A region still bucking the national market
Properties 40% cheaper than the Italian average
Basilicata shows average prices up to 40% lower than the national average, especially away from the coast. This gap opens the door to larger villas and apartments for the same budget.
In secondary towns and villages, the supply remains abundant, making negotiation and purchases with renovation easier.
Little speculation, plenty of potential
The region has experienced slower growth than the Peninsula as a whole. The result: little volatility, realistic sellers, and attractive seasonal returns in tourist areas.
Matera’s cultural dynamism and the appeal of the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts create a stable demand base without speculative overheating. Supporting this, local databases (Green-Acres analysis) currently do not identify a massive influx of foreign buyers in certain key areas like Matera—reinforcing the idea of a market still largely driven by domestic clients.
The most promising areas to buy in Basilicata
Matera: heritage, stability and cultural appeal
A UNESCO site and European Capital of Culture 2019, Matera combines scarce land with international visibility. 🏛️
- Historic center and Sassi: strong tourist demand, atypical properties, strict heritage regulations.
- Outskirts and hamlets: more affordable budgets, good quality of life and services.
- Perspective: heritage value and year-round cultural rentals.
Maratea: seaside second homes
The « Pearl of the Tyrrhenian » boasts coves, harbors, and open views. The supply is limited, which supports prices and resale value. 🌅
- Sea view apartments and small terraced villas.
- High seasonal returns in summer, growing international demand.
- Note landscape constraints and car access issues.
Bernalda and Policoro: a good compromise between accessibility and price
Close to the Ionian beaches (Metaponto, Nova Siri) and well connected to Bari and Taranto, these towns offer good value for money.
- Townhouses and small modern apartment blocks.
- Full services, shops, and beaches a short distance away.
- Vacation rental potential + medium-term potential for remote workers.
Inland areas for small budgets in Basilicata
Potenza and Melfi: family homes between €800 and €1,100/m²
In the regional capital Potenza and the industrial hub of Melfi, you can find two- and three-bedroom apartments and houses at affordable prices, often well-served and close to schools.
Ideal for a first main residence or an easy-to-manage pied-à-terre. Available local data also do not identify any dominant profile of foreign buyers for Potenza, further underscoring the predominance of the domestic market in these areas.
Small villages: €1 offers and rural renovation schemes
Several communities are revitalizing their historic centers through €1 houses or renovation aid. Well-known example: Laurenzana (Potenza). 🎯
- Common requirements: security deposit, renovation schedule, respect for heritage regulations.
- Renovation budget to plan: insulation, seismic standards, utilities (water/electricity), roofing.
- Interest: very low purchase price + mid-term use and heritage added value.
The ideal buyer profile
Retirees, remote workers, artist couples or creatives
Basilicata appeals to those seeking time and space to create, recharge, or work remotely. Budgets remain reasonable for adding a studio, home office, or garden.
Those seeking the slow life without total isolation
Just 1–1.5 hours from Bari Airport, with human-scale towns and amenities, the region combines dolce vita with essential services.
Procedures and key points to watch in Basilicata
Structural surveys (earthquakes, renovation)
Basilicata includes seismic zones. Before buying, have performed:
- A structural survey (foundations, load-bearing walls, roof) and seismic compliance check.
- An energy audit (APE) to assess insulation and future bills.
- A check of utilities (water, electricity, septic/sewer) and humidity issues.
Consider support schemes for works (ecobonus/sismabonus), subject to eligibility and budget deadlines. ⚠️
Check planning regulations in heritage areas
Between vincoli paesaggistici, UNESCO areas (Matera) and coastal restrictions, permits can be specific.
- Request conformità urbanistica and up-to-date cadastral plans.
- In historic centers: may require Soprintendenza’s opinion, mandatory materials.
- On the coast: mandatory setbacks, protected views and sites.
Key formalities with the notaio: cadastral and mortgage searches, proof of ownership, condominium charges, regulations.
Rates, financing and taxation 2026
Average mortgage rates: 3.3% over 20 years (Southern Italy)
For resident or non-resident borrowers, Italian banks often finance 60–70% of the price, with rates of around 3.3% over 20 years, depending on profile and collateral.
- Bank pre-approval helpful before making an offer.
- Home + earthquake insurance strongly recommended.
- Expenses to expect: notary, agency, registration taxes.
Possible exemptions for a first main residence
The prima casa regime can reduce purchase taxes (e.g., lower registration fees) and exempt the owner from IMU on a non-luxury main residence.
- Long-term letting: cedolare secca available (flat rate, under certain conditions).
- Loan interest: possible partial deduction in some cases.
- Second home: IMU and TARI to plan for.
Have your situation checked by a tax advisor to optimize arrangements and timing.
To watch
Arrival of new tourist projects along the Ionian coast
Marinas, cycle paths and eco-friendly resorts are increasing the appeal between Metaponto, Policoro and Nova Siri. Expected effect: greater liquidity and a longer season. 🌿
Development of EU-subsidized eco-villages
Several towns are piloting eco-hamlets and energy communities supported by EU/PNRR funds. Opportunities for participatory projects and bioclimatic renovation.
Basilicata, the south’s best buy
Perfect for living, heritage value for investing
You buy quality of life—landscapes, food, culture—with a moderate entry ticket and balanced appreciation potential.
The time to buy before the region is (too) discovered
All indicators are positive: contained prices, public projects, growing recognition. Acting early allows you to choose the best locations and make decisions calmly.
