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 also the capital of this region - enjoys a worldwide reputation as a place of art and culture. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is characterized by the impressive Renaissance buildings of the famous architect Andrea Palladio, imposing villas and historic palazzi. Vicenza is also home to renowned, exclusive fashion brands and is therefore ideal for extensive shopping trips. The surrounding area, on the other hand, 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, master license partner at VON POLL REAL ESTATE Vicenza, knows the city and the surrounding region down to the micro-locations, has excellent local connections and is aware of the preferences of the international clientele.

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

LUCIANO ZANINI
Vicenza is a particularly attractive destination for international buyers thanks to its high quality of life, geographical centrality, scenic beauty and 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 can also be reached in less than an hour, as can the Adriatic Sea, Lake Garda and various ski resorts. Vicenza is therefore the ideal place for anyone looking for an active lifestyle or to relax surrounded by nature.
These factors, combined with a real estate market that offers affordable prices and solid rental yields, make Vicenza an increasingly popular choice for international investors.

Interesting - how much do international buyers influence 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 represents a niche compared to the total volume of transactions. Currently, around 2.6 percent of international purchase inquiries in the Veneto region relate to Vicenza. A lower proportion compared to more touristy regions such as Venice or Verona, but still significant in terms of the quality of demand. At regional level, on the other hand, around 25 percent of transactions are carried out by international buyers.
Americans are 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 places 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 decelerated lifestyle. The small mountain villages in the Berici hills, such as Villaga, Barbarano Mossano, Orgiano, Alonte, San Germano dei Berici and Val Liona, are an insider tip. Buyers will find traditional stone houses, restored farmhouses and historic villas surrounded by vineyards that can compete with the Tuscan countryside - but at much lower prices and in a quieter atmosphere.
The foothills of the Alps, such as Recoaro Terme, Valli del Pasubio and Posina, are particularly popular with nature lovers and hikers. Properties can be found there at comparatively low prices and therefore offer excellent potential for long-term value appreciation. If you are interested in a property in the countryside but still want to be close to Vicenza, you will find what you are looking for in Bertesina, Monteviale or Costozza.

What specific requirements does the international clientele have? Are certain types of property particularly popular?

LUCIANO ZANINI
American families, who are often associated with the nearby NATO bases, are generally looking for detached houses with at least three bedrooms, a garden and a garage. Privacy, security and generous living space are their top priorities. Younger buyers and couples, on the other hand, prefer modern apartments close to the city center 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 mountain regions of Vicenza - ideally in a renovated state or with little need for refurbishment.
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 center or scenic surroundings. These customers often view such properties not just as a place to live or a vacation home, but as a long-term investment with cultural and architectural significance.

How much attention are buyers in your region now paying to the energy efficiency of buildings? Is demand increasing?

LUCIANO ZANINI
We are not seeing an increase in demand for energy-efficient properties from international buyers, as this is generally not necessary due to the many sunny days and cheaper electricity. As already mentioned, many potential buyers are looking for the stone houses and historic villas that are typical of the region. However, these properties are often subject to monument and landscape protection regulations, which severely limits the options for energy-efficient modernization - especially if the measures affect the exterior façade.
Nevertheless, the issue of sustainability has not disappeared. Many international buyers are looking for efficiency-improving measures such as underfloor heating, high-performance windows or discreet photovoltaic systems. However, the real priority remains finding a property that combines the character, history and architectural beauty of the region.

What cultural differences in the brokerage process should international buyers be aware of?

LUCIANO ZANINI
The most significant difference concerns the perception of time. In Italy, time can feel slower and more complex compared to other European countries. Gathering the documents, the legal review and the notarial closing often take several weeks. It's important to be patient and know that the system - although slower - is designed to protect both parties. The negotiation style is also different. In Veneto, as in much 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 do not accept every price reduction. Respect, diplomacy and mediation are the 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, well-connected agent can make all the difference by preventing misunderstandings and finding solutions tailored to the needs of the international clientele.

How do you support prospective buyers on the path to ownership? Do you offer additional services specifically for international clients?

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 face when buying a property in Italy. We assist at every stage: from selecting the right property to checking the legal and planning compliance of the property. We also provide 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 assist us in handling complex matters such as purchases by power of attorney, remote signatures or residence formalities. We also help with obtaining an Italian tax number, opening a local bank account, setting up utilities and arranging contractors or architects.

What experience with an international buyer do you particularly remember?

LUCIANO ZANINI
Probably the most memorable experience of my real estate career to date began with an email from the other side of the world. A couple from Australia were 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 a desired apartment. It felt like I was giving them a personal tour of the property - with thousands of kilometers between us. It was exactly 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 got on a plane and saw the apartment in real life for the first time. It was exactly as they had imagined it.
Today, the couple live mainly in Vicenza and are now some of our closest friends. It's more than just a story about real estate, it's a story about real trust.

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

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