Why Umbria is Ideal for Your Italian Home
Table of Contents
Real Estate in Umbria - why is it worth buying property in this part of Italy?
Umbria, often called the "green heart of Italy," is a region attracting more and more international clients. From our observations, investors most often search for a house in Umbria, to live in for a few weeks of the year, and rent out the rest of the time. Unlike the more expensive and crowded Tuscany, buying a house in Umbria offers a truly Italian climate at more affordable prices.
Wondering how to buy a house in Umbria? In this article, we present real estate prices in Umbria and how the property purchase process in Italy looks like. Houses for sale in Umbria are as charming as their surroundings, but it's worth analyzing them well to avoid basic mistakes.
As always at Globihome, we recommend trusted real estate agents. If you want to receive current property purchase offers in Italy or need advice on how to buy a property in Umbria as a foreigner, you can contact our recommended real estate agent for free. Contact details can be found at the end of the article.
Umbria Real Estate Market 2025
Umbria Real Estate Market 2025 remains more affordable than other well-known regions of Italy. After a period of uncertainty related to the pandemic, interest in properties in Umbria has increased, especially among clients from Northern Europe, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Current market trends include:
- Growing interest in properties in Umbria with the possibility of remote work
- Increasing demand for renovated houses in Umbria, ready for living
- Increased search for farms in Umbria for sale and rural estates
- More transactions in the case of luxury properties in Umbria
According to our analyses at Globihome, house prices in Umbria 2025 have risen by about 3-5% compared to the previous year, making the region attractive to both end users and investors.
Real estate market analysis in Europe - this is a separate article where you will find the latest and detailed analysis of the European real estate market. If you are considering buying property in Europe in 2025, be sure to read this article.
House Prices in Umbria 2025
Real estate prices in Umbria 2025 vary depending on location, condition of the property, and additional amenities. Below are the current price ranges:
- Small studio apartment in Umbria: 60,000 - 100,000 EUR
- Apartments in Umbria: 100,000 - 250,000 EUR
- Stone houses requiring renovation: 70,000 - 150,000 EUR
If you're looking for more luxury, check the prices of prestigious properties in Umbria:
- Villas for sale in Umbria with a pool: from 500,000 EUR
- Luxury properties in Umbria: from 1,000,000 EUR
- Farm in Umbria for sale with agritourism potential: from 700,000 EUR
It is worth noting that houses in Umbria with views of the hills or properties in popular towns like Assisi or Todi are usually more expensive. Meanwhile, hidden gem properties in Umbria in less known locations can be cheaper by up to 25%. If you want to know specific property listings in Umbria and their exact prices, it's best to call our recommended real estate agent in Umbria. Contact details can be found at the end of the article.
The property purchase process in Umbria step by step
What is the process of buying a house in Umbria? Here is a detailed guide:
1. Codice fiscale – Italian tax identification number
Before you start your search, obtain a codice fiscale – an Italian tax identification number required for property purchase transactions in Italy. In the case of Umbria, it's worth getting it in advance – either at the Italian consulate in your country or directly at a branch of the Agenzia delle Entrate. Remember, in Umbria procedures may proceed slower than in major metropolises.
2. Finding the perfect property
The most effective approach is to work with a specialized real estate agent in Umbria with local experience, who:
- Has in-depth knowledge of the local real estate market in Umbria
- Provides cross-cultural communication, not just linguistic
- Organizes viewings of properties for sale in Umbria
- Points out the real pros and cons of the presented properties
Agents specializing in this region will help you find hidden gem properties in Umbria, often unavailable on general announcement portals. It's worth looking for such opportunities.
3. Negotiations and making a purchase offer for property in Umbria
Once you find your dream house with a view of the Umbrian hills, you enter the negotiation phase. In Umbria, the art of negotiation has its own unique character – more personal and less formal than in the northern regions of Italy.
A local peculiarity is making an offer known in Italian as proposta di acquisto umbriana – a form adapted to regional customs. This is a key element of the process of buying a house in Umbria, which differs from the standard Italian procedures with subtle but significant details. In Umbria, it is particularly important to specify conditions regarding the renovation and adaptation of historic buildings.
4. Preliminary contract (Compromesso)
After the offer is accepted, the stage of the Compromesso umbriano follows – a preliminary contract characteristic of the Umbria region. When purchasing a property in Umbria by foreigners, Umbrian notaries often use an extended form of the contract, taking into account the specifics of local properties, especially historic ones.
The cost of registering a contract is usually 200-250 euros plus a variable percentage deposit. In Umbria, the deposit (caparra) is typically 15-25% of the purchase price, which is slightly lower than in some other regions of Italy.
5. Due diligence - legal verification
Before finalizing the purchase of a property in Umbria, a detailed legal analysis of the property should be conducted. The Umbrian verification procedure requires checking additional aspects related to landscape protection and the cultural heritage of the region.
Comprehensive Umbrian verification includes:
- Examination of the historical chain of ownership, typical for old estates
- Analysis of specific Umbrian encumbrances and easements
- Verification of compliance with Umbria's strict building regulations
- Checking local zoning plans for renovation restrictions
- Verification of energy certificates with regard to local requirements
For foreigners deciding to purchase a property in Umbria as a foreigner, it is necessary to use the services of a translator specializing in the Umbrian legal dialect, which differs from the standard Italian legal language.
6. Notarial deed
The finalization of the purchase (rogito umbriano) takes place at a local notary's office. After the process is completed, you become the rightful owner of a piece of Italy's green heart.
How to buy real estate in Umbria as a foreigner
How to buy real estate in Umbria as a foreigner? The process is relatively simple, but requires knowledge of a few key aspects:
Legal requirements in Umbria
Italian real estate law for foreigners is quite liberal. EU citizens can buy property on the same terms as Italians. Non-EU citizens can purchase property in Italy if their country has a reciprocity agreement with Italy.
Codice Fiscale
All real estate buyers in Italy must obtain an Italian tax identification number (Codice Fiscale), which is a simple formality.
Opening a bank account in Italy
It is advisable to open an Italian bank account to facilitate payments related to the purchase and subsequent maintenance costs of the property.
Power of attorney for property purchase in Umbria
If you cannot be present at all the actions related to the purchase, you can grant power of attorney to a trusted person or your lawyer.
Translation of documents
All documents must be in Italian, so it may be necessary to commission professional translations.
Buying property in Italy for foreigners requires good preparation, but with proper support, the process can run smoothly.
The specificity of property taxes in Umbria deserves special attention due to its regional characteristics and benefits for foreign investors. This region offers interesting tax solutions that distinguish it from other Italian regions.
What are the property purchase taxes in Italy?
When planning to invest in real estate in Italy, one should consider the varying tax rates depending on the type of transaction:
Purchase from the developer (with VAT - IVA)
When acquiring newly built houses in Umbria, the following VAT rates apply:
- 4% for the first home in Umbria - when the property will be the main residence
- 10% for second homes in Umbria - when the property will be a holiday home or investment
Purchase on the secondary market (Imposta di Registro)
When buying restored homes in Umbria from a private individual, a registration tax (Imposta di Registro) applies with the following rates:
- 2% of the cadastral value for residents purchasing a home in Umbria as their main residence
- 9% of the cadastral value for buying a home in Italy - Umbria as a second home or for non-residents
Taxes in Italy - cadastral value
What distinguishes the process of buying property in Umbria from a tax perspective is the advantageous way taxes are calculated. The basis for taxation is the cadastral value (valore catastale), not the actual transaction price.
In Umbria, the cadastral value typically constitutes about 20-30% of the actual market value, which is one of the most advantageous indicators in all of Italy. For example, stone houses in Umbria with a market value of 300,000 EUR may have a cadastral value set at just 75,000 EUR.
This means that when purchasing a second home in Umbria as a non-resident, the registration tax of 9% will be calculated on a significantly lower amount than the purchase price, resulting in substantial savings.
Interesting tax-related proposals also exist for properties in Albania. On our Globihome blog, we show the situation in Albanian cities: Saranda, Golem and Vlora.
Tax Benefits of Renovation in Umbria
A particularly interesting aspect for those planning to purchase cheap properties in Umbria for renovation is the possibility of using tax reliefs for renovation works. Rustic villa in Umbria undergoing renovation may qualify for special tax benefits, which include:
- Deduction of up to 50% of renovation costs from the tax base
- Additional allowances for improving building energy efficiency
- Special rates for the renovation of historical buildings, which are exceptionally numerous in Umbria
These tax incentives make investing in real estate in Umbria particularly attractive for those seeking added value through renovation.
Renovation and Restored Homes in Umbria
Many people choose to buy properties needing home renovation in Umbria, which allows them to create a dream home tailored to their own needs.
Typical renovation costs:
- Basic renovation: 500-800 EUR/m²
- Comprehensive renovation: 1000-1500 EUR/m²
- Luxury renovation: 2000+ EUR/m²
If you are considering different areas of Italy, you can check the real estate situation in Sansepolcro - a picturesque town in Tuscany.
Buying Property in Italy - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy property in Umbria without being an EU citizen?
Yes, non-EU citizens can purchase property in Umbria.
What is the minimum budget needed to buy a house in Umbria?
Cheap properties in Umbria start at around 50,000 EUR for properties needing renovation. A realistic budget for a residential home in good condition is around 200,000 EUR.
Do I need to have an Italian bank account?
It is not legally required, but highly recommended to facilitate payments associated with the purchase and subsequent maintenance of the property.
How high is the property tax?
The main property tax in Umbria (IMU) is about 0.4-1% of the cadastral value, which is usually significantly lower than the market value.
Do I have to live in Italy after buying a property?
No, there is no obligation to reside in Italy after purchasing property. Many owners use their homes as second homes or vacation properties.
Umbria Real Estate 2025 - Summary
Buying a house in Umbria is a fascinating journey that can lead to owning a piece of Italian paradise. Whether you are looking for a villa, apartment, or house in Umbria, this region offers an unbeatable mix of culture, cuisine, history, and breathtaking landscapes.
With proper preparation and support from professionals, the process of buying property in Umbria can go smoothly and lead to fulfilling your dream of an Italian lifestyle. Umbria Real Estate 2025 still offers excellent value and investment potential compared to more well-known regions of Italy.
If you wish to buy property in Italy, feel free to contact a trusted local real estate agent recommended by us. Contact information is below.