In the Your Overseas Home 2024 Buyer’s survey, over 50% of people looking to buy property in Italy told us they’re looking for a second home, rather than a primary residence, retirement casa or investment property.
To help you narrow down the search for your second home in Italy, we asked property expert, Stefania Russo, Founder and CEO of The Property Organiser for her insight on buying a second home in Italy.
A country home in Sicily – could this be your dream second home in Italy?
The Property Organiser Ltd acts as a buying consultant for anyone looking to buy property in Italy. Their service is bespoke and can offer assistance in finding the second home of your dreams on Italian soil. They do all the hard work for you, such as scouring the market for the best homes that meet your requirements. It’s a win-win! Find out more about their services on their website.
Enquire with The Property Organiser today
Stefania tells us Puglia, the Lake regions, Tuscany and Sicily are the most popular areas without a doubt, however, pocket areas each have their own appeal. “It very much depends on the budget.”
Here, we’ll dive into each area, and share the average budget and their nearest airport. When buying a second home, you have to consider how far you’re willing to travel from the airport, as you don’t want to spend three hours in a car after a two-hour flight.
Ostuni, in Puglia
Puglia
Often referred to as the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia features to a long stretch of Mediterranean coastline dotted with fishing villages and homes by the sea, as well as picturesque hilltop towns made up of rustic stone houses known as trulli, all surrounded by lush Italian countryside.
Our very own writer Julia often pours her heart out about Puglia, so those familiar with Italy Property Guides will know of its appeal. Read more about Puglia on Property Guides.
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“Puglia has become super popular in the last 5-7 years,” Stefania said. “The weather, the food, low cost of living but also, you can be on the beach within 15-20 minutes without having to spend a lot of money, while on other regions the vicinity of the coast would add a couple of hundred euros on top.”
Properties start at: €53,000.
International airports: Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari (IATA: BRI).
Maremma, Tuscany
Tuscany
Tuscany has always been on the top of the regions but most of all for those with a higher budget. Investors now look to Tuscany for other alternative areas, so it has become a destination for all.
Stefania said, “Tuscany is adored for its picturesque landscapes, pretty towns, and accessibility with two major airports. The region attracts those looking for city breaks (Florence, Lucca, etc) and those looking for countryside settings. The Tuscan coastline is also stunning and great for sailing.”
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll feel right at home in Tuscany where mountains cover 25% of the region. There are three national parks which offer numerous hiking trails and are a great place to be at one with nature. Among the mountains, there are plenty of hillside towns and villages nestled among the trees.
Homes on the coast do tend to cost a pretty penny in Tuscany. To put it into context, a villa in Puglia you would buy a small apartment in Tuscany.
Properties start at: €50,000
International airports: Galileo Galilei International Airport in Pisa (PSA).
Could you find your perfect property for less in Sicily?
Sicily
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is an increasingly popular choice for international property buyers. Despite being part of Italy, Sicily has an inherently Greek feel to it.
Sicily is warm, has a historic background and is a beautiful place to live – even if you do only pop in every few months.
Popular areas in Sicily include Trapani, an ancient town on the far west coast; Palermo, undeniably one of the most beautiful cities in southern Italy; Caltanissetta, an inland rural region with a cooler climate; Siracusa (or Syracruse) on the east coast is home to sandy beaches and the Nyblaean Mountains. Read more about Sicily on Italy Property Guides.
Properties in Sicily range from apartments in a stylish seaside resort, townhouses in a baroque city, or a small village home surrounded by lemon groves. What most property in Sicily has in common is its affordability.
Properties start at: €50,000
International airports: Catania–Fontanarossa (CTA) and Palermo (PMO).
Luxury villa and botanical garden in Lake Como, Lombardy region.
The Lakes
Stefania tells us, “Italy’s lake region has always been of interest but in the past people were mostly thinking of Lake Como while now Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore and smaller Lake of Endine and Lake Iseo have become more and more sought after as prices are more affordable and in addition, they are easy to reach from countries from the Northern part of Europe, so many Dutch, Belgium, Swiss people drive there.”
Living by one of Italy’s great lakes offers a healthy and adventurous lifestyle, anchored by the most stunning views you could ever imagine.
Each of the great lakes offers something different. Why not browse our archive of articles on Italy Property Guides to see if one in particular jumps out at you?
Properties start at: €250,000 (Lake Como)
Nearest airports to Como: Milan Malpensa airport (44mins drive), Bergamo (Orio al Serio) airport (1hr 15mins), Milan Linate airport (1hr).
Could your home away home from home be in the town of Poligano a Mare?
How much will a second home in Italy cost?
Stefania said, “Apartments: can start from as little as €50,000 or less” – this is especially so if you’re willing to be inland or in the hills. For homes at the lower end of this scale, there will likely be a bit of work to do to bring it up to scratch, but that’s not to say there aren’t some bargains to be found!
If you’re looking for something larger, that would accommodate a family, Stefania tells us “A two-to-three-bedroom bedroom villa in Tuscany would start from 300k (of course this is just an idea based on the cheaper locations of Tuscany.)
The same villa in ‘Chiantishire’ area would cost upwards of €700,000 and the same villa in Puglia would start at €150,000. It’d be similar in Sicily too, but with smaller spaces available.”
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