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

INTERVIEW WITH LUCIANO ZANINI, PARTNER ATVONPOLLING REALESTATEAGENCYVICENZA.

Vicenza, located in the heart of Veneto and capital of the region, has a worldwide reputation as a center of art and culture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterized by the impressive Renaissance buildings, imposing villas and historic palaces of the famous architect Andrea Palladio. Vicenza is also home to renowned and exclusive fashion brands, making it ideal for extensive shopping sprees. The area in turn impresses with its mixture of nature and authentic Italian lifestyle. This diversity also attracts many international buyers to the local real estate market. Luciano Zanini, LicenseePartnerof VON POLL REAL ESTATE in Vicenza, knows the city and the surrounding region down to the smallest locations, is well connected locally and knows the preferences of the international clientele.

Mr. Zanini, what makes Vicenza's real estate market so attractive?

LUCIANO ZANINI
Vicenza is particularly attractive to international buyers due to its high quality of life, its central geographical location, its scenic beauty and its economic stability. The city is located in one of the most dynamic and prosperous regions of northern Italy and has an excellent healthcare system, good infrastructure and a high level of security. With three nearby airports - Venice, Treviso and Verona - the region is excellently connected, and Venice and Verona are less than an hour away, as are the Adriatic Sea, Lake Garda and various ski resorts. Vicenza is therefore the ideal location for anyone looking for an active lifestyle or a relaxing vacation surrounded by nature.
These factors, together with a real estate market that offers affordable prices and solid rental yields, are making Vicenza increasingly popular with international investors.

Interesting - how much influence do international buyers have on the regional real estate market - and where do most of the inquiries come from?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The presence of international buyers is constant and growing - even if it still only represents a niche in the overall volume of transactions. Currently, Vicenza accounts for around 2.6 percent of international purchase inquiries in the Veneto region. This is a lower proportion compared to more touristically exposed regions such as Venice or Verona, but still significant in terms of the quality of demand. At regional level, however, around 25% of transactions are carried out by international buyers.
The Americans are most strongly represented, particularly thanks to the NATO bases Ederle and Del Din, followed by the Germans, British, Austrians and Dutch.

Where do international buyers prefer to shop - and which places are still considered insider tips?

LUCIANO ZANINI
More and more buyers - especially from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands - are showing an interest in the mountain regions of the province of Vicenza. They are looking for authentic places surrounded by nature and a decelerated lifestyle. The small mountain villages of the Berici hills, such as Villaga, Barbarano Mossano, Orgiano, Alonte, San Germano dei Berici and Val Liona, are considered insider tips. Here you will find traditional stone houses, restored farmhouses and historic villas surrounded by vineyards that can compete with the Tuscan countryside - but at a much lower price and in a quieter setting.
Areas at the foot of the Alps, such as Recoaro Terme, Valli del Pasubio and Posina, are particularly popular with nature lovers and hikers. Properties there are available at relatively low prices and therefore offer excellent opportunities for long-term appreciation. If you want to buy a property in the countryside but still want to be close to Vicenza, you will find what you are looking for in the municipalities of Bertesina, Monteviale or Costozza.

What special needs do international customers have? Are certain types of property particularly popular?

LUCIANO ZANINI
American families, who are often tied to nearby NATO bases, are generally looking for single-family homes with at least three bedrooms, gardens and garages. Privacy, security and spacious living areas are top priorities. Younger buyers and couples, on the other hand, prefer modern homes close to the city center with good infrastructure, air conditioning and equipped kitchens. Buyers from Germany, Austria and the Netherlands prefer classic stone houses or country villas in the mountainous areas of Vicenza - ideally in renovated condition or with little need for renovation.
There is also a segment of international buyers with greater purchasing power who are particularly interested in historic or prestigious properties, such as Palladian villas or apartments in historic palazzi in the city center or in picturesque surroundings. These buyers often see such properties not just as a residence or vacation home, but as a long-term investment of cultural and architectural significance.

How much attention do buyers in your region pay to the energy efficiency of buildings? Is demand increasing?

LUCIANO ZANINI
We are not seeing an increase in demand from international buyers for energy-efficient properties, as there is generally no need for them due to the many hours of sunshine and cheaper electricity. As already mentioned, many potential buyers are looking for stone houses and historic villas that are typical of the region. However, these are often under monument and landscape protection, which severely restricts the scope for energy-efficient renovations - especially if the measures affect the exterior façade.
Nevertheless, the issue of sustainability has not disappeared. Many international buyers are looking for efficiency measures such as underfloor heating, high-performance windows or discreet photovoltaic systems. However, the real priority remains to find a property that combines the character, history and architectural beauty of the region.

What cultural differences do international buyers need to be aware of during the brokerage process?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The most important difference concerns the perception of time. In Italy, time is perceived as slower and more complex than in other European countries. Obtaining documents, legal checks and notarization often take several weeks. It is important to be patient and recognize that the system, although slower, is there to protect both parties. The negotiation style is also different. In Veneto, as in most other regions of Italy, negotiations tend to be softer and more personal than in other markets. Sellers often have a strong emotional attachment to the property and will not accept a discount. Respect, diplomacy and mediation are key here.
In this context, the real estate agent has a crucial role to play - 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 and well-connected agent can make all the difference by preventing misunderstandings and finding solutions tailored to the needs of an international clientele.

How do you support prospective buyers on their way to buying a property? Do you offer additional services specifically for international clients?

LUCIANO ZANINI
At VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza, our goal is to provide a seamless, transparent buying experience. We make sure that every international client feels fully represented, well protected and welcome. We understand their expectations and the challenges they may face when buying a property in Italy. We can assist you at every stage: from choosing the right property to checking the legal and planning compliance of the property. We also offer comprehensive linguistic support by translating documents and facilitating communication between the parties. We have excellent contacts with notaries and legal advisors who specialize in international transactions and can help us handle complex matters such as purchases by power of attorney, remote signatures or residence formalities. We can also help you obtain an Italian tax number, open a local bank account, set up utilities and act as an intermediary for contractors or architects.

What experiences with international buyers do you remember in particular?

LUCIANO ZANINI
Probably the most memorable experience in my real estate career so far started with an email from the other side of the world. An Australian couple 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 the apartment they were looking for. It felt like I was showing them around the apartment in person - even though we were thousands of kilometers apart. It was exactly this approach that made the difference: they felt understood and decided to continue the negotiations remotely without visiting the apartment in person. Two months later, they boarded a plane and saw the property in real life for the first time. It was exactly as they had imagined.
Today, the couple live mainly in Vicenza and are among our closest friends. It's more than a story about a property, it's a story of real trust.

Dear Mr. Zanini , thank you very much for this interesting interview.

For more information about the team around Luciano Zanini at VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza, the current real estate offer on the website, contact details and much more, please visit https://www.von-poll.com/de/immobilienmakler/vicenzaoldalon .