per month (189 to 367 US dollars), depending on the property size, insulation quality, climate zone, and household consumption habits.

The breakdown of main utility categories for houses in Italy includes electricity at around 55 to 80 euros per month (58 to 84 US dollars), gas for heating and cooking at 70 to 170 euros per month (73 to 178 US dollars) depending on climate zone, water at 20 to 40 euros per month (21 to 42 US dollars), and the TARI waste tax averaging around 30 euros per month (31 US dollars) though varying significantly by city.

Sources and methodology: we used the official ARERA/Acquirente Unico estimator showing approximately 679 euros per year for typical household electricity consumption. We anchored TARI estimates to Cittadinanzattiva's nationwide tariff observatory. Our calculations account for regional variations in gas consumption based on climate zones.

What are common hidden costs when buying a house in Italy right now?

The estimated total of common hidden costs that house buyers in Italy often overlook ranges from 2,000 to 5,000 euros (2,100 to 5,250 US dollars), covering technical checks, certificate updates, and compliance verification that are essential before completing a purchase.

Typical inspection fees buyers should expect when purchasing a house in Italy include 500 to 2,000 euros (525 to 2,100 US dollars) for a geometra or technical professional to verify urban planning and cadastral conformity, plus 150 to 400 euros (157 to 420 US dollars) for an updated Energy Performance Certificate (APE) if needed.

Other common hidden costs beyond inspections when buying a house in Italy include potential condominium arrears or special assessments if the property is in a shared complex, connection or transfer fees for utilities, and translation and legal costs for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Italian contracts.

The hidden cost that tends to surprise first-time house buyers the most in Italy is renovation reality, because many older Italian houses require non-trivial work for electrical upgrades, plumbing modernization, or energy efficiency improvements that only become apparent after purchase.

You will find here the list of classic mistakes people make when buying a property in Italy.

Sources and methodology: we grounded these estimates in how Italy's purchase process works, including notary requirements and Agenzia delle Entrate documentation standards. We used Banca d'Italia survey context on negotiation and time pressure. Our buyer guides include checklists to help avoid these surprise costs.

Get fresh and reliable information about the market in Italy

Don't base significant investment decisions on outdated data. Get updated and accurate information with our guide.

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What do locals and expats say about the market in Italy as of 2026?

Do people think houses are overpriced in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, sentiment among locals and expats in Italy is mixed: buyers in Milan and prime Rome often feel prices are too high relative to salaries, while those looking in the South or secondary cities generally see better value for money.

Houses in Italy typically stay on the market for around 5 to 6 months before selling, according to real estate agent surveys, which suggests a balanced market where properties move but buyers still have room to negotiate.

The main reason locals and expats give for feeling house prices are too high in Italy is that wages have not kept pace with property values in major cities, making homeownership increasingly difficult for younger Italians, while foreign buyers with stronger currencies find the same prices more acceptable.

Compared to one or two years ago, sentiment on house prices in Italy has shifted slightly toward caution, as the initial post-pandemic surge has moderated and buyers are now more willing to wait for the right deal rather than rushing into purchases.

You'll find our latest property market analysis about Italy here.

Sources and methodology: we treated "overpriced" as a behavior question and used measurable proxies from the Banca d'Italia survey, including the 7.8% average discount and 5.4-month time-on-market. We cross-referenced asking price trends from Idealista. Our sentiment tracking incorporates expat community feedback and local market conversations.

Are prices still rising or cooling in Italy as of 2026?

As of early 2026, house prices in Italy are still rising but at a more moderate pace than in previous years, with the market showing signs of stabilization rather than acceleration or sharp decline.

The estimated year-over-year house price change in Italy is around 3% to 4%, based on the most recent official data showing a 3.8% annual increase through the third quarter of 2025.

Experts and locals expect house prices in Italy to continue rising gently over the next 6 to 12 months, with demand supported by limited housing supply and continued interest from foreign buyers, though higher interest rates may keep price growth modest rather than rapid.

Finally, please note that we have covered property price trends and forecasts for Italy here.

Sources and methodology: we used Istat for the official direction of travel (3.8% year-over-year in Q3 2025) and Banca d'Italia for near-real-time market feel on discounts and time-to-sell. We also monitor Idealista monthly momentum to project into early 2026. Our forecasts combine these official sources with our proprietary market models.
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 sources have we used to write this blog article?

Whether it's in our blog articles or the market analyses included in our property pack about Italy, we always rely on the strongest methodology we can … and we don't throw out numbers at random.

We also aim to be fully transparent, so below we've listed the authoritative sources we used, and explained how we used them and the methods behind our estimates.

Source Why It's Authoritative How We Used It
Istat (Italy's National Statistics Office) Official national statistic for Italian home price movements. We used it to anchor Italy-wide price growth at 3.8% year-over-year. We also relied on its new-versus-existing split to inform our new-build premium discussion.
Banca d'Italia Housing Survey Central bank publication based on a large survey of real estate agents. We used it for typical negotiation discounts (7.8%) and time-on-market (5.4 months). We also used it to describe overall market temperature.
Immobiliare.it One of Italy's biggest property portals with transparent asking-price data. We used it as a high-coverage benchmark for per-square-meter levels. We triangulated it with other sources to estimate realistic transaction ranges.
Idealista Major portal with a long-running index and clear methodology. We used it as a second benchmark to avoid relying on one portal. We also tracked monthly momentum into late 2025 for our projections.
Agenzia delle Entrate Official Italian tax authority for purchase tax rules. We used it to list registration tax and VAT cases in plain English. We kept our closing cost explanations buyer-focused and accurate.
MEF (Ministry of Economy and Finance) National authority explaining how IMU property tax rates work. We used it to explain how IMU is municipality-set and formally published. We translated this into a buyer-friendly budgeting approach.
ARERA / Acquirente Unico Official regulated reference for consumer electricity tariff comparisons. We used it to give a concrete electricity cost estimate for typical household consumption in early 2026. We then added other utilities separately.
Cittadinanzattiva Well-known consumer organization with a yearly tariff observatory. We used it to anchor a realistic national waste tax figure. We highlighted how TARI varies significantly by city.
IVASS Official regulator for insurance markets in Italy. We used it to confirm that insurance pricing is market-based and supervised. We kept our home insurance budget band conservative and realistic.

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