What properties can you buy in Milanwith $100k, $300k, $500k and more? (January 2026)

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

Yes, the analysis of Milan's property market is included in our pack

What can I realistically buy with $100k in Milan right now?

Are there any decent properties for $100k in Milan, or is it all scams?

With $100,000 (around 85,000 euros at the January 2026 exchange rate of roughly 1 euro to 1.17 dollars), you can find real, legitimate properties in Milan, but they will be very small studios or units needing significant renovation in the city's most affordable outer neighborhoods.

The best value for a $100,000 budget in Milan in 2026 is found in peripheral areas like Baggio, Bisceglie, and Vialba-Gallaratese, where asking prices average around 3,000 to 3,200 euros per square meter, meaning your budget could get you a 20 to 25 square meter studio after accounting for closing costs.

Buying in popular or upscale Milan neighborhoods like Centro Storico (around 11,000 euros per square meter) or Navigli (around 7,000 euros per square meter) is simply not realistic with $100,000, as your budget would only cover under 10 square meters, which is not a livable apartment.

What property types can I afford for $100k in Milan (studio, land, old house)?

For $100,000 in Milan in 2026, you are realistically looking at micro-studios (15 to 25 square meters) in outer zones, older apartments needing renovation, or perhaps a small unit in a building with pending condominium maintenance works.

At this price point in Milan, expect properties that need at least some work, whether that means outdated electrical systems, old windows, basic kitchen and bathroom refreshes, or energy efficiency upgrades, and you should budget an additional 800 to 1,500 euros per square meter for a basic renovation.

For long-term value at the $100,000 level in Milan, small studios near metro stations in emerging outer neighborhoods like Baggio or areas near the San Siro tend to hold resale appeal because they attract renters and first-time buyers who prioritize transport links over central locations.

What's a realistic budget to get a comfortable property in Milan as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the realistic minimum budget to get a comfortable property in Milan starts at around 250,000 euros (approximately $290,000 or 250,000 euros), which would get you a modest but livable one-bedroom apartment of 45 to 55 square meters in a decent outer neighborhood.

Most buyers looking for a comfortable standard in Milan in 2026 should plan for a budget between 300,000 and 450,000 euros ($350,000 to $530,000), which opens up more options in terms of location, condition, and building quality.

In Milan, "comfortable" typically means a properly sized one-bedroom (at least 45 square meters), move-in condition with modern systems, a building with elevator, and good access to public transport, though central heating and air conditioning are increasingly expected.

This budget can vary significantly depending on location: a 300,000 euro budget might get you a renovated 60 square meter apartment in Affori or Bicocca, but only a 35 to 40 square meter unit in more central areas like Porta Romana.

What can I get with a $200k budget in Milan as of 2026?

What "normal" homes become available at $200k in Milan as of 2026?

As of early 2026, $200,000 (approximately 170,000 euros) in Milan starts to open up what could be called "normal" housing: a small one-bedroom or a spacious studio in outer but well-connected neighborhoods, typically in older buildings that may need some updates.

For 170,000 euros in Milan, you can realistically expect 35 to 45 square meters in value-oriented neighborhoods where prices range from 3,500 to 4,500 euros per square meter, or closer to 25 to 32 square meters if you target areas with higher demand and better amenities.

By the way, we have much more granular data about housing prices in our property pack about Milan.

What places are the smartest $200k buys in Milan as of 2026?

As of early 2026, the smartest areas to buy at the $200,000 (170,000 euros) level in Milan include Bicocca, Affori, Greco-Turro, and Niguarda, where you get better value per square meter while still having good metro access and local services.

These neighborhoods are smarter buys because they offer stronger connectivity (multiple metro lines, train stations), established local amenities, and steady rental demand from students and young professionals, unlike some cheaper but more isolated peripheral areas.

The main growth factor in these Milan neighborhoods is infrastructure improvement and urban renewal, with areas like Bicocca benefiting from the university campus and Bovisa seeing new development projects that tend to push values upward over time.

What can I buy with $300k in Milan in 2026?

What quality upgrade do I get at $300k in Milan in 2026?

As of early 2026, moving from a $200,000 to a $300,000 budget (from 170,000 to 255,000 euros) in Milan gives you a significant quality upgrade: more choice in neighborhoods, better building condition, larger layouts, and a higher chance of finding move-in ready properties.

Yes, $300,000 can buy you a property in a newer building in Milan, though usually in outer neighborhoods like Bovisa, Lambrate, or parts of Città Studi, and the unit will typically be on the smaller side (around 50 to 60 square meters) if you want modern construction.

At this budget level in Milan, you start seeing features like updated kitchens and bathrooms, working elevators, secure entry systems, and better energy efficiency ratings, which are increasingly important given EU energy regulations.

Can $300k buy a 2-bedroom in Milan in 2026 in good areas?

As of early 2026, finding a 2-bedroom apartment for $300,000 (255,000 euros) in genuinely good areas of Milan is possible but requires compromises, typically older buildings, smaller rooms, or locations at the edges of desirable neighborhoods rather than their cores.

Specific areas where you might find 2-bedroom options at this budget include parts of Città Studi, Lambrate, the outer edges of Porta Romana, and sections of Isola that are further from the center, where prices range from 4,000 to 5,000 euros per square meter.

For 255,000 euros, a Milan 2-bedroom apartment would typically measure between 50 and 65 square meters, which is compact by international standards but considered normal for the Milan market where space is at a premium.

Which places become "accessible" at $300k in Milan as of 2026?

At the $300,000 (255,000 euros) price point in Milan in 2026, neighborhoods that become newly accessible include parts of Isola, the edges of NoLo (North of Loreto), portions of Porta Romana-Lodi, and some pockets near Navigli, all of which are highly desirable but typically priced above lower budgets.

These areas are more desirable than lower-budget zones because they offer walkable streets with restaurants and shops, vibrant nightlife and cultural scenes, proximity to major employment hubs, and the kind of urban energy that attracts both young professionals and international buyers.

In these newly accessible Milan neighborhoods for $300,000, you can expect either a well-located 1-bedroom apartment in good condition or a smaller 2-bedroom in an older building that might need some cosmetic updates.

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

What does a $500k budget unlock in Milan in 2026?

What's the typical size and location for $500k in Milan in 2026?

As of early 2026, $500,000 (approximately 425,000 euros) in Milan typically gets you a property of 60 to 90 square meters in well-regarded inner neighborhoods, or a larger unit (80 to 100+ square meters) in outer areas with good transport links.

For outdoor space with a $500,000 budget in Milan, you can realistically expect a balcony or terrace rather than a garden, since true garden-level properties or townhouses are rare within the city limits and usually command prices well above this level.

At 425,000 euros in Milan in 2026, you would typically find comfortable 2-bedroom apartments with one or two bathrooms, and in some cases a compact 3-bedroom in less central locations or older buildings.

Finally, please note that we cover all the housing price data in Milan here.

Which "premium" neighborhoods open up at $500k in Milan in 2026?

At the $500,000 (425,000 euros) level in Milan in 2026, premium neighborhoods that become accessible include Porta Venezia, parts of De Angeli-Fiera, sections of Navigli, and portions of Repubblica, where you can find solid apartments though not the most prestigious addresses.

These Milan neighborhoods are considered premium because they combine historic architecture with modern amenities, offer excellent restaurants and shopping, have strong international communities, and provide easy access to both business districts and leisure areas.

For $500,000 in these premium Milan neighborhoods, you can realistically expect a renovated 1-bedroom or compact 2-bedroom apartment of 55 to 75 square meters, often in a well-maintained historic building with elevator.

What counts as "luxury" in Milan in 2026?

At what amount does "luxury" start in Milan right now?

In Milan in 2026, the luxury property market typically starts at around 10,000 euros per square meter (approximately $11,700 per square meter), which translates to ticket prices of roughly 1,000,000 euros ($1,170,000) for entry-level luxury apartments of around 100 square meters.

Entry-level luxury in Milan means properties in historic palazzos with high ceilings and period details, or modern units in prestigious new developments, typically featuring concierge services, premium finishes, dedicated parking, and locations within the most sought-after micro-neighborhoods.

Compared to other major European cities, Milan's luxury threshold is lower than London or Paris but similar to Munich or Madrid, making it relatively accessible for international buyers seeking prime European real estate.

For mid-tier luxury in Milan, expect to spend between 1,500,000 and 3,000,000 euros ($1,750,000 to $3,500,000), while top-tier trophy properties in locations like Quadrilatero della Moda can reach 5,000,000 to 10,000,000 euros ($5,850,000 to $11,700,000) or more, with ultra-prime prices pushing toward 39,000 euros per square meter.

Which areas are truly high-end in Milan right now?

The truly high-end neighborhoods in Milan in 2026 are Centro Storico, Brera, Quadrilatero della Moda (the fashion district around Via Montenapoleone), Porta Nuova, and CityLife, where the most prestigious addresses and highest prices per square meter are concentrated.

These Milan areas are considered truly high-end because they combine historical prestige with modern luxury, proximity to world-class shopping and dining, architectural significance, and an international resident community of business leaders, fashion industry executives, and wealthy families.

The typical buyer in these high-end Milan neighborhoods includes Italian industrialists, international executives relocating for work, wealthy individuals from the UK seeking favorable tax treatment, fashion and design professionals, and investment buyers looking for trophy assets in one of Europe's most dynamic cities.

How much does it really cost to buy, beyond the price, in Milan in 2026?

What are the total closing costs in Milan in 2026 as a percentage?

As of early 2026, total closing costs when buying property in Milan typically range from 10% to 15% of the purchase price for foreign buyers who do not qualify for first-home tax benefits, covering all mandatory taxes, notary fees, and transaction costs.

For most standard transactions in Milan in 2026, expect the realistic range to be 10% to 12% on the lower end (if buying from a private seller with favorable conditions) and up to 14% to 15% on the higher end (if buying new construction from a developer with VAT).

The main fee categories that make up this total in Milan include registration tax or VAT (the largest component), notary fees for deed preparation and tax collection, land registry and cadastral fees, and potentially real estate agent commissions if you use one.

To avoid hidden costs and bad surprises, you can check our our pack covering the property buying process in Milan.

How much are notary, registration, and legal fees in Milan in 2026?

As of early 2026, notary, registration, and legal fees in Milan typically cost between 15,000 and 40,000 euros ($17,500 to $47,000) in total for a property purchase, though this varies significantly based on purchase price and whether the seller is a private individual or a developer.

These fees typically represent 8% to 12% of the property price in Milan, with the registration tax alone being 9% for second-home purchases from private sellers (minimum 1,000 euros), or 10% VAT if buying from a developer.

The registration tax (imposta di registro) is usually the most expensive component in Milan property transactions, especially for buyers who cannot claim first-home benefits, as it is calculated directly as a percentage of the cadastral or declared value.

What annual property taxes should I expect in Milan in 2026?

As of early 2026, annual property taxes (IMU) for a second home or investment property in Milan typically range from 1,500 to 5,000 euros ($1,750 to $5,850) per year, depending on the property's cadastral value and location within the city.

In Milan, the IMU rate for non-primary residences is set at around 1.06% of the cadastral value (not market value), which is usually much lower than the actual purchase price, making the effective tax rate as a percentage of market value relatively modest.

Property taxes in Milan vary based on the property's official category (A/2 for standard apartments, A/1 for luxury units) and the specific municipal coefficients applied, with central properties often having higher cadastral values than peripheral ones.

If you establish the Milan property as your primary residence (prima casa) and it is not classified as luxury (A/1, A/8, or A/9), you are generally exempt from IMU, which is a significant benefit for buyers planning to live in the property full-time.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Milan here.

Is mortgage a viable option for foreigners in Milan right now?

Getting a mortgage as a foreigner in Milan in 2026 is possible but more challenging than for Italian residents, with most banks willing to lend to non-residents but under stricter conditions and with more documentation requirements.

Foreign buyers in Milan typically receive loan-to-value ratios of 50% to 60% (meaning a 40% to 50% down payment), compared to 70% to 80% for residents, and interest rates range from approximately 2.7% to 4% as of early 2026, with non-residents sometimes paying slightly higher rates.

To qualify for a mortgage in Milan as a foreigner, you will typically need a valid passport, an Italian tax code (codice fiscale), proof of income (2 to 3 years of tax returns, payslips, or business accounts), bank statements, and the ability to demonstrate that your total debt payments will not exceed 30% to 35% of your net income.

You can find the list of all property taxes, costs and fees when buying in Milan here.

What should I predict for resale and growth in Milan in 2026?

What property types resell fastest in Milan in 2026?

As of early 2026, the property types that resell fastest in Milan are renovated studios and one-bedroom apartments near metro stations, energy-efficient units in well-maintained buildings, and properties in emerging neighborhoods with strong transport links and local amenities.

The typical time to sell a property in Milan in 2026 is around 5 to 6 months on average, though well-priced properties in desirable locations can sell much faster, while overpriced units or those with legal issues may linger for over a year.

In Milan specifically, properties sell faster when they have good energy performance certificates (classe energetica A or B), because buyers are increasingly aware of EU energy regulations and utility costs, making efficient apartments more attractive than older, poorly insulated units.

The slowest-selling properties in Milan tend to be large, expensive apartments in buildings with pending special assessments for facade or roof work, units in buildings without elevators (especially above the second floor), and properties with unresolved cadastral or condominium issues.

If you're interested, we cover all the best exit strategies in our real estate pack about Milan.

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 Milan, 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.