Where to find an inexpensive apartment in Italy for vacation or relocation: Calabria and Umbria

Calabria: accessible sea and "country" format

If the priority is the sea and the warm climate, but at the same time a modest budget for the purchase of real estate, then Calabria becomes an absolute favorite. Inna Fedyuchina, CEO of the agency Riviera Italiana confirms: This is not just the southernmost region of mainland Italy, but also the most affordable to buy a home.

The coastline of Calabria is about 800 km long. The western coast is washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the eastern by the Ionian Sea. Here you can find wide sandy beaches, picturesque cliffs, and secluded coves. In addition, it is the only region of Italy where four national parks are located at once: Pollino, Sila, Aspromonte and Serre. Mountains, waterfalls and dense forests are only a few kilometers from the sea.

Scalea and other cities in the region

The main star of the budget segment is the city Scalea. In the 80s and 90s, small five-storey houses with compact apartments were actively built here, which formed a rich offer.

"Scalea has a special market for cottages by the sea," explains Inna Fedyuchina. "Here you can buy a small one- or two-bedroom apartment within walking distance from the beach from just 35,000 euros."

This makes the region attractive not only to Italians, but also to buyers from Europe and the former Soviet Union. In addition to the price, an important factor is the developed infrastructure: there is a railway station in the city where high-speed trains stop. "Naples can be reached in two hours, and Rome can be reached by the Red Arrow in just three hours," the expert clarifies. Many supermarkets, pharmacies, cafes and restaurants are open all year round, which distinguishes Scalea from many seasonal coastal villages.

The historical center of the city is no less interesting. The name Scalea comes from the Italian word scala, which means "ladder". It is a picturesque maze of medieval streets and staircases on a hill with a Byzantine castle and two ancient churches.

There is also a downside to mass construction. The expert warns: "Due to the dense buildings of the 1980s and the proximity to the sea, which means high humidity, some condominiums look the same and require renovation." However, for those who are looking for an inexpensive seaside resort, it is more a matter of choosing a specific facility than a serious disadvantage.

What to buy in Calabria: budget guidelines

Up to 50,000 euros: In Scalea, you can buy an apartment with one or two bedrooms in an old house or a studio in a new building.

Up to 100,000 euros:In Scalea, for this amount, you can find a good apartment with an area of 60-70 square meters in the central part of the city, close to infrastructure, so that you can easily do without a car.

Calabria is most often considered for the purchase of seasonal housing, where you can periodically come and enjoy your holidays. Some people fall in love with these places and decide to settle down for a longer period of time.

There are also investors in the market. The expert recommends that they pay attention to new buildings. The price of new houses is about 2000 euros per square meter. There are options in Belvedere Marittimo, 400 meters from the sea, as well as in Praia a Mare, 900 meters away. This kind of housing is appreciated, therefore, it becomes more expensive faster than the market as a whole, which demonstrates stability with a slight upward trend.

Housing maintenance in Calabria is inexpensive due to the low cadastral value of objects (from which the tax is calculated) and low tariffs for house maintenance services compared to other regions of Italy.  

Umbria: aesthetics of the Italian center and investment potential

If the sea is not a prerequisite, but landscapes, gastronomy and convenient location come to the fore, the choice should be made in favor of Umbria. This region in the heart of the Apennines is often compared to Tuscany, but prices here are still more affordable.

Umbria is a wonderful region and, in my opinion, not yet appreciated enough by buyers. That certainly plays into the hands of investors," says Yulia Sharenko, manager of Great Estate Immobiliare.

Why Umbria: advantages and sought-after locations

The main advantage of the region is its geographical location. It is the very center of Italy, located at the intersection of all major highways. "It's convenient to get from any airport in Rome, Florence, Perugia, Pisa, Bologna," Julia notes. The climate here is excellent, there is no large-scale industry, unlike in the north.The region remains predominantly agricultural, but it is well connected with neighboring European countries.

Umbria is a place of natural beauty, architectural heritage, delicious cuisine, high-quality local products, including delicacies such as saffron and truffle, excellent wines and a rich cultural life: folklore and music festivals, gastronomic celebrations.

Thoughtful foreigners choose Umbria. "The region is very popular with customers from Northern Europe, Germany, Holland, Scandinavia, Switzerland, and more recently, Americans. They mostly buy vacation homes, some for retirement, to slow down and enjoy real, authentic Italy," the expert comments. At the same time, Julia notes the growing interest from young families: "Increasingly, young families with school-age children want to buy housing here, given the decent level of secondary education, security and proximity to the universities of Rome and Florence - only about an hour and a half by train or car."

The surroundings of the lake are in the greatest demand Trasimeno. There is a unique nature, hills, olive groves, there are several equipped beaches, many opportunities for outdoor activities: cycling, hiking, kiting, sailing, boat rental, fishing. Citta della Pieve, Castiglione del Lago, Passignano, and Turo sul Trasimeno are among the most sought-after cities. The zone is also very attractive.Orvieto with its unique historical center on top of a cliff, where tourists can find everything from restaurants and cozy cafes to museums and the famous underground city created by the Etruscans.