Umbria, often referred to as “the Green Heart of Italy,” is a small region in central Italy. It is renowned for its hilltop medieval towns, dense forests, and rich culinary traditions, especially its high-quality wines and truffles.
According to reports from Il Sole 24 Ore, the real estate market in Umbria was among the most dynamic in Italy in 2025. In fact, Umbria ranked first nationwide with a remarkable +15.5% growth. This performance even surpassed historically established regions such as Tuscany and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
This result highlights a strong recovery in the property sector and a growing international interest in less saturated Italian regions. Buyers are increasingly drawn to destinations like Umbria, which offer an exceptional quality of life combined with still-competitive property prices. These characteristics make it an attractive choice for both lifestyle and investment purposes.
In recent years, Umbria has become a strong alternative to Tuscany (often referred to as “the new Tuscany”), thanks to more affordable average prices and a real estate offering that retains an authentic and less inflated character. Unlike more mature and expensive markets, Umbria still offers properties with high landscape and architectural value at competitive conditions, while maintaining strong international appeal.
International Demand and a Desirable Lifestyle
These features are particularly appreciated by international buyers, especially those from the United States, who are drawn to a lifestyle defined as quiet luxury. This trend emphasises understated elegance. It includes countryside homes surrounded by nature, prestigious rural settings, slower-paced living, and a high overall quality of life. For many buyers, the interest goes beyond investment alone. There is a growing demand for second homes or even permanent residences in authentic settings. These properties should be located far from overcrowded tourist destinations, but positioned within Italy’s main cultural and scenic routes. In this regard, Umbria perfectly represents a balance between privacy, authenticity, and accessibility.
According to Quotidiano dell’Umbria, foreign demand is primarily focused on historic villages, hilly areas, and high-quality rural contexts that are also well connected and easy to reach. Properties located within a short distance of major roads and railway networks are especially sought after.
This aspect is crucial for international buyers who value tranquility, privacy, and natural beauty. At the same time, they seek the convenience of reaching key cities such as Rome and Florence, as well as airports and essential services, within a reasonable travel time.
The Most Sought-After Areas in Umbria’s Real Estate Market
Among the most desirable locations, Lake Trasimeno area stands out as one of the top destinations for international buyers. In the previous year, it ranked sixth among the most searched areas in Italy by foreign clients. This region is highly attractive thanks to its scenic landscapes, historic villages, and strong accessibility. These are key factors that make it competitive in the Italian real estate market.
At provincial level, province of Perugia is the heart of the property market in Umbria. It ranked second nationwide, just after Como, among the most in-demand provinces. The area of Perugia concentrates much of the region’s most valuable real estate supply, especially in its rolling hills and prestigious historic towns.
Meanwhile, Province of Terni is experiencing growing interest in smaller towns benefiting from fast connections to Rome. This proximity represents a strategic advantage, particularly for international buyers who want to combine the tranquility of the Umbria countryside with quick access to a major international city.
Among the most requested locations in Umbria are Todi, Castiglione del Lago, Massa Martana, Orvieto, and Gubbio. These locations are highly appreciated for their authenticity, architectural heritage, and strong appeal among foreign investors seeking both lifestyle and investment opportunities.
What Buyers Are Looking for in Umbria
The primary interest of most property buyers in Umbria are farmhouses, detached houses, or semi-detached properties. These properties are preferably already renovated or ready to move into. This preference reflects a clear desire to avoid complex and costly renovation projects, favoring turnkey homes that allow for immediate use, whether for permanent residence or holiday rental purposes.
The average property value in the region is around €270,000. Apartments typically range at an average price of approximately €2,500 per square meter.
Our Data
According to data collected by FIDEA – TopItalianMortgage, a credit intermediary specialised in international clients and operating throughout Italy, between 2021 and 2025 nearly 16% of international clients applying for a mortgage purchased a property in Umbria. These statistics highlight a consistent and significant level of interest in Umbria within the foreign buyer real estate market.
Over the five-year period (2021–2025), international demand has been mainly concentrated in three countries: the United Kingdom and the United States, both accounting for approximately 30.7%, followed by the Netherlands with around 26.9%. A smaller yet notable share of buyers comes from countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Germany, and Belgium. This data confirms the increasingly diversified nature of demand.
The year 2024 marked a positive turning point, with a strong rebound in interest after a slowdown recorded in 2023. This recovery confirms the resilience of the Umbria real estate market and its ability to attract international investors even during periods of economic uncertainty.
Umbria: A Growing and Increasingly International Real Estate Market
In summary, the real estate market in Umbria is today a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape. It successfully combines authenticity, quality of life, and affordability. The rising interest from international buyers, together with strong performance in 2025, reinforces Umbria’s position as a key real estate destination in Italy.
The outlook remains positive, with international demand expected to continue supporting the market. This is especially true in well-connected rural areas and high-value historic villages. In this context, Umbria is no longer just an alternative to Tuscany. It is increasingly emerging as an independent and highly attractive choice for valuable real estate investment in an authentic, still relatively undiscovered region.