The Bosco Verticale is hands down the most innovative residential complex ever built in Italy. Designed by none other than "starchitect" Stefano Boeri, these two towers are quite literally immersed in greenery—yes, actual trees growing on the balconies, not just a few decorative potted plants.
With over 100 apartments, each more stunning than the last, it's basically a dream for anyone who wants to live in a futuristic forest in the middle of Milan.
Now, as someone who has been working in Milan’s luxury real estate market for over 15 years, let me tell you a little secret: everybody wants an apartment in Bosco Verticale. It's one of the most requested locations, and why wouldn’t it be? It’s glamorous, eco-friendly, and has that unmistakable “I’ve made it” vibe.
Then, of course, there’s the moment of truth. Once people hear the actual prices and—brace yourself—the sky-high condominium fees, suddenly their enthusiasm shifts in an entirely different direction. It's almost like watching a magic trick, where dreams of a green oasis turn into... well, dreams of something slightly more budget-friendly.
That’s exactly why I decided to write this guide—to give you all the juicy details on what it really costs to buy or rent in Bosco Verticale, one of Milan’s most exclusive (and expensive) residential complexes. If you're curious to know whether this vertical forest is within reach or just another fantasy, keep reading.
How Much Does an Apartment in Bosco Verticale Cost?
If you've read any of my real estate guides before, you know I don’t beat around the bush. Let’s get straight to the point.
As of today, the Isola district commands between €8,000 and €10,000 per square meter for a new or well-maintained apartment. But if you're eyeing a place in Bosco Verticale, prepare to dig a little deeper into your pockets: prices range from €12,000 to €15,000 per square meter. And just to be crystal clear, the average asking price from recent listings? A staggering €15,594 per square meter. No, that’s not a typo.
Now, I hear you—€10,000 per square meter already sounds astronomical, but here’s the reality: Milan’s real estate market just keeps climbing. Check out the price trends for the Cenisio, Sarpi, and Isola area—it’s been on a steady rise since 2017[1].
But don’t lose all hope just yet! There are two glimmers of opportunity for prospective buyers:
- Some units in Bosco Verticale are still vacant or unsold (yes, really).
- The economic outlook isn’t exactly bright, which could (finally) push prices down, making this luxury forest in the sky a bit more affordable.
Ironically, the real dealbreaker here isn’t even the price of the apartments. The real financial black hole is the condo fees—currently sitting at a jaw-dropping €1,500+ per month. Yes, that’s per month.
Unlike the purchase price, which can fluctuate (and, dare I say, even decrease), condo fees? They only go up.
And why, you ask? Well, when you live in a literal vertical forest with over 1,000 plant species, maintaining that lush greenery isn’t exactly cheap. So, while your apartment value might be subject to market trends, your monthly expenses? Those are here to stay—and rise.
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Bosco Verticale: Renting
If you’re considering renting an apartment in Bosco Verticale instead of buying, well… let’s just say it’s an option. But is it a smart one? Not so much, in my opinion.
Here’s why: An 80-square-meter apartment in this leafy skyscraper will set you back over €3,500 per month in rent. And that’s before you even factor in condo fees, which add up to a casual €7,000 per year. Yep, that’s almost €600 a month just to keep the trees happy.
So, should you buy or rent? Well, that depends entirely on your long-term game plan. If you’re in it for the short haul and love the idea of living in a high-rise jungle for a while, go ahead—just be ready to pay a premium for the privilege.
But if you're thinking long-term, let’s be honest: with prices like these, buying starts to make a lot more sense. At least that way, your money goes into an asset rather than just disappearing into someone else’s pocket (or, in this case, into the maintenance of a very luxurious ecosystem).
Bosco Verticale: Fun Facts & Hidden Challenges
The Bosco Verticale isn’t just another luxury skyscraper—it’s a green marvel packed with fascinating stories. So, let’s dive into some of the coolest (and weirdest) facts about this vertical forest.
1. The Dubai Epiphany
Did you know that Stefano Boeri got the idea for Bosco Verticale during a trip to Dubai? It was 2007, and as he wandered through the city, he noticed that nearly every building was covered in glass, metal, and ceramic—all materials that reflect sunlight and create an unbearable heat island effect.
Boeri immediately thought: what if this heat could be put to good use? And that’s where the idea of a skyscraper wrapped in nature was born—an eco-friendly alternative that would naturally regulate temperature instead of amplifying it.
2. A Literal Forest in the Sky
Bosco Verticale isn’t just about a few decorative plants—it’s a full-fledged ecosystem. Here’s the breakdown:
- 🌿 15,000 perennials
- 🌳 5,000 shrubs
- 🌱 Over 1,000 different species of plants
To put things in perspective: the total green coverage here would normally occupy a 30,000-square-meter forest, yet it’s spread vertically across just 3,000 square meters.
And it’s not just for aesthetics—this greenery acts as a natural climate control system:
- In summer: Leaves filter sunlight, keeping apartments cooler.
- In winter: The vegetation provides insulation, keeping the interiors warm.
- Bonus: The lush environment has attracted over 1,600 butterflies and birds, making it an unexpected biodiversity hotspot.
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3. The Daredevil Gardeners
Maintaining this urban jungle isn’t exactly a DIY job for residents. Enter the Flying Gardeners—yes, that’s a real job title.
These fearless professionals are both gardeners and expert climbers, using alpinist techniques to prune the trees while hanging off a skyscraper. Just the thought of it gives me vertigo—I struggle to climb a step stool, let alone dangle from a high-rise.
4. High Costs, High-Tech Upkeep
While the Flying Gardeners are one reason for the sky-high condo fees, they’re not the only expense. Bosco Verticale has a centralized irrigation system, monitored 24/7 by specialists to ensure every plant gets the right amount of water. And let’s not forget the five-star services included in the condo fees:
- ✔ 24/7 security
- ✔ A communal event hall
- ✔ On-site maintenance staff
- ✔ A private gym & swimming pool
So yes, living here is stunningly beautiful—but also stunningly expensive.
5. Floating Skyscrapers?
Here’s an unexpected challenge: Bosco Verticale is built right next to Milan’s M2 and M5 metro lines. Normally, being close to the subway is a commuter’s dream, but for high-rise buildings, it’s usually a nightmare due to constant vibrations.
The solution? Special elastic materials were used in the foundation, allowing the towers to “float” and absorb vibrations from the metro, making them imperceptible to residents.
So next time you admire Bosco Verticale’s stunning greenery, just remember: this isn’t just a building—it’s a feat of engineering, a climate solution, and a playground for daredevil gardeners.
Elena Manzhos: Mother of two beautiful children, wife, and real estate agent for over 15 years. More than 20 years ago, I moved to Italy from Eastern Europe. I have always had a deep-seated passion for houses; as a child for the Barbie house, and now as a real estate professional, my love for luxurious properties is unwavering.
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