Lake Como is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination among international buyers in the prime property market. A growing number of overseas purchasers are looking beyond second homes and choosing a residence they can use for much of the year instead. This shift is reshaping the local market and confirms the area’s rising appeal within the global luxury property sector. The findings come from Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026, its annual report on global wealth trends and high-end property markets.
The wider picture
According to Tania Morabito, CEO of La Reale Domus – Knight Frank, buyers are mainly entrepreneurs, professionals, families and founders who have built substantial wealth and are seeking a balance of quality of life, privacy, services and international connections.
Lake Como’s strategic location also makes it particularly competitive. Its proximity to Milan, one of Europe’s principal economic and financial hubs, allows residents to combine an exclusive lifestyle with quick access to the business centre, international airports and Switzerland.
Against this backdrop, Lake Como is also benefiting from the growing pressure on the supply of high-end homes in Milan’s most sought-after areas. For many international buyers, the area now provides a setting with landmark properties, greater privacy, more space and a distinctive natural environment, while remaining close to Milan and its services.
Findings from Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026
According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2026, its annual analysis of global wealth trends and high-end property markets, Lake Como ranks 19th in the PIRI Index, or Prime International Residential Index. This ranking tracks changes in luxury home prices across leading international destinations.
In 2025, the Lake Como market recorded growth of 6.5% compared with the previous year, confirming the area’s strong pull and its place among leading residential destinations internationally.
Demand continues to be driven mainly by buyers from the United States, alongside those from northern European countries and a steadily growing presence from the Middle East.
At the same time, the market is gradually becoming less seasonal. Lake Como is increasingly seen as a place to live throughout the year, rather than solely during the summer months.
Among the most sought-after areas are Como’s historic centre, particularly valued for homes with lake views and proximity to local services, as well as well-established locations such as Cernobbio, Tremezzina and Menaggio.
The strength of demand is also reflected in local property values. In Como’s historic centre, average prices currently stand between €5,000 and €7,000 per m², with particularly exclusive properties reaching €12,000 per m².
Lakefront homes generally range between €10,000 and €30,000 per m². Prices vary for several reasons, including a property’s historical and architectural value, its location, the quality of its finishes and its distinguishing features.
Essential features
Buyers are primarily looking for privacy, panoramic views, generous outdoor space and turnkey homes, finished to high standards with energy efficiency and quality materials.
The most active segment of the market currently sits between €5 million and €10 million.
Historic villas remain the most coveted properties because of their rarity and their ability to hold their value over the long term. Alongside them, there is growing interest in contemporary residences that bring together design, sustainability and technology.
Future outlook
The outlook for the coming decade remains positive. Rather than expecting the market to become saturated, industry professionals anticipate increasingly selective, quality-led growth, supported by local characteristics that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.
The challenge will be to support this development through investment in infrastructure, mobility and services, while preserving the authenticity and identity that have made Lake Como one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.
“Lake Como continues to attract sophisticated international buyers who are not simply looking for a high-end property, but for a genuine way of life. The combination of scenic beauty, historical heritage, quality of supply and proximity to Europe’s main hubs is a competitive advantage that will continue to support market growth over the long term,” comments Tania Morabito, CEO of La Reale Domus, a Knight Frank partner.
