Assisi Property Market and Real Estate Guide

(Assisi, Umbria, Italy)

Umbria's Assisi is a quaint medieval town of just under 30,000 that primarily draws history and art lovers, as well as religious pilgrims. The town centre is characterised by charming cobblestone streets, ancient churches and castles, which sit side by side along ice cream parlous and cafés.

The ancient town of Assisi is set in the mountainous Perugia province in central Italy, and is world-famous as the birthplace of both St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare. Magnificent medieval monuments include the Basilicas of San Francesco and Santa Chiara, and the town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), is a timeless living museum of architecture.


The Basilica of San Francesco and other Franciscan sites have garnered World Heritage site status and as a result, property around these sites has increased in value. Yet, traditionally, property prices in Assisi are lower than in Tuscany, which has long been a favourite of expat property developers.

Assisi lies on the slopes of Mount Subasio, with stone-built medieval houses set along the narrow, stepped streets of the walled city. Transport in town is restricted to buses and taxis, with private cars allowed access within the city walls for a few hours each day and parking limited to one hour. Not surprisingly it's the sort of place that foreigners choosing to settle or retire in Italy favour.

A small airport, Sant'Egido, is located some 11 km / 7 miles away, although there is no connecting bus to Assisi. Buses run all over the region, connecting with Perugia for trains to major Italian destinations. Assisi's economy is dependent on tourism, with many thousands of visitors arriving annually, especially during the great Christian festivals.

The town centre offers property in the form of apartments, often in medieval buildings with superb views. Those looking to rent or buy a family sized home should look towards the surrounding countryside, where everything from converted farmhouses to villas is available. The countryside surrounding Assisi, unlike that of neighbouring Tuscany, still has many good value opportunities for property developers.

Properties in Assisi range from stone-built houses and converted apartments in historic buildings, to farmhouses and cottages in the countryside, with a move towards new-build communities in outlying areas as foreign demand increases. Property prices are reasonable and comparable with those in rural France, although properties in the town centre command a premium. In the countryside, properties with land may be purchased at a good price, as can those needing renovation.

Renting Serviced Apartments

Assisi is largely devoid of corporate visitors and therefore there isn't a great demand for serviced apartments. Instead you will find rural self-catering apartments in the surrounding countryside, along with centrally situated holiday apartments. There are, however, one or two serviced options on the outskirts of the city that provide modern amenities.

Typically a cash deposit is required upon check in to a serviced apartment in Assisi, which will be returned to you upon check-out. Apartments don't typically offer savings over equivalent hotels in Assisi, unless a long-term contract is signed.

Although mainly aimed at short-let visitors, a few serviced apartments in Assisi are available, offing a range of facilities similar to aparthotels including swimming pools, fitness facilities and restaurants, as well as the usual in-room services. Prices represent a saving over comparable hotels, and most are located in picturesque areas of the city close to sites of interest.

Buying Apartments and Houses

The continental climate of Assisi means that the town experiences cold winters, so be sure to check out heating facilities and windows before making a purchase. However, the cool winter months are one reason why property prices are lower here than in the likes of Tuscany.

For the most part, non-residents are able to purchase apartments and homes in Assisi without restriction, although the help of a lawyer is always strongly advised. An estate agent can offer you a step-by-step guide to making a purchase and registering the deeds. It is worth fully investigating the costs of any repairs to a property before signing a contract.

Once you have found your ideal property, an agreement is drawn up by your notary, involving a detailed description of the property, and is signed by both parties. At this point a 20 percent deposit is paid. The use of a notary is essential.

An Italian bank account must be opened, as the final payment must be made by a cheque drawn up by an Italian bank, and a Codice Fiscal (tax code) from the local tax office must be obtained. When all necessary checks are complete, a final contract is signed and the balance is paid. Sales tax is paid by the buyer, dependent on the property's 'declared value', usually lower than the purchase price. Other charges amount to around ten percent of the purchase price, with your local Assisi realtor's services generally charged at three percent.

Real Estate Agents

In Italy, both the buyer and seller pay commission to the estate agent, amounting to around six percent of the property value. Be sure to enquire about any municipal taxes or service charges you may be liable for as a property owner or tenant before making a purchase or signing a rental agreement, respectively.

Most estate agents operating in the area either have English-speaking staff or are competent in the language, minimising the risk of misunderstandings.

Check out the following Assisi real estate agents:

La Porta Verde
Address: Villa Rosa, SP Madonna delle Grazie 77, Castello delle Forme, Umbria, IT-06055, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 075 878 4296
Email: linda@laporteverde.com
Website: www.laporteverde.com
This agency has a comprehensive website and English staff who support buyers through the entire process.

Umbrian Property
Address: (online only) - Spoleto, Umbria, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 049 478 6701
Email: info@umbrianproperty.com
Website: www.umbrainproperty.com
Umbrian Property's bilingual website offers a good selection of homes and an informative buyers' guide.

Casambiente
Address: Strada San Felicissimo, Perugia, Ponte Felcino, Umbria, IT-06134, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 075 509 1705
Email: contact via website
Website: www.casambiente.com
Casambiente has an attractive website, offering low-energy new build homes as well as a large selection of properties.

Grimaldi Immobiliare - Assisi
Address: Santa Maria degli Angeli, Via Los Angeles 185, Assisi, IT-06088, Perugia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 075 804 0293
Email: grimaldiassisi@assisionline.org
This professional estate agent can help you to source the ideal Assisi property for rent or sale.

Immobiliare Urbis S.R.L.
Address: Via Tiberio d'Assisi 1A, Assisi, IT-06081, Perugia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 335 145 5518
Email: info@assisiimmobiliare.com
Website: www.assisiimmobiliare.com
Immobiliare Urbis offers a wide variety of local properties, from apartments in medieval blocks to rustic stone farmhouses.

Zaccagno Immobiliare S.R.L.
Address: Piazza delle Erbe 1, Calvi dell'Umbria, IT-05032, Perugia, Italy, IT
Tel: +39 074 471 0689
Email: zaccagno@umbriaonline.org
Website: www.zaccagno.com
This realtor deals in property across Umbria, including in Assisi, and also offers construction services.