Buying or renting a home in the heart of Milan is the dream of many private individuals and a strategic goal for the most attentive property investors. The Historic Centre, extending around the historic Università Statale and the striking Colonne di San Lorenzo, is one of the most charming and lively districts in the city. Marked by extraordinary cultural richness, a dense transport network (including trams and the metro a few steps away) and a unique atmosphere blending the history of its monuments with student and professional life, this area has always held property appeal of the highest order.
To understand how the market is really performing in this élite district, we analyse the official data from the OMI database of the Italian Revenue Agency for the second half of 2025. These are official figures of fundamental importance for finding your bearings precisely in a purchase, sale or letting negotiation.
Buying: how much does a home or garage cost in the Historic Centre?
The sales market in this splendid central area of Milan shows solid values, reflecting the very high prestige of its urban setting. Prices per square metre vary appreciably according to the state of repair of the property, with a marked difference between civil dwellings in normal condition and those in excellent condition, not to mention the exclusive upmarket dwellings of the area.
Here are the official average values per square metre:
| Type | Sale €/sqm |
|---|---|
| Upmarket dwellingsExcellent condition | 9,700 – 12,500 |
| Upmarket dwellingsNormal condition | 7,100 – 9,700 |
| Civil dwellingsExcellent condition | 8,800 – 10,200 |
| Civil dwellingsNormal condition | 6,700 – 8,700 |
| GaragesNormal condition | 2,650 – 3,800 |
As can be seen, buying a renovated or prestige home in excellent condition in the heart of the Università Statale – San Lorenzo area requires a significant investment, but one that guarantees maximum stability of capital over time. Garages also hold high values, showing how precious parking space is in one of the most restricted-traffic and pedestrianised areas of Milan.
Renting: how monthly rents are performing
The strong presence of university students, academics, researchers and professionals makes the rental market in this area extremely dynamic and profitable.
Below is the summary table of monthly rents per square metre set by the Italian Revenue Agency:
| Type | Rent €/sqm month |
|---|---|
| Upmarket dwellingsExcellent condition | 33.1 – 41 |
| Upmarket dwellingsNormal condition | 24 – 33 |
| Civil dwellingsExcellent condition | 26.1 – 35 |
| Civil dwellingsNormal condition | 19 – 26 |
| GaragesNormal condition | 11 – 16.5 |
A Practical Example of Monthly Rent Calculation
To better understand the impact of these figures on a monthly budget, here are two simulations based on the values for civil dwellings:
60 sqm apartment in excellent condition: minimum rent 60 sqm x €26.1/sqm = €1,566/month; maximum rent 60 sqm x €35.0/sqm = €2,100/month. A prestige one-bedroom flat in this area therefore has a rental value of roughly between €1,566 and €2,100 a month.
80 sqm apartment in normal condition: minimum rent 80 sqm x €19.0/sqm = €1,520/month; maximum rent 80 sqm x €26.0/sqm = €2,080/month. A two-bedroom flat in standard condition sits in a rental band of between €1,520 and €2,080 a month.
Why invest in this area?
Cross-referencing the sale and rental data from the OMI database, three key reasons emerge as to why investing in the Università Statale – San Lorenzo quadrant is a winning choice:
Resilience and appreciation of capital: the Historic Centre of Milan knows no crisis. Demand to buy remains consistently higher than available supply, ensuring that a property maintains and increases its commercial value over time.
High and steady rental returns: thanks to the proximity of the Statale and the strong cultural appeal of San Lorenzo, the risk of vacancy is practically nil. Owners can benefit from high, continuous monthly rents, choosing between traditional lettings or short-term formulas for students and young workers.
The rarity that creates value (the garage factor): finding a parking space in central Milan is a daily challenge. Investing in a garage in this central band — with sale prices competitive compared with dwellings — offers an excellent percentage return and very easy future resale or letting.