Rome reborn: a new home in the ancient city?

All eyes are on Rome this year, for a multitude of reasons that seem set to entice more high-end property buyers to the city. Along with the election of a new pope, the Catholic church is celebrating a “giubileo”, or jubilee year: a once-in-a-generation event that’s expected to attract 32 million pilgrims, swelling the ranks of those who visit one of Europe’s most historically important capitals each year. 

The preparations have included several infrastructure improvements that will benefit residents and visitors alike, according to Danilo Orlando, head of residential at Savills Italy. “The giubileo has always been a time of important change in Rome, and the city is developing so much,” he says. “About 600 projects have been undertaken, at a cost of around €4.8 billion (£4.1 billion), including renovations to the Trevi Fountain and other monuments, adding new cycle lanes and improvements to the road infrastructure and Metro network. 

“This comes after the opening of a significant number of five-star hotels, from brands including Nobu, Six Senses, Bulgari and, in 2026, Rosewood. That in turn has brought top-quality restaurants and designer boutiques, and now new property options. The level of tourism in a city affects the real estate, of course.”

Orlando outlines further reasons why both individuals and institutions are choosing to invest in the city. Anyone who transfers tax residency to the country, and has not been a resident for tax purposes for nine of the previous 10 years, can opt to pay a flat levy currently set at €200,000 per year.

This option has proved attractive to buyers from northern Europe, India, the Middle East and the US, as well as Italians returning from working abroad. 

“Milan was the first choice for many coming to invest or live in Italy, but that has changed,” Orlando says. “It can be challenging to find suitable high-quality homes there. Rome represents a viable alternative and, to help, the city’s authorities are streamlining the process of approving new developments.”

These well-travelled buyers are accustomed to high-quality, sustainable contemporary homes, and Rome has several new projects that meet those criteria. Three of the best, all now available off-plan, are House of Minerva, DONO and Porta Pamphili.

The most central of the trio is House of Minerva, an eight-storey travertine-clad building near La Sapienza University, east of the city centre. The 111 apartments (ranging from studios to three bedrooms) have private terraces and are within easy reach of Bologna Metro station, which connects with the Colosseo stop in 15 minutes.

Amenities for residents include a concierge, car and bicycle parking, a children’s playground, a roof terrace and co-working spaces, while photovoltaic panels are among the sustainable features. Prices start at €281,000, with completion due in the second half of 2027.

“High-quality products are encouraging buyers to look outside the historic centre, but what is critical is to have good infrastructure, connectivity, amenities and parking,” says Orlando. “The best new projects also offer excellent sustainability, lower running costs and advanced technology.”

In the leafy, low-density and affluent EUR district, southwest of the city centre and well located for Fiumicino airport, DONO will offer one- to three-bedroom homes priced from €315,000. Building has already begun at Porta Pamphili, west of the historic centre and a 15-minute drive from the ever-popular restaurants, bars and buzz of Trastevere. Its green setting overlooking the Valle dei Casali nature reserve, coupled with facilities such as a swimming pool, make this a family-friendly choice, emphasised by considered landscaping and extensive terraces on the curving façade. The development has the top A4 classification for energy efficiency and starting prices range from €234,000 for a studio to €625,000 for a three-bedroom apartment. The Roman spring has never looked so good.