Prime Investment: Top 10 Regions in Italy for Expats to Buy Property in 2025
As 2024 draws to a close, Italy has solidified its position as a leading destination for international property buyers, witnessing a remarkable 30% surge in buyer interest by Q3. This growth, fueled by American demand and upcoming global events like the 2026 Winter Olympics, has pushed Italy’s real estate market ahead of traditional rivals such as Spain. For wealth managers and investors, this presents unparalleled opportunities to tap into Italy’s booming luxury real estate market in 2025.
Below, we explore the top 10 regions in Italy where international investors and expats are focusing their attention, along with a spotlight on the emerging star region, Trentino-South Tyrol.
1. Tuscany
Inquiry Share: 18%
Median Listing Price: €1,040,000
Hotspots: Florence, Lucca, Pisa, Forte dei Marmi
Tuscany remains the crown jewel of Italian real estate, captivating buyers with its rolling vineyards, historic towns, and high-end lifestyle opportunities. Florence and Siena boast UNESCO World Heritage status, while coastal retreats like Forte dei Marmi appeal to luxury seekers. The region’s diverse offerings include historic farmhouses, elegant villas, and countryside estates.
Key Appeal:
• Proximity to cultural landmarks.
• Thriving wine and gastronomy scenes.
• High investment potential for long-term gains.
2. Lombardy
Inquiry Share: 9%
Median Listing Price: €1,070,000
Hotspots: Milan, Lake Garda, Lake Como
Lombardy is a haven for those seeking both urban sophistication and serene lakeside living. Properties around Lake Como and Lake Garda offer unparalleled luxury, while Milan remains Italy’s business and fashion hub. The region is ideal for expats balancing work and leisure, with world-class golf courses and yachting facilities.
Key Appeal:
• Iconic lakefront properties.
• A mix of urban and countryside investments.
• Robust rental demand from international professionals.
3. Liguria
Inquiry Share: 6%
Median Listing Price: €920,000
Hotspots: Sanremo, Bordighera, Santa Margherita Ligure
Liguria, also known as the Italian Riviera, offers picturesque coastal living with historic charm. The region’s towns, from Sanremo to Portofino, are hotspots for expats and retirees seeking tranquility combined with upscale dining and leisure options.
Key Appeal:
• Strong tourism-driven rental income.
• Unique properties like cliffside villas.
• Renowned culinary and wine culture.
4. Piedmont
Inquiry Share: 4%
Median Listing Price: €1,070,000
Hotspots: Turin, Barolo, Verbania
Piedmont is climbing the ranks with its mix of luxury villas and traditional countryside homes. The region is famous for its vineyards, producing world-class wines like Barolo, and its cultural treasures in Turin. American buyers, in particular, are taking note, driven by the strong dollar and Piedmont’s affordability compared to Tuscany or Lombardy.
Key Appeal:
• UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes.
• Lower property prices compared to other regions.
• Easy access to France and Switzerland.
5. Veneto
Inquiry Share: 3.5%
Median Listing Price: €730,000
Hotspots: Venice, Cortina d’Ampezzo, Verona
Veneto combines historical cities like Venice with alpine retreats such as Cortina d’Ampezzo, a focal point of the 2026 Winter Olympics. This region offers a blend of cultural allure and outdoor activities, attracting buyers seeking diversity in their property portfolio.
Key Appeal:
• Olympic-driven real estate demand.
• Iconic Venetian and Palladian architecture.
• Affordable opportunities in smaller towns like Padua.
6. Apulia (Puglia)
Inquiry Share: 3.5%
Median Listing Price: €990,000
Hotspots: Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli
Apulia, located in Southern Italy, is a rising favorite for expats drawn to its dramatic coastlines, affordable luxury, and Mediterranean lifestyle. The region offers a rich blend of modern and traditional homes, often at a fraction of the cost of properties in northern Italy.
Key Appeal:
• Growing international interest in seaside towns.
• Opportunities for affordable investment with high rental yields.
• Diverse property options, from trulli houses to modern villas.
7. Umbria
Inquiry Share: 3%
Median Listing Price: €1,260,000
Hotspots: Lago Trasimeno, Assisi, Orvieto
Known as the “Green Heart of Italy,” Umbria attracts buyers seeking peace and seclusion. Its medieval villages and rolling hills offer a serene alternative to bustling Tuscany, with similar charm at a lower cost.
Key Appeal:
• High-end vineyard properties.
• Proximity to Rome and Florence.
• Emerging as a retirement haven for foreigners.
8. Sardinia
Inquiry Share: 3%
Median Listing Price: €1,115,000
Hotspots: Porto Cervo, Costa Smeralda
Sardinia, synonymous with luxury living, is home to some of Italy’s most prestigious properties. The Costa Smeralda, in particular, attracts elite buyers from around the world, offering pristine beaches and ultra-luxury estates.
Key Appeal:
• Glamorous, resort-style living.
• Strong international community.
• Year-round rental opportunities.
9. Sicily
Inquiry Share: 3%
Median Listing Price: €850,000
Hotspots: Palermo, Taormina, Cefalù
Sicily offers a rich cultural heritage alongside breathtaking coastal properties. The region is ideal for buyers looking for a mix of affordability and lifestyle, with charming towns, beautiful beaches, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Key Appeal:
• Affordable property prices.
• High tourism potential for vacation rentals.
• Unique blend of cultures and history.
10. Lazio
Inquiry Share: 2%
Median Listing Price: €1,000,000
Hotspots: Rome, Frascati, Anzio
Lazio, centered around Rome, offers a mix of historical significance and modern convenience. Buyers can find properties ranging from countryside villas to urban apartments, all within easy reach of Italy’s capital city.
Key Appeal:
• Central location with global connectivity.
• Ideal for expats working in Rome.
• Strong rental demand.
Emerging Star: Trentino-South Tyrol
Growth in Inquiries: 6x in 2024
Median Listing Price: €790,000
Hosting half of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Trentino-South Tyrol is experiencing explosive growth. Known for its ski resorts and alpine beauty, this region is becoming a hotspot for high-net-worth individuals seeking unique investment opportunities.
Conclusion
For wealth managers and property investors, Italy’s real estate market in 2025 offers diverse opportunities across regions. From the timeless appeal of Tuscany to the fast-rising potential of Trentino-South Tyrol, there’s something for every portfolio. Don’t miss the chance to invest in a market where lifestyle meets long-term growth.
A Tailored Investment Experience with Gadait International
Italy’s thriving real estate market presents unmatched opportunities for investors and expats in 2025. Whether you’re captivated by the elegance of Tuscany, the cosmopolitan charm of Lombardy, or the alpine allure of Trentino-South Tyrol, the diversity and potential for long-term growth are unparalleled.
At Gadait International, we specialize in providing bespoke property investment solutions tailored to your unique goals. Our team of experts offers personalized guidance, from identifying prime opportunities in Italy’s most sought-after regions to managing the entire acquisition process with discretion and professionalism.
Let us help you navigate this vibrant market and unlock the full potential of your real estate investments. Contact Gadait International today to begin your journey toward securing the ideal property in Italy’s flourishing market.
Your dream home or next strategic investment awaits.