The prices for real estate in Italy may vary dramatically depending on the area. For example, the cost of houses and villas in such a popular region like Tuscany is quite high. The same can be said about the region of Abruzzo, which is gaining popularity. While more to the south the prices are noticeably lower. One of interesting specifics of this country is a big amount of very old houses that are sold through an auction. Such houses are often unsuitable for living and require a complete restoration, but they are relatively cheap. Also there are lots of old farm houses at a very affordable price that have been renovated and converted into B&B, or small hotels and villas.

HOTELS | from €500,000 euros
The prices for small 5-6 rooms hotels in popular destinations, such as Umbria, for example, start with €500,000 euros. Hotels with 6-10 rooms can cost €500,000 - €700,000 euros, and for 10-15 rooms hotels the price can be around €1,500,000 euros.

VILLAS | from €400,000 euros
The price range for villas that can be used as B&B is pretty wide due to a huge variety of them.

APARTMENTS AND HOUSES | from €40,000 euros
Although in Italy you can find very cheap apartments from €10,000 euros, the cost of apartments that are worth to invest, with the area of 50 sq. m. and more, will be on average €50,000 - €60,000 and more. Detached houses can cost as little as €50,000 euros if they are old and located in rural areas.

Tourism is an important part of the Italian economy; it brings 10% of the total income into the country. In 2015 more than 51 million people visited Italy, and this number grows every year. Accordingly, the need in the tourists' accommodation is growing as well.

One of many advantages of running a hotel business in Italy is that it is a year-round business. Unlike other southern European countries, where the tourists are mainly attracted by the beaches, Italy offers much more, which allows hotels operating all year round.

As Italy stretches for more than 1,000 kilometers from north to south, the climate varies considerably between the northern mountain regions and the southern seaside areas. For example, in July and August, the hottest months of the year, the average temperature in the northern regions, where Milan and Venice are located, ranges from 22°C to 24°C. At the same time in the south the average temperature in July and August is 25°C-27°C and can reach 38°C-42°C. While in the north the highest temperatures do not exceed 32°C-35°C.

During winter time the temperatures in the north regions may fall below 0°C, while in the central and southern parts the average temperature are usually around 10°C-12°C.

Citizens of the USA and Canada do not require visas to enter Italy. Also, as Italy is a part of the Schengen Area, all holders of Schengen visas can freely visit Italy.

Foreigners may stay in the Schengen area (including Italy) up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. In order to stay in Italy above that, as well as to be able to work and receive free health care, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit - Permesso di Soggiorno.

Having a temporary residence permit has many advantages, one of which is an ability to do business in Italy for up to 2 years. This is a convenient option for those who plan to buy a small hotel in Italy and run a hotel business. Also this permit can be extended. Unlike in some other countries, buying property in Italy does not qualify for the residency, which is one of the shortcomings of the Italian immigration system compared to Greece, Spain and Portugal.

After 5 years of living in Italy with a temporary residence permit you can apply for a permanent residency.

When buying real estate in Italy, foreigners can buy property in their own name and be sole owners. In terms of ownership rights and the use of real estate, international buyers have the same rights as the residents of Italy. The only exception is agricultural land, which cannot be bought by a foreigner.

The procedures of buying property in Italy are well formalized and transparent.