Buying a historic house in Italy is not just a real estate choice: it means living in buildings that tell centuries of history, in villages where time seems to have stopped.
If you are thinking about moving to Italy or buying a second home, and you are attracted by the idea of living in a place that has endured through the centuries, in this article we look at the important information: what it really means to buy a historic house, the costs, restrictions.
- Click here to read: Renting a house in Italy: what to know before signing
Your home in Italy could date back to the1500s
If you are American, Canadian, or Australian, the idea of living in a house 300, 400, or even 600 years old may seem unthinkable. The average age of a residential home is about 42 years in the USA (source: National Association of Home Builders, 2023), while only 1.4% of American homes date before 1919. In Italy, on the other hand, more than 2.1 million residential buildings were constructed before that date, and tens of thousands even earlier (source: ISTAT).
In recent years, more and more foreigners have begun to look not only for the classic farmhouse surrounded by nature but for authentic, historic buildings with original materials and an ancient soul, often located in semi-forgotten villages. The deeper motivation is always to live in a place that tells a story, that has roots, memory, and identity.
What are historic properties in Italy
When talking about a historic house in Italy, it does not simply mean an old building. In many countries, even a house from the 1970s can be called historic. But here, the term has a precise legal, architectural, and cultural meaning.
Protected properties
- These are buildings officially recognized as having historical-artistic interest under the Cultural Heritage and Landscape Code (Legislative Decree 42/2004).
- They can be castles, noble palaces, former convents, mills, towers, but also rural homes.
- They are subject to special protections: you cannot freely modify facades, volumes, original materials, or structural elements. Every intervention requires authorization from the Superintendence (the agency that protects cultural heritage).
Old but not protected properties
- Built before 1945, often from the 1600s onwards, but not subject to formal restrictions.
- These represent the majority of the Italian historic residential heritage: stone houses in villages, rustic buildings, farmhouses, converted stables.
- They can be renovated with more freedom, but must comply with local building regulations and, in historic centers, the municipal landscape or urban planning restrictions.
It is estimated that in Italy there are over 2.1 million residential buildings built before 1919. In many central and southern regions (Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo, Tuscany, Basilicata), over 30% of inhabited buildings are more than 100 years old.
How much does it cost to buy a historic house in Italy?
The charm of Italian historic houses is undeniable, but how much does it actually cost to turn a 16th-century dream into a modern, livable home?
The answer depends on various factors: region, condition of the property, architectural restrictions, size, and above all… personal expectations.
Contrary to what one might think, buying a historic house in Italy is not necessarily reserved for millionaires. In many inland villages, you can find architecturally valuable properties—even with centuries of history—at affordable prices, especially if they need renovation.
According to the Revenue Agency and the FIMA Real Estate Observatory:
| Region | Type of Historic Property | Average Price (not renovated) |
|---|---|---|
| Abruzzo | Stone farmhouse, 1700–1800 | €25,000 – €70,000 |
| Umbria | Former convent, medieval tower | €50,000 – €150,000 |
| Marche | 18th-century manor house | €35,000 – €100,000 |
| Puglia (inland) | Rural farmhouse or 17th-century tower | €60,000 – €130,000 |
| Calabria and Molise | Small palaces and local noble houses | €15,000 – €50,000 |
However, beware: these prices concern properties needing complete restoration, often without working utilities, roofs to be redone, windows to be replaced, and sometimes infested with humidity or animals. Also, considering registration tax, notary, surveyor, and all the bureaucracy Italy requires, the estimated total “all included” for a well-done project is €150,000 – €250,000 to have a livable historic house of 120–160 m² with high standards, in a non-touristy but charming area.
NOTE : “This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. We strongly recommend consulting a qualified attorney before making any decisions involving payments“
