Purchasing a house in Tuscany will likely be one of the best decisions you’ve made in years. Aside from the financial aspects, which we’ll get to momentarily, there is simply the feeling, impossible for others to understand. You’re about to become a piece of history, a property owner in one of the most unique places on Earth.
There are many properties for sale in Tuscany, which can make a decision rather difficult. Start by narrowing down the kind of place you’re looking for. What will you be using it for? If you intend to rent it out, you may want to consider limiting your search to a property within Florence, because it will likely be easier to market it to visiting tourists, although this is not always the case. For example, some of the finer farmhouses in the hills outside of Florence are well-known as great income-producing properties for their owners.
As in all real estate purchases, the most important factor is location. This will play a large part in determining the price of any property for sale in Tuscany, Italy, and perhaps even more so than in other parts of the world. Take Florence, for example: this relatively small city is quite dense, and there isn’t much new construction popping up. That puts homes right in the center of town at a premium, which is reflected in their higher price tag. Think about your favorite parts of the city, and limit your search to these areas. Is there a particular piazza that you’ve always admired? Talk to a property agent about homes for sale there, as first impressions are rarely in error.
A growing trend is an increase in interest for houses for sale in Tuscany outside of the city. A charming villa high in the hills can be an ideal home away from home, but it makes sense to keep logistics in mind when thinking about a purchase of this magnitude. How long will it take you to reach your new home from the nearest airport? If you’re looking for a weekend getaway, you don’t want to have to drive hours and hours every time you visit. This will also play a part in your ability to rent the place out to tourists. Bigger towns such as Siena and San Gemignano will always have more people searching for accommodation, and thus it will be easier to market your property.
At the end of the day, however, you should base your decision on what makes you happy. If there is a particular town or city further off the beaten path that has enchanted you over the years, take the plunge. Treat your search for property for sale in Tuscany as a lifestyle choice first, and a business choice second. This way, you’ll always be happy to know you can visit, and treat the home as a home, rather than an investment.