La Dolce Vita: A Guide to Buying in Italy

I recently went on vacation to the historic motherland of Italy. I visited Pordenone, Venice, Florence, and Rome—each place leaving me with different ideas of my future vision. This experience inspired my imagination toward owning property abroad. As I walked the suitcase-destroying cobblestone streets, admired the architecture (or at least tried to), and soaked in the everyday "party" culture, I couldn’t help but envision owning a slice of this dream.

In this blog, I want to take you through what it would take to own a home in three distinct Italian cities: the study-abroad capital of Florence, the historic powerhouse of Rome, and the sentimental small town of Pordenone. Each city brings a different flavor to the table, and each offers a unique experience for homeowners.

Note: All measurements have been converted from the metric system to the imperial system, and all prices from euros to U.S. dollars for clarity.

Florence

Florence is where the Renaissance began, and it still carries that creative spirit on every street corner. If you ever go, make sure to visit Piazzale Michelangelo. This was my favorite part of the vacation—grabbing a bottle of wine and watching the sun set into the Arno River.

The average home here runs around $430 per square foot. That means a 1,076-square-foot apartment would cost around $462,000. Properties are often full of character: think high ceilings, arched windows, and terracotta tile floors in centuries-old buildings.

Living in Florence means immersing yourself in a rich blend of American and Italian culture, cuisine, and art. You'll be just around the corner from masterpieces by Michelangelo and da Vinci, and you can enjoy Tuscan wines and food in cozy trattorias (Italian restaurants serving simple, traditional dishes).

Rome

Rome is a beautiful contradiction—a mix of the ancient and the modern. We navigated the city via subway, stopping at the Vatican, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. The average price here is similar to Florence, around $430 per square foot. So, a 1,076-square-foot apartment would also cost about $462,000, depending on the neighborhood. In hotspots like Trastevere or Campo de' Fiori, you’ll find historic apartments that are modernized inside but still rich in character.

Rome is perfect for anyone who wants to be in the heart of Italy’s story. Every corner holds a piece of history, from ancient ruins to vibrant piazzas—and trust me, the energy here can be relaxed or go go go .

Pordenone

Pordenone is a hidden gem in Northern Italy. It’s where my family is from and still lives today. This town offers a more relaxed and budget-friendly option compared to the big cities. The average price here is about $100 per square foot, which means a 1,076-square-foot home would cost just over $107,000.

Homes here are typically more spacious and often come with gardens, updated interiors, and modern comforts. What makes Pordenone special is its balance of small-town charm and easy access to adventure. It’s close to the Dolomites and the Adriatic Sea, and it hosts a well-known Silent Film Festival.

If you're looking for a slower pace of life without losing access to culture, this could be your place.

So, how do you buy property in Italy as a U.S. citizen?

The good news? You can. U.S. citizens can legally purchase property in Italy with few restrictions. Here’s what the process looks like:

• Get a Codice Fiscale: This is your Italian tax ID and is required for any financial transaction.

• Open an Italian Bank Account: You’ll need this to transfer funds.

• Sign a Preliminary Contract: This contract outlines the terms of the sale and usually includes a deposit.

• Finalize the Sale with a Notary: The notary ensures the legal transfer of ownership and confirms everything is above board.

  
  

What are the extra costs?

Be ready to spend an additional 7–10% of the purchase price on fees and taxes. These include:

• Notary fees: 1% to 2.5%

• Registration tax: Usually 9% for second homes

• VAT (Value Added Tax): 4% to 22% if buying from a company

• Legal fees: Around 1% to 2%, plus 22% VAT

• Real estate agent's commission: 3% to 8%, plus VAT

• Translator (if needed): $215 to $325

So, if I were to buy that house in Pordenone for $107,000, the all-in cost after fees and taxes would land somewhere between $115,000 and $117,000.

Owning property in Italy isn't just a transaction—it’s a lifestyle investment. Whether you're drawn to the ancient history of Rome, the artistic soul of Florence, or the everyday joy of Pordenone, you can find your "party" in Italy that feels just like home.

I hope my vacation side quest brought you a little inspiration the same way it did for me. Maybe, just maybe, the next time you’re in Italy, you’ll be turning a key into your own front door.