Engel & Völkers
  • 4 min read

Is it better to buy a new home or one to renovate? Discover the ideal solution for you.

New home or home to renovate: which is really worth it?

casa nuova o ristrutturata

When deciding to buy a property, one of the first questions that comes to mind is whether it’s better to purchase a new home or one that needs renovation.
The answer depends on several factors, including budget, timing, personal needs, and investment goals.
In this article, we’ll examine the pros and cons of both options to help you make the right choice.

Table of Content

  1. New home: comfort and peace of mind

  2. Home to renovate: customization and potential savings

  3. What’s the best choice?

casa ristrutturata

New home: comfort and peace of mind

Buying a newly built home means moving into a modern, energy-efficient space that complies with the latest regulations.
All systems, fixtures, and finishes are brand new, and there are no unexpected costs for maintenance or upgrades.

Key Advantages

  • Energy savings and lower maintenance costs

  • No need for structural work

  • Builder’s warranty included

  • Faster move-in times

However, the price per square meter of newly built homes is generally higher, and they are often located in urban expansion areas, which tend to be less central than historic properties.

casa ristrutturata

Home to renovate: customization and potential savings

Buying a home in need of renovation can be a strategic choice, especially for those looking for a good deal or who want to personalize every detail of the property. Additionally, thanks to tax incentives for renovations, it’s possible to recover part of the investment.

Key Advantages

  • Generally lower purchase price

  • Greater room for negotiation

  • Possibility for full customization

  • Tax incentives (renovation bonus, eco-bonus)

On the other hand, renovating requires time, technical know-how, and careful budget management to avoid surprises.

  • Exclusive Penthouse with Large Terrace, and High-End Finishes
    New

    Conegliano, Veneto, Italy

    Exclusive Penthouse with Large Terrace, and High-End Finishes

    €395,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • 120 m² Total surface
  • Stunning detached villa with private park and panoramic views
    New

    Eupilio, Lombardy, Italy

    Stunning detached villa with private park and panoramic views

    €800,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 3 Bathrooms
    • 278 m² Living area
    • 3,000 m² Plot surface
  • Enchanting villa with pool and views of the Tuscan hills - a treasure of charm and tranquility

    Montopoli, Tuscany, Italy

    Enchanting villa with pool and views of the Tuscan hills - a treasure of charm and tranquility

    €1,480,000

    • 7 Bedrooms
    • 7 Bathrooms
    • 380 m² Living area
    • 20,000 m² Plot surface
  • Semi-detached house in Cantù, near Como
    New

    Cantù, Lombardy, Italy

    Semi-detached house in Cantù, near Como

    €640,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 4 Bathrooms
    • 240 m² Total surface
  • Exclusive beachfront villa in Marina center
    New

    Rimini, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Exclusive beachfront villa in Marina center

    €980,000

    • 2 Bedrooms
    • 3 Bathrooms
    • 170 m² Total surface
  • Stone farmhouse in Valconca
    New

    Montescudo-Monte Colombo, Emilia-Romagna, Italy

    Stone farmhouse in Valconca

    €490,000

    • 4 Bedrooms
    • 3 Bathrooms
    • 350 m² Total surface
    • 3,000 m² Plot surface
  • Elegant renovated apartment near San Pietro
    New

    Aurelio - Gregorio VII - Piccolomini - Baldo degli Ubaldi, Rome, Lazio, Italy

    Elegant renovated apartment near San Pietro

    €495,000

    • 2 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • 90 m² Total surface
  • Elegant two-level apartment
    New

    Santa Maria Novella, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

    Elegant two-level apartment

    €549,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • 181 m² Total surface
  • Portion of a multi-family villa in the Cinecittà-Est area
    New

    Torre Maura, Rome, Lazio, Italy

    Portion of a multi-family villa in the Cinecittà-Est area

    €890,000

    • 3 Bedrooms
    • 2 Bathrooms
    • 196 m² Total surface
See all properties

What’s the best choice?

If you're looking for a move-in ready, modern home with no hassle, new construction is the ideal solution. But if you want a property to invest in and make your own—and you're ready to oversee the work—a fixer-upper can be incredibly rewarding.

In conclusion, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question “Is it better to buy a new home or one to renovate?” Engel & Völkers is here to help you evaluate all your options and find the perfect home for your needs.

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