Buying a home in Italy is becoming increasingly expensive. Compared to 2019, the average cost of purchasing a property has risen by 16%. Milan remains the most expensive city per square metre, while Trieste has recorded the sharpest increases. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Training and Research on Consumer Issues (C.R.C.) in collaboration with Assoutenti, an average worker now needs 11.6 years of salary to buy a home, a clerk requires 9.7 years, while a manager needs only four.
In January 2025, the average cost per square metre for a property in major Italian cities had increased by 16.1% compared to January 2019, with significant regional variations, the C.R.C. noted in a statement. Milan is the most expensive municipality, with prices exceeding €5,400 per square metre, followed by Florence (€4,365) and Bologna (€3,566).
Among the major cities, Perugia (€1,299/m²) and L'Aquila (€1,451/m²) remain the most affordable. Trieste has seen the highest price increase since 2019, with a surge of 50% in six years, followed by Milan (+39.5%) and Trento (+33%). Of all the major municipalities monitored, only Genoa recorded a decline in property prices, down 3.7% compared to 2019, the Centre for Training and Research on Consumer Issues highlighted.
How many years of salary are needed to buy a property in Italy?
Buying a home is becoming increasingly unattainable. According to Assoutenti’s projections based on average net salaries in Italy, the average manual worker needs 11.6 years of earnings to afford an 80m² property, while an office employee requires 9.7 years, and a manager only four.
There are also considerable regional differences: in Milan, a manual worker needs to account for 23.3 years of wages to purchase an 80m² home (18.8 years in Florence and 15.3 in Bologna), while an office worker requires 19.5 years (15.7 years in Florence and 12.9 in Bologna), and a manager needs only 8 years. The situation is better in Rome, where a manual worker needs 15 years of wages to buy a similar property, an office worker requires 12.5 years, and a manager just 5.1 years.
"Property prices continue to rise in 2025, making home ownership practically unaffordable in some cities unless one has significant capital," said Assoutenti president Gabriele Melluso. "The real estate market is marked by a strong imbalance between supply and demand in certain areas, driving prices to astronomical levels. Meanwhile, in other cities, properties that were once residential are increasingly being converted into short-term rental accommodations, exacerbating the housing crisis and directly impacting purchase prices."
Property for sale in Italy with gardens
Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, and many properties for sale come with gardens of varying sizes and styles. These gardens can range from small courtyards to expansive estates with lush greenery, fruit trees, and even vineyards.
The 5 Italian regions with the fastest rising house prices
The trend in Italian house prices in 2024 and 2025 confirms a clear pattern: the North is driving growth, while Central and Southern Italy show more moderate expansion, with some regions even experiencing a decline.
From London to Mussomeli for a 1 euro house: "I'll never have a mortgage again"
George Laing is a 30-year-old Englishman who took part in Italy's 1 euro house project by purchasing a property in Mussomeli, in the heart of Sicily. From there, a great adventure began, as he is carrying out the renovation himself, "watching videos on YouTube." This has gained him significant popularity on Instagram, to the point that he will soon appear on one of the UK's main television channels for a property-themed series.
Why one in four Italians wants to move house
According to the RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024, the lack of balconies and gardens, combined with rising energy costs, is fuelling housing dissatisfaction in Italy and across Europe. In line with the European average, 24% of Italians want to move home. Among them, 17% plan to relocate within a year, while 28% are considering moving abroad to improve their financial situation.
Cheap houses for sale in Italy by the sea
Waking up each morning to breathtaking views of the Italian coastline feels like a dream come true. Italy is home to some of the world's most stunning coastal landscapes, stretching from Liguria to Puglia and encompassing the spectacular islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Despite the current economic climate with rising house prices in 2025, now is still an excellent time to explore cheap seaside properties in Italy, with many hidden gems available. Given Italy’s vast coastline, it’s no surpris
The best mountain towns to live in Sicily
Sicily is not just about the sea and beaches: there are many mountain areas full of charm and tradition that offer a peaceful and authentic lifestyle. Living in the mountains in Sicily means enjoying breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, far from the chaos of the cities. Today we're taking a look at 5 of the villages to consider when looking for a home, along with their unique features. These are the best mountain towns to live in Sicily.
