Property for sale in Florence Italy: useful tips to find your dream house

Buying a property in Italy has different processes to the UK or USA or any other part of the world. Many people are confused whether they need a lawyer or a Notary when buying a property in Italy, or even both. By law, property transfer contracts must be signed in front of a notary. However, the role of the Notary goes much further than simply stamping and signing a document as the witness to a transaction.

As public officer appointed by the Italian Ministry of Justice, he acts as a third party independent of both seller and buyer. He ensures that the conveyance of the property complies with all legal requirements, in the common interests of both the buyer and seller, but particularly the purchaser.

Perhaps you’ve always wanted to live far from the hustle and bustle of your huge city and now you are considering moving to a more livable City. If someone asks you where is the best place to buy property in Italy, Florence can jump on your mind with ease. Rich in art, fine architecture, and culture, this town is renowned worldwide, having been the birthplace of the Renaissance and being today one of the Italian cities with the best standard of living. How do we know that?

Here are the reasons why you deserve a Florence house.

1. Human Scale
   It’s a town on a human scale. With its 380.000 residents, Florence is not too big to suffer from the risks and chaos of great cities and it is not too small to be lacking in services and opportunities of a large metropolis.
2. Standard of Living
   The standard of living is one of the best in Italy and Europe. Florence has a position of pre-eminence in the Italian scenario, concerning several socio-economic and environmental sustainability indexes.
3. Healthy Lifestyle
   Life expectancy is 84.4 years, over the national average.
4. Economic well-being
   The annual household income is above + 18% compared to the national average.
5. Institutions
   Among Florentine people, we can find a high propensity to take part in the public discourse and in the institutions – + 21% compared to the national data.
6. Safety
   The city and its surroundings are safely controlled. They are without unreliable, off-limits peripheral areas.
7. Public Health
   Social and National Health Services are of a proven high standard to cover the entire population’s needs.
8. Utilities
   Public utility and mobility services are good and well above the national average.
9. Education
   The education level is much above the national average. International High School, Headquarters of the European University, several prestigious British and French Institutes and American Universities are here.
10. Art and Culture
    Cultural and environmental heritage is the real strength of Florence and its greatest pride exhibited to the whole world. Its entire old town center is UNESCO World Heritage protected. In a few kilometers, you can find one of the highest densities regarding works of art, museums, and culture.

Florence, Florentia in Latin, or Firenze in Italian. However you call it, this town is the capital and the largest city of the Tuscany region, in the center-north part of Italy.
Its location is central to the country and, somewhat, central to the rest of Europe, too.

A good logistic system and excellent transport options make it easy to reach Florence wherever you are. It’s halfway between Rome and Milan, both reachable in around 90 minutes via smooth highways or fast trains. All the main cities of Tuscany are within 1 hour by car, using efficient motorways and well maintained provincial roads. You can reach Siena, Arezzo, Lucca, Pisa, Pistoia passing by the cutest Tuscan hill towns near Florence. The Tuscan countryside is known all over the world for its mild rolling hills with cypress trees, vineyards, and olive groves.

Otherwise, if you are landing in Pisa, there are also coaches and trains from the G. Galilei Airport to the Florence City Centre. Those means of transportation can get you to the final destination in 40 minutes.

This good logistics makes it easy to have fast connections inside the region and between close counties. You will easily spend weekends at your Florence house, or come for a short stay to your Tuscan farmhouse at Easter or Christmas. Some prefer to live in their Florence house in the low-mid season, getting an income from renting it to tourists during the high season.

What’s the weather like in Florence? The climate is another key to the “la dolce vita” mood in Florence. Except for some cold days in late January – though temperatures seldom drop to freezing, Florence enjoys mild springs and cozy autumns. You are going to get plenty of sunny weather to plan days out during the whole summer and the autumn until late October / early November. Imagine being able to sit out with a drink on the balcony of your Florence house or in the garden of your Villa near Florence, enjoying the views of the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza Duomo.

No panic if in July temperatures can be sticky and humid: in this case grab your bike or jump on your Vespa and reach the nearest hills of Fiesole, Settignano, or Forte Belvedere, in the nearest outskirts. Or, if you just want to find close green areas inside the city, you can visit Il Giardino dei Semplici or ride up to the Piazzale Michelangelo (the terrace over Florence). There you will find marvelous gardens and you will breathe the relieving breeze of the late evening. On the hills surrounding Florence life is cool and cozy. You will attend several summer events, theatre, pop music, and classical concerts organized in June and July under the night stars.

Not enough? ….No issues, as the mildest weather can be found along the nearest coastline, just one hour away from the center of Florence. By car or by train in 50-60 minutes you will be walking on the sandy beaches of Versilia.
Every season adds beauty to the mild landscape where Florence is cradled, including fields of poppies and sunflowers, autumn leaves, rarely snow-capped Appennini mountains in the not-so-far background.

Many good reasons can take you to this stunning city. If you want you can stay here much longer than just a short holiday… have you ever thought about moving to Florence? Here are some good reasons why you should take this decision:

• Maybe you want to invest in a property in the centre of Florence. That will bring to you an extra rental income when you are not in town.
• Are you planning to relocate? Why don’t you start a local business? You can work in the fashion industry or start your business in the hospitality industry.
• Don’t need extra income? Just relax and think about your health. You could be the one who retires and lives in a small village in the near countryside, far from the stressful rhythms of the huge metropolis in your home country.
• Your kid has just finished his/her University Courses and looks forward to living in Florence as a student – to study Music, Art History, Jewelry, or learn the secrets of Italian Fashion Design.

Whatever plans can be, there are always real estate solutions to find the best Florence house for you. We are here to help you in every phase.
The Florence Italy real estate market is not cheap, but certainly, it is not as expensive as other Italian cities like Milan, Venice, or Rome. Furthermore, it is much cheaper than the most famous European cities like London and Paris.

In the last few years, many Florence buildings have been renewed and become attractive for private investors. Whoever looks for high-value luxury apartments in the Old Town or small-medium size flats in the adjacent residential areas can find suitable solutions. Value for money investments for private uses or to trigger a profitable tourists’ rental business are at hand.

To find a property for sale in Florence Italy has also become, more than in the recent past, one of the key factors for big investors who look for powerful economic assets.

Investment funds and international hotel chains consider Florence a strategic hub for tourism. The development and restructuring of big, medium size hotels, and small boutique hotels is nowadays one of the main trends.

The Florence metropolitan area is currently under the focus of local and international Real Estate Investment Groups for the development of student residences. More than 80 public and private learning institutes are located in Florence: Italian and International Universities, Masters / Postgraduate Courses, Colleges, Fashion, Arts & Crafts, Cooking and Language Schools.

Life is simpler here and certainly not chaotic! You don’t need a car, just take a bike if you like. Just remember the City is easy and walkable anyway.

The more you know about Florence, the better it is. Florence is a city whose beauty has been described by many: painters, novelists and poets among all. Now it’s time for digital photographers and travel bloggers.

You will get in touch with its smart zest for life, its Renaissance art treasures, not to mention its wonderful food. It will be easy to find tiny small grocery stores with amazing unique products. Some of the most famous Italian products belong here. Wine, olive oil, ham, cheese and the excellent Florentine steak made with Chianina cattle of breed. And food is cheap – that’s the secret of Florentine life!

Just try to compare the average costs of daily living in this city with those of other international big cities – you will be pleasantly surprised.

If you can get an aerial view of the city, the first impression will be that Florence is an urban agglomeration, almost indistinct. Ancient houses with red roofs made out of terracotta tiles are overwhelmed by the Palazzo Vecchio and the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore silhouettes. The immortal symbols of political and religious power dominate the city skyline.

Then, if you land inside the Tuscan capital city and walk through the streets, you will easily find out what the Old Town Florence is. A casket of priceless treasures, such as the Uffizi Gallery, The Ponte Vecchio bridge, the Pitti Palace, and Boboli Garden. Or The Academia Gallery Museum, where the David of Michelangelo is preserved.
It’s the city whose wealthy benefactors lived in the past not only built beautiful houses but encouraged local artisans like Leonardo and Michelangelo to become the world’s greatest artists while decorating them.

Today the Florentines are still aware of their architectural past and use traditional building materials – having preserved original building techniques. They understand the importance of protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of the city, particularly the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is Why an Apartment in Old Town Florence is not just a simple flat.

Now the hamlet question is… Florence, what to buy? Whatever your answer is, Victoria House, our real-estate agency, can help you.

Maybe it’s just a cozy flat that you and your partner are searching for, possibly overlooking one of the several beautiful piazzas in the old town.
Maybe you are thinking of buying a house in Florence with two bedrooms for your short stay. The same flat can generate good returns on investment during holiday rentals when you are not here. If your answer is positive, consider properties for sale starting from not less than 350/400,000 euros.

Pushing your budget above 500.000 euros, you might find intriguing properties inside 16th-century buildings. They are enriched with frescoed ceilings, hardwood, and terracotta floors – vaulted or wooden-beamed buildings.

The more you grow with your investment and the more your dream of a luxury property in Florence, with space enough for your family and friends, can come true.

Having more budget? Why not consider a villa? Your foresight as an entrepreneur, then, will make you soon understand that an unconverted villa close to the center can be renovated and turned into a B&B or an investment property.

A property for sale in Florence Italy can be a source of unpredictable opportunities. Your desired apartment may be located in a palace listed by Sovrintendenza alle Belle Arti (the Italian Superintendency for Archaeology, Fine Arts and Landscape). In this case, you must be aware you are dealing literally with a “Piece of History” and you can become the owner of it!

The purchase process consists of many steps, but… no worries! Victoria House will be at your side step by step. You will need to be patient, but in the end you will be happy to see that the “piece of history” you have bought is an excellent investment. Its value is inestimable! Certainly, a more solid and reliable investment than the money you can put in a financial fund traded on the London or New York stock exchanges!

Unless you are already familiar with Florence, Victoria House enters the game firstly to select the most suitable neighborhood for your needs.
We have both published (public visible) and private properties. That means our real-estate catalog does not finish with the houses you can see on this website. According to the will of some owners who want to maintain their villa or flat in Florence unpublished on the web, we can showcase those magnificent properties privately only to selected customers. In this way, you will be the first to have the possibility to opt for those prestigious apartments with a view (“vista Duomo”, “vista Ponte Vecchio”, etc). A Florence house with this kind of feature matches the city’s grand feel. With Victoria House, you can make your dream come true with a little effort. The possibilities are so many, everyone driven by its own rules and specific estimation.

Now it’s time to be more precise, getting to know some of the most famous neighborhoods of the Old Town. Let’s fly over to Florence!

From the mid-14th century, the so-called Florence Old Town was divided into four historic districts. They covered 505 hectares (1247.88 acres) and were bordered by the ancient city walls. Today the districts still keep their original names:

The original subdivision of the Florence Old Town into the four districts and their historical rivalry are celebrated every year at the end of June. During the event of the Calcio Storico Fiorentino (an old form of Football), Piazza Santa Croce become a special stadium.

The teams of the four districts compete in virulent matches that are a forerunner mix of modern rugby, football, soccer, with a lot of competition and… a few rules. You can enjoy this event while looking out the windows and loggias of the historic buildings that surround the famous Santa Croce square. Just think about how much your future apartment in this famous square can be worth over time.

Close to this part you will find the lively Mercato Centrale (Central Market), a huge iron and glass building of the late 19th century. Recently the market has been renewed – on the ground level, it hosts all kinds of vegetable, meat, and fish shops and stalls. On the upper level, you’ll find a large number of street food restaurants, gourmet corners, and areas devoted to cooking classes and cooking shows.

The atmosphere here in San Giovanni is nice and lively, with many restaurants and shops, small hotels, and B&Bs. For those needing to stay close to the central train station due to working needs, this is certainly a good district to live in. We are in the heart of the center and we have the possibility to “taste” the local habits.

The real estate market is more accessible in this area: studios, apartments with two bedrooms, and two bathrooms are often available for sale. Sometimes the best deals are also for properties that need renovation. Think about it: your real estate agent can help you find contractors to make an excellent and honest deal.

This historic district is much loved by locals for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It is, therefore, a “must-see” for tourists from all over the world. The core of Santa Croce is the grandiose monumental area of ​​Piazza Santa Croce with its Cathedral and the adjacent Museum. The large square hosts many events – above all, this is the place for the annual “Calcio in Costume” challenges. During June this place hosts the Old Football Festival, the original version of football that was played in the 15^ century. This show displays impressive tough matches between the teams of the 4 ancient districts of the old town.

Santa Croce is an extremely multifaceted area, suitable for those who want to live, work, study and… breathe the true Florentine atmosphere, even in a short tourist stay.

As well as extraordinary museums, this district includes the Synagogue, several University Departments, the lively Sant’Ambrogio daily market, and the delightful Piazza dei Ciompi. All these sites are easy to reach through interesting streets dotted with shops, theaters, and art galleries. Do not forget to have a look at the many tabernacles that can be found at every corner.
Finding bedrooms, small apartments and medium-sized houses here is not difficult, even if they are not cheap. You need to understand that you are staying in the midst of History.
Santa Croce is not only known for the Middle Ages and Renaissance architectures. This neighborhood is also a stunning blend of Renaissance and Late Romanticism. Inside this district, we can find Piazza d’Azeglio. This square and the surrounding streets are the best example of elegant Florentine architecture from the late nineteenth century. At those times Florence was the Capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
Here you can admire a different scenario: imposing buildings, large bright apartments with huge windows, and high ceilings often decorated with frescoes and stuccos. House prices here are above average, but we can assure you a spacious flat here is worth the cost.

This is the area that gives its name to the large Oltrarno quarter. Are you single or married? Are you a young couple or do you feel so? Oltrarno quarter could be the district of Florence where you can make a well-targeted real estate investment.

This district can be reached easily, crossing the numerous bridges over the Arno river that connect the two sides of the city. That’s what the name Oltrarno means – “beyond the Arno”. Thus defining the large area that extends from the majestic tower of San Niccolò, built by Michelangelo, to the San Frediano Gate on the opposite side. Oltrarno is unique. This is where the majestic Pitti Palace and the beautiful Boboli Gardens are located. But the quarter also incorporates Piazza Santo Spirito, Piazza del Carmine, Piazza dei Nerli. The museums and churches hosted in these squares display valuable masterpieces.

Things to do in Oltrarno, Florence?
No doubt, this is the neighborhood local young people and tourists love most. This is due to the particular atmosphere that you can breathe in the streets and squares. The feeling here is truly genuine, pulsating with life and packed with local activities. Design, art, furniture restoration, and wrought iron workshops. As well as antique bookbinders and antique shops. Not just bars and delightful tiny restaurants, but also workshops and ateliers where you can meet painters, photographers, architects. Exploring this quarter you’ll find even shoemakers’ workshops for the highest quality shoes.

Famous singers and actors live in this neighborhood which has often been used as the setting for many successful Hollywood movies. Growing in popularity, The Oltrarno Florence district has almost become a brand on its own. And it is the favorite destination for Florentine nightlife.

What else? The most current definition now for this district is… Oltrarno splendid!

From this neighborhood and through suggestive paths, it is easy to walk up to the marvelous Piazzale Michelangelo and the oldest millenary church called Santa Maria a Monte!

When we consider other important Italian cities we can see a well-highlighted separation between city centres and suburbs. That’s definitely not true if we speak about Florence. This large town is surrounded by hills, so the close suburbs are superb areas!

What remains of the ancient walls of the old city? Now we can see only the mighty gates of Porta Romana, Porta al Prato, Porta San Gallo, Porta alla Croce, Porta San Niccolò, Porta San Frediano. Just outside this ancient perimeter, you will find yourself in front of large buildings from the late nineteenth century, when Florence was the capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
These Florentine buildings are incredibly huge and spacious. They present bright apartments characterized by very high ceilings, often embellished with precious frescoes. Most of these Florence houses are located within a 2 km radius from the old town. When they are available, these properties for sale in Florence become the subject of a real purchase contest.

Moving a little further, other interesting areas rise towards the rolling hills that provide a splendid background for the city.
San Domenico, Fiesole and Settignano to the north side, Pian dei Giullari, Santa Maria a Monte, Forte Belvedere and then Bellosguardo to the south-west. It may seem incredible, these areas are not far from the old town – from a minimum of 2 km up to a maximum of 6 km.
They are great places, worthy both for their historical and natural value. These areas are attractive for high-level real estate investments. here you will find independent luxury villas, majestic palaces, large flats inside villas.

Life is happy and creative here. These parts of Florence are home to prestigious international universities, seminaries, music conservatories, churches, and convents valued at an international level. Some of these buildings are often transformed into residences. They offer great charm and elegance, away from traffic, inside quiet areas. At the same time, they are close to the main facilities and services needed.

That’s the Florentine urban development. The heart of Old Town Florence and its adjacent lavish surroundings have maintained their centrality over the centuries concerning the nearby territories. Preserving a sustainable dimension and avoiding the chaotic growth of bigger cities.
The whole territory has been modelled on a human scale and has kept faith with the Renaissance symbol. The ‘Uomo di Vitruvio’ (the Vitruvian Man) drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, tells us there cannot be anything that is not regulated by principles of harmony, order, and proportion between the different parts.

The population density is widely distributed so that nice small towns gravitate within a radius of 30 km from Florence without being absorbed. Those villages and small towns have preserved their interesting historical and environmental features.
This is why the countryside near Florence is very attractive to find a villa near Florence at affordable prices. Properties with private land and pools, flats in delightfully renovated hamlets, and old restored farmhouses.

Living in these areas is a unique experience. You are surrounded by the magic of the Tuscan countryside while being able to reach Florence by train in less than 30 minutes. Thanks to an agile and efficient mobility system, the city center connects with the magnificent Chianti area towards Siena (South), the Valdarno area (East – Arezzo), Mugello (North area – home of Giotto, Cimabue, and the Medici), Prato and Pistoia in the west direction. All these areas, always within a maximum radius of 30 km, constitute the precious suburbs close to the main city. These are special areas, surrounded by forests, mountains, and other beautiful natural green parks. Here you will find your ideal property for sale near Florence Tuscany.