Find out where to buy property in Umbria, Tuscany’s more affordable neighbour. Discover the benefits of owning a home there and steps to making your property purchase a success
Umbria is known as “The Green Heart of Italy” and consists of only two provinces, Perugia and Terni. It is nestled amongst the Apennine Mountains and is the only Italian region that borders neither sea nor another country.
It’s a popular region for international buyers priced out of the more accessible parts of Tuscany or the Lakes, but don’t think that you are getting anything less beautiful. A-listers such as Ed Sheeran have bought homes here. It has exciting cities such as Perugia, picture-perfect towns like Assisi and so many gorgeous and totally Italian villages.
There are lakes, forests, plains and mountains in Umbria, and even a bit of skiing.
Why buy property in Umbria?
Authentic Italy
Unlike some of the more tourist-heavy regions, Umbria offers a more authentic Italian experience. This can be particularly appealing to buyers looking for a genuine taste for Italian life.
Interesting history
The region is steeped in history and culture, with numerous medieval towns, ancient ruins and historical landmarks. Cities like Perugia and Assisi offer a glimpse into Italy’s rich past, which can be very appealing to history enthusiasts.
Affordability
Property prices in Umbria are generally more affordable compared to neighbouring Tuscany. This makes it an attractive option for buyers looking for value without compromising on the charm and beauty of the region.
A misty morning in Trevi, near Perugia.
Accessibility
Umbria is centrally located and well-connected by road and rail, making it relatively easy to travel to other parts of Italy. This accessibility adds to its appeal for international buyers.
Enjoy life!
The region offers a slower pace of life, which can be a significant draw for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. The tranquil environment is perfect for relaxation and retirement.
Umbria’s property market
There are many medieval hilltop towns and endless green fields with vineyards, olive groves, woods, lakes, rivers and mountains. Many of these hilltop villages are listed among the most beautiful in Italy, offering great views. You can live a healthy lifestyle here and enjoy good home cooking using locally grown produce, such as grains, vegetables, truffles, cheese, herbs and olive oil. The biggest towns found here are Perugia, Assisi, Orvieto, and Gubbio.
Prices in Umbria are typically lower in the southern areas of Terni, Narni, Amelia, Spoleto and Norcia and there are a number of properties needing renovation. In the more remote central villages, you can still find houses costing less than €50,000, and they tend to be stone built with loads of character and spectacular views. There are even townhouses with impressive frescoes on the ceilings and beautiful stone fireplaces. In the countryside you’ll find large farmhouses with outbuildings starting from around €150,000.
Where to buy property in Umbria
Perugia
Town houses in pretty hilltop villages and farmhouses surrounded by beautiful countryside make for very relaxing holidays. The holiday homes available around the Perugia province are full of character stone features and the area is authentic Italian. It’s even possible to buy apartments within large country houses with communal pools and gardens.
Being close to Tuscany and on a train line between Florence and Rome, this part of Umbria is becoming increasingly popular and yet property prices are still very reasonable. Around the lake you can find beaches, swimming pools, tennis courts and even a golf course.
Spoleto
Spoleto is in our cover image, above, and if you’re looking to live in the heart of the countryside, buying a house in the Umbria’s countryside is sure to please. Having plenty of space with no near neighbours allows you to relax and not worry about how much noise the kids are making.
An area you might choose is around Spoleto, with its medieval fortress and Romanesque cathedral. Kids and adults will enjoy visiting the castle, La Rocca, with its amazing views across the Umbrian countryside and the Roman aqueduct. You don’t even have to worry about walking uphill because, at the base of Spoleto, there are free elevators and moving pathways to take you up to the old town.
Piazza del Mercato is a great place to relax at one of the many bars, cafes or restaurants, and has a great local atmosphere. From the piazza, the ancient Roman arch, Arco di Druso e Germanico, is only a short walk away. If you want a longer stroll, then follow one of the footpaths into the hills opposite the town to get great views looking back at the castle. In the surrounding countryside, there are also mountains, valleys, oak forests, sunflowers and waterfalls to discover.
Gubbio
Gubbio is a medieval town with architecture from many periods of history. The cathedral boasts 16th-century paintings and a Baroque chapel, while the civic museum is located within a Gothic palace with crenelations and arched windows. In addition, there are also the remains of a Roman theatre.
The Roman theatre was completed by the magistrate Gnaeus Satrio Rufus around 20 BC. It was built with large limestone blocks worked in rustic ashlar, which is stone blocks that sit tight together, while the face is chipped rustically textured.
Gubbio has a population of around 33,000 and has everything you need for year-round living. Located in the far northeast of the province of Perugia, Gubbio is nestled on the lower slope of Mount Ingino. There are three scenic road routes from Umbria airport to Gubbio, the quickest takes just 35 minutes. Gubbio is also an hour from Ancona airport and the sea.
Castiglione del Lago
Castiglione del Lago is a 45-minute drive from Umbria airport and has over 15,000 inhabitants. The town is built on a limestone spur that plunges directly into Lake Trasimeno, forming a small peninsula. It is considered the most important village overlooking Lake Trasimeno and is listed as one of “the most beautiful villages in Italy”.
Castiglione del Lago, in Umbria, Italy. The town is on Lake Trasimeno
Castiglione del Lago has a beautiful lakeside promenade full of bars and restaurants and a green park. The historic centre is at the upper part of the town, accessed through gateways in the medieval walls.
Once inside the walls, a walk along Via Vittorio Emanuele, passes restaurants, and shops where you can taste and buy typical products. A highlight of the year is the Tulip Festival in April, when floats completely covered in tulips can be seen parading through the streets.
If you are looking for a farmhouse, this is great place to look. Your Overseas Home currently have some beautiful examples of farmhouses for sale near Castiglione del Lago. As well as large individual properties, some have been split into smaller units with shared pools and gardens. This makes them ideal as a holiday home.
Is buying a property in Umbria a good investment?
Umbria has seen a steady increase in property values over the years, although it is generally more affordable than neighbouring Tuscany.
One of the main advantages of investing in Umbria is the potential for rental income, especially if the property is located in a popular tourist area. The demand for holiday rentals can provide a steady stream of income during the tourist season. Additionally, the cost of living in Umbria is relatively low, which can make it an attractive option for retirees or those looking to relocate.
However, there are also risks to consider. The real estate market can be unpredictable, and property values can fluctuate. It’s important to conduct thorough research and possibly consult with a local real estate expert to understand the market trends and legal requirements.
Additionally, the condition of the property and the cost of any necessary renovations should be taken into account.
The Cascata delle Marmore, near Terni
Steps to buying in Umbria
Buying a property in Umbria 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 Umbria, 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 Umbria and start enjoying the Umbrian lifestyle.
