If you’re planning to buy and refurbish property, understanding the cost of renovating a house in Italy in 2026 is essential. Renovation budgets vary significantly depending on location, the condition of the building and how much structural work is required.
There is no official national fixed rate for renovation in Italy. Costs are market-driven and based on contractor pricing. Quote platforms indicate that most full renovations fall within a broad but predictable range, with regional differences playing a major role.
Average renovation costs in Italy
In 2026, renovation costs generally fall into three categories depending on the scope of works:
Type of renovation | Average cost per m² | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
Light renovation | €700–€1,100 per m² | Cosmetic updates, plastering, flooring, painting |
Full renovation | €1,000–€1,800 per m² | New electrics, plumbing, bathrooms, windows, heating |
Structural restoration | €1,800–€2,200+ per m² | Structural reinforcement, roof replacement, seismic work |
Prices tend to be higher in cities such as Milan, Bologna and Florence, where labour and compliance costs are greater. In parts of southern Italy, labour costs can be lower, although complex structural work may narrow that gap.
It’s important to understand that these are market averages, not guaranteed quotes. Historic buildings, protected properties and rural access issues can push projects well beyond the upper range.
Key renovation element costs
Looking at individual components helps explain how totals escalate quickly:
Renovation element | Typical cost |
|---|---|
Roof replacement | €120–€180 per m² |
Flooring | €40–€120 per m² |
Bathroom renovation (5 m²) | €4,000–€7,000 |
Bathroom renovation (10 m²) | €7,000–€12,000 |
Interior painting | €5–€15 per m² |
Exterior painting | €15–€80 per m² |
These prices are based on a Wise blog from February 2026.
Bathrooms and roofing often account for a disproportionate share of the budget, particularly in older stone properties where damp, insulation and structural reinforcement must be addressed first.
Example: renovating a 120 m² house in Italy
If a 120 m² stone house requires a full renovation:
- €1,200 per m² = €144,000
- €1,800 per m² = €216,000
And that usually excludes:
- Architect or geometra fees (typically 8–12% of project value)
- Building permits and administrative costs
- VAT (often 10% for renovation works, depending on classification)
- Utility upgrades and new connections
- Kitchens, fitted wardrobes and furnishings
A contingency fund of 15–20% is generally advisable, particularly when renovating older properties where hidden issues may only become visible once work begins.
What affects renovation costs in Italy?
Several factors can significantly increase the total cost of renovation:
- Seismic compliance requirements, especially in central Italy
- Historic centre regulations and heritage protections
- Limited vehicle access in medieval towns
- Energy efficiency improvements required to meet modern standards
- Material quality and imported finishes
- Regional labour shortages
In broad terms, northern Italy can be 15–30% more expensive than rural southern regions, although this varies depending on the complexity of the project.
Is renovating in Italy cheaper than buying new?
Renovating a house in Italy comes with its pros and cons. It can offer value if the purchase price is low enough and the project is well managed. It also allows complete customisation and the preservation of original architectural features.
Buying a renovated property reduces uncertainty and construction risk, but the premium paid reflects that convenience. The right option depends on budget flexibility, risk tolerance and long-term plans.
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