Foreign Real Estate Investments in Italy: 2024-2025 Outlook with a Focus on Puglia

Italy remains one of the most sought-after destinations for foreign investors, both private individuals and corporations. In 2024, foreign investment in Italian real estate surged significantly, and the trend is expected to continue into 2025. This article provides updated insights into the market and highlights Puglia as one of the country’s hottest regions for international buyers.

1. Private Buyers (Individuals)

In 2024, foreign buyers accounted for 9.5% of all residential property purchases in Italy, more than doubling their market share compared to 2019.

Price Range: Over 60% of requests were for properties under €250,000, with an average search budget of €423,000.

Property Type: Large homes (over 120 sqm), already restored or move-in ready, are the most sought-after.

Top Nationalities: Americans (29.9% of requests), followed by British (9.8%), Germans (9.6%), Canadians, and French.

Preferred Regions: Tuscany, Sicily, and Puglia lead the rankings, with growing interest in Calabria, Liguria, Lombardy, and other southern regions.

Overall, the private foreign buyer segment has grown by 74% in the past four years, marking a clear upward trajectory.

2. Business & Corporate Investments

The corporate segment—which includes office spaces, logistics, hospitality, and retail—reached a total value of €9.9 billion in 2024, a 66% increase compared to 2023.

Foreign Capital: Represented 62% of total corporate investments, confirming its dominance in the Italian market.

Hospitality Sector: Achieved its second-best performance ever, with €1.8 billion invested. French, American, and major international funds are leading players.

Top Asset Classes: Hospitality, rental housing (living), logistics, and, in select cities, prime office spaces.

3. Focus on Puglia (2024-2025)

Puglia has emerged as one of the top regions for foreign property investment, ranking fourth or fifth nationally with 8% of all foreign requests in 2024.

Demand Growth:

Bari: +63.5% increase in requests

Strong interest also in Brindisi, Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare

Main Buyers:

USA: 23% of total foreign interest (+350% YoY)

Germany: +250% growth

Canada, France, and UK are also significant players.

Americans have now become the largest foreign buyer group in Puglia.

Property Preferences and Prices

Preferred Properties: Renovated trulli, masserias (traditional farmhouses), historic townhouses, luxury villas, and new beachfront developments.

Average Prices (2024):

Historic homes in Ostuni, Monopoli, Polignano: starting from €200,000.

Luxury villas or renovated trulli: €400,000 to over €1 million.

Short-term vacation rentals remain highly profitable thanks to Puglia’s booming tourism sector.

🔮 Outlook for 2025

Rising Demand: Driven by international tourism, cultural and culinary appeal, and improving infrastructure.

Price Increases: Especially along the coast, notably in Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.

Limited New Construction: Combined with Puglia’s unique lifestyle and heritage, this scarcity will continue to attract private buyers and corporate investors alike.