Foreign Buyers in Italy: The Emerging Markets of 2025
In recent years, foreign interest in Italian real estate has remained strong. Yet, 2025 marks the beginning of a new phase. Alongside the traditional buyers from Germany, Sweden and Switzerland, a new wave of European purchasers is emerging — from Poland, the Czech Republic, Belgium and the Netherlands.
These buyers are drawn to a more authentic, sustainable and accessible Italy, while recognizing that the country still offers excellent investment opportunities compared to other European markets.
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General Trends and Market Data
According to the Patrigest 2025 Report, real estate transactions in Italy increased by 11.2% in the first half of the year compared to 2024, exceeding 172,000 completed sales.
The average price of homes in Italy’s ten major cities rose by 2.5%, showing a steady recovery in demand after previous years of stagnation.
Nationwide, the average selling price now stands at around €2,100 per square metre, up 2.7% year-on-year — still well below countries like France, where the average exceeds €3,200 per square metre.
The international component is becoming increasingly relevant: in 2024, over 12% of residential sales involved foreign buyers, a figure expected to grow further in 2025.
The high-end segment (properties above €1 million) has recorded particularly strong activity, with foreign investments up by around 44%, confirming Italy’s appeal for premium real estate in areas such as Tuscany, Lake Como and the Amalfi Coast.
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New Reasons Behind the Purchase
Owning a home in Italy is no longer just about having a holiday retreat.
Many foreign buyers now choose Italy in order to:
• relocate permanently, encouraged by remote working and lower living costs;
• start a hospitality business, such as a B&B or a short-term rental;
• find a cultural and climatic refuge in areas where quality of life, nature and authenticity meet.
Tuscany continues to stand out as one of the most desired regions: its hilltop villages, stone farmhouses and villas with panoramic views perfectly embody the idea of “living well” in an authentic environment.
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The New Growing Markets
• Poland and the Czech Republic: younger buyers, often professionals working remotely, attracted by farmhouses and country homes to renovate.
• Belgium and the Netherlands: prefer turnkey or contemporary design properties with energy efficiency, outdoor space and swimming pools.
• France and the United Kingdom: after a slowdown, these markets are once again turning to Italy as both a safe investment and a lifestyle choice.
These new buyers share a pragmatic approach: they look for functional homes, low maintenance costs and a balance between beauty and convenience.
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The Most Sought-After Areas
In Tuscany, the most requested areas among foreign buyers remain:
• Versilia and the Lucchese hills, for those who love the sea and peaceful landscapes;
• Val d’Orcia and Chianti, for those seeking the quintessential Tuscan countryside;
• Lucca and its surroundings, for buyers wishing to live year-round in an elegant, well-connected city.
Interest is also increasing in the hill towns a few kilometres from the coast, where prices are more accessible and the standard of living remains high.
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Practical and Legal Aspects
Many European buyers are unfamiliar with some key aspects of the Italian system, such as:
• the need to obtain a tax code (codice fiscale) and open an Italian bank account;
• the role of the notary, who guarantees the legality and security of the transaction;
• the difference between preliminary contract (compromesso) and final deed (rogito), or between habitability and occupancy certificates.
EU citizens can buy property in Italy under the same conditions as Italians, while non-EU citizens must comply with the principle of reciprocity.
For this reason, working with an agency experienced in international real estate remains essential for navigating procedures, documentation and regulations with confidence.
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LT Immobili and the International Vision
Over the years, LT Immobili has built solid relationships with clients from across Europe, combining professional expertise with a deep understanding of the Italian lifestyle and territory.
This international outlook, together with an attentive and transparent approach, allows the agency to guide each client through every step of the process with clarity and trust.
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Looking Ahead
The international real estate landscape confirms a clear trend: Italy remains one of Europe’s most desirable destinations, with demand that is now more conscious, sustainable and quality-driven.
In this evolution, Tuscany stands out not only as a holiday destination, but as a place to live, invest and rediscover balance between work, nature and everyday life.
A land that continues to attract those seeking not just a home, but a way of living.
