Although often overlooked, Abruzzo has plenty to offer international buyers. You’ll typically get more house for your money than other regions of Italy, yet it has a long Adriatic coast and dramatic mountains. Moreover, much of it is within striking distance of Rome. But what’s available and where should you start your search when buying property in Abruzzo?
Abruzzo is a rural region in central, eastern Italy. Its countryside, dramatic cliff faces and lush national parks, combined with a more affordable property, have brought it onto the radar of more and more overseas buyers lately.
Abruzzo has many types of property for sale, including holiday apartments, townhouses, detached villas and country houses, often with lovely character features and plenty of outside space for barbeques and swimming pools. In Abruzzo, it’s even possible to buy a holiday home near the sea with a large garden for under €70,000.
Contents
- Why buy a home in Abruzzo?
- Abruzzo’s property market
- Is Abruzzo a good investment option?
- Where to buy in Abruzzo
- Steps to buying in Abruzzo
- FAQs about Buying Property in Abruzzo
Why buy a home in Abruzzo?
Natural beauty
Lovers of nature will be instantly won over by the rugged landscape of Abruzzo. It’s home to national and regional parks including the Gran Sasso and Laga Mountains National Park. Wildlife here includes wolves and bears, which generally steer well clear of people. The region offers a unique combination of natural beauty and low property prices.
Affordable homes
The Abruzzo property market has something for every taste and budget. You’ll find homes in Abruzzo for less than €20,000. However, do bear in mind the significant renovation costs for these. A budget of €100,000 will buy an attractive flat or small house even in a tourist-friendly location such as Pescara. Just €200,000 buys attractive detached property and €400,000 you start getting palatial villas with sea views.
Charming villages
Abruzzo is quite a hilly region and nestled between the peaks are charming villages, monasteries and castles. These medieval hilltop villages evoke the feeling of taking a step back in time. Not least in neighbourliness. where friendly neighbours may bring gifts of fresh produce from their garden.
Monteferrante a village in Abruzzo
Ski resorts
The popular ski resorts of Alto Sangro (Roccaraso/Rivisondoli) in Abruzzo offer up to 90 kilometres of slopes. There are also 17 other ski resorts to enjoy in this region that are just two hours from Rome.
Read more about buying ski property in Italy.
Pleasant climate
While the weather in Abruzzo varies depending on whether you live by the coast or in the mountains, expect pleasant springs and hot summers. By the coast, daytime temperatures frequently reach 30⁰C in July and August and occasionally much hotter. In summer mountain homes come into their own, with cooling breezes.
In winter the high mountains will be snow-covered, while the foothills enjoy mild temperatures, if wet. November is the wettest month, when mists can suddenly descend on the mountains.
The property market in Abruzzo
Although outside of the traditional ‘one-euro-property’ regions, there are super-affordable properties for sale in Abruzzo. Some will require some renovation work, but others will be in excellent order, just more remote, perhaps, than the more mainstream buyer is looking for.
A renovation project can sometimes become more expensive than expected, especially if the work requires a geometra or architect to prepare drawings, apply for planning permission, or update the structure to comply with rules. If your budget is sub-€100,000, however, it’s an option, but caveat emptor (“buyer beware”), as they used to say in Italy!
Teramo, with the Gran Sasso national park beyond
Moving up in budget, it is possible to buy a two-bedroom detached property in good condition for upwards of €100,000. Due to young Italians moving to the cities, there are plenty of affordable homes available in villages and rural locations and prices can sometimes be negotiated down even further.
This is great news for many international buyers, who often tend to prefer rural locations. Many countryside houses have lovely features, such as vaulted ceilings and fireplaces, and, once renovated, they transform beautifully into luxury residences. You will get much more house for your money in Abruzzo compared to more touristy regions like Tuscany.
Earthquake risks overplayed?
A history of earthquakes in the Apennine mountains has put some house buyers off looking for property in the Abruzzo region. This is a shame, as Abruzzo is a large region and in the provinces near the Adriatic coast, the seismic risk is no higher than in it is in Rome. New houses should comply with anti-seismic regulations.
Is Abruzzo a good investment option?
Purchasing a property in Abruzzo offers buyers the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Italian lifestyle surrounded by rugged landscapes, lush countryside and beautiful beaches.
If renting out a property, the rental appeal is definitely lesser in Abruzzo than it is in more touristy locations like Rome, Tuscany and Sicily. However, there is less competition and property is affordable, which could be attractive to investors looking to build their portfolios. While Abruzzo is well-connected, it may not be as easily accessible as more central or northern regions of Italy, which could impact rental demand.
For capital growth, property does tend to rise in value over time, and there is always the possibility that Abruzzo will take off in the way that Puglia has, as an alternative to Puglia.
It’s important to consider maintenance costs in Abruzzo, where older properties are common. Historic homes may require significant maintenance and renovation.
Where to buy in Abruzzo
Those who love the great outdoors and being surrounded by nature should check out the areas between the coast and the national parks. You can easily reach the mountains for winter sports and beaches in summer. One of the most picturesque towns is Scanno, located near an enchanting lake in the Sangro Valley, with its narrow alleys, Baroque gateways and old buildings.
The 70-kilometre or so section of coast between Ortona and San Salvo is famous for its trabocchi, structures built out to sea for fishermen to perch on.
A trabucco on the coast of Abruzzo
The regional airport is at the coastal town of Pescara, which is also a popular area for seaside tourism, boasting numerous long sandy beaches. Penne, Città Sant’Angelo and Loreto are well worth viewing in the Pescara province as you will find a wealth of reasonably-priced fixer-uppers. They’re also a good choice if you want a holiday home a short drive from the airport.
Further down the coast in the Chieti Province, Vasto is a good-sized town with all the facilities you’ll need, including fish restaurants, shops and banks. As well as being known for its history, architecture and castle, it is also near a good beach. The town of Chieti itself is perched on a hill near the coast and attracts visitors to its impressive 11th century cathedral and archaeological museum. Other popular towns near the coast include Francavilla al Mare, Spoltore, San Vito Chietino and Pianella.
Another important town is Teramo, with its medieval cathedral and the remains of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre. Popular towns in the Teramo province include Atri and Colonnella.
Steps to buying in Abruzzo
Buying a property in Abruzzo involves several steps, but with careful planning and the right support, it can be a smooth process.
- Define your requirements: Determine what you want in terms of property type, size, location, and budget. Consider your must-have features and nice-to-haves (aka, things you could do without).
- Research and planning: Gather information about the property market in Abruzzo, including prices, popular areas, and legal requirements. Visit the region to get a feel for different locations.
- Engage professionals: Work with a local estate agent, an independent property lawyer, and a currency specialist to navigate the buying process.
- Book a viewing trip: Arrange viewings of potential properties with your estate agent. Take notes and photos to help you compare options.
- Make an offer: Once you find a property you like, make an offer through your estate agent. Your lawyer will handle the legal and due diligence processes.
- Sign the preliminary contract: Sign the preliminary contract (contratto preliminarie) and pay a deposit (caparra) (usually 10%) to secure the property. The preliminary contract outlines the terms of the sale.
- Finalise financing: Arrange your codice fiscale and financing, whether through a mortgage or other means. Ensure you have funds available for the final payment.
- Sign the final contract: The final contract (rogito) is signed in the presence of a notary. Pay the remaining balance and any associated fees.
- Register the property: Your notary or lawyer will register the property with the Land Registry to ensure it is in your name.
- Move in: Once the registration is complete, you can move into your new home in Abruzzo and start enjoying the Italian lifestyle.
Abruzzo is on the eastern coast of Italy
FAQs about buying property in Abruzzo
Is Abruzzo a good place to buy property?
Yes. Abruzzo blends mountains, national parks and Adriatic coastline, offering authentic Italian living at lower prices than regions like Tuscany. You’ll find medieval towns, a strong local culture, and easy access to both beaches and ski areas. It offers great value if you want a slower pace of life.
Why is property in Abruzzo so cheap?
Mainly because it’s less discovered by international buyers, so demand (and prices) are lower. Add to that demographic shifts, with young people moving to cities, and you have a good choice of older properties on the market. However, the affordability doesn’t reflect poor quality; many homes are solid and in beautiful settings.
What is the nicest town in Abruzzo?
This depends on what you want, town or country, mountain or sea. However, some popular options are:
- Sulmona – Which offers Renaissance architecture and lively festivals.
- Pescara – A coastal city with modern amenities and excellent nightlife.
- Scanno – A scenic mountain village by a lake. Very traditional!
- Lanciano – With a historic centre, good access to mountains and coast.
Is it expensive to live in Abruzzo?
Generally no. Everyday costs – groceries, eating out, utilities – are lower than in much of northern and central Italy. Property taxes/maintenance are modest by European standards. Imported or luxury goods can be pricier, but a locally focused lifestyle is very budget-friendly.
