According to La Repubblica, which reported on 29 September 2026 on the findings of the European Residential Signals report, Italy’s luxury property market is showing continued growth. Between January and August 2026, transactions in the high-end segment accounted for a higher share of the market than during the same period in 2025, highlighting the continued strength of demand for premium Italian properties.
From Holiday Property to Italian Home
One of the most notable trends emerging from the analysis is the rapid evolution of international buyers’ preferences. Increasingly, foreign buyers are looking beyond second homes and holiday properties and are seeking homes in Italy where they can actually live and build their lives. The study also highlights another significant trend: purchasing a property in Italy often becomes the first step in a longer-term investment journey. After their initial purchase, many international buyers go on to acquire additional properties, whether in major Italian cities, around lakes and along the coast, or in the country’s mountain regions.
Building a Long-Term Connection with Italy
These trends, however, reflect a broader shift in the relationship between international buyers and the Italian property market. For many foreign buyers, purchasing a home in Italy is no longer simply about owning a holiday property or making a lifestyle investment. Instead, it can mark the beginning of a long-term connection with the country. Once they have established a first home in Italy, some buyers go on to expand their property holdings, purchasing additional homes in destinations that offer different lifestyles and investment opportunities. From city apartments and lakeside homes to coastal properties and mountain retreats, Italy’s diverse landscapes allow international buyers to build property portfolios that combine personal enjoyment with long-term investment potential.
The Policies and Trends Driving Demand
Several factors have helped support the growth of this market, including Italy’s flat tax regime for new residents, currently set at €300,000 per year, alongside international developments such as the reform of the UK’s non-dom regime, which have contributed to increasing Italy’s appeal among international buyers.
New Destinations, New Reasons to Buy
Geographically, international buyers’ preferences are also evolving rapidly. While Tuscany was the leading destination in 2025, interest in 2026 has increasingly shifted towards other areas, including Rome, Liguria, Sardinia and Lake Como. Demand is particularly strong among buyers from the United States, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany.
International buyers are not just investing in Italy: they are increasingly choosing to live here. The number of families looking to relocate to Italy is rising sharply, signalling a broader shift from purchasing an Italian property as an investment or second home to making Italy a long-term home.
So, what is changing in the market?
- Who is buying? The typical applicant is changing, with demand no longer coming mainly from investors and high-income individuals, but increasingly from families looking to establish a life in Italy.
- Why are they buying? The purpose of the purchase is shifting from investment properties, second homes and holiday homes towards relocation, with more international buyers looking for a home where they can live in Italy long term. They are also increasingly seeking ready to move in properties, allowing them to settle into their new home without the need for major renovation or lengthy works.
- Where are they buying? International demand is becoming increasingly dynamic and geographically diverse. The areas attracting buyers can change from year to year, with interest extending beyond traditional destinations to cities, coastal areas, lakes and mountain locations across Italy.
The Mortgage Opportunity for International Buyers in Italy
A mortgage can make buying a home in Italy more accessible to international buyers planning to relocate and make Italy their long term home. For buyers living abroad, understanding how Italian mortgage options work and what financing may be available based on their circumstances can be an important part of planning a successful property purchase.
Many international property buyers are still unaware that they may be eligible for a mortgage in Italy even if they live abroad. This makes it particularly important to understand the financing process and assess the available options with the support of experienced professionals. A specialised credit intermediary such as FIDEA – Top Italian Mortgage can guide international clients and Italians residing abroad through every step, from assessing their eligibility and identifying suitable financing solutions to preparing the necessary documentation and navigating the application process.