Have you been to Tuscany several times and are now starting to consider this your second home? Would you love to wake up every morning and see rolling hills and vineyards outside your window? Have you always dreamt of purchasing a house in the countryside, but U.S. prices seem unaffordable?
Then, buying a villa in Tuscany may be a good option! Compared to the U.S. market, houses in Italy tend to be way cheaper. However, the price depends on several factors. If you are wondering how much is a villa in Tuscany and whether you can afford it, this is the article for you!
Types of Villas in Tuscany and Their Costs
If you’re interested in buying a property in Italy, you first need to familiarize yourself with the language. Here are all the main types of properties available in the country, what they refer to, and general prices.
Casa Independente
This can be translated as ‘detached house.’ In other words, it refers to a property that will be fully yours rather than an apartment in a building or the floor of a house. In most cases, properties labeled as case indipendenti come with a garden and don’t share walls with other buildings.
Prices vary greatly based on whether your chosen house needs refurbishment works, its location, and size. If you are on a budget, you may even find properties under $100.000 that may need extra work or in remote areas. Otherwise, prices generally range between $100.000 and $300.000. Rent usually starts from $50 per night.
Summary
- Prices between $100.000 and $300.000
- Rent from $50 per night
- A house fully yours
- No neighbors in most cases
Rustico – Casale
This can be translated as ‘farmhouse.’ These properties are located in the countryside or near small villages. They are old houses that were once used by local farmers and may, therefore, have an outside garden and large open spaces where animals or farm equipment used to be kept.
These often usually need a full makeover, so while they are quite cheap, you will need to consider the needed refurbishment costs to make them liveable. They can be ideal for those wanting to fully customize their space. You can definitely find plenty of properties below $100,000, sometimes even below $50,000!
Summary
- Prices below $100,000
- An old farmhouse
- Often in need of refurbishment works
Villa
Just as in English, the term villa in Italy refers to a luxury detached house. These properties are often more expensive because they are either in a great location or because of their sumptuous decor, great conditions, and so on.
Villas do not require additional work from the buyers, and you can move in immediately. They usually come equipped with the latest technology, such as excellent insulation, to help you cut energy costs.
However, the term ‘villa’ in Italian can sometimes also refer to historic houses or mansions that need extra refurbishment but have great potential.
So, how much is a villa in Tuscany? Villas are the most expensive properties, and depending on what you’re looking for, you may find something for $400,000 or higher. Rent starts from $450 and goes up to several thousand per night.
Summary
- Prices above $400,000
- Rent starts from $450 up to several thousand per night
- A luxurious house in a great location and equipped with the latest technology
- Sometimes, the terms may also refer to historic mansions that may need refurbishment works
Villetta A Schiera
Though relatively uncommon, terraced houses can sometimes be found. These are between a detached house and a villa. They are entire houses that often share walls with other properties and rarely need extra work from buyers. However, they are not as sumptuous as a proper villa.
Prices can range between $200,000 and $400,000, but they can also be cheaper for small properties in remote locations or tiny villages. Rent usually starts from $50 per night.
Summary
- Prices between $100.000 and $300.000
- Rent starts from $50 per night
- Terraced house
- Refurbishment works are rarely needed
Tuscany Villa Prices by Location
Location is fundamental when choosing a villa in Tuscany. Generally, the rule of thumb is figuring out how touristic a certain area is. The cheapest provinces where you can buy a house are Pistoia and Arezzo.
The former is between Lucca and Florence, about 22 miles from both destinations! Arezzo, on the other hand, is in the south of the region, about 54 miles from Florence. Both provinces feature charming Medieval villages on the hills, so they can be the perfect options for those looking for a home in Tuscany while staying on a budget. Some small villas here are available for under $200,000!
According to an article by Il Blog Immobiliare, in 2020, the most expensive provinces in Tuscany were Florence and Lucca. In particular, houses in the province of Florence cost about $3,260 per square meter and $3,150 in Lucca. Pisa, Siena, and Prato had average prices ranging from $1,900 to $1,550 per square meter, while Pistoia and Arezzo were the cheaper. In the former, houses were sold at about $1,535 per square meter, while in the latter, prices were slightly higher, with an average of $1,680 per square meter.
When it comes to renting, the situation is slightly different. While Florence is obviously more expensive than other provinces, the more touristy an area, the more options are available. For instance, not all cities are equipped with hostels or cheap accommodations. So, if you’re on a budget, sleeping in Florence may paradoxically be cheaper than other cities.
Most Expensive Provinces in Tuscany:
- Florence
- Massa Carrara
- Siena
Average Provinces in Tuscany:
- Pisa
- Lucca
- Prato
- Grosseto
Cheapest Provinces in Tuscany:
- Arezzo
- Pistoia
- Livorno
Buying a Villa in Tuscany
Buying a house in Italy can be a real challenge due to the complex bureaucracy typical of this country. Luckily, you can rely on local real estate agencies to help you. Type ‘agenzia immobiliare’ on Google Maps, and you’ll find plenty of options.
You will also need a notary to write the notarial deed for the purchase of the house and check all the necessary documentation, such as:
- Planimetria catastale
- Visura catastale
- Visura ipotecaria
- Atto di provenienza
These documents are crucial as they will tell you whether the property has outstanding mortgages, whether the villa complies with Italian law, how the current owner acquired the house, and so on.
Once this is done, you can proceed with an offer. Houses in Italy are rarely sold at the advertised price, and there tends to be a 10-15% margin for negotiation between you, the current owner, and other buyers.
If the buyer accepts your offer, you will be legally bound to the conditions stated in your proposal. So, it is extra important that you prepare a legal document covering all your conditions before sending the proposal to the current owner.
Renting vs. Buying: Which Is More Affordable?
This depends on how often you are in Italy. Buying a house will probably be cheaper in the long run if you spend several months there every year. Especially if you tend to choose state-of-the-art properties costing you several thousand dollars per night, purchasing your own villa will help you save tons of money.
For instance, you can rent your villa when you are not there, helping you pay your mortgage. This option tends to be legal only five years after you become the owner, and there may be extra conditions you may have to meet.
On the other hand, renting is a way better option if you only spend a few weeks per year in Italy. Renting is also a must before buying a house. Everyone should spend a few months renting a villa to explore different locations in Tuscany and determine whether the Italian lifestyle suits them before making a definitive purchase. Luckily, there are plenty of Tuscany luxury villas available in the area, so you’ll be spoiled for choices when choosing the right one.
Top Tips for Finding the Best Deals on Tuscany Villas
Here are a few final tips to help you buy the perfect Tuscany villa.
Check Italian Website
If you’re interested in buying a house in Italy, you can check out some popular websites, such as Immobiliare.it and Subito.it. While these are in Italian, English websites target tourists, meaning prices are often inflated.
Find The Perfect Agency and Notary
As we mentioned earlier, finding the right notary and real estate agency is a must to avoid scams. The best way to find one is networking. English-speaking notaries and real estate agencies are rare, so ideally, you want to talk to your Italian and foreign friends who’ve purchased a house in the area.
Take Your Time
Unlike other countries, Italy doesn’t have a housing shortage. While you may be tempted to buy the first property you see, trust us. There are plenty of options available, so take all the time you need.
Rent First
We all dream of buying a house in Italy and enjoying La Dolce Vita, but this lifestyle is not for everyone. Before buying a house, spend some time in the region where you’re planning to make your purchase. Explore Tuscany’s countryside with our three-day road trip guide, spend weeks in each major city to find your favorite, and learn everything you can about Italian culture and lifestyle.
You should always first rent a villa in the area to figure out whether this lifestyle is for you. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a small fortune, as there are plenty of affordable villa vacations in Tuscany for those on a budget.