Real Estate Guide · Tuscany, Italy

Find your home in Florence

Real listings, real neighborhoods, no obligation. Browse what's actually available in Florence before you commit to anything.

Rent in Florence Buy in Florence

Know the city before you search

Florence's neighborhoods,
honestly described

Florence isn't one place. The right neighborhood depends on how you want to live — not just which one looks best in photos.

Rifredi & Novoli

Simple & Comfortable

The northwestern residential areas near the university hospital — the best rental yields in the city, newer building stock, and a diverse community. The value end of the Florence market for buyers who want income potential alongside personal use.

Est. rent: $850–$1,350/mo Buy from: ~$380K

Campo di Marte & Gavinana

Comfortable with Extras

The residential neighborhoods east of the center — good transit, local markets, reasonable prices compared to the historic core. Where Florentines live. Less atmospheric than Oltrarno but significantly more practical for daily life and meaningfully more affordable.

Est. rent: $1,150–$1,700/mo Buy from: ~$380K

Oltrarno

Upscale

The left bank neighborhood south of the Arno — artisan workshops, local restaurants, a genuine Florentine community that has resisted full gentrification. The most livable part of the historic city for long-term residents who want authenticity without the tourist density of the center.

Est. rent: $1,300–$2,100/mo Buy from: ~$380K

What your budget gets you

Florence real estate,
by the numbers

These ranges are based on current market data. Prices fluctuate — use these as a planning anchor, not a quote.

$1K/mo–$1K/mo
Budget renting
  • 1–2 bedroom apartment in a local or up-and-coming neighborhood
  • Local amenities nearby; may require a short commute to main centers
  • Older building stock is common at this range — inspect carefully
  • Furnished options exist, especially in expat-popular areas
  • Good base to explore while you decide on your preferred neighborhood
$1K/mo–$2K/mo
Comfortable renting
  • 2-bedroom in a central or established neighborhood
  • More likely to find modern finishes, AC, and reliable utilities
  • Expat-friendly: furnished options, English-speaking landlords common
  • Walkable to restaurants, markets, and services in most cities
  • Views, outdoor space, or premium amenities available at the higher end
~$380K
Buying
  • 2BR in a central riverside neighborhood
  • Budget 8–15% above purchase price for taxes, legal fees, and closing costs
  • Work with a local property attorney to understand ownership rules for foreigners
  • Renting first for at least a year before buying is the consensus advice of the expat community
  • Prices can vary significantly by neighborhood — the number above is a market anchor, not a quote

The big decision

Rent first.
Almost always.

This isn't financial advice — it's the consistent experience of the expat community: don't buy before you've lived somewhere for at least a year.

Renting first

The path most expats recommend

  • You discover what neighborhood actually fits your lifestyle — not just what looked good in photos
  • You have time to understand local bureaucracy before committing to a purchase transaction
  • You keep your options open: if the vibe doesn't hold up in year one, you leave
  • No transfer taxes, no notary fees, no property manager search
  • Long-term furnished rentals are available in most international expat destinations
Typical lease terms vary by country. Most international markets offer 6–12 month initial leases, often furnished. Deposits typically 1–2 months rent.

Buying when you're ready

Worth it for the right circumstances

  • You've lived in the area for at least a year and you're genuinely confident
  • You have a local real estate attorney (not just an agent) and understand the legal ownership structure for foreigners in this country
  • You've worked out the US tax implications of owning foreign property with a qualified expat advisor
  • You have a realistic budget that includes transaction costs, which can be 8–15% above purchase price internationally
  • You're not buying as an investment — you're buying because this is where you want to live
Transaction costs vary significantly by country. In some markets, the buyer pays transfer tax; in others, the seller does. Your attorney will clarify before you commit.

Before you sign anything

Three things every American needs to know

🏦

You still file US taxes abroad

The US taxes worldwide income regardless of where you live. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) and Foreign Tax Credit can help, but this is complicated when you add Social Security, pension distributions, and investment income. An advisor who specializes in US expat taxation is not optional — this is different from standard tax prep.

🏠

The Elective Residency Visa

Italy's Elective Residency Visa is designed for retirees and those with sufficient passive income to support themselves without working. Proof of income typically required: $33,500+/year (~€31,000) for a single person. Annual renewal, leading to long-term residency after 5 years. The 7% flat tax regime for foreign retirees in certain southern municipalities is worth investigating if you're considering Calabria, Sicily, Sardinia, or Campania.

📋

Buying property in Italy

Americans can purchase freehold property in Italy freely. The codice fiscale (tax identification number) is required before any purchase. Budget 8–11% above purchase price for registration tax, notaio fees, agency costs, and legal fees. A notaio (government official) handles the transfer and is mandatory — but also hire a separate property lawyer to review the contract in your interest.

This is context, not legal or tax advice. Italian property transactions, the Elective Residency Visa, and US/Italian dual-tax obligations each require professional expertise. Work with an Italian notaio and a dual-qualified tax advisor.

Start looking

Ready to see what's
actually available?

Immobiliare.it is Italy's largest property platform, with listings across all major cities and regions.

Rent in Florence Buy in Florence Plan a scouting trip first

We link to Immobiliare.it because it's the best tool for the job. We may earn a referral fee if you connect with a listing agent through our link. Affiliate disclosure.

Don't stop here

You'll also want these

Step 1

Plan a scouting trip

Walk the neighborhoods before you sign anything. See if the vibe holds up in person before you commit to anything.

Plan my trip →
Step 2

Talk to an expat advisor

US taxation abroad, visa planning, account restructuring before you move. You need someone who has done this before.

Find an advisor →

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