Milan – living in the city of fashion, design and finance
Milan combines world-famous landmarks such as the Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and the Castello Sforzesco with modern districts such as Porta Nuova and CityLife. As a real estate agent in Milan, we know the city’s apartment market in detail – from a period apartment in Brera to a loft on the Navigli or a new-build apartment with concierge in Porta Nuova.
Five metro lines – most recently the new M4 to Linate –, Milano Centrale station with high-speed trains to Rome and three airports make Milan ideal for people working in the city, for second-home buyers and for investors.
The apartment market in Milan – what you need to know
Apartments in Milan range from period palazzi in the centre and historic case di ringhiera to new builds in the districts currently being transformed. If you are buying an apartment here, you should keep an eye on different aspects depending on the area and the building.
- Condominium & service charges: Check the amount of the service charges (spese condominiali), the building regulations and the minutes of recent owners’ meetings – especially for any major works already approved (façade, roof, lift).
- Floor, lift & view: In Milan, the floor, a lift, natural light and the view have a strong impact on value – a top-floor apartment with a terrace in a period building is one of the most sought-after options.
- Energy rating: Check the energy performance certificate (APE) and the condition of the systems, windows and heating. In older buildings, renovation costs should be factored in realistically.
- Planning & cadastral compliance: Before signing the preliminary contract (compromesso), make sure the apartment matches the cadastral floor plan and building permits – especially after renovations or when units have been split.
- Location & transport: The distance to the nearest metro station is one of the key factors for value and resale – between a central district and the outskirts there are considerable differences in price and quality of life.
The most popular areas to buy an apartment in Milan
The VON POLL REAL ESTATE Milan team introduces the most sought-after neighbourhoods for buying an apartment – with a look at character, typical properties and target groups.
Centro Storico & Quadrilatero della Moda
Around the Duomo, the Galleria and the Quadrilatero between Via Montenapoleone, Via della Spiga and Via Sant’Andrea lie Milan’s most exclusive addresses. Buying here means historic palazzi with inner courtyards and La Scala just a few steps away.
- Character: The elegant historic heart of the city, with international boutiques, culture and fine dining on the doorstep.
- Typical apartments: Piano nobile floors in period palazzi, penthouses with terraces and grand residences.
- Price level: The city’s top segment, driven by the central location and the quality of the buildings.
- Amenities: Metro M1 and M3 at Duomo, M3 at Montenapoleone – everything within walking distance.
- Leisure: Teatro alla Scala, Museo del Novecento and Palazzo Reale just minutes away.
- Target group: International buyers, second-home buyers and investors.
- Highlight: Apartments on the quiet side streets of the Quadrilatero are particularly sought after.
Brera & Moscova
Cobbled streets, art galleries and cafés shape Brera around the Pinacoteca, Via Fiori Chiari and Corso Garibaldi. Neighbouring Moscova offers quieter residential streets just a short walk from Porta Nuova.
- Character: The artists’ quarter – charming and lively, with a village feel in the middle of the city.
- Typical apartments: Renovated period apartments, lofts and attic apartments with terraces.
- Price level: High, supported by limited supply and steady demand.
- Amenities: Metro M2 at Lanza and Moscova, M3 at Montenapoleone; shops and schools in the area.
- Leisure: Pinacoteca di Brera, the Orto Botanico and the bars and restaurants of Corso Garibaldi.
- Target group: Owner-occupiers, second-home buyers and buy-to-let investors.
- Highlight: Top-floor apartments overlooking the rooftops of Brera.
Magenta, Sant’Ambrogio & CityLife
Along Corso Magenta, with Santa Maria delle Grazie and Leonardo’s Last Supper, and around the Basilica di Sant’Ambrogio you will find elegant buildings from the early 20th century. Further west, CityLife with the Tre Torri and Parco CityLife offers new-build apartments.
- Character: Elegant and quiet, very popular with families.
- Typical apartments: Spacious Liberty-style apartments, family apartments and new builds with services in CityLife.
- Price level: Upper-mid to high, with stable demand.
- Amenities: Metro M1, M2 and M5, international schools and the Università Cattolica nearby.
- Leisure: Parco Sempione, Parco CityLife and the Cenacolo Vinciano.
- Target group: Families, owner-occupiers and international buyers.
- Highlight: Period apartments along Corso Magenta and Via Vincenzo Monti.
Porta Nuova & Isola
Around Piazza Gae Aulenti and the Bosco Verticale, Porta Nuova has become the modern face of Milan. Neighbouring Isola, with Via Borsieri and Via Pastrengo, combines renovated period buildings with bistros and design studios.
- Character: Modern, urban and international, with the city’s most recognisable skyline.
- Typical apartments: New builds with concierge, design apartments and renovated case di ringhiera in Isola.
- Price level: High in Porta Nuova, more accessible in the side streets of Isola.
- Amenities: Porta Garibaldi station and metro M2 and M5 – excellent connections across the city.
- Leisure: Biblioteca degli Alberi park, Corso Como and many restaurants.
- Target group: Professionals, expats and investors.
- Highlight: Upper-floor apartments with a view of the Bosco Verticale.
Navigli, Porta Ticinese & Porta Romana
Along the Naviglio Grande and around the Darsena, historic case di ringhiera sit alongside studios and bars. In Porta Romana, with the Fondazione Prada and the new district at Scalo di Porta Romana, further sought-after residential areas are emerging.
- Character: Lively, creative and changing, with life centred on the canals.
- Typical apartments: Apartments in case di ringhiera, lofts and new residential developments.
- Price level: Upper-mid, with good prospects in the areas under development.
- Amenities: Metro M2 at Porta Genova, M3 at Porta Romana and M4 at Vetra and De Amicis.
- Leisure: The Darsena, the Colonne di San Lorenzo, nightlife and the markets along the Naviglio Grande.
- Target group: Young buyers, investors and second-home buyers.
- Highlight: Apartments directly overlooking the Naviglio Grande.
Apartments for sale in Milan – your partner for the best locations
Our real estate experts will help you find an apartment in Milan that meets your needs. Whether you prefer a quiet property in one of the prime residential areas or would like to live close to the centre, we are confident that we can present a property from our selection that meets your individual needs and expectations. This of course also applies if you are drawn to the area around Milan.
Even if you cannot find a suitable apartment in our online offer: in a personal consultation we will be happy to discuss further options or, for example, tell you about an ongoing Secret Sale.
For you in the best locations – the VON POLL REAL ESTATE team will be happy to help you successfully buy an apartment in Milan.
Buying an apartment faster and more successfully
We want to help you make your search for a new home as targeted and efficient as possible. Many exclusive apartments are sold to registered buyers before they go online: create your search profile now and be the first to hear about new properties.
Your apartment purchase in Milan – with personal advice
Arrange a free initial consultation with the VON POLL REAL ESTATE Milan team at Corso Italia 1 – we will advise you on apartments, neighbourhoods and every step of the purchase, from the preliminary contract (compromesso) to the notarial deed (rogito).
