The timeless charm of the Historic Centre of Milan, particularly in the areas of Sant'Ambrogio, Cadorna and Via Dante, continues to attract those wishing to live or invest in the beating heart of the Milanese metropolis. Marked by extraordinary monumental richness, an excellent transport network (including the M1 and M2 metro lines and Cadorna railway station) and a lively cultural and retail offering, this area is one of the most sought-after and exclusive residential districts in Italy.
For anyone considering buying or renting a property in this prestigious area, working from reliable benchmarks is essential. In this article we analyse in detail the official market values based on the OMI database (Property Market Observatory) of the Italian Revenue Agency, for the second half of 2025.
Buying in the Historic Centre of Milan: prices per square metre
Buying a residential property or a garage in this central area is a patrimonial investment of the highest order. Values vary significantly according to the state of repair of the property, showing strong appreciation for renovated properties or those recently classified as being in excellent condition.
Here are the official average values per square metre for purchase:
| Type | Sale €/sqm |
|---|---|
| Civil dwellingsExcellent condition | 9,500 – 14,000 |
| Civil dwellingsNormal condition | 7,000 – 9,400 |
| GaragesNormal condition | 3,700 – 5,500 |
These figures confirm the solidity of Milanese bricks and mortar in the central area, where demand consistently outstrips available supply.
Renting in the Historic Centre: monthly rents compared
The rental market in the Sant'Ambrogio, Cadorna and Via Dante area is equally dynamic, sustained by professionals, academics (given the proximity of the Università Cattolica) and lovers of Milanese urban life.
The monthly rents per square metre, officially set by the Italian Revenue Agency for the second half of 2025, are summarised in the following table:
| Type | Rent €/sqm month |
|---|---|
| Civil dwellingsExcellent condition | 28.6 – 38 |
| Civil dwellingsNormal condition | 22 – 28.5 |
| GaragesNormal condition | 15 – 23 |
A practical example of monthly rent calculation
To better understand the impact of these figures on a monthly budget, here are two practical calculations based on the minimum and maximum values in the table:
60 sqm apartment in excellent condition. Minimum monthly rent: 60 sqm × €28.6/sqm = €1,716 a month; maximum monthly rent: 60 sqm × €38.0/sqm = €2,280 a month. Estimated spending range: between €1,716 and €2,280 a month.
80 sqm apartment in normal condition. Minimum monthly rent: 80 sqm × €22.0/sqm = €1,760 a month; maximum monthly rent: 80 sqm × €28.5/sqm = €2,280 a month. Estimated spending range: between €1,760 and €2,280 a month.
Why invest in the Historic Centre of Milan?
Buying or renting in this central part of Milan is a winning strategic choice for three main reasons connected to the market data:
High resilience of patrimonial value: minimum sale prices, which do not fall below €7,000/sqm even for properties in normal condition, show how the Historic Centre is an excellent safe-haven asset capable of protecting capital from inflation and financial fluctuations.
Stable and competitive rental income: with rents reaching €38/sqm/month for properties in excellent condition, owners can count on regular, high cash flows, driven by the constant search for prestige rental apartments by a highly selected clientele.
The added value of a garage: a well-placed garage at purchase prices of between €3,700/sqm and €5,500/sqm, or lettable at up to €23/sqm/month, is an investment of very high profitability and an indispensable amenity that appreciably increases the appeal and overall value of the main home it belongs to.