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. This is according to an analysis by eXp Realty Italy, which examined the real estate market from January to December 2024, identifying the five regions with the highest price increases—all located in Northern Italy.
Northern Italy: tourism fuels the property market
Northern destinations continue to be the most attractive for investors, thanks to strong demand driven by both winter and cultural tourism.
- Trentino-Alto Adige remains the most expensive region in Italy and recorded the sharpest increase, with prices rising by 7%. The cost per square metre went from €3,057 in January to €3,285 in December. The region’s appeal is due to its high quality of life and internationally renowned ski resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio, Ortisei, and Selva di Val Gardena, attracting both Italian and foreign buyers.
- Veneto ranks second with a 7% increase (from €1,789/m² to €1,914/m²). Venice remains an exclusive market, while cities like Verona continue to grow thanks to their strategic location and steady flow of tourists and investors.
- Emilia-Romagna, Lombardy, and Valle d’Aosta all saw a 5% increase. Emilia-Romagna benefits from the appeal of cities such as Bologna and Rimini, as well as ski resorts in the Apennines. Lombardy, led by Milan, remains a secure investment hub. Valle d’Aosta follows the trend of other Alpine regions, with strong demand for second homes and properties for holiday rentals.
Central and Southern Italy: a more static market
Unlike the North, Central and Southern Italy show weaker performance, with some regions even seeing price declines.
- Basilicata recorded the worst performance of 2024, with a -1% decrease (from €1,177/m² to €1,163/m²). The low influx of tourists and high unemployment rate continue to hold back the property market.
- Sicily and Campania both registered minimal growth of 1%, with prices still far below the national average. While cities such as Palermo, Catania, and Naples retain a certain appeal, the market has not experienced significant momentum.
- Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany show signs of stagnation. Lazio saw no significant price changes (0%), while Umbria and Tuscany recorded a modest 1% increase. Even Florence, despite being a key player in the luxury property market, experienced only limited growth compared to previous years.
The exception of Molise
One of 2024’s surprises is Molise, the only region in the South to show robust growth, with a 4% increase. However, prices remain the lowest in Italy, standing at €929/m², making it an attractive option for those seeking low-cost investment opportunities.
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