Set within Tuscany’s rolling hills, Lucca is a city of Renaissance walls, quiet piazzas and historic elegance. Its location, lifestyle and affordability make it one of Italy’s most appealing destinations for foreign buyers seeking a second home, retirement haven or investment property.
This guide explores why property buyers are increasingly drawn to Lucca and what you need to know if you’re looking to purchase a home here in 2025. From market insights to legal steps, we’ll help you navigate the process clearly and confidently.
Contents
- Why buy property in Lucca?
- Property types and locations
- Understanding the property market
- Is buying a property in Lucca a good investment?
- Steps to buying property in Lucca
Why buy property in Lucca?
Lucca, a city of around 90,000 people, combines history with a relaxed lifestyle, all within easy reach of Italy’s northern coast and key transport links. Although less crowded than Florence or Siena, it offers just as much culture – and often at a more affordable price.
Get your guide to property viewing overseas
Strategic location
Lucca sits on a flat plain beneath the Apuan Alps, surrounded by rolling green Tuscan hills, offering villas and farmhouses for sale with breathtaking views.
It’s perfectly positioned for both weekend escapes and full-time living. Pisa International Airport is just 20 minutes away by car, while Florence is under 90 minutes by train or road. This convenience attracts retirees, holidaymakers and remote workers alike.
Historic charm and green spaces
One of the city’s most unique features is its Renaissance-era walls, which are now tree-lined promenades that encircle the historic centre. They provide a car-free space ideal for walking, cycling or enjoying a morning coffee overlooking Lucca’s elegant rooftops. Combined with green parks, hidden gardens and minimal traffic, Lucca offers peaceful living in a well-preserved medieval city.
Medieval appeal
Lucca is nicknamed the “city of a hundred churches”. The most famous include San Martino Cathedral, founded in the 6th century and rebuilt in the 11th century.
Alongside the historic churches, you’ll notice a lot of towers in Lucca. In medieval times, it was believed that the higher your tower, the higher your family’s social standing. While many became too tall and had to be demolished for instability, there are many that remain in Lucca, with the tallest being a 50-metre-high clock tower.
Cultural vitality
Despite its calm pace, Lucca has a lively cultural calendar. The Lucca Summer Festival draws major music acts annually, while the iconic Lucca Comics & Games event transforms the city into a global stage.
Lucca’s main square at night (Botond Horvath / Shutterstock.com)
Religious festivals, food markets and open-air concerts also fill the year-round calendar, helping to maintain a strong local community even outside the tourist season.
Property types and locations
Lucca’s property market offers a variety of homes, from urban apartments to rustic villas in the hills. Whether you’re driven by history, seclusion or rental potential, Lucca has something for every preference and budget.
Grand properties
Lucca has become a fashionable destination for foreign homebuyers. Both in the historic centre and in the hills, you will find prestigious homes for sale, that once belonged to renowned noble families. There are also elegant city apartments, village houses and rustic farmhouses. As the area is popular with international buyers, you’ll find English-speaking estate agents and residents around for advice and recommendations.
However, while grand houses are available, that’s not to say you can’t find a quaint village house or farmhouse in Lucca, because you certainly can.
In-town properties
Inside Lucca’s antique walls, you’ll find stylish apartments set within restored townhouses, often with original features like beamed ceilings and terracotta floors. These properties are highly desirable due to their proximity to cafes, shops and cultural venues. Expect limited outdoor space but plenty of character.
Your property in Lucca?
Hillside villas and farmhouses
Beyond the city, countryside areas such as Pieve Santo Stefano, Sant Alessio and Monte San Quirico offer spacious villas and farmhouses. Many include land, olive groves or outdoor pools. These homes suit buyers prioritising scenic views, privacy and traditional Tuscan living. They also provide potential for holiday rentals.
Residential zones with modern amenities
If you’re planning year-round residence or prefer convenience, look at areas such as Arancio and San Filippo. Located just outside the city centre, these districts offer supermarkets, schools, hospitals and easy access to the motorway and train station. Properties here promise comfort and value, especially for families or older residents.
Understanding the property market
The luxury property market has been buoyant in the past few years. Lucca and its surrounding hills continue to be sought after by international buyers.
However, Lucca’s highest sale prices are in the historic centre, averaging around €3,575/m2 versus €2,050 outside the city centre. For a large apartment in a city centre building, you could expect to pay around €480,000.
Outside the city towards the northwest and above the river Fiume Serchio, are the much sought after areas around Sant Alessio and the hills around Pieve Santo Stefano. Here prices are more affordable. You can easily find a three-bedroom family home here for €250,000 or less. A two-bedroom apartment would likely cost around €200,000. There are also beautiful countryside locations above the river further east, for slightly less.
Exiting Lucca city walls via Porta Elisa, the districts of Arancio and Filippo are popular for year-round living). It is this side of town you will find the hospital, football stadium, train station, large supermarkets and shops. The lowest prices can be found on the far west and north of the province.
Is buying a property in Lucca a good investment?
Lucca offers a combination of lifestyle and long-term investment value. Its strong rental market, historical appeal and growing international community contribute to steady interest in both short- and long-term lets.
Tuscany as a region continues to perform well in the Italian housing sector, with Lucca emerging as an increasingly attractive alternative to Florence or Pisa. According to data from Numbeo (2024), the average gross rental yield in the city centre is around 4.5%, rising to 5.6% for properties outside the central zone. These figures are consistent with national trends and reflect healthy demand for well-located homes.
Additionally, Lucca’s thriving tourism economy helps underpin rental income. Properties within walking distance of major landmarks, or those in scenic hamlets with amenities, are especially popular among international holidaymakers and seasonal residents.
If you purchase with a view to later retiring or relocating, you’ll benefit from a sound quality of life and a practical investment that can generate income in the meantime.
Steps to buying property in Lucca
Buying a home in Lucca requires patience and preparation, but the Italian legal system is transparent. Below is a step-by-step guide tailored for foreign buyers in 2025.
1. Identify your needs
Start by outlining your priorities. Do you want a home in the city or countryside? Is it for personal use, rental income or both? Think about budget, access requirements and essential amenities. Your list will guide your property search effectively.
2. Research Lucca’s market
Read up on current prices, neighbourhoods and local legislation. Talk to residents or other British buyers for insights. If you can, visit Lucca outside peak tourist season – February, March or early autumn – to get a realistic feel. Use portals like Immobiliare.it and Idealista to browse listings.
3. Appoint trusted professionals
Work with a bilingual estate agent, a notary (notaio), an independent lawyer and a currency specialist. While your agent will help with viewings and offers, your lawyer should never be from the same agency. Choose professionals who regularly deal with overseas buyers and can explain everything clearly in English.
4. Arrange viewings
Book a property tour for shortlisted homes. Don’t rush. Take photos, ask precise questions and gauge the condition of the roof, plumbing and heating systems. If considering rural homes, check access roads and mobile service coverage.
5. Make an offer
Offers in Italy are made in writing and usually negotiated. Your agent will present your offer to the seller. Once accepted, you’ll move to the preliminary contract stage.
6. Sign the preliminary contract
The compromesso details the terms of sale, timeline and deposit (typically 5–10%). If you withdraw without valid legal reason, you may lose the deposit. If the seller pulls out, they must return double.
7. Handle paperwork and financing
Apply for your codice fiscale (Italian tax code) and open an Italian bank account. If you’re securing a mortgage, finalise approval now. You must also review technical surveys and energy certificates before proceeding to the final deed.
8. Sign the final deed
This is the rogito, signed at the notary’s office. You will pay the balance, legal fees, stamp duty and registration taxes here. The notary will transfer ownership and submit the registration to Italian land records.
9. Register utilities and insurance
Once completed, register water, electricity, gas and council tax in your name. Consider insuring the property if it will remain vacant or rented.
10. Move in
Your house in Lucca is now officially yours. Whether you plan to settle, let or return seasonally, you’ll find the area warm, welcoming and full of possibilities.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re considering buying in Lucca, our team at Your Overseas Home can connect you with trusted estate agents, tax advisers and legal professionals across Tuscany. With decades of combined experience and a strong understanding of international buyers’ needs, we’re here to simplify your purchase, protect your budget and help you find the right home the right way.
