Living in the heart of Veneto: buying real estate in and around Vicenza

INTERVIEW WITH LUCIANO ZANINI, MASTER LICENSE PARTNER AT VON POLL REAL ESTATE VICENZA.

Vicenza – located in the heart of Veneto and at the same time the capital of this district – enjoys a worldwide reputation as a place of art and culture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterised by the impressive Renaissance buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio, imposing villas and historic palaces. Vicenza is also home to renowned, exclusive fashion brands, making it ideal for extensive shopping trips. The surrounding area, on the other hand, offers a mixture of nature and authentic Italian lifestyle. This diversity also attracts many international buyers to the local property market. Luciano Zanini, master licence partner at VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza, knows the city and the surrounding region down to the micro-locations, has an excellent local network and is familiar with the preferences of international clients.

Mr. Zanini, what makes the property market in Vicenza so attractive?

LUCIANO ZANINI
Vicenza is a particularly attractive destination for international buyers due to its high quality of life, central location, scenic beauty, and economic stability. The city is located in one of the most dynamic and prosperous regions of northern Italy and boasts an excellent healthcare system, good infrastructure, and an elevated level of safety. With three nearby airports – Venice, Treviso, and Verona – the region is extremely well connected, and Venice and Verona can be reached in less than an hour, as well as the Adriatic Sea, Lake Garda, and various ski resorts. Vicenza is therefore the ideal place for anyone looking for an active lifestyle or relaxation in the midst of nature. These factors, combined with a property market offering favourable prices and solid rental yields, make Vicenza an increasingly popular choice among international investors.

Interesting – how strongly do international buyers influence the regional real estate market – and where do most inquiries come from?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The presence of international buyers is steady and growing, even if it still represents a niche market compared to the total transaction volume. Currently, approximately 2.6 percent of international purchase inquiries in the Veneto region relate to Vicenza. This is a smaller share compared to more touristy regions such as Venice or Verona, but still significant in terms of the quality of demand. At the regional level, however, around 25 percent of transactions are conducted by international buyers. Americans are the most strongly represented – particularly due to the presence of the NATO bases Ederle and Del Din – followed by Germans, British, Austrians, and Dutch.

Where do international buyers prefer to buy – and which locations are still considered insider tips?

LUCIANO ZANINI
More and more customers – especially from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands – are interested in the mountain regions of the province of Vicenza. They are looking for authentic places surrounded by nature and a slower pace of life. An insider tip here are the small mountain villages in the Berici Hills, such as Villaga, Barbarano Mossano, Orgiano, Alonte, San Germano dei Berici, and Val Liona. Buyers will find traditional stone houses, restored farms, and historic villas surrounded by vineyards that rival the Tuscan countryside – but at much more affordable prices and in a quieter atmosphere.
The pre-Alpine areas, such as Recoaro Terme, Valli del Pasubio, and Posina, are especially appreciated by nature lovers and hikers. Properties can be found there at comparatively low prices, offering excellent potential for long-term appreciation. Those interested in a property in the countryside but still looking for proximity to Vicenza will find what they are looking for in Bertesina, Monteviale, or Costozza.

What specific wishes does the international clientele have? Are certain types of real estate particularly popular?

LUCIANO ZANINI
American families, who are often connected to nearby NATO bases, generally look for single-family homes with at least three bedrooms, a garden, and a garage. Privacy, security, and spacious living areas are their top priorities. Younger buyers and couples, on the other hand, prefer modern apartments close to the city centre with good infrastructure, air conditioning, and fitted kitchens. Buyers from Germany, Austria, and the Netherlands tend to prefer classic stone houses or country villas in the mountainous regions of Vicenza – ideally already renovated or requiring only minor renovations. There is also a segment of international buyers with higher purchasing power who are particularly interested in historic or prestigious properties, such as Palladian villas or apartments in historic palazzi in the city centre or scenic surroundings. These customers often view such properties not only as a home or vacation residence, but as a long-term investment with cultural and architectural significance.

How much attention do buyers in your region pay to the energy efficiency of buildings? Do you see an increasing demand?

LUCIANO ZANINI
We do not see any increase in demand for energy-efficient properties among international buyers, as this is generally not necessary due to the high number of sunny days and cheaper electricity. As already mentioned, many prospective buyers are looking for stone houses and historic villas typical of the region. However, these properties are often subject to monument and landscape protection regulations, which severely limits the possibilities for energy-efficient modernisation – especially when the measures affect the exterior facade.
Nevertheless, the issue of sustainability has not disappeared. Many international buyers pay attention to efficiency-improving measures such as underfloor heating, high-performance windows, or discreet photovoltaic systems. However, the real priority remains the search for a property that combines the character, history, and architectural beauty of the region.

What cultural differences should international buyers be prepared for during the negotiation process?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The most significant difference concerns the perception of time. In Italy, the passage of time can feel slower and more complex than in other European countries. Gathering documents, legal review and notarisation often take several weeks. It is important to be patient and understand that the system – even if it is slower – it is designed to protect both parties. The negotiating style is also different. In Veneto, as in most of Italy, negotiations are softer and more personal than in other markets. Sellers often have a strong emotional attachment to the property and will not accept every price reduction. Respect, diplomacy and mediation are key here.
In this context, the real estate agent plays a crucial role – not only as a mediator, but also as an expert who bridges cultural differences, facilitates communication between the parties and guides the buyer through all stages of the process. A knowledgeable, well-connected agent can make all the difference by preventing misunderstandings and finding solutions tailored to the needs of international clients.

How do you support prospective buyers on their path to home ownership? Do you offer additional services specifically for international customers?

LUCIANO ZANINI
Our goal at VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza is to ensure a smooth, transparent buying experience. We make sure that every international client feels fully represented, well protected and welcome. We understand their expectations, as well as the challenges they may encounter when purchasing a property in Italy. We provide support at every stage: from selecting the right property to checking the legal and planning compliance of the property. We also offer comprehensive language support by translating documents and facilitating communication between the parties. We have excellent contacts with notaries and legal advisors who specialise in international transactions and support us in handling complex matters such as purchases by proxy, remote signatures, or residence permit formalities. In addition, we help with obtaining an Italian tax number, opening a local bank account, setting up utilities and finding building contractors or architects.

Which experience with an international buyer has particularly stuck in your mind?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The most memorable experience of my real estate career so far began with an email from the other side of the world. A couple from Australia was looking for an apartment in Vicenza. We arranged a video call to get to know each other better. During the call, I gave them a virtual tour of their desired apartment. It felt as if I were showing them around the property in person – even though we were thousands of kilometres apart. It was precisely this approach that made the difference: they felt understood and decided to continue the negotiations remotely without ever having seen the property in person. Two months later, they boarded a plane and saw the apartment for the first time in real life. It was exactly as they had imagined it. Today, the couple lives mainly in Vicenza and has become part of our closest circle of friends. It is more than just a story about real estate – it is a story about genuine trust.

Dear Mr. Zanini, thank you very much for the interesting conversation.

Further information about the team around Luciano Zanini from VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza as well as the current property offers on site, contact details and much more can be found at https://www.von-poll.com/en/real-estate-agent/vicenza