Florence

Historic Tobacco Factory Reborn as Modern Residential Oasis in Florence

By Columbus International,9 May 20249 May 2024

A new residential project called “Zenit” is coming to life in the area of the former Manifattura Tabacchi in Florence. Designed by the international architecture firm Quincoces Dragò & Partners, led by David Lopez and Fanny Bauer Grung, this project will transform the iconic entrance building of the Manifattura into 34 new residential units. Spanning an area of 4,800 square meters, with an additional 1,530 square meters of rooftop spaces, loggias and terraces, the project aims to preserve and enhance the original architecture, reinterpreting it in a contemporary and sustainable way.

The architects have chosen to preserve the characteristic features of the building, such as the imposing volumes, exposed reinforced concrete structures, and large windows, while introducing modern and comfortable elements. Most of the apartments will feature private loggias and terraces, with privileged views of the restored industrial complex, the historic center of Florence, and the surrounding hills. The completion of the Zenit project is scheduled for March 2026. The new residences are already available for purchase in the experiential marketing suite located on the ground floor of Building 4 of the Manifattura Tabacchi (information is also available on www.liveinmanifattura.com), and the partnership with Savills has been renewed for the commercialization of the residential units. Zenit takes shape in the two wings of the entrance building of the Manifattura Tabacchi, which formerly housed the management, offices, and lodgings of the old factory.

Built between 1936 and 1940, the distinctively curved building features a monumental portal decorated with original bas-reliefs by the sculptor Francesco Coccia. This historical heritage becomes an integral part of the project’s identity, even in its name: Zenit was one of the cigarette brands produced at the Manifattura Tabacchi. The ground-floor apartments will be developed over two levels, taking advantage of the exceptional height of the original spaces to create a new mezzanine level. The living areas will extend outwards into cozy covered gardens or private terraces. The first-floor residences, arranged on a single level, will feature spacious private panoramic outdoor areas on the rooftop, accessible from the living area via a spiral staircase.

Zenit will enjoy privileged views of landmarks of the Manifattura Tabacchi’s regeneration, such as the Chimney Courtyard and Piazza Emanuela Loi, destined to host extensive green areas and cultural activities, as well as the skyline of Florence, the cultivated fields of the Agricultural Institute, the Cascine park, and the verdant hills. Future residents of Zenit will have access to numerous exclusive amenities, including a fitness room, a workshop equipped for bicycle maintenance, a pet room dedicated to the care of domestic animals, and a furnished condominium rooftop of approximately 400 square meters. Zenit is a candidate for achieving the Breeam Excellent environmental certification. All apartments, rated Class A1 or higher, will be equipped with state-of-the-art technological systems and rainwater recovery and recycling systems. Zenit follows the launch in 2022 of Anilla and Puro (a total of 45 units), currently in the final stages of construction in Buildings 7 and 12 and designed by Patricia Urquiola and the Florentine studio q-bic, respectively.

This project is part of the ambitious redevelopment plan promoted by the real estate company of the Cassa Depositi e Prestiti Group and Aermont Capital, with the coordination of MTDM – Manifattura Tabacchi Development Management Srl, which envisions the recovery of the historic industrial area by 2026, transforming it into commercial and office spaces, cultural and educational facilities, residential areas, hospitality, and public green spaces, totaling approximately 110,000 square meters.

According to Michelangelo Giombini, CEO of MTDM, “Manifattura Tabacchi is progressively transforming into a new, vibrant neighborhood that will be a protagonist in the social and economic life of Florence. Zenit is an important step in this journey, as it perfectly represents the synthesis of tradition and avant-garde design, promoting a high-quality lifestyle while prioritizing environmental and people’s well-being. Our goal is to create a sustainable and scalable model of urban regeneration, demonstrating that it is possible to develop by repurposing historic architecture – in this case, the factory built by Pier Luigi Nervi in the 1930s – choosing to preserve rather than demolish, enhancing green spaces, and offering the community of residents, professionals, students, and tourists a stimulating environment from an architectural, cultural, and professional standpoint.”

David Lopez Quincoces and Fanny Bauer Grung stated, “The project of recovering and transforming the former industrial spaces of the Manifattura Tabacchi is the result of a careful balance between preserving existing historical elements and introducing contemporary features that are functional for its new intended use. The meticulous attention paid to preserving the original elements, creating new spaces, and integrating modern technology reflects a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to renovation and design. The traces of the industrial past integrate with the new residences, as if seeking a kinship, a connection with the place. The old factories become an integral part of the new residences, a symbol of continuity and belonging to the territory. The result is a delicate balance between contemporary elements and highly historicized elements, a prudent choice aware of the context’s complexities.”

Source: Il Sole 24 Ore
Images: The Florentine and Manifattura Tabacchi

Trump Ally Tom Barrack Exits Luxury Florence Real Estate Project

By Columbus International,3 May 2024

Billionaire real estate investor Tom Barrack, known as an advisor and major supporter of former President Donald Trump, is exiting a prime 18,000 square meter (193,750 sq ft) development in the heart of Florence, Italy after a decade of ownership before the site’s transformation into luxury residences could be completed.

Through his Colony Capital investment firm, Barrack in 2013 acquired the former headquarters of Cassa di Risparmio di Firenze bank on the prestigious Via Bufalini near the iconic Piazza Brunelleschi. Plans called for converting the historic property into upscale condos and apartments designed by the acclaimed Genius Loci architecture firm.

The Arab-American tycoon, a close friend of Trump for over 30 years who chaired the former president’s 2017 inaugural committee, was arrested in 2021 on charges of illegally lobbying on behalf of the United Arab Emirates. Barrack, whose other major deals included buying and flipping the luxury Costa Smeralda resort from the Aga Khan and Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch, is now selling the unfinished Florence renovation project. The buyer is an Italian real estate fund founded by Eugenio Radice Fossati.

While the sale price was not disclosed, the property’s coveted address between the Arno River and Florence’s iconic Duomo cathedral ensures it will command a top premium. The new owners aim to complete the upscale residential conversion at this crossroads of art, finance and la dolce vita in Tuscany’s Renaissance capital.

Source: Repubblica Firenze

Tuscan Real Estate Skyrockets: Florence Nears Jaw-Dropping €4,200/sq m Peak

By Columbus International,25 April 2024

The Tuscan real estate market experienced a lively quarter in 2024. According to data from Immobiliare.it Insights, home sales registered an increase of 1.4%, while rentals saw a surge of 4.3%. The average selling price in the region stands at €2,536 per square meter, while the average rental request is €15.3 per square meter. Despite the increase in rental prices, demand for purchases grew by 16.3%, a sign of a still lively interest in buying properties. However, the supply of homes for sale continues to accumulate, with an increase of 5.1%.

In Florence, with an average price of almost €4,200 per square meter, it confirms itself as the most expensive city in the region, with an increase of 0.8% in the first quarter of 2024. Rents reached an average of €22.6 per square meter, but demand for rental properties fell by 6.6%, with a 2% drop in supply. Demand for purchases, on the other hand, grew by 14.2%, despite the stock of properties for sale continuing to increase (+7.9%). In the other provinces, the trend in home sales follows the regional one, with Carrara increasing by 2.6% and Massa Carrara decreasing by 5.6%.

Lucca exceeds €3,000 per square meter. Demand for homes for sale increased by double digits practically everywhere, with Prato standing out with a +41.7%. Supply follows the regional trend, with Siena (+18.2%) and Arezzo (+11.7%) registering the most significant accumulations. For rentals, despite rising prices, in many areas interest has cooled, such as in Carrara (-46%) and Pisa (-22%). However, demand remains high in Grosseto (+61%) and Massa (+53.3%). The supply of rental properties is homogeneous, with accumulations in Arezzo, Florence, Lucca, Pistoia and Prato.

Anticipating Three New Luxury Hotels in Florence

By Columbus International,17 April 2024

The timeless beauty of Florence continues to enchant tourists from around the world. But it’s not just visitors who are drawn to the Renaissance city; international hotel chains are also making their move, investing in buildings both in the historic center and in the surrounding neighborhoods.

According to Il Tirreno, three new luxury hotels will open their doors within a year, bringing an added touch of sophistication to the Tuscan city. One of these is the Anglo American Hotel Florence, located on Via Solferino and belonging to the renowned American Hilton group. The prestigious hotel opened its doors in early April, occupying a magnificent 19th-century palace. With a total of 118 rooms and suites, along with a charming inner courtyard, this historic structure has already hosted prominent figures such as Leo Tolstoy, Carla Fracci, Rudolf Nureyev, and Maria Callas. Among its amenities are a modern gym and two meeting rooms capable of accommodating up to 70 people.

Among the other hotels scheduled to open within the next two years is the former “Alla Querce” boarding school, located on Via della Piazzuola in the Cure area. With a usable area of over 13,000 square meters, this complex, composed of buildings dating back to the 16th century, will be transformed into a luxury hotel. The South African hotel group “Leeu Collection” has chosen this structure to host the first Italian branch of the L’Auberge Resorts Collection. The property will be managed by Dan Friedkin, owner of Roma FC, and will offer 61 rooms, 20 suites, and an exclusive 210-square-meter suite, for a total of 82 rooms. Among the services offered will be an outdoor pool, a wine tasting room, a spa, a fitness center, an art gallery, and a boutique, as well as outdoor spaces that include a vast garden spread over five levels with a restaurant, bar, and event areas.

Another structure undergoing redevelopment is the former Villa di Camerata, located on Viale Righi at the foot of Fiesole. This complex, owned by the State Property Agency, was sold between 2019 and 2020 and will soon reopen as the first Baccarat Hotel in Italy in 2025. With 5,400 square meters of building space, the property will host 75 rooms, a spa, two pools, a rooftop terrace, and various options for bars and restaurants. Finally, renovation work continues at the Hotel Palazzo Ricasoli on Via delle Mantellate, which will soon shine again as one of the gems of Florentine hospitality.

Florence: the heart of real estate investment still beats. Here’s what emerges from a Tecnocasa study

By Columbus International,1 April 20241 April 2024

The real estate market in Florence continues to attract investors, as revealed by a recent study conducted by Tecnocasa. In 2023, 23% of property purchases were made for investment purposes, a figure higher than the national average of 19.5%.

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However, Florence ranks below other Italian cities such as Verona, which boasts a significant 43.1%, followed by Naples (41.2%), Palermo (35.3%), and Milan (35%). The most active age groups in terms of real estate investments are those between 45 and 64 years old, representing 59.2% of the total, with an increasing average age compared to 2022. The two-room apartment remains the preferred housing type for investors, chosen by 38.5% of them, followed by the three-room apartment at 26.9%. The majority of buyers, accounting for 63%, are couples and families, while 37% are single individuals. The latter group has seen a significant increase in market share compared to the previous year, rising from 32.4% to 37%. 81.5% of investors purchase properties paying in cash, while only 18.5% opt for bank financing.

This percentage reflects a further decline compared to previous years, in line with the national trend, attributed by Tecnocasa to the progressive increase in interest rates, prompting investors to avoid bank loans. According to Tecnocasa, in the past year, there has been a further decrease in real estate purchases through mortgages, as the rise in interest rates has encouraged investors to prefer direct purchases without the assistance of financial institutions.

The LEGO Group and Percassi redefine Milan’s real estate space

By Columbus International,28 March 2024

The Italian real estate landscape is destined for a vigorous evolution, catalyzed by the strategic alliance between the LEGO Group and Percassi, poised to inaugurate their latest endeavor in the heart of Milan.

March 29 marks an unmissable moment with the opening of the 26th LEGO Certified Store, located at Via Dante 4, an enchanting oasis of creativity embraced by the vibrant city center. The inauguration will be anchored by an unprecedented event: facing the store, in Piazza Cordusio, stands a monumental LEGO egg, 4 meters tall and weighing 1,200 kg, a captivating installation destined to enchant passersby. Matteo Morandi, CEO of Percassi Retail, shares the enthusiasm for this adventure, emphasizing the importance of positioning this iconic store in the pulsating heart of Milan, renowned as “the new street of Milan”, destined to become a beacon of creativity for all LEGO enthusiasts. Rossana Mastrosimini, Channel Director LEGO Certified Stores West Europe, reinforces this enthusiasm, celebrating the expansion of LEGO’s presence in Italy and the continuous innovation in the retail concept.

The new flagship store skillfully combines digital and physical elements, offering an ‘immersive’ experience that will enchant both young and old alike. As Milan prepares to welcome this new entry into retail, attention on the real estate market remains lively, especially in the context of a 40% decline in mortgages. However, the luxury segment of the real estate shines as a beacon of stability amidst uncertainties, representing only a small fraction of the total market but significantly contributing to its overall value. According to the Observatory of the Luxury Real Estate Market in Italy 2023, Milan excels as the gravity center for the luxury segment, with a stock of over 6 billion euros, representing 13% of the national total. This data remains surprising considering the solidity and consistency of the sector, with 99% of the stock composed of apartments, reflecting constant demand and sustained growth.

This upward trend has not escaped the LEGO giant, which in 2022 has already made its triumphant entry into Florence, converting spaces previously occupied by the Disney store.

In collaboration with Percassi, this new LEGO emporium introduces unprecedented innovation: the “Mosaic Maker”. Customers now have the opportunity to create personalized portraits using only LEGO bricks, through a process that transforms a photo into a set of 4,500 pieces, making the memory tangible and unique. In a context of continuous transformation, the LEGO Group and Percassi emerge as small but great pioneers, redefining not only the retail landscape but also the real estate space, weaving an increasingly vibrant and creative urban fabric for future generations.

Image: LEGO Firenze

Rental opportunities on the rise. From Milan to Florence, it’s the perfect time to invest in Italy (Immobiliare.it)

By Columbus International,19 March 2024

The rental costs in the main Italian cities have become so high as to exclude both individuals and families with a single income. It’s interesting to note that it’s not Milan, but Florence, that emerges as the least accessible city for those seeking a two-room apartment for rent. And this makes it a great asset if you’re looking for a secure real estate investment.

According to insights from Immobiliare.it, the proptech company affiliated with Immobiliare.it, the average monthly amount a person would need to allocate for rent – ideally not exceeding 30% of their net income – has been compared with the actual average rent demanded for a two-room apartment in major urban centers. In Florence, for instance, the average monthly rent for a two-room apartment stands at 1,066 euros, yet the average budget available for a single individual barely surpasses 480 euros. Shockingly, only 0.5% of the two-room apartments listed in the market are affordable for solo renters. Following closely is Naples, where the average monthly rent climbs to 850 euros, but given the municipality’s average income, a single person can only afford around 415 euros for rent, less than half of the required amount. Consequently, the accessibility rate falls below 1%.

Milan boasts the highest rental rates among the cities under scrutiny, with rents exceeding 1,320 euros per month for a two-room apartment, while the budget available to a single individual, at 650 euros, falls significantly short. A similar situation unfolds in Venice, where despite an average monthly rent of approximately 880 euros, a single person can only afford 430 euros, less than half of the required sum. Moreover, while in Milan only 0.8% of the two-room apartments on offer are within reach for solo renters, the situation in Venice is even direr, with no affordable options available. Single individuals face challenging rental conditions in Bari and Bologna as well. In Bari, where the rent for a two-room apartment has surged by nearly 200 euros per month over the past year, reaching 800 euros, the average salary fails to meet the required amount, hovering around 430 euros. Meanwhile, in Bologna, the average rent stands at about 925 euros per month, exceeding what a person could realistically pay by 510 euros. In Rome, there’s a glaring disparity between the rent demanded by landlords and the budget available to renters, with a gap of over 70%. Landlords request an average monthly rent of 890 euros, while the budget of a single individual barely reaches 520 euros. Verona fares slightly better, with an average monthly rent of 770 euros, aligning closer to the budget of around 480 euros that a resident can allocate for rent. In the two major Sicilian cities, Palermo and Catania, the gap between the rent demanded by landlords and the budget of single renters hovers around 45%. In both cities, the monthly rent slightly exceeds 580 euros, while renters can only afford around 400 euros. In municipalities like Turin and Genoa, where the available budget for renting a two-room apartment closely matches the rent demanded, there’s a more balanced situation. In Turin, the average monthly rent slightly exceeds 600 euros, whereas a single individual can afford around 500 euros. Similarly, in Genoa, the gap between the average monthly rent of 550 euros and the personal resources of 450 euros is narrower. Notably, Genoa remains the city with the highest accessibility to two-room apartments for single renters, with 38% of the available stock.

Antonio Intini, Chief Business Development Officer of Immobiliare.it, commented: “The analysis reveals that the rental market in our major cities offers few sustainable options for those with a single income. In most cases, single individuals must allocate at least 50% more than the considered sustainable budget for rent, if not double. Considering the potential for further rent hikes, it’s imperative to reflect on the future of our main urban centers, which are becoming increasingly inaccessible to new generations, forcing them to seek housing solutions in the outskirts and potentially weakening the socio-economic fabric of the cities.”

Source: Monitor Immobiliare

La Lombardia è la regione con più transazioni in Italia

Rents Yield Like Never Before. Since 1998, Real Estate in Milan Appreciated by +130% (source: Tecnocasa Group)

By Columbus International,27 February 2024

Real estate investments are experiencing a steady increase, driven by stable returns that demonstrate gradual yet consistent growth over the years. The appreciation of property values has become a widespread trend, with double and triple-digit increases occurring in almost all regions over the past 25 years.

According to an analysis conducted by the Research Office of the Tecnocasa Group, in the first half of 2023, 19.6% of real estate transactions were made for investment purposes. This figure represents a slight increase compared to the same period the previous year, when the percentage was around 16.8%. Rising inflation is prompting more and more people to invest in bricks and mortar, traditionally considered an excellent form of investment.

The return of tourists has also contributed to revitalizing the real estate market, with an increase in purchases of properties intended for accommodation in both popular cities and tourist destinations. The analysis primarily focuses on the long-term rental market rather than seasonal rentals. The prospect of earning steady rental income induces greater caution among property owners, especially considering the current economic uncertainty and rising energy costs. However, annual rental yields remain attractive, with an average rate of around 5.2% for two-bedroom apartments of 65 square meters in major Italian cities. Among the metropolises, Genoa, Palermo, and Verona stand out for the highest yields, at 6.6%, 6.4%, and 6.3%, respectively.

Real estate investors are not only aiming for rental income but also for the growth in property value over time. In recent years, there has been a recovery in property prices, with a preference for areas characterized by the presence of universities, services, and urban redevelopment projects. Fabiana Megliola, head of the Research Office at Tecnocasa, emphasized that real estate investors are interested not only in rental returns but also and above all in the appreciation of the property value over time. Between 1998 and 2023, major Italian cities saw an average price increase of 46%. Milan recorded the highest appreciation, with an increase of 132.1%, followed by Naples with 72.1% and Florence with 71.2%.

Source: Sole24Ore

Skyrocketing Demand: Luxury Real Estate Surges 9% as Global Buyers Flock In

By Columbus International,5 February 2024

The transactions of luxury homes are experiencing a 9% increase, with demand surpassing supply, according to the report from the Gabetti Studies Office based on data from Santandrea Luxury Houses & Top Properties, specializing in the analysis of the prestigious real estate market. Foreign buyers represent 70%, while the remaining 30% are Italians. In most cases, the purchase is motivated by exclusive use, either as a primary residence or a second home. The average age of buyers ranges from 45 to 70 years for properties costing at least one million euros, and their maintenance can be costly. High floors and terraces are the most requested features, followed by parking spaces.

Milan stands out as the most expensive city, with prices averaging a 1.4% increase in 2023 compared to the previous year. In the Brera district, the average price per square meter exceeds 11,000 euros, while in the Quadrilatero, it stands at around 12,300 euros. In Rome, demand is increasing in the Prati and Salario-Trieste neighborhoods, with average prices for new/restructured properties around 6,000 euros per square meter. In the historic center, the average price per square meter exceeds 10,000 euros.

In Florence, the most expensive areas are central, such as the Lungarni, where a new/restructured residence costs an average of 6,200 euros per square meter. Genoa records price increases everywhere except in the Quarto/Quinto area. In Naples, prices remain essentially stable, and the number of transactions is slightly decreasing. In Turin, prices also remain stable, although the demand for purchases varies depending on the neighborhoods.

Source: Corriere della Sera

The Castles of Gaiole in Chianti and San Donato in Perano: Stories of History, Wine and Real Estate

By Columbus International,22 January 2024

Gaiole in Chianti, in the heart of the province of Siena, continues to be the stage for an epic narrative involving two castles steeped in history, noble houses, and winemaking traditions. While the Castle of Gaiole still seeks its guardian, another fortress, the Castle of San Donato in Perano, awaits a new chapter in its millennia-long story. San Donato in Perano is a fortress that speaks of centuries-old battles and nobility, of hills holding secrets between heaven and earth, and of wine flowing like vital blood through the history of Chianti. Despite its medieval charm, the fortress has failed to find buyers in past auctions, including the one in 2017.

Now, it prepares for a new sales attempt on April 8th, with a starting bid of 3.2 million euros. San Donato in Perano is not merely a testament of stone and history; it was the pulsating heart of Chianti Classico production. However, the crisis severely impacted the industrious agricultural estate of the Strozzi family, leading to the sale of its viticultural part, now owned by Frescobaldi. Despite the castle retaining its majesty amidst the gentle hills of Siena, the absence of its vineyards seems to have compromised its appeal in the eyes of investors.

The castle, with its vastness encompassing villas, residences, and chapels with ancient souls, seeks to allure distinguished buyers with a collection of precious furnishings and historical machinery. However, without its vineyards, the castle risks losing part of its allure, failing to engage those who seek not only history but also profitability. The future of San Donato in Perano hangs in limbo, and speculations about its transformation are diverse. Some dream of seeing it turned into an exclusive resort, while others hope for a patron who can enhance its history.

Enthusiasts of culture and historical heritage hold their breath, hoping that this castle does not become yet another forgotten beauty. While awaiting that spring auction, Chianti looks at its castles with a mix of nostalgia and hope. It is wished that someone can recognize in them not just real estate but true pieces of Italian history to preserve and cherish for future generations.