If you are planning to live in Sardinia for more than just a holiday, securing long-term housing is going to be one of your first major challenges. The island’s stunning coastline and charming villages attract a lot of short-term visitors, which heavily influences the housing market.
Renting a Home: Not as Simple as It Seems
Renting long-term in Sardinia can be surprisingly tricky. The local rental market is heavily skewed towards short-term holiday lets, especially in the coastal areas. Many property owners prefer to rent out their homes to tourists during the high season, as they can make significantly more money in a few months than they would from a long-term lease.
Sometimes, you will find properties for rent only for some months in the winter, as many landlords want to rent them out in the summer to tourists. Be prepared to search for a long time to find the right fit, as often children and animals are not allowed.
If you’re determined to find a long-term rental, consider looking in less tourist-heavy areas or even further inland. Prices drop considerably, and landlords are more inclined to accept long-term tenants.
Useful Websites for Rentals
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Immobiliare.it – One of the largest property platforms in Italy. You can filter for long-term rentals and even search by region.
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Subito.it – More like the Italian Craigslist; you can find private listings here.
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Idealista.it – Popular across Europe, it lists both short-term and long-term rental options.
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Facebook Marketplace – Surprisingly useful for finding local listings. You may find landlords renting out properties directly without agency fees.
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Facebook Groups – Search for local groups dedicated to housing in Sardinia. Often, landlords post directly, bypassing agencies.
Buying Property: A Dream Worth Chasing?
If you’re thinking about putting down roots permanently, buying property in Sardinia could be a good option. The real estate market is diverse—you can find anything from rustic countryside homes to modern apartments in bustling cities. Prices are generally lower than in mainland Italy, but they do spike in tourist-heavy areas like Costa Smeralda.
Basic Information:
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Non-Italians can buy property without restrictions but getting mortgage can be difficult if not possible at all.
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Expect to pay around 10–15% of the property price in closing costs.
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It’s recommended to hire a local real estate agent (agente immobiliare) to help navigate the process.
Where to Search for Property
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Immobiliare.it – Also great for buying properties.
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Casa.it – Another solid choice with detailed listings.
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Gate-away.com – Tailored specifically for international buyers looking for homes in Italy.
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Subito.it – Offers both rental and for-sale listings; great for local private ads.
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Facebook Marketplace – Many private sellers list their properties here, sometimes bypassing agencies.
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Facebook Groups – Local community groups often have listings that aren’t posted on the major property sites.
Final Thoughts
Finding long-term housing in Sardinia requires patience and persistence. The competition with short-term rentals is real, and landlords may have specific conditions that aren’t always easy to meet. But with the right strategy—and a bit of local insight—you can definitely find your own little slice of paradise on this beautiful island.
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