Italy’s coastal real estate market is experiencing significant growth and attracting both domestic and international buyers. From 2019 to 2023, sales of seaside properties in Italy increased by an average of 26.3%, with notable hotspots like Sardinia (+64.5%), Basilicata (+59.2%), Sicily (+34.7%), and Puglia (+30.3%) leading the surge. Likewise, there has been a considerable rise in property prices in coastal towns, exemplified by average prices in Portofino (€19,450/m²) and Porto Cervo (€19,375/m²), with top prices ranging as high as €25,500/m² and €27,000/m² respectively[2].
Much of this demand comes from foreign investors who are drawn by Italy’s lifestyle, natural beauty, and the potential for rental income. The most popular regions include Tuscany, Liguria, Sardinia, and Lombardy’s lake areas (Como and Garda), with growing interest in affordable southern regions like Apulia, Sicily, Calabria, and Basilicata. While the north still leads in transaction volume, the south and islands are steadily gaining momentum[3].
Smaller coastal towns in the south, such as in Calabria or around Scala, are riding the trend, with some areas seeing property values increasing by as much as 10.3% in early 2025. The market shows considerable optimism, particularly for affordable and picturesque locations suitable for both holiday homes and investment[1].
Despite the overall positive trend, the Italian property market as a whole saw modest to no growth in many inland and metropolitan areas in late 2024 and early 2025, with Molise standing out as one of the few regions with notable annual growth (+3.3%). However, coastal areas, particularly those targeted by lifestyle-driven buyers and foreign investors, remain robust and dynamic[4].