Property in Milan is expensive across the board, but prices are particularly high in the city centre. Apartments are also generally small, so expats looking for more space and family-friendly homes opt to live in the suburbs and commute to the city for work.
While foreigners can buy property in Italy, most expats prefer to rent, at least initially.
Types of accommodation in Milan
There are several living options in Milan. In the city centre, accommodation mostly consists of apartments. Further away from the urban heart, expats will find large suburban family homes, as well as comfortable condos and villas. There is a wider range of accommodation options in Milan compared to other Italian cities, but rent is also more expensive, contributing to the city's inflated cost of living.
Finding accommodation in Milan
The best place to start a property search is online. Even before moving to Milan, expats should browse web listings to get a feel for what's available. That said, we'd strongly advise against committing to a lease or putting down any form of deposit before viewing a property in person.
Once in Italy, expats can work through a local estate agent or browse the affitto (rental) sections in newspaper classifieds.
Renting accommodation in Milan
Furnished vs unfurnished properties
Properties advertised as empty (vuoti) come without furniture, light fittings or even a fitted kitchen. While it’s fairly easy to find furniture, it doesn’t come cheap in this designer city, so unfurnished rentals might not be the best option for expats who are spending only a short time in Milan.
Most expats choose completely furnished (arredati) properties or semi-furnished (parzialmente arredati) options that have light fittings, fitted kitchens and sometimes built-in cupboards.
Leases
Once a prospective tenant has something in mind, the rental process is fairly simple. The landlord will write up the contract which, once signed, is registered at the ufficio del registro (registry office). Make sure to read the contract carefully. Expats who can't speak Italian should ask someone they trust to translate it.
The main types of leases in Italy are for at least three or four years, which can then be renewed. Although short-term leases are also available, rates are normally higher.
Deposit and utilities
Most landlords require up to three months’ worth of rent as a deposit and tenants are usually responsible for paying their utilities.