Most people have a dream city they would like to live in and, with remote or hybrid working becoming a reality for many workers, relocating has become a viable option. GetAgent looked at house searches around the world and came up with a top 20 most popular cities, naming the ranking "The Top Most Lusted After Capital Cities Around The Globe". Italy's Rome features, with high demand for residential real estate in the city.
The 20 cities with the highest demand for homes
Hamilton in Bermuda tops the list as the world's most sought-after location for house searches, with an impressive 94% score, thanks to its high number of average annual searches (486,000) and low number of available properties (only 32). The British island territory is located in the North Atlantic and Hamilton is a treasure trove for art lovers and foodies.
In second place overall is Seoul, South Korea, with a coveted score of 82%. The city is rich in culture, extraordinary gastronomic options, fantastic transport services and is a shopper's paradise. Munich is close behind as the third most coveted capital city in the world, with a score of 81%. With more than 50,000 searches per year on average for property in the city, it is clear that many people are interested in moving to the city, known to be a paradise for the rich and famous.
The most popular locations in Europe to buy property
Europe also features strongly in the ranking of the top 20 most popular cities to find a home according to GetAgent: in third place is Monaco, while San Marino comes in tenth. Rome occupies 17th place, just ahead of Berlin, Edinburgh and Athens.
Rising demand for residential real estate in Rome
When it comes demand for property for sale in Rome, Italy's capital city, things are looking up after the pandemic, with the real estate market in the city consolidating the recovery that began in 2020. In line with this, strong demand in the city is expected to fuel price increases in the residential real estate sector in what is left of 2022 and into 2023. This confirms the Italy real estate market outlook for 2022 and 2023.
Property for sale in Italy with gardens
Italy is known for its beautiful landscapes, and many properties for sale come with gardens of varying sizes and styles. These gardens can range from small courtyards to expansive estates with lush greenery, fruit trees, and even vineyards.
The 5 Italian regions with the fastest rising house prices
The trend in Italian house prices in 2024 and 2025 confirms a clear pattern: the North is driving growth, while Central and Southern Italy show more moderate expansion, with some regions even experiencing a decline.
Buying a home in Italy costs 16% more in 2025 compared to 2019
Buying a home in Italy is becoming increasingly expensive. Compared to 2019, the average cost of purchasing a property has risen by 16%. Milan remains the most expensive city per square metre, while Trieste has recorded the sharpest increases. According to a study conducted by the Centre for Training and Research on Consumer Issues (C.R.C.) in collaboration with Assoutenti, an average worker now needs 11.6 years of salary to buy a home, a clerk requires 9.7 years, while a manager needs only four
From London to Mussomeli for a 1 euro house: "I'll never have a mortgage again"
George Laing is a 30-year-old Englishman who took part in Italy's 1 euro house project by purchasing a property in Mussomeli, in the heart of Sicily. From there, a great adventure began, as he is carrying out the renovation himself, "watching videos on YouTube." This has gained him significant popularity on Instagram, to the point that he will soon appear on one of the UK's main television channels for a property-themed series.
Why one in four Italians wants to move house
According to the RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024, the lack of balconies and gardens, combined with rising energy costs, is fuelling housing dissatisfaction in Italy and across Europe. In line with the European average, 24% of Italians want to move home. Among them, 17% plan to relocate within a year, while 28% are considering moving abroad to improve their financial situation.
Cheap houses for sale in Italy by the sea
Waking up each morning to breathtaking views of the Italian coastline feels like a dream come true. Italy is home to some of the world's most stunning coastal landscapes, stretching from Liguria to Puglia and encompassing the spectacular islands of Sicily and Sardinia. Despite the current economic climate with rising house prices in 2025, now is still an excellent time to explore cheap seaside properties in Italy, with many hidden gems available. Given Italy’s vast coastline, it’s no surpris
The best mountain towns to live in Sicily
Sicily is not just about the sea and beaches: there are many mountain areas full of charm and tradition that offer a peaceful and authentic lifestyle. Living in the mountains in Sicily means enjoying breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and a slower pace of life, far from the chaos of the cities. Today we're taking a look at 5 of the villages to consider when looking for a home, along with their unique features. These are the best mountain towns to live in Sicily.