Friuli Venezia Giulia
12/11/2025
Stéphane Rabenja

Where to buy in Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Trieste, Udine or the coast?

What if 2026 is the year to invest between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea? Friuli-Venezia Giulia combines quality of life, accessibility and real estate opportunities. ✨

From Trieste to Udine, from the beaches of Lignano and Grado to alpine villages, here is a clear guide to choose the right area according to your project, your budget and your expected return horizon.

Recent internal data (source Green Acres) show that no significant foreign buyer is listed for Udine and Gorizia, and that the buyers’ table for Trieste is not available at the moment — a useful element to nuance the cross-border impact depending on the submarkets.

Friuli Venezia Giulia, a Region of Opportunities in 2026

Affordable Market and High Quality of Life

The regional market generally remains more affordable than that of Veneto or Lombardy, with a tourist and university pressure that is targeted yet sustained.

Gross rental yields are often within a reasonable range, varying by location and management (long-term vs. seasonal rental).

  • Low cost of living and efficient public services.
  • Easy mobility (train, highway, airports of Trieste and Venice).
  • Rich natural environment: sea, lagoons, hills, Pre-Alps. 🌿

European Border: Interest from Austrian and German Buyers

At the crossroads of Italy, Austria, and Slovenia, the region attracts a cross-border audience seeking second homes and heritage investments. However, this demand distribution varies greatly by city and segment (coastal vs. inland).

  • Quick access from Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich.
  • Multilingual culture and dynamic economic exchanges.
  • Greater international demand along the coast and in Trieste, although local data may be heterogeneous.

Trieste, the Most Dynamic City in Friuli

Strong Rental Demand, Investments in the Historic Center

Trieste channels student, tourist, and business flows. The historic center and seafront offer a rare mix of prestige and ease of rental.

  • Ideal for medium/long-term furnished rentals and business stays.
  • Good appreciation near landmark sites and pedestrian areas.
  • Small renovated units: high turnover and limited vacancy. 🏛️

New Real Estate Developments around the Port and University Area

Regeneration projects near the old port and academic hubs boost the supply of new or recent properties.

  • Apartments meeting recent energy standards, simplified management.
  • Interest in turnkey investments with parking and amenities.
  • Watch out for condominium fees and short-term rental regulations. ⚓

Practical note: the internal database currently does not publish a detailed table of foreign buyers for Trieste, which encourages more refined analysis by neighborhood and property type.

Udine and Gorizia: Charm and Stability

Family Properties, Moderate but Secure Yields

Udine appeals with its gentle lifestyle, schools, and services. It is a market for primary residence and reliable investments.

  • Family houses and apartments: solid local demand.
  • Long-term rentals: stable occupancy rate.
  • Stable volumes, reduced volatility. 🏡

Field data: the internal database records no significant foreign buyers in Udine, confirming its primarily local and family-oriented profile—a strength for investors seeking stability.

Cross-border Gorizia, New Cultural Hub for 2026

With the shared cultural project GO! 2025 (Gorizia/Nova Gorica), the city is gaining in visibility and attractiveness.

  • Expected impact on hotels, restaurants, and short-term rentals.
  • Districts near the border: potential for capital gains and international flat-sharing.
  • Check the energy quality of older buildings before purchasing. 🎭

The database also reports no foreign buyers for Gorizia to date, emphasizing internal demand and opportunities related to local cultural projects.

The Coastal Areas of Friuli Venezia Giulia

Lignano Sabbiadoro: Tourist Residences

A family seaside resort, Lignano offers numerous condominiums near beaches and pine forests.

  • Good potential in high season, management should be entrusted to a local agency.
  • Sought-after properties: 1-2 rooms with terrace, close to the sea. 🏖️
  • Anticipate building fees, renovation works, and tourist rental rights.

Grado: Spa Resort and High-end Seasonal Real Estate

Grado combines historic charm, thermal baths, and lagoon. Prices are higher, with an international clientele.

  • Premium offerings: sea views, old stones, marinas.
  • High-quality seasonal yield, but a shorter season.
  • Care for the marketing (photos, furnishings, services). 🛥️

Practical Tips for Buying in Friuli

Check Border Regulations and Local Taxes

Buying in Italy requires a notary (notaio), an urban/cadastral check, and an energy certificate (APE).

  • Taxation: IMU (second homes), TARI (household waste), possible cedolare secca option for rentals.
  • Tourist rentals: municipal registration and tourist tax according to municipality.
  • Non-resident buyers: open a codice fiscale and an Italian bank account. 📑

Good Deals in Carnic Villages

In Carnia (Tolmezzo, Sutrio, Sauris, etc.), budgets are lower with a preserved mountain environment. ⛰️

  • Target stone houses to renovate and small village apartments.
  • Check winter accessibility, insulation, and heating (energy costs).
  • Four-season rental potential: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, gastronomy.
See properties in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia offers a rare range of options: urban dynamism in Trieste, stability in Udine, cultural vibrancy in Gorizia, resort life in Lignano and Grado.

Clarify your intended use (primary residence, long-term rental, seasonal), target a micro-neighbourhood, and secure the transaction with rigorous due diligence (notary, energy performance certificate, land registry checks). By combining local analysis with on-the-ground data, you will invest with confidence… and enjoyment. 🙂

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