Italy Property Guide #007

Why Limone - South Garda Is One of Lake Garda’s Best-Kept Secrets

Author

Matteo Bruschi
July 01, 2025

Where Lifestyle Meets Income: 10 Proven Towns in Italy for Vacation Bliss & Rental ROI

What You Can Actually Buy for €600K—Plus How Much You Can Earn Renting It

Owning a home in Italy isn’t just a dream—it’s a strategic opportunity. If you live abroad and want to enjoy the Italian lifestyle and earn from your property while you're not using it, this guide is for you.

We’ve handpicked 10 renowned towns that offer the perfect mix of lifestyle value and income potential. For each, you’ll find a realistic example of what €600K buys you and what kind of rental return you can expect over just half the year.

1. Riva del Garda (Trentino-Alto Adige)

  • What You Can Buy: 4-room, 105 m² apartment near the lake with garage (~€600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €24,000–€30,000

  • Why It Works: Long rental season, beloved by outdoor and alpine tourists

Riva Del garda

2. Verona (Veneto)

  • What You Can Buy: 3-bedroom townhouse 10 minutes from the Arena (~€550–600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €27,000–€33,000

  • Why It Works: Year-round cultural appeal, strong demand for short-term stays and events, Punta Larici - Lake Garda

Verona (Veneto)

3. Villasimius (Sardinia)

  • What You Can Buy: Sea-view terraced house, 120+ m², walking distance to beach (~€495K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €30,000–€38,000

  • Why It Works: One of Sardinia’s most coveted summer destinations for both Italians and foreigners

Villasimius (Sardinia)

4. Camogli (Liguria)

  • What You Can Buy: Marina-front 3-bedroom apartment in traditional Ligurian style (~€580–620K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €28,000–€36,000

  • Why It Works: Riviera charm with easier access and less crowding than Cinque Terre or Portofino

Camogli (Liguria)

5. Montepulciano (Tuscany)

  • What You Can Buy: Rustic farmhouse with vineyard views and land (~€590–600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €25,000–€32,000

  • Why It Works: High-spend wine travelers, romantic appeal, strong off-season interest

Montepulciano (Tuscany)

6. Barolo (Piedmont)

  • What You Can Buy: Country villa with 3 bedrooms, wine cellar, and garden (~€600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €22,000–€28,000

  • Why It Works: Wine tourism, truffle season, and a growing global audience

Barolo (Piedmont)

7. Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany)

  • What You Can Buy: Cozy, modern villa close to beach and pine forest (~€600–650K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €36,000–€45,000

  • Why It Works: One of Italy’s most luxurious beach spots, with premium weeklong bookings

Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany)

8. Orvieto (Umbria)

  • What You Can Buy: 3-bed stone villa 10 mins from town center (~€570–600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €22,000–€28,000

  • Why It Works: Cultural richness, retreat-worthy beauty, and central positioning for day trips

Orvieto (Umbria)

9. Corvara (South Tyrol, Dolomites)

  • What You Can Buy: A modern 2–3 bedroom apartment (70–90 m²) in La Villa, Corvara, or San Cassiano, often with mountain views, balcony, garage, and alpine wood finishes — market range: €580,000–€600,000

  • Rental Income (6 months): €28,000–€38,000

  • Why It Works: One of the most prestigious areas of the Italian Alps, Alta Badia is part of the Dolomiti Superski circuit and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It draws high-spend guests year-round — ski holidays in winter, mountain biking, hiking, and gourmet tourism in summer.

Corvara

10. Bellagio (Lake Como, Lombardy)

  • What You Can Buy: Stylish lake-view apartment or small hillside villa (~€600K)

  • Rental Income (6 months): €26,000–€35,000

  • Why It Works: International prestige, strong short-term demand, and off-season wedding traffic

Bellagio (Lake Como, Lombardy)

Bonus Tips to Maximize Your Rental Return

If you want your Italian home to work for you financially while you’re away, here are 7 strategic upgrades and decisions that can make a big difference:

✔️ Invest in Essentials Guests Will Pay For

A/C, fast Wi-Fi, quality bedding, and modern kitchens or bathrooms consistently lead to higher nightly rates and better reviews.

✔️ Think Mid-Term Stays Too

Don’t rely only on weeklong tourists—digital nomads, remote workers, and long-term retirees love 4–12 week stays, especially in off-peak seasons.

✔️ Add a Swimming Pool (Even Small)

A private or shared pool can increase booking demand, length of stay, and your weekly rate, especially in Tuscany, Umbria, and Southern Italy. Even a small plunge pool can add €3,000–€10,000+ per year in extra income.

✔️ Install Solar Panels or Heat Pumps

Energy costs in Italy can be high. Solar systems or hybrid heating/cooling will slash your monthly bills and are attractive to eco-conscious travelers. In rural or southern areas, this also boosts long-term property value.

✔️ Hire a Professional Manager or Co-Host

Let someone local take care of guest communication, check-ins, cleaning, and maintenance. It saves you stress and protects your ratings. Expect to pay ~15–25% of revenue for full-service management.

✔️ Showcase a View or Outdoor Space

Guests are willing to pay more for properties with balconies, terraces, or garden dining areas. Even a scenic window can raise your pricing power by 15–20%.

✔️ Stay Compliant & Tax-Efficient

You’ll need to register as a short-term rental host and possibly pay tourist tax. We help clients structure purchases to stay compliant, avoid fines, and optimize their tax position from day one.

About Italian Property Advisory

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN ITALY

👋 Ciao! I’m Matteo Bruschi — an Italian with a passport full of perspective and a mission rooted in frustration.

After 13 amazing years in Australia, I returned to Italy with two things: a deep love for both countries… and a burning question:

Why is buying property in Italy still so confusing, slow, and risky for foreigners?

I’d seen the worst of both worlds.
In Australia, I worked with buyers’ agents who promised the world and delivered almost nothing. In Italy, I watched developers sweet-talk international clients—then leave them buried in red tape, budget blowouts, and broken expectations. It made my blood boil.

So I decided to do something about it.

I started my advisory service not to sell homes, but to protect buyers.
To represent you, and only you, through every twist and turn of buying property in Italy.

Because I’ve seen too many people fall in love with Italy, only to get lost in translation — literally and figuratively. You deserve better. You deserve a trusted advocate who puts your interests first.

🔍 What I help with:

✔️ Finding the right region, town, and home — not just what’s on the market
✔️ Negotiating with your goals (not the seller’s) at the center
✔️ Vetting and managing lawyers, surveyors, and renovation crews you can trust
✔️ Handling utilities, taxes, and ownership details post-sale
✔️ Acting as your boots on the ground — even if you’re oceans away

This isn’t just about real estate. It’s about making the dream of Italian living possible, safe, and exciting — from your first question to long after you get the keys.

I’m not here to sell you a fantasy.
I’m here to help you find your place in Italy — and do it the right way.

Inside the Italian Market

HELPFUL TIPS

TIP #1: Not all properties are mortgage-eligible for foreigners

If you're thinking of financing your Italian home with a mortgage, know that not all banks offer loans to non-residents, and not all properties qualify. Homes that need major renovations, lack a valid certificate of habitability (certificato di agibilità), or are in certain rural areas may not meet lending criteria. Always check your mortgage options before you sign a preliminary contract, and work with brokers familiar with international clients.

TIP #2: Rural charm often comes with red tape

Dreaming of a countryside escape? Rural and agricultural properties can be stunning—but they also come with bureaucratic baggage. Some homes are under agricultural zoning, which restricts who can buy them or what renovations are allowed. In some cases, you may need to demonstrate a connection to farming or commit to specific land use. Always verify zoning laws and planning permissions, especially if you're planning to restore or convert the property.

TIP #3: Legal due diligence protects your future

Before you commit to buying, a legal check (due diligence) should cover more than just ownership. You—or ideally your lawyer—should verify building permits, cadastral registration, zoning compliance, and outstanding liens. Some homes may have been altered without permission or even partially built without permits. These issues could affect your ability to renovate, register the home for residence, or resell it later.

TIP #4: Renovation incentives aren’t always accessible to foreigners

Italy offers generous tax credits for certain renovations (like energy efficiency upgrades), but they often require Italian tax residency or specific paperwork that’s hard to get without it. If you're a non-resident buyer, don’t assume you’ll benefit from the 50% or 110% “superbonus” programs unless you’ve confirmed eligibility. Speak with a qualified accountant or geometra before counting on those savings.

Quick Links

NEED HELP? START HERE 

Until next time,

Matteo Bruschi
Italian Property Advisory

📧 [email protected]
📞 +39 331 434 6135

Your Trusted Partner in Finding and Securing the Right Property in Italy 🇮🇹