La Dolce Vita Beckons Overseas Buyers

Italy's second-home cachet is on the up, notable with high-net-worth individuals showing significant interest in the first quarter of this year. The shift to hybrid work models and a greater emphasis on health and wellness are proving key drivers of this trend, industry reports confirm. Coupled with Italy's attractive flat tax, these factors are drawing affluent international buyers and investors.

The surge in demand is focused on high-quality properties, with buyers increasingly open to various locations in their quest for the best amenities and features. Regions growing in popularity include Puglia, Perugia, Le Marche and Sicily. This trend is expected to broaden the appeal of better-connected areas, enhancing the quality of life for those looking to relocate or enjoy a hybrid living set-up.

In a fluctuating market, luxury property in Italy is increasingly being seen as a stable investment. The country's flat tax policy remains a significant draw for buyers, with a €100,000 tax for high-net-worth individuals and a 7% flat tax for foreign retirees in select southern municipalities. These incentives, along with Italy’s cultural heritage, arts, leisure activities, high-end services, exceptional quality of life, culinary excellence, and strategic location, make it an ideal destination for those looking to combine investment with a vibrant lifestyle.

Comments Abode2 Managing Editor Laura Henderson: "Italy offers an authentic lifestyle that holds long-term value in the global market. The focus on quality of life, neighbourhoods, and personalised services carries significant sway. Many foreign investors are also now seeking properties suitable for multi-generational living, which can also serve as principal homes or long-term investments."