The best places for UK expats to live and buy property in Italy.
Where do expats live in Italy?
Coastal areas of Italy are popular with expats / Pixabay

The Italian “Dolce Vita” continues to attract expats from all over the world, and a significant amount of property demand in Italy comes from expats who have relocated to the country. The majority of expats in Italy come from the UK, the USA, Germany and France, while certain parts of Italy attract more international buyers than others. Brits living in Italy tend to move for the weather, to enjoy retirement and for job opportunities, and continue to move to Italy in 2021 in spite of Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to help you decide the best places to live in Italy for expats, lets have a look at where most British expats live in Italy.

To complete this study, we have used data from visits to idealista property listings, based on user language and location.

Foggia

Foggia
Pixabay

The Italian province of Foggia is home to some of the country’s most beautiful coastal and countryside villages which are some of the most popular for British expats in Italy. Southern Italy is generally home to cheaper properties and has a lower cost of living, and this is certainly the case in Foggia and what makes it increasingly popular with Brits.

Instead of living in the city of Foggia, most expats head to the Gargano peninsula. The coast of Gargano is home to numerous beaches, including resorts such as Vieste, Peschici and Mattinata, while the Gargano Natural Park also makes this area a hit with expats. The province of is also full of history and also receives many Catholic pilgrims each year to locations including the Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel in Monte Sant'Angelo, a site that was visited by Pope John Paul II in the 1980s.

Tuscany ​​​​​​​

Tuscany
Tuscany

British expats have chosen Tuscany as their favourite Italian region to move to and buy property for many years. With its spectacular countryside filled with vineyards and rolling hills, as well as charming cities, it’s easy to see why expats flock to Tuscany. The expat community in Tuscany keeps growing and there are frequent meet-up events which celebrate the multicultural nature of the area. 

While the romantic city of Florence is a popular choice due to its unique atmosphere and buzzing cultural scene, it is also one of the most expensive places to buy property in Italy. For more affordable options, many British expats choose to make less touristy areas such as Lucca and Maremma their home due to cheaper houses and a lower cost of living.

Rome

Rome
Pixabay

Italy's capital Rome is a great place for expats who don't have a clear idea of where they want to move to in Italy. The city has something for everyone of all ages and lifestyles, including a thriving British and American expat community. The city has incredible architecture, delicious food and nightlife, as well as being a cultural hub in Italy. 

Although Rome is known for being quite expensive, housing and public transport prices are significantly lower than UK cities such as London, while more affordable properties for sale and rent can be found in the outskirts. 

Naples

Naples
Pixabay

With its Mediterranean climate, coastal location and relaxed culture, Naples has a lot to offer expats moving to Italy. As one of Italy’s major cities, Naples has a long list of advantages with a large British expat community and of course, its wonderful landscapes and unbeatable cuisine.

Along the same lines as other areas in Southern Italy, cost of living and buying a house in Naples is much lower than in Rome, Milan and Florence, and like every major city, you’ll always get more for your money outside the centre and by moving a little further from the coast. The area is very family friendly which is another attractive point for UK expats moving to Italy, with a selection of international schools to choose from, while Rome is easily accessed in just over an house if you catch the high speed train.

Salerno

Salerno
Pixabay

The Province of Salerno is a province in the Campania region of Italy and has something for everyone. Many expats choose to live in the city of Salerno which has a growing British expat community, while the Amalfi Coast, also located within the province is a winner with its colourful houses and beautiful views.

The beauty of Salerno’s Amalfi Coast with its clear waters twinkling does however come with a price tag. Many of the properties by the coast are old and small, as well as being surrounded by tourists, so if you want some more space, privacy and to get more for your money, then it’s a good idea to search farther from the coast.