Dreaming of la dolce vita but worried your budget won't stretch to a Tuscan villa? Think again. With thousands of properties under €250k on the market, Italy offers a tempting array of affordable gems, from rustic farmhouses to chic apartments.
Updated monthly, our curated selection showcases the cream of Italy's budget-friendly properties. From lakeside Art Nouveau apartments to characterful townhouses in medieval villages. And with some properties starting from just over €100k, that daily espresso on your own terrace might be closer than you think.
Fancy living in a piece of Italian history? This charming first-floor apartment, nestled in an 1800s residence, offers authentic period features including spectacular barrel vaults and a traditional wood-fired oven. Recently renovated, it boasts two bedrooms, a cosy living room and balconies that drink in views stretching from rolling hills to the sparkling Adriatic.
Price: €39,000 Location:Palmoli, Abruzzo Special features: Original stone portal entrance, cross-vaulted staircase, wood-fired oven, barrel vaults, cellar, two balconies Close to: Walking distance to Castello Marchesale and Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie; local shops, bakeries, restaurants and amenities in village centre; 25 minutes' drive to Vasto and San Salvo beaches; 107km to Abruzzo Airport
A rare opportunity to create your dream Italian homestead. This sprawling 8-hectare estate features a main house with wine cellars, plus outbuildings including former stables and barn, all begging for creative restoration. Perched in the verdant hills of Montecorone, it's the perfect canvas for a boutique agriturismo or grand family compound.
Price: €104,000 Location:Montecorone di Zocca, Modena, Emilia Romagna Special features: 8 hectares of agricultural land and woodland, multiple outbuildings including former stables and barn, wine cellars, double-height attic space, covered portico Close to: Zocca town centre; Bologna and Modena within easy reach; surrounded by hiking trails and natural beauty of the Emilian Apennines Note: Property requires complete renovation but offers enormous potential for conversion to agrotourism business, educational farm, or spacious family residence.
Looking for la dolce vita without the hefty price tag? This recently restored two-bedroom apartment in a converted farmhouse might be your ticket to Tuscany. Perched in the western Chianti hills, it comes with an impressive fireplace for those winter evenings with Brunello, and views that'll have you reaching for your watercolours – or at least your smartphone.
Price: €127,000 Location:Montaione, Florence, Tuscany Special features: Original fireplace, two en-suite bathrooms, independent heating, offered partially furnished, panoramic countryside views Close to: Castelfalfi golf course; San Gimignano and Volterra medieval towns; numerous wineries and olive oil producers; hiking and cycling trails through Chianti countryside; Florence accessible for day trips
This lovingly restored portion of an 1800s stone house offers the best of both worlds: historic charm with modern comforts. Spread across three floors, it features exposed wooden beams and terracotta floors, plus a spacious terrace for your morning espresso. Already earthquake-proofed and solar-panel ready – because even medieval properties need 21st-century sense.
Price: €129,000 Location:Gubbio, Perugia, Umbria Special features: Habitable terrace, double independent entrance, laundry room, storage closet, earthquake-proof structure, flue for wood stove/fireplace, solar panel ready Close to: 4.7 miles to Gubbio historic centre; 47km to Perugia Airport; easy access to Assisi (57.3km) and Perugia (48.8km); 77.3km to Adriatic coast; Florence and Rome within weekend-trip distance
Just a stone's throw from Italy's gastronomic capital comes this split-level apartment that proves good things come in perfectly-sized packages. The real showstopper? A private 350m² garden complete with swimming pool – perfect for working up an appetite before heading into Parma for a spot of ham and cheese tasting.
Price: €147,000 Location: Porporano, Parma, Emilia Romagna Special features: Private pool, 350m² garden, 25m² taverna with potential for second bathroom, private parking space, no condominium fees, double glazing, independent heating Close to: Parma city centre (famous for its prosciutto, Parmigiano Reggiano and cultural heritage); excellent transport links; Milan and Bologna within easy reach
Looking for the quintessential Umbrian dream? 'Il Fiore' might be your perfect petal. This semi-detached farmhouse serves up spectacular views across vineyards and olive groves to the Tiber River, with the romantic Montemolino Castle as your backdrop. The adjoining portion is also for sale – just in case you need room for all those inevitable visitors.
Price: €149,000 Location:Todi, Umbria Special features: Double entrance, covered terrace, garage/storage area, rustic garden with vegetable patch, shared courtyard and parking area, option to purchase adjoining portion with additional outbuilding and hectare of land Close to: 3km to Fratta Todina (supermarket, bank, pharmacy); 9km to medieval Todi; 30km to Perugia; 35km to Orvieto; 90 minutes to Rome and airports; walking distance to local vineyards and olive groves
Here's a chance to carve out your own slice of Sicilian serenity – with a twist. This listing offers two semi-detached villas: one ready to welcome you with open arms, the other waiting for your creative touch. Both boast sweeping views across the Nebrodi Park to the Mediterranean, perfect for those sunrise espressos on the balcony.
Price: €150,000 Location:San Salvatore di Fitalia, Messina, Sicily Special features: Two properties for the price of one (one renovated, one awaiting restoration), sea-view balconies, open fireplace, fully furnished (Casa Vasi), basement storage in both properties, 17,000m² of land Close to: Nebrodi National Park; 10km from coast; walking distance to San Salvatore di Fitalia; easy access to Messina; panoramic rural setting 550m above sea level Note: Casa Vasi is immediately habitable and comes furnished, while Casa Calderaro requires complete renovation but offers exciting potential for customisation.
This characterful property in picturesque Valbona Village comes with quite the CV – former post office, beloved local restaurant, and now waiting for its next chapter. While in need of modernisation, this 200m² slice of history offers tremendous potential, including a separate stone building perfect for holiday lets. Just add vision (and a decent builder).
Price: €150,000 Location: Castiglione di Garfagnana, Lucca province, Tuscany Special features: Two separate buildings, stream-side garden, large restaurant-sized kitchen, spacious reception rooms, wine cellar, elevated village position, historical significance as former post office and restaurant Close to: Castiglione di Garfagnana; Garfagnana Valley attractions; Lucca; Tuscan countryside and hiking trails; within reach of Pisa and Florence Note: Property requires comprehensive renovation but maintains good structural integrity. Excellent potential for conversion to boutique B&B or holiday rental business.
Dreaming of waking up to tranquil lake views in your own Italian parkland? This semi-detached home near the Umbria-Tuscany border might be your answer. Set in extensive private grounds, it offers serene vistas over Lake Chiusi, plus enough storage space to house your growing collection of garden tools (and wine).
Price: €170,000 Location:Castiglione del Lago, Perugia, Umbria Special features: Private park, lake views, storage annex, utility room, independent on three sides, bright living spaces, two full bathrooms Close to: Lake Trasimeno; Lake Chiusi; historic centre of Castiglione del Lago; Tuscan border; excellent transport links to both Florence and Rome; surrounded by renowned wine regions
Who says you can't teach an old house new tricks? This centrepiece of Città Sant'Angelo's historic heart has been impeccably restored in 2020, marrying original architectural features with contemporary comforts. Plus, there's potential to add two more bedrooms in the renovated wooden roof space – perfect for when the whole family falls in love with your Italian lifestyle.
Price: €172,000 Location: Historic centre of Città Sant'Angelo, Pescara, Abruzzo Special features: Completely renovated in 2020, original architectural features, wooden beamed roof with expansion potential, double glazing, eat-in kitchen, two modern bathrooms Close to: Walking distance to all town amenities; easy access to Pescara and Adriatic coast; surrounded by historic monuments and buzzing Italian street life; excellent restaurants and cafes on doorstep
If you've been hunting for a house with proper proportions, this double-salon beauty might tick your boxes. Set in peaceful Crescentino, it offers two covered porticos for your aperitivo moments, plus a working fireplace for winter wine tastings. The generous terrace upstairs ensures you'll never run out of spots to soak up those mountain views.
Price: €183,000 Location:Crescentino, Vercelli, Piedmont Special features: Two covered porticos, working fireplace, eat-in kitchen, large terrace, 20m² garage plus external parking space, cellar/storage room, three-sided garden, no condominium fees, independent heating Close to: Easy vehicle access while maintaining peaceful position; Vercelli city; Turin within reach; surrounded by Piedmont wine country; Italian Alps visible on clear days; local amenities in Crescentino
This detached villa is set among the tranquil Italian countryside. This property isn’t overlooked, so you’ll have the peace and quiet you deserve. The villa also features a terrace with panoramic views on the first floor.
Paradise found? This recently renovated villa in Costa Paradiso might just fit the bill. Perched above the azure Mediterranean, it boasts not one but two verandas – one glazed for year-round sunset-gazing, one open for those essential sardine-grilling sessions. At 75m², it's bijou but brilliant, especially if you're seeking a lock-up-and-leave investment.
Price: €235,000 Location: Costa Paradiso, Trinita d'Agultu e Vignola, Sassari, Sardinia Special features: Completely renovated in 2022, panoramic sea views, two large verandas (one enclosed), barbecue area, storage room with beach equipment, native stone garden with Mediterranean plants, covered and uncovered parking spaces, sofa bed for guests Close to: 3 minutes' drive to Costa Paradiso centre and amenities; easy access to multiple beaches; surrounded by Sardinia's dramatic northern coastline; good rental potential in tourist hotspot
A bijou beauty in a historic villa that proves great things come in small packages. This top-floor apartment offers front-row seats to Lake Garda's daily performance, with a private pier for your morning dips and a gorgeous Art Nouveau backdrop for your Instagram stories. Yes, it's compact, but have you seen that view?
Price: €240,000 Location:Toscolano Maderno, Brescia, Lombardy Special features: Located in an Art Nouveau villa, private beach and pier access, communal park, elevator, parking space, high sloping ceilings, terracotta floors, lake views from two windows Close to: Direct lake access; walking distance to Toscolano Maderno amenities; easy reach of Brescia, Verona and Milan; surrounded by Lake Garda's renowned restaurants and attractions; ferry connections to other lakeside towns
Fancy waking up to views stretching from the Italian Riviera to France? This sun-drenched apartment in Grimaldi might be your ticket to la dolce vita. With the Balzi Rossi beaches at your feet and Monaco just a champagne cork's pop away, it's perfect for those who want their morning cornetto with a side of Côte d'Azur glamour.
Price: €250,000 Location:Ventimiglia, Imperia, Liguria Special features: Panoramic sea views, seafront balcony, convertible cellar with bathroom, no condominium fees, electric heating, large windows throughout, street parking available Close to: Walking distance to Balzi Rossi beaches; 10 minutes to Menton, France; 20 minutes to Monaco; 40 minutes to Nice Airport; prime position on the Italian/French Riviera border Note: Ground floor cellar offers potential for guest accommodation or studio space
Mary Shelley once said "the name of Italy has magic in its very syllables." And we couldn't agree more! Find your dolce vita today. Here are 11 of the best destinations to buy a property in Italy.
Be the first to comment!