Buying a house typically involves handing over payment, usually through a mortgage, for the transfer of property. However, if you're considering a move to Italy, you might explore a fascinating alternative: a permanent house swap, known as "permuta." This allows property owners to exchange homes of similar value, settling any price differences as needed.
While home exchanges in Italy are often used for short-term stays, a permanent swap offers a deeper immersion into Italian culture and community. This option comes with numerous advantages, and it’s an ideal way to change your primary residence or acquire a second home, often with lower costs and a smoother transition into Italian life. If a home exchange in Italy intrigues you, check out our selection of properties, from countryside villas with pools to city apartments.
- Cheap
- Expensive
- Small
- Big
- All provinces
- Alessandria
- Bergamo
- Bologna
- Isernia
- Macerata
- Massa-Carrara
- Palermo
- Pavia
- Torino
- Venezia
Detached house in frazione Crocetta no number
Montecalvo Versiggia, Pavia44.97129.28463140.000 €400 m210 rooms
Flat in via Goffredo Mameli, 103
Lido di Jesolo, Jesolo, Venezia45.515612.6397255.000 €90 m23 rooms
Duplex in Belvedere no number
Civitanova Alta, Civitanova Marche, Macerata43.324913.701350.000 €200 m26 rooms
Flat in strada Castelletta, 74
Civitanova Alta, Civitanova Marche, Macerata43.333813.6908390.000 €290 m24 rooms
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.
Buying a home in Italy costs 16% more in 2025 compared to 2019
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
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.