Authored by the expert who managed and guided the team behind the Italy Property Pack
Everything you need to know before buying real estate is included in our Italy Property Pack
If you want to know what you can actually afford as a foreign buyer in Italy at different price points, this article breaks it all down for you with current 2026 data.
We cover everything from realistic $100k purchases in southern cities to what unlocks at the $500k level in Milan or Rome, and we update these numbers regularly to keep them accurate.
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.
What can I realistically buy with $100k in Italy right now?
Are there any decent properties for $100k in Italy, or is it all scams?
With $100,000 (approximately €85,000 as of January 2026), you can realistically purchase a decent older apartment of 50 to 90 square meters in southern Italian cities like Palermo, Catania, Bari, or parts of Naples, or a smaller 35 to 70 square meter apartment in value areas of northern cities like Turin or Genoa.
The neighborhoods in Italy that give the best value and most legitimate options at this budget include Palermo's Zisa and Noce districts, Catania's Picanello area, Turin's Barriera di Milano and Aurora neighborhoods, and Genoa's Sampierdarena zone, where average prices often sit between €1,000 and €1,500 per square meter.
Buying in popular or upscale areas of Italy for $100,000 is extremely difficult because prime neighborhoods in Milan average over €5,500 per square meter and Rome's sought-after districts like Prati or Parioli exceed €6,000 per square meter, meaning your budget would only buy a room-sized studio of around 15 to 20 square meters at best.
The good news is that Italy's mandatory notary system provides real protection against scams because the notary must verify legal title, check the "reciprocity" requirement for non-EU buyers, collect taxes, and file all documents, making fraudulent transactions much harder than in countries without this safeguard.
What property types can I afford for $100k in Italy (studio, land, old house)?
For $100,000 (€85,000) in Italy, the realistic property types available include older apartments ranging from 30 to 90 square meters depending on location, small townhouses in rural or southern areas, or studios and micro-apartments in larger metropolitan outskirts.
Buyers should typically expect properties at the €85,000 level in Italy to need some renovation work, particularly in older buildings where common areas, roofs, or facades may require maintenance, so budgeting an extra €10,000 to €25,000 for updates is prudent.
At this price point in Italy, older apartments in stable neighborhoods with good transport links tend to offer the best long-term value because they attract a broad resale market, unlike rural houses that may sit on the market for years or land that requires significant additional investment to develop.
What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Italy as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Italy starts around €150,000 to €180,000 ($175,000 to $210,000) in smaller cities and southern regions, while major cities like Rome or Milan typically require at least €250,000 to €300,000 ($290,000 to $350,000) for a comparable standard.
Most buyers in Italy need a budget range of €200,000 to €350,000 ($235,000 to $410,000) to reach a comfortable standard that includes a livable two-bedroom apartment in a decent neighborhood without major renovation needs.
In Italy, "comfortable" generally means a property of 60 to 90 square meters with two bedrooms, a functional kitchen and bathroom, an elevator if above the second floor, and location within reasonable distance of public transport, shops, and services.
The required budget in Italy varies dramatically by neighborhood, with prices in Milan's Centro Storico averaging €11,100 per square meter while peripheral areas like Baggio sit around €3,000 per square meter, and similar gaps exist in Rome between Centro Storico (€7,600 per square meter) and outer zones (€2,500 to €3,000 per square meter).
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What can I get with a $200k budget in Italy as of 2026?
What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Italy as of 2026?
As of early 2026, a $200,000 budget (approximately €170,000) in Italy unlocks "normal" homes such as two-bedroom apartments of 60 to 100 square meters in cities like Turin, Genoa, Bologna's outskirts, or parts of Naples, or smaller one to two-bedroom apartments in less central areas of Rome and Milan.
For €170,000 in Italy, typical sizes range from 45 to 55 square meters in Rome or Milan's accessible neighborhoods (at around €3,000 to €3,500 per square meter) to 75 to 100 square meters in value cities like Turin or Palermo (at €1,700 to €2,200 per square meter).
By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Italy.
What places are the smartest $200k buys in Italy as of 2026?
As of early 2026, the smartest neighborhoods to buy at €170,000 ($200,000) in Italy include Milan's Affori and Bicocca districts, Rome's Centocelle and Garbatella areas, Bologna's Bolognina neighborhood, Turin's San Donato and San Salvario zones, and Florence's Novoli district.
These areas represent smarter buys compared to other €170,000 options in Italy because they combine relatively affordable entry prices with strong rental demand from students and young professionals, good public transport connections, and ongoing urban regeneration projects that support future appreciation.
The main growth factors driving value in these smart-buy areas of Italy include proximity to universities (Bologna, Milan Bicocca), new metro line extensions (Rome's Metro C, Milan's M4), the 2026 Winter Olympics infrastructure boost in Milan, and the gentrification ripple effect from adjacent higher-priced neighborhoods.
We have made this infographic to give you a quick and clear snapshot of the property market in Italy. It highlights key facts like rental prices, yields, and property costs both in city centers and outside, so you can easily compare opportunities. We’ve done some research and also included useful insights about the country’s economy, like GDP, population, and interest rates, to help you understand the bigger picture.
What can I buy with $300k in Italy in 2026?
What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Italy in 2026?
As of early 2026, moving from $200,000 to $300,000 (€170,000 to €255,000) in Italy unlocks significant quality upgrades including access to better-maintained buildings with elevators, more desirable neighborhoods closer to city centers, properties requiring little to no renovation, and layouts that resell well such as true two-bedrooms with balconies and good natural light.
At €255,000 ($300,000) in Italy, buying a property in a newer building becomes realistic in many areas outside prime city cores, including recent construction in Milan's outer ring, Rome's well-connected suburbs, and most mid-sized cities where new developments are priced closer to €2,500 to €3,500 per square meter.
Specific features that typically become available at this budget in Italy include modern heating systems, better energy efficiency ratings (important for resale value), condominium buildings with proper reserves and maintained common areas, secure parking in some locations, and apartments with two full bathrooms.
Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Italy in 2026 in good areas?
As of early 2026, finding a two-bedroom property for $300,000 (€255,000) in good areas of Italy is very achievable in most cities except the absolute prime zones of Milan's center, where prices exceed €10,000 per square meter, making a proper 65-square-meter two-bedroom cost well over €650,000.
Specific good areas in Italy where €255,000 can buy a two-bedroom include Rome's San Giovanni, Monteverde, and Garbatella districts, Milan's Città Studi-Lambrate and Affori zones, Florence's Campo di Marte edges, and Bologna's Santo Stefano and Saragozza neighborhoods.
A €255,000 two-bedroom in Italy typically offers 65 to 85 square meters (700 to 915 square feet) in these good areas, which is comfortable for Italian standards where apartments tend to be more efficiently laid out than in North America.
Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Italy as of 2026?
At €255,000 ($300,000) in Italy, neighborhoods that become newly accessible include Rome's Prati edges and Trieste-Salario area, Milan's Isola-adjacent zones and parts of Porta Romana, Florence's closer-to-center Campo di Marte options, and Venice's Dorsoduro and Cannaregio districts for smaller apartments.
These newly accessible areas are more desirable than lower-budget options because they offer walkable access to restaurants, cultural attractions, and employment centers, they have established reputations that protect resale value, and they attract a mix of owner-occupiers and quality tenants rather than purely transient populations.
Buyers at €255,000 in these newly accessible Italian neighborhoods can typically expect well-maintained two-bedroom apartments of 55 to 75 square meters in buildings with elevators, or slightly smaller one-bedroom units in the most prestigious streets within these zones.
By the way, we've written a blog article detailing what are the current best areas to invest in property in Italy.
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What does a $500k budget unlock in Italy in 2026?
What's the typical size and location for $500k in Italy in 2026?
As of early 2026, a $500,000 budget (approximately €425,000) in Italy typically buys 90 to 140 square meters (970 to 1,500 square feet) in most Italian cities' desirable neighborhoods, or 60 to 80 square meters in Milan and Rome's premium central areas where prices range from €5,000 to €7,000 per square meter.
At €425,000 in Italy, buying a family home with outdoor space becomes realistic in suburban Rome, Milan's hinterland, many mid-sized cities like Verona or Padua, and throughout Tuscany, Umbria, and Puglia where land is more available and single-family homes or townhouses with gardens are common.
The typical property at €425,000 in Italy offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms in most markets, or a generous two-bedroom with study in prime city locations, providing enough space for a family or a couple who works from home.
Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Italy here.
Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Italy in 2026?
At €425,000 ($500,000) in Italy, premium neighborhoods that open up include Rome's Prati, parts of Parioli, and Trieste-Salario, Milan's Washington area and parts of Porta Romana, Florence's Oltrarno-adjacent zones, and Bologna's historic center fringes.
These neighborhoods are considered premium in Italy because they combine historic architecture or elegant early-20th-century buildings with tree-lined streets, established local commerce, excellent schools, low crime, and proximity to cultural institutions, parks, and high-quality dining.
Buyers can realistically expect at €425,000 in these premium Italian neighborhoods a well-appointed two-bedroom apartment of 65 to 90 square meters in a well-maintained building, often with period features like high ceilings, parquet floors, and balconies overlooking quiet courtyards or leafy streets.
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 counts as "luxury" in Italy in 2026?
At what amount does "luxury" start in Italy right now?
In Italy, luxury real estate typically starts at around €800,000 to €1,000,000 ($940,000 to $1,175,000) in most markets, though in prime Milan and Rome locations, true luxury often begins closer to €1,500,000 ($1,760,000) where you can combine top location, building quality, size, and high-end finishes.
The entry point to luxury real estate in Italy is defined by properties featuring premium locations in historic centers or prestigious residential quarters, building amenities like portineria (doorman service), private terraces or gardens, high ceilings, period architectural details, designer renovations, and parking in cities where it is scarce.
Italy's luxury threshold is lower than London or Paris (where luxury typically starts above €2,000,000) but similar to Madrid or Barcelona, making Italian luxury real estate relatively accessible for international buyers seeking Mediterranean prestige.
Mid-tier luxury properties in Italy typically range from €1,000,000 to €3,000,000 ($1,175,000 to $3,525,000), while top-tier luxury in locations like Milan's Quadrilatero, Rome's Centro Storico, or Tuscan estates can exceed €5,000,000 to €15,000,000 ($5,875,000 to $17,625,000).
Which areas are truly high-end in Italy right now?
The truly high-end neighborhoods in Italy include Milan's Brera, Quadrilatero della Moda, and parts of Magenta, Rome's Parioli and Centro Storico prime streets, Florence's Centro Storico and select Oltrarno addresses, Venice's San Marco and Dorsoduro Grand Canal frontages, and coastal trophy markets like Portofino, Forte dei Marmi, and Capri.
These areas are considered truly high-end in Italy because they offer irreplaceable locations with historic significance, architectural prestige, or natural beauty that cannot be replicated, combined with extremely limited inventory that keeps prices high even during market downturns.
The typical buyer profile for these high-end Italian areas includes wealthy Italian industrialist families, international executives relocating for work, foreign buyers (particularly Americans and Northern Europeans) seeking lifestyle or investment properties, and ultra-high-net-worth individuals attracted by Italy's flat-tax regime for new residents.
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How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Italy in 2026?
What are the total closing costs in Italy in 2026 as a percentage?
As of early 2026, total closing costs in Italy typically range from 7% to 15% of the purchase price, depending on whether you qualify for "prima casa" (first home) tax benefits, whether you buy from a private seller or developer, and whether you use a real estate agent.
The realistic low-to-high percentage range covering most standard transactions in Italy is 8% to 12% for primary residence purchases with prima casa benefits, and 11% to 18% for second homes or investment properties without tax relief.
The specific fee categories making up this total in Italy include registration tax or VAT (the largest component at 2% to 9% for resales or 4% to 10% for new builds), notary fees (1% to 2%), fixed cadastral and mortgage taxes (€50 to €200 each), and real estate agent commission (typically 3% to 4% plus VAT from the buyer's side).
To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Italy.
How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Italy in 2026?
As of early 2026, notary fees in Italy typically cost €2,000 to €4,000 ($2,350 to $4,700) for standard residential purchases, registration tax ranges from €1,000 minimum to several percent of the cadastral value, and legal fees (if you hire a separate lawyer) add €1,500 to €3,000 ($1,760 to $3,525) depending on complexity.
These fees typically represent 3% to 6% of the property price in Italy for a standard transaction, with the percentage being higher for lower-value properties because notary fees have fixed components.
Registration tax is usually the most expensive of these three fee types in Italy, particularly for second-home buyers who pay 9% of cadastral value (with a €1,000 minimum) versus just 2% for prima casa buyers, making the tax status a crucial factor in total purchase costs.
What annual property taxes should I expect in Italy in 2026?
As of early 2026, annual property tax (IMU) in Italy for a non-primary residence typically ranges from €500 to €3,000 per year ($590 to $3,525 or €425 to €2,550) depending on the property's cadastral value and the municipality's tax rate, with primary residences exempt unless classified as luxury (categories A/1, A/8, A/9).
IMU in Italy is calculated as a percentage of the cadastral rendita (a notional rental value) multiplied by coefficients and the municipal rate, typically resulting in an effective tax of roughly 0.4% to 1% of market value annually for second homes.
Property taxes in Italy vary significantly by location because each municipality sets its own IMU rate within legal limits, so a property in central Milan might face higher rates than an equivalent property in a small Umbrian town, and you can verify exact rates on the Ministry of Finance (MEF) portal.
Exemptions available in Italy include full IMU exemption for your primary residence (unless it is a luxury category property), reduced rates for properties rented at below-market "canone concordato" rates, and potential reductions for historic buildings or properties in earthquake zones.
You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Italy here.
Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Italy right now?
Obtaining a mortgage as a foreigner in Italy is possible but comes with stricter terms than for residents, as Italian banks typically offer non-residents loan-to-value ratios of only 50% to 60% (versus up to 80% for residents) and require more extensive documentation to verify foreign income.
Mortgage interest rates for foreigners in Italy as of early 2026 range from approximately 2.7% to 4.5% depending on fixed versus variable terms and the borrower's profile, with fixed rates around 3.5% to 5% and variable rates at Euribor plus 1% to 2%.
Foreign buyers in Italy typically need to provide a passport, Italian tax code (codice fiscale), proof of address, income verification (recent payslips or tax returns translated into Italian), bank statements showing savings, and a preliminary purchase agreement, plus the property must pass the bank's valuation and legal checks.
We explain in this article whether you can get a mortgage in Italy.
We made this infographic to show you how property prices in Italy compare to other big cities across the region. It breaks down the average price per square meter in city centers, so you can see how cities stack up. It’s an easy way to spot where you might get the best value for your money. We hope you like it.
What should I predict for resale and growth in Italy in 2026?
What property types resell fastest in Italy in 2026?
As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Italy are two-bedroom apartments in the 55 to 85 square meter range located in liquid city markets with good transport connections, universities, or employment centers, particularly those with elevators, balconies, and decent energy efficiency ratings.
The typical time on market to sell a property in Italy averages around 100 to 110 days in major cities, with faster sales in Milan (approximately 84 days) and Bologna (approximately 75 days), and longer timeframes in smaller markets or for unusual properties.
Properties in Italy that sell faster than average share characteristics like proximity to metro stations or train connections, location in neighborhoods popular with young professionals or students, buildings with proper condominium management and reserves, and energy class ratings of C or better.
The slowest-reselling property types in Italy include large villas in rural areas without tourist appeal, apartments in buildings with unresolved condominium disputes or major pending repairs, properties with irregular planning documentation (abusi edilizi), and unusual layouts like converted commercial spaces that appeal to a narrow buyer pool.
If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Italy.
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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 |
|---|---|---|
| European Central Bank (ECB) | Official euro reference rate publisher for the Eurosystem. | We used it to convert USD budgets into realistic EUR budgets for Italy in January 2026. We then expressed affordability in euros per square meter for consistency. |
| ISTAT | Italy's national statistics office with official housing price data. | We used ISTAT's House Price Index to anchor current market trends. We validated that our 2026 estimates reflect recent price movements rather than outdated assumptions. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate | Italian tax authority's official guide to property purchase taxes. | We used it to calculate realistic closing cost ranges including registration tax and VAT scenarios. We also built the prima casa versus second home tax comparison from their guidelines. |
| Consiglio Nazionale del Notariato | Official notariat explaining legally required purchase steps in Italy. | We used it to describe the safest transaction structure from compromesso to rogito. We referenced their guidance on the reciprocity check for foreign buyers. |
| Immobiliare.it | One of Italy's largest listing portals with transparent price metrics. | We used it as a real-time asking price benchmark showing €2,142 per square meter nationally. We translated budgets into likely property sizes using their city-level data. |
| idealista | Major portal publishing regular index reports with stated methodology. | We cross-checked Immobiliare.it data to avoid relying on a single source. We used their neighborhood-level reports for Milan and Rome price breakdowns. |
| Ministry of Finance (MEF) | Government portal where municipalities publish official IMU tax rates. | We used it to explain why property tax differs by municipality. We showed readers how to verify exact IMU rates for their target comune. |
| Agenzia delle Entrate OMI Database | Government's official database of property value ranges by zone. | We used it as the official anchor for neighborhood pricing differences. We justified why some named areas are impossible at certain budgets while others are plausible. |
| Banca d'Italia | Central bank's official consumer guidance on mortgages and lending. | We used it to explain how Italian banks evaluate LTV and affordability. We assessed mortgage viability for foreign non-residents based on their guidelines. |
| Tecnocasa via Monitor Immobiliare | Long-running research from a major Italian brokerage network. | We used it to estimate realistic resale timeframes showing 107 days average in large cities. We provided concrete time-to-sell numbers rather than vague estimates. |
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.
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