Is it worth it buying property in Sardinia in 2025?

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

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

Who is the author of this content?

INVESTROPA

A team specialized in real estate investing in European countries

We are a team of financial experts, legal professionals, developers, and local real estate specialists dedicated to helping people like you avoid mistakes when investing in real estate in a foreign place, particularly in Sardinia. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our presentation page.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At InvestRopa, 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 Cagliari, Alghero, and Olbia. 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.

What types of properties are available to buy in Sardinia in 2025—villas, apartments, rural homes, seaside spots?

Sardinia offers an exceptional variety of properties ranging from luxury coastal villas to authentic rural homes and modern city apartments.

Luxury villas dominate the high-end market, particularly in Costa Smeralda, Arzachena, and Porto Cervo, where waterfront estates command premium prices. These properties typically feature swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and direct beach access.

Apartments are widely available across cities, tourist resorts, and smaller towns, with options spanning from contemporary residences in Cagliari to charming units in historic centers like Alghero. Modern developments offer amenities like swimming pools and concierge services.

Rural homes and country houses represent authentic Sardinian living, including traditional farmhouses and "stazzu" (country cottages) in inland areas. These properties often come with substantial land, olive groves, or vineyards, providing privacy and agricultural potential.

Seaside properties remain the most sought-after category, encompassing waterfront villas, apartments with sea views, and houses within walking distance to beaches in tourist hotspots like Villasimius and Golfo Aranci.

Is it better to buy or rent a home in Sardinia in 2025, considering prices, lifestyle, and flexibility?

Buying property in Sardinia makes more financial sense in 2025 due to rising prices and strong rental demand, especially for those planning long-term stays or investment purposes.

Property prices are forecast to increase 3-7% annually, making early purchase potentially profitable for investors. Coastal properties particularly benefit from high tourism demand, generating substantial rental income during peak season.

Buying offers security, renovation freedom, and the opportunity to generate rental income, especially in tourist areas where short-term rentals can achieve occupancy rates up to 77% with average daily rates of €115 in popular locations like Alghero.

Renting provides flexibility and lower initial costs, making it ideal for testing different areas before committing to purchase. However, long-term rentals in tourist hotspots are increasingly scarce and expensive during peak season.

The upfront costs of buying include taxes, notary fees, and agency commissions totaling 10-15% of purchase price, while ongoing responsibilities include maintenance and property taxes.

What are the current property prices in Sardinia, how have they changed recently, and what's the forecast for 2025 and beyond?

Sardinia's average property price reached €2,420 per square meter as of June 2025, representing a 4.5% increase from the previous year.

Location Type	Price per m²	Annual Change
Prime Coastal Areas	€2,952	+6.2%
Luxury Hotspots (Arzachena)	€5,859	+8.1%
Tourist Towns (Golfo Aranci)	€4,360	+5.8%
Inland Areas	€1,066	+2.3%
Rural Villages (Villamar)	€180	+1.2%
Affordable Cities (Oristano)	€892	+3.1%
Regional Average	€2,420	+4.5%

The forecast for 2025 and beyond indicates continued price growth of 3-7% annually, driven by limited supply in coastal areas and increasing foreign investment.

What are the main trends in the Sardinian real estate market—who's buying, what areas are heating up, and where's demand growing?

Foreign buyers from Germany, the United States, and Northern Europe are driving Sardinia's real estate market, with British interest declining post-Brexit due to increased bureaucracy.

Luxury markets in Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, and Arzachena continue attracting high-net-worth individuals seeking exclusive waterfront properties. These areas command the highest prices and maintain strong appreciation potential.

Up-and-coming areas include Alghero and Bosa, which offer authentic character, growing expat communities, and more affordable entry points compared to established luxury zones. These locations attract buyers seeking lifestyle changes and rental income opportunities.

Affordable regions like Oristano, Nuoro, and inland villages are gaining traction among retirees and investors looking for renovation projects with significant value-add potential.

Current demand drivers include outdoor living features (gardens, terraces), remote work capabilities, and sustainable tourism trends that shape buyer preferences toward properties with modern amenities and environmental consciousness.

What are the steps involved in buying property in Sardinia as a foreigner—legal process, fees, documents, and timelines?

The property purchase process in Sardinia follows a structured legal framework that typically takes 3-6 months from initial offer to completion.

Step one involves finding properties through local agencies, online platforms, or property finders, followed by making a formal reservation offer ("Proposta di Acquisto") with a small deposit to secure the property.

The preliminary contract ("Compromesso") represents a legally binding agreement requiring a 10-30% deposit, followed by comprehensive due diligence including legal checks for ownership, debts, and regulatory compliance.

The final deed ("Rogito") must be signed before a notary who registers the sale and ensures all legal requirements are met, transferring ownership officially.

Required documents include passport, Italian tax code (Codice Fiscale), and proof of funds, while total fees range from 10-15% of purchase price including notary (1-2.5%), legal (1-2%), agency (3-8%), and registration taxes varying from 2% for primary residences to 9% for second homes or luxury properties.

Where can I find properties for sale—trusted real estate agencies, online platforms, local contacts?

Major international agencies operating in Sardinia include Engel & Völkers, Your House in Sardinia, ResRei Sardinia, Sardiamo, and Live in Sardinia, offering professional services and multilingual support.

Primary online platforms for property searches include Immobiliare.it, Idealista, Kyero, Rightmove, Mer et Demeures, Properstar, Gate-away, and Your Overseas Home, providing comprehensive listings with detailed photos and specifications.

1. Specialized Sardinian agencies with local expertise2. International portals with English-language support3. Local real estate networks and referrals4. Property finder services for specific requirements5. Expat forums and community recommendations

Word-of-mouth referrals, expat forums, and local classified advertisements often reveal hidden gems not listed on major platforms, particularly in rural areas and small villages.

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

What can I realistically buy in Sardinia with a budget of €100k, €250k, €500k, or €1M+?

Budget allocation in Sardinia varies significantly based on location preferences and property conditions, with coastal properties commanding premium prices compared to inland alternatives.

Budget Range	Property Options	Typical Locations
€100k	Small apartments, renovation projects, rural homes	Villages, inland towns, fixer-uppers
€250k	2-bedroom apartments, small houses inland	Secondary towns, less touristy coasts
€500k	Modern apartments, detached houses, small villas	Popular towns, some sea view options
€1M+	Luxury villas, waterfront estates, large properties	Costa Smeralda, Porto Cervo, prime locations
€150k	Renovated village houses, small coastal apartments	Authentic towns, emerging areas
€750k	Sea view villas, luxury apartments	Established coastal areas, premium locations
€2M+	Exclusive estates, beachfront mansions	Ultra-premium coastal developments

What common mistakes do buyers make when purchasing in Sardinia—and how can I avoid them?

The most frequent mistake involves underestimating total costs, as buyers often budget only for purchase price without accounting for 10-20% additional expenses including taxes, fees, and immediate renovations.

1. Skipping comprehensive due diligence checks for legal status, outstanding debts, and building compliance2. Ignoring local zoning regulations, coastal restrictions, and historic property limitations3. Overlooking ongoing expenses like utilities, property taxes (IMU), and condominium fees4. Making emotional decisions without proper price comparison and market research5. Failing to engage qualified agents or lawyers familiar with Italian bureaucracy

Legal compliance verification is crucial, as many properties in coastal or historic areas have specific restrictions limiting renovations or usage that could affect investment returns.

Professional representation through qualified real estate agents and lawyers specializing in Italian property transactions helps navigate complex bureaucracy and avoid costly legal issues.

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

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's the cost of living in Sardinia—utilities, groceries, transport, healthcare—and how does it vary by region?

Living costs in Sardinia are generally lower than mainland Italy, with significant variations between urban centers and rural areas.

Housing costs for renters average €700 monthly for a 2-bedroom apartment, dropping substantially in rural areas but increasing in coastal tourist zones during peak season.

Monthly utilities for an 85m² apartment range €120-€180, while groceries cost €200-€300 per person monthly, with local markets offering better value than supermarkets.

Transportation expenses include €35-€50 monthly for public transport passes in cities, though car ownership becomes essential outside urban areas due to limited rural public transport connectivity.

Healthcare operates through Italy's public system with good quality care, while private insurance options provide faster service access and English-speaking medical professionals in tourist areas.

Which areas in Sardinia are considered the best to live or invest—affordable towns, up-and-coming zones, upscale regions—and what are their pros and cons?

Cagliari offers urban amenities, cultural attractions, and beautiful beaches but comes with higher living costs and increased summer tourism crowds.

Area	Investment Potential	Lifestyle Rating
Costa Smeralda	Luxury/High-end	Exclusive but seasonal
Alghero	Strong growth	Historic charm, expat-friendly
Olbia	Tourism gateway	Modern, well-connected
Oristano	Value opportunity	Authentic, affordable
Villasimius	Beach tourism	Stunning beaches, seasonal
Sassari	Stable rental	Cultural, affordable
Rural Villages	Low cost entry	Peaceful, requires car

What's life like as an expat in Sardinia—community, language barrier, safety, services, integration?

Expat life in Sardinia centers around warm, welcoming local communities with growing international populations in areas like Alghero, Olbia, and Cagliari.

Italian language skills are essential for daily life and bureaucratic processes, though English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and international business contexts.

Safety levels are exceptionally high across Sardinia, with very low crime rates and strong community solidarity, making it particularly appealing for families and retirees.

Essential services including healthcare, internet connectivity, and banking are reliable in cities, though rural areas may have limited public transport and specialized amenities requiring car dependency.

Integration opportunities exist through local cultural events, language courses, volunteer activities, and expat networks that facilitate social connections and practical support for newcomers.

If I want to rent out my property long term, which areas should I target, who are the typical tenants, what do they want, how much can I earn, and what's the rental yield?

Coastal towns including Alghero, Olbia, Villasimius, and Costa Smeralda offer the highest rental yields for short-term holiday lets, while cities and larger towns provide stable long-term rental markets.

Typical tenants include international tourists seeking short-term accommodations, remote workers needing extended stays, retirees relocating permanently, and local expats requiring furnished properties.

Tenant preferences focus on fully furnished, move-in-ready properties featuring outdoor spaces, sea views, modern amenities, and reliable internet connectivity for remote work capabilities.

Short-term rental income can achieve occupancy rates up to 77% in prime locations like Alghero with average daily rates of €115, while long-term rentals average €13.61 per square meter monthly with higher rates in tourist hotspots and lower rates inland.

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

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

1. InvestRopa - Sardinia Area Guide
2. Idealista - Sardinia Properties for Sale
3. Mer et Demeures - Sardinia Seaside Properties
4. Immobiliare.it - Sardinia Real Estate Market
5. Live in Sardinia - Villas and Stazzu
6. Sardiamo - Sardinian Property Investment 2025
7. InvestRopa - Sardinia Real Estate Trends
8. Allerenitallie - Real Estate in Sardinia
9. InvestRopa - Sardinia Real Estate Market Analysis
10. De Tullio Law Firm - Buying Property in Sardinia
11. Live in Sardinia - Buying Process Guide
12. Idealista - Living in Sardinia Guide