The 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are reshaping Italy’s real estate landscape. According to analysis from Gate-away.com, a portal dedicated to foreign buyers seeking Italian properties, international demand has surged substantially in the three Olympic host regions: Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto, and Lombardy.
These territories have experienced dramatically different dynamics over the first ten months of 2025 compared to the previous year. The increases reflect a convergence of factors: the Olympic effect, improved quality of life, renewed interest in Alpine locations, growing international tourism, and stronger desire among foreign buyers to spend extended periods in Italy, often with an eye toward purchasing a second home.
Trentino-Alto Adige Leads the Pack
Trentino-Alto Adige shows the strongest momentum over the past ten months, with growth of 57.26% compared to the same period in 2024. Bolzano has nearly doubled its inquiry volume at 97.7%, while Trento posted a solid 12.18% increase.
The most sought-after locations include traditionally Alpine areas that now attract buyers seeking nature, sports, and quality of life. Brenner accounts for 16.87% of total inquiries, followed by Senales at 11.9%, Tre Ville at 6.04%, and Riva del Garda at 4.44%.
American buyers drive much of this interest, representing 15.99% of total inquiries, up 50% from 2024. German and British buyers also feature prominently, with UK requests climbing 84.78% year-over-year. Apartments dominate at 55.42% of requests, up 30.52% from 2024, with average property values reaching 600,170 euros, signaling a robust market oriented toward quality properties.
Milan Returns to International Spotlight
Milan province growth stands at 7.1% over the past ten months, but the city itself surprises with a 12.28% increase compared to the same period in 2024.
The city continues attracting attention as a European hub for business, education, tourism, and mid-to-high-end investment. The 2026 Olympics have amplified this draw, with international visitors planning extended stays and evaluating property purchases as investments.
Americans lead in inquiries with a 56.67% increase, followed by Germans, whose requests jumped 80% from 2024. Foreign buyers already in Italy represent a growing trend, up 46.67%. Apartments capture 71.09% of preferences, rising 15.78% from 2024, while average property values rank among Italy’s highest at 1,436,443 euros.
Veneto Shows Steady Growth
Veneto demonstrates more moderate but still positive growth at 6.11%, with particularly notable performance in areas directly involved in the 2026 Games. Belluno province soars with a 15.84% increase from 2024, while Verona, which will host the Olympic closing ceremony and Paralympic ceremonies, marks a significant 11.18% gain. The most requested locations tell a clear story: Tambre, Cortina d’Ampezzo, and Belluno, with the latter posting exceptional 80% growth.
The United States again leads by country of origin at 20.51% of total inquiries and 60% growth from 2024, followed by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Average property values in Belluno province reach 862,047 euros, up 10.88% from the same period in 2024.
Long-Term Confidence in Northern Italy.
Gate-away.com’s analysis reveals how major international events, especially those tied to iconic territories, directly impact foreign investor interest. The 2026 Winter Olympics are increasing Alpine location appeal, generating new real estate opportunities in surrounding areas, driving demand for mid-to-high-end properties, boosting international visibility for Milan and Verona, and encouraging interest in second homes and income-generating investments.
“This interplay of factors is reshaping foreign demand priorities,” explains Gate-away.com co-founder Simone Rossi. “Northern Italy is experiencing significant attention from international buyers, not just in Olympic locations but also in neighboring provinces and Alpine areas generally. Foreign buyers perceive these territories as safe, well-connected, organized, and rich with opportunities beyond tourism, extending to real estate.”
This scenario confirms not only market strength but also growing capacity to attract sophisticated international buyers with substantial budgets and high expectations. What the data reveals is not fleeting interest but a signal of long-term confidence.
Source: realtor.com
