Matera (Basilicata)

Matera is a city in the province of Matera, in the region of Basilicata, southern Italy. It is the capital of the province of Matera and was the capital of Basilicata from 1663 to 1806. The town lies in a small canyon carved out by the Gravina. Known as la Città Sotterranea ("the Underground City"), Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, having been inhabited since the 10th millennium BC. Its historical centre, "Sassi", along with the Park of the Rupestrian Churches, has been a World Heritage Site since 1993. On 17 October 2014, Matera was declared the Italian host of European Capital of Culture for 2019 together with the Bulgarian town of Plovdiv.
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Buy Your Dream Home in Matera & Province

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and European Capital of Culture 2019, is famous for its ancient cave dwellings — the Sassi — and its dramatic landscape. Choose from restored stone houses with panoramic terraces, apartments in historic palazzi, and countryside retreats with olive groves and vineyards.

Matera Real Estate Market Insights

  • Price spectrum: Premium for restored properties in the Sassi and panoramic homes overlooking the Gravina; better value in surrounding villages and countryside houses.
  • Buyer profiles: International investors, cultural lifestyle seekers, boutique hospitality entrepreneurs (B&Bs in Sassi), retirees, and artists inspired by Matera’s heritage.
  • Rental demand: Strong year-round due to tourism; high demand for short-term rentals in the Sassi and city center, boosted by Matera’s international reputation.
  • Connectivity: Bari Airport (BRI) about 1 hour away; road links to Puglia and Basilicata; train/bus connections to Bari, Taranto, and Naples.
  • Due diligence: Strict heritage regulations for Sassi properties, restoration permits required, cadastral checks, seismic safety verification, and notary/title checks.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Matera? Yes. Non-EU citizens can buy in Italy with a Codice Fiscale and a notary. I assist with the full process.

What are the extra costs? About 6-7% above the purchase price for taxes, notary, registration and agency fees; plus utilities, IMU/TARI, and restoration/heritage permits if required.

Is short-term renting allowed? Yes, especially in the Sassi, but subject to municipal rules and heritage authority permissions.

Where is the best value? Villages around Matera and countryside homes offer lower €/m² while still benefiting from proximity to the Sassi and tourist demand.

Interested in Matera Homes?

I help international buyers purchase in Matera and Basilicata: from unique cave houses to countryside retreats, with tailored property search, private tours, full due diligence, and expert legal support.


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