When deciding where to buy a place in the sun, there are lots of different factors that can influence your choice: is it a safe neighbourhood? Are there schools nearby? Is the gym within walking distance? If you’re guided more by exclusivity and price, though, this is the article for you. Italy offers a plethora of exclusive and luxurious places to live, each with its own unique charm, amenities, and appeal. Let's talk a look at the most expensive and luxurious residential areas in Italy.
- Where do the rich live in Italy?
- Rome
- Venice
- Milan
- Mountain areas
- Tuscany
- Lake Como
Where do the rich live in Italy?
The wealthy in Italy tend to reside in several prominent areas renowned for their luxury amenities and high-quality lifestyle. Milan, as the financial and fashion capital, attracts affluent individuals to neighbourhoods like Brera and Porta Nuova for their upscale residences and thriving business environment. Rome's historic significance and cosmopolitan atmosphere make neighbourhoods such as Parioli and Prati popular among the rich, offering elegant homes and proximity to cultural attractions.
Florence's Renaissance beauty appeals to affluent residents in areas like Oltrarno and Piazza della Libertà. Additionally, the scenic beauty of Lake Como, the glamour of Portofino and Capri, the exclusive allure of Sardinia's Costa Smeralda, and the historic charm of Venice also draw in wealthy individuals seeking luxurious lifestyles in Italy's most prestigious locales.Here are some of the prominent locations where the rich often choose to live in Italy:
Rome
Luxury Roman villa
The historic and cultural significance of Rome, combined with its cosmopolitan atmosphere, makes it a magnet for the wealthy. Rome is the largest city in Italy, the city with the most history in the world, with the most life and charm. The richest neighbourhoods in Rome include Parioli, Prati, and Aventino and these areas are popular among affluent individuals and families for their elegant residences, proximity to cultural attractions, and prestigious schools.
A large percentage of interested buyers in the area are Italian citizens with the greatest demand being for historic buildings. Other popular criteria include modern accessories, a lift, parking spaces in the city centre and views of the rooftops of Rome. If you want to feel like a real Italian, this option is for you.
- See the most expensive houses for sale in Rome
Venice
The romantic allure and cultural richness of Venice make it an attractive destination for affluent individuals seeking historic charm and sophistication. Exclusive neighbourhoods like San Marco and Dorsoduro offer elegant residences and proximity to iconic landmarks.
The apartments in the classic Venetian properties with water views are especially sought after. Residential properties with high ceilings, lifts and rooftop terraces or balconies are in high demand. Figures show that 70% of the buyers here are from abroad; most of them are British, French or German nationals.
- See the most expensive houses for sale in Venice
Milan
idealista
As Italy's financial and fashion capital, Milan attracts affluent individuals drawn to its thriving business environment, upscale shopping districts like Via Montenapoleone, and exclusive residential areas such as Brera, Quadrilatero della Moda, and Porta Nuova.The most prestigious and expensive neighbourhoods are in the centre of the city, where property prices averaged at 10,301 euros/m2 in February 2024.
- See the most expensive houses for sale in Milan
Mountain areas
Lago Maggiore in northern Italy
Properties in and near ski resorts are also a costly pleasure due to the lack of land under construction and the high demand, but on the other hand, it’s always a good investment: homeowners have very good chances of renting houses here to numerous tourists. Therefore, in a prestigious ski resort such as Cortina d'Ampezzo, the average price per m2 currently stands at 11,021 euros/m2.
The Lake Maggiore District is one of the most expensive, with the proximity of Switzerland making its mark. It is a respectable and quiet place where there are villas belonging to many aristocratic names from all over Europe. A large proportion of the investors here buy homes in the area for this reason and because of the mild climate near the Alps, which protect the lake from the winds. Also in the vicinity are seaside towns, ski resorts and hot springs.
The city of Stresa has been for several centuries a favourite holiday destination of the European elite. In Stresa and on the islands of the Borromeo archipelago you can see magnificent ancient palaces, monasteries and gardens.
Tuscany
Villa in Forte de Marmi
Tuscany remains one of the most popular (and expensive) areas to buy a house in Italy among expats. Foreign investors are particularly attracted to the so-called 'golden triangle' of Florence, Siena and Volterra, where, as is well known, the most expensive properties in Italy are located.
The most prestigious places on the Tuscan coast are the resorts in the Versilia Viareggio, Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi area. The latter is one of the most comfortable places in the whole province, famous for its garden areas, restaurants, boutiques and discos.
Another competitor of Forte dei Marmi is the Monte Argentario cape, one of the most beautiful places in Tuscany. Recently, many foreigners have been choosing properties here and even move from Forte dei Marmi, as the cape is much cleaner and more beautiful. In Forte dei Marmi, the landscape is quite flat and the beaches plentiful, while in Monte Argentario the cliff faces drop right down to the sea, opening to small, picturesque bays.
- See the most expensive houses for sale in Tuscany
Lake Como
The Lago di Como, as it's known in Italian Der Lago di Como
Lake Como is often considered the most exclusive destination in Italy. Lake Como has long been a favoured destination for wealthy individuals seeking privacy, exclusivity, and unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and pristine waters. The region is dotted with opulent villas and estates, many of which have been owned by wealthy families for generations or purchased by celebrities and business tycoons seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.
These affluent residents enjoy the tranquillity of lakeside living, often indulging in leisurely boat rides, watersports, and dining at upscale restaurants along the shoreline. Additionally, Lake Como's proximity to Milan and other major cities in northern Italy provides convenient access to cultural attractions, international airports, and high-end shopping districts, further enhancing its appeal to the rich and famous.
- See the most expensive houses for sale on Lake Como
