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Real Estate in Florence, Italy | Digital Nomad Exchange
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Outdoor Market in Florence, Italy

Real Estate in Florence, Italy

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 04, 2023

Summary: The average cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Florence, Italy is around €400,000, while a nice 3 bedroom home can cost around €500,000. These properties typically include modern amenities such as air conditioning, central heating, and a fully equipped kitchen. Some may also include a terrace or balcony, and a private garden. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Florence, however, they must obtain a permit from the Italian government. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Florence is to use a real estate agent or search online. It is also important to research the different neighborhoods in Florence to find the one that best suits your needs. The most desirable neighborhoods in Florence include the historic center, the Oltrarno, and the San Frediano area.

Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While
Italian For A While

How do I find a place to live in Florence?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Florence is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and Booking.com offer a variety of rental options in the city. Additionally, there are many local real estate agencies that specialize in renting out apartments and houses in Florence. You can also look for postings on local classifieds websites such as Craigslist or Kijiji. Finally, you can also ask around in the local community for recommendations on rental properties," explained one expat living in Florence, Italy.

"I researched a year before moving on the Internet and found apartmentsflorence.com who skyped with me from Florence. Lorenzo the owner described many different options and I felt very comfortable making the decision which apartment to rent before I moved. Took care of the first months rent online, very efficient," said one person in Florence.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Florence?

"I chose a two bedroom apartment because my 28 year old daughter came with and we wanted our own bedrooms. Plus, we knew we would have relatives and friends come. There was an elevator that maybe half of the apartments have with washer in the unit. Not many houses to rent except maybe in the country," remarked one member in Florence.

"Expat homes and apartments in Florence are typically spacious and modern, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many of the apartments are located in historic buildings, giving them a unique charm and character. Expat homes and apartments in Florence often come with modern amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern appliances. Many of the apartments also have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the city," explained one expat living in Florence, Italy.

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What is the average cost of housing in Florence?

If you are thinking about moving to Florence, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"The cost of housing in Florence can vary greatly depending on the type of accommodation and location. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Florence is around €800-€1,200 per month, while the cost of buying a property can range from €2,000 to €4,000 per square meter," said one expat who made the move to Florence.

"The euro was high in 2013 when I moved there at 1.47 so my first apartment was 1200 euro a month. I moved closer to the city center by the Ponte Vecchio and I paid 1600 euro which is much higher than Minneapolis. You can stay within 1000 for a two bedroom if you don't mind being out of the center of town or in a lower neighborhood," explained one foreigner living in Florence, Italy.

Should I buy or rent a home in Florence?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Florence, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Buying a home in Florence can be a great investment, as the city is known for its rich culture and history. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Florence, as well as the cost of purchasing a home. Renting a home in Florence can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Florence should be based on individual needs and preferences," explained one person living in Florence, Italy.

What do I need to know when buying property in Florence?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Florence, they said:

"When buying property in Florence, it is important to research the area and the property thoroughly. Make sure to check the zoning laws and regulations in the area, as well as any restrictions on the type of property you can buy. It is also important to consider the cost of living in the area, as well as the taxes and fees associated with purchasing property. Additionally, it is important to understand the Italian legal system and the process of buying property in Italy. It is also important to have a good understanding of the Italian language, as this will be necessary for dealing with local authorities and other parties involved in the purchase. Finally, it is important to have a good understanding of the Italian culture and customs, as this will help you to navigate the process of buying property in Florence," said one foreigner living in Florence, Italy.

Are foreigners allowed to own property in Florence?

When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Florence, they said...

"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Florence. According to Italian law, non-residents are allowed to purchase property in Italy, and there are no restrictions on foreign ownership. However, foreign buyers must obtain a permit from the Italian government before they can purchase a property. Additionally, foreign buyers must pay taxes on the property, including a registration tax and a capital gains tax," said one person in Florence.

What appliances are typically included in a rental?

We asked foreigners in Florence what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included:

"Rental properties in Florence typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Some properties may also include a dishwasher, microwave, and other small kitchen appliances. Additionally, many properties come with air conditioning and heating systems," explained one person living in Florence, Italy.

Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Florence:

We asked foreigners in Florence what appliances are typically included in a rental, and, if there is anything else included or not included that a newcomer would not expect. Replies included...

"Expats looking for homes in Florence can search online for real estate listings, or contact a local real estate agent for assistance. They can also search for rental listings on websites such as Airbnb or HomeAway. Additionally, expats can look for housing options in local newspapers or on bulletin boards in the city," explained one foreigner living in Florence, Italy.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

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