Real Estate in Rome
Last updated on Mar 18, 2023
Summary: The average cost of a nice 2 bedroom home in Rome, 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 balcony or terrace. Some may also include a garden or a private parking space. Foreigners are allowed to purchase property in Rome, but there are certain restrictions. For example, foreigners are not allowed to purchase agricultural land or properties that are considered to be of historical or cultural importance. The best way for an expat to search for a home to buy in Rome is to use a real estate agent or a property search website. It is also important to research the different neighborhoods in Rome to find the most desirable ones. The most desirable neighborhoods in Rome include Trastevere, Monti, and Prati.
How do I find a place to live in Rome?
We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"My husband and I looked at over 35 apartments before finally finding the "right" one. We used leasing agents. We lived in a corporate apartment for 3 months and walked around/drove around a lot looking at the buildings and neighborhoods. A lot of the apartments we saw were too dark, the spaces were all cut up into smaller areas, weren't big enough, no elevator available (big consideration when you have small children), etc," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.
"When looking for a place to live in Rome, it is important to consider your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you are looking for. There are a variety of options available, from renting an apartment or house to staying in a hostel or hotel. If you are looking for a more permanent residence, you can search online for rental listings or contact a local real estate agent. Additionally, there are many websites that offer short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and Booking.com. It is also possible to find furnished apartments for rent through websites such as EasyRoommate and Spotahome. Finally, if you are looking for a more traditional living arrangement, you can look for a room in a shared apartment or house," said one person in Rome.
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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Rome?
"Expat homes and apartments in Rome are typically spacious and modern, with high ceilings and large windows that let in plenty of natural light. Many apartments have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the city. Expat homes and apartments are often located in the city center, close to popular attractions, restaurants, and shops. They are typically well-equipped with modern appliances and amenities, such as air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and cable TV," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Rome.
"We live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom (140 square meter) apartment with 3 separate balconies. This is typical for the type of housing available in the city. A little further out of the center, you can find "villinos" which are like townhouses or even villas with gardens. Apartments here are either furnished or unfurnished. In an unfurnished apartment, you may even have to provide your own lights, kitchen appliances and counters," explained one person living in Rome, Italy.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
What is the average cost of housing in Rome?
If you are thinking about moving to Rome, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:
"The cost of housing in Rome can vary greatly depending on the area and type of accommodation. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Rome is around €1,000 to €1,500 per month, while the average cost of buying a property in Rome is around €3,000 to €4,000 per square meter," remarked one member in Rome.
"Housing costs are much higher here than where we used to live outside of Seattle, WA. We pay 2077 euros a month for our apartment. This is probably a little below average as our apartment is on the 1st floor. The higher you go up in floors, the higher the rent. We only paid $1500 in a mortgage payment when we lived in Washington State," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.
Should I buy or rent a home in Rome?
If you have not spent a lot of time in Rome, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:
"Renting a home in Rome can be a great option for those who are looking for a short-term stay in the city. It can be a more cost-effective option than buying a home, and it can also provide more flexibility if you are unsure of how long you will be staying in the city. On the other hand, buying a home in Rome can be a great investment if you plan to stay in the city for a longer period of time. It can also provide more stability and security, as well as the potential for appreciation in value. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Rome will depend on your individual needs and preferences," explained one person living in Rome, Italy.
What do I need to know when buying property in Rome?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Rome, they said:
"When buying property in Rome, 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 understand the Italian tax system and the associated costs of buying property in Italy. Additionally, it is important to understand the Italian legal system and the process of buying property in Italy, including the necessary paperwork and documents. Lastly, it is important to work with a qualified real estate agent or lawyer to ensure that the purchase process is completed correctly," explained one expat in Rome.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in Rome?
When we asked expats what advice they would give a foreigner before buying a property in Rome, they said...
"Yes, foreigners are allowed to own property in Rome. Non-Italian citizens are able to purchase property in Italy, however, they must obtain a permit from the Italian Ministry of Interior before they can do so. This permit is known as a “nulla osta” and is required for any foreign citizen who wishes to purchase property in Italy. Additionally, foreign citizens must also obtain a “codice fiscale”, which is an Italian tax identification number. This number is required for any foreign citizen who wishes to purchase property in Italy," explained one person living in Rome, Italy.
What appliances are typically included in a rental?
We asked foreigners in Rome 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 Rome typically include a refrigerator, stove, oven, and washing machine. Some properties may also include a dishwasher, microwave, and air conditioning unit. Additionally, many properties come with basic furniture such as beds, chairs, and tables," explained one person living in Rome, Italy.
Additional Information about Searching for a Home in Rome:
We asked foreigners in Rome 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 can search for homes in Rome by looking online for real estate websites that specialize in the area, such as Immobiliare.it or Idealista.it. They can also search for rental listings on websites such as Airbnb or HomeAway. Additionally, expats can contact local real estate agents who specialize in the area to help them find the perfect home," said one expat in Rome.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat 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.