The new international dimension of the Italian property market

Article by Andrea Fortunato Toscano*

The Italian property market is attracting a growing number of foreign buyers. This is the finding of our analysis of residential property sales in five major Italian cities: Rome, Milan, Turin, Cagliari and Florence – all destinations already well known and appreciated abroad. In the first six months of 2025, we have in fact seen the number of homes sold to international clients double compared to the same period last year. While in the first half of 2024, foreign buyers accounted for 11.3% of total transactions, this figure has risen to 19.6% in 2025 – an increase of 8.3 percentage points.

It’s a clear signal: the Italian property market is becoming increasingly international. And it’s easy to see why. Italy offers a high quality of life, an unparalleled artistic and cultural heritage, and a lifestyle centred around personal wellbeing.

Moreover, the growing interest from foreign buyers shows that the trend is no longer limited to the luxury segment, but is extending to the mid-market as well. Those buying property in Italy today often do so with the intention of living there – especially in medium-to-large cities that can provide a wide range of services and better job opportunities.

This trend is also being supported by targeted tax incentives for foreigners who transfer their tax residence to Italy. Under this scheme, new residents can opt to pay a flat annual tax of €200,000 on income generated abroad, for up to 15 years from the first year in which the option becomes valid – making relocation particularly attractive, especially for high-net-worth individuals. It’s an added incentive for international buyers to consider Italy not just as a place to invest, but as a long-term home.

Italy’s property market is becoming more international by the day, with a diverse clientele mainly coming from countries within Europe – although demand from outside the continent is also on the rise. Over the past year, we have worked with clients from both EU and non-EU countries, including France, Austria, Albania, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, Argentina and Egypt. And demand remains strong, with no signs of slowing down.

This is certainly an opportunity that we, as industry professionals, must know how to seize. That means anticipating market dynamics, adapting quickly, and responding to new demands with expertise and foresight. In this context, it’s essential to develop new skills in order to provide services that are always up to date and meet the expectations of clients from all over the world.

Our goal must be to become a trusted point of reference for international buyers – guiding them through each step of the transaction, which is often more complex due to specific legal and tax aspects, and giving them the confidence that they are in the hands of experienced professionals.

To achieve this, strengthening language skills is key – so we can communicate clearly, explain complex technical concepts, and fully understand clients’ expectations and needs. At the same time, it’s important to be able to work within a network of specialised professionals – notaries, lawyers, accountants – who are equipped to handle international cases.

The market is changing – and so must our professional skills. Let’s not fall behind, but instead show that we are capable of providing services and solutions in line with the economic and social transformations that are reshaping our sector.

*This is a translation of an Italian article written by Andrea Fortunato Toscano. Based in Tuscany since 2003, Andrea graduated in Economics from the University of Rome Tor Vergata in 2006. After working as a Real Estate Agent in Milan and Sales Manager in Verona, he became National Area Manager in 2011. He is now General Manager of Gruppo Toscano S.p.A. and CEO of Toscano S.p.A. since 2020.