Insider tip: property in Italy’s mountain villages – affordable, charming, quiet

Italy is famous for many things, like it’s amazing food, its long history and its beautiful scenery. While crowds of tourists go to popular cities and coastal areas, many small mountain villages are not visited by many people. It is often possible to find hidden treasures in places that are secluded. These are places with historic properties that are surrounded by nature and tranquillity. They are often surprisingly affordable. Buying a property in an Italian mountain village is about more than just the money. It is a decision for a less hectic life, for being yourself, for being friendly to others. It’s a great chance. Many of these places want new residents and offer incentives to encourage people to move there.

In this blog post, you’ll find out everything you need to know if you’re thinking of buying a house in an Italian mountain village. We cover regions with potential, prices and funding opportunities, as well as legal and practical tips.

The fascination of the Italian mountains

Italy has much more to offer than just Rome, Florence and the Amalfi Coast. The Apennines, Trentino, Piedmont, Abruzzo, Calabria and Sicily, with their magical mountain villages, are far away from the tourist crowds. These places, often very old, offer an original way of life. There is no supermarket around the corner, but there is a small shop that knows its customers. Instead of traffic lights, there are donkeys on cobblestones. Time seems to slow down here, but life feels more intense.

Many of these places have seen fewer and fewer people living there in recent decades. This is because people have moved to live in the cities or in other countries. All that’s left are empty houses, crumbling walls and a need for new life. This has led to a fall in prices and political measures: There are programmes that give you money, houses that cost one euro, and tax benefits. Anyone who wants to start living in the village can now buy property for the price of a second-hand small car.

Regions briefly – Where it’s worth taking a look

Abruzzo

Here’s a little secret: in the area to the east of Rome, you’ll find green mountains right next to the Adriatic Sea. Villages such as Caramanico Terme or San Stefano di Sessanio are medieval villages with thermal springs and spectacular views. You can buy property here for as little as 25,000 euros.

Piemont

Piedmont is in the north-west of Italy. It is known for its mountains, vineyards and delicious food. In places like Ostana or Elva, you can find stone houses with views of snowy mountains. These houses often need repairs, but they have a special charm.

Marche

The Marche region is considered the quieter sister of Tuscany: just as beautiful, but less well-known and much cheaper. There are lots of lovely old houses in the mountains. They are in places like Montelupone, Sarnano and San Ginesio. These houses cost between 40,000 and 80,000 euros.

Calabria & Basilicata

It is warm and sunny in the south. Calabria is a holiday paradise for many Italians, but the interior is also worth exploring. In places like Badolato or Guardia Perticara, you can find historic buildings for less than 30,000 euros. Some local governments are even giving away land for free to people who want to move there.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

The Carnic Alps are a special place where you can find a mix of alpine landscapes, Slavic influences and German-speaking communities. Villages like Sauris or Ravascletto are traditional but also open to newcomers. They are a real microcosm in the mountains.

Sicily

Yes, Sicily also has mountains, and they are amazing! In Troina, Gangi and Mussomeli, houses have been on offer for €1. If you are not afraid to renovate, you will find properties here as well as a welcoming neighbourhood.

Property prices – what do I get for my money?

In cities like Rome, Milan or Florence, a simple flat can quickly cost over 300,000 euros. In a mountain village in Abruzzo, you can get three houses for that price, including a garden. The price depends a lot on how good the property is in terms of condition. But even renovated properties with good fixtures and fittings often cost less than 100,000 euros. This is a price that has long been out of reach in many parts of Europe.

Subsidies, grants and tax benefits

To stop people leaving the countryside, many local authorities offer money to people who will move there. These include

• You can get money back if you spend money on making your home more energy efficient (up to 110% of the money you spend can be deducted from your taxes)
• Help for young families, people who work for themselves, and people starting a business in the countryside.
• Building regulations made easier in important conservation area
• Property tax is low or even non-existent (it depends on the local government area)

The tax on buying property is low. For main homes, it is 2% of the land’s value. For holiday homes, it is 9%. So, if you want to live there permanently, it’s worth registering.

Life in the village – everyday life, integration and infrastructure

Anyone who thinks that life in a mountain village is boring is wrong. There are no shopping malls, but there are weekly markets, village festivals, outdoor theatre evenings and friendly neighbours. It is a life with fewer things to distract you, but more meaning.

The infrastructure is not as good as in cities. Public transport is less frequent, and fast internet is not available everywhere. But there are other options: you could grow your own vegetables, meet the locals or try out different activities. Lots of communities’ actively welcome new people. There are offices that help people settle in, language courses and welcome packs. People know each other, help each other and belong together. This can be a good thing, especially for families with children.

1-euro houses – good deal or not?

The media-effective offer to buy a house for 1 euro has caused a worldwide sensation. But what is the reason for this? In fact, most of these are empty houses that are in a bad state. The local authorities sell them cheaply and buyers must refurbish the property within 1-3 years and pay a deposit (usually 2,000 to 5,000 euros).

The advantage: It doesn’t cost a lot to get started, and you might be able to get some extra help with the cost. The problem with this is that it costs a lot to refurbish it, and you can’t use it right away. But if you love adventure, you can win here – if you have good instincts, a budget and a good team of craftsmen.

The legal reasons for buying and how to buy

It’s easy for foreigners to buy property in Italy. EU citizens do not need permission. It is important to get an Italian tax number (Codice Fiscale), open a bank account and get notarisation.

ItalicaHomes is there for you every step of the way.

• A contract that’s almost finished being written (called a “preliminary contract” or “compromesso”).
• Check that the land register, property rights and building rules are correct.
• Book an interpreter or notary
• The contract will be signed at the notary (rogito).
• Your property will be entered in the land register (registro immobiliare).

If you also want to rent out the property, you may need to register as a holiday landlord (locazione turistica), depending on the municipality. ItalicaHomes can also advise you on this.

Conclusion – The new luxury is simplicity

A house in Italy’s mountain villages is not an object of speculation. It is a life project. Those who are prepared to slow down, live closer to nature and become part of an established community will be rewarded with quality of life – and often also with financial foresight. Whether as a retirement home, creative home base, holiday retreat or place of retreat with prospects: Italy opens the doors to a new chapter. It’s up to you to walk through them.

ItalicaHomes will help you find your dream home in the mountains. Personalised, transparent, secure.