Etro Expands Luxury Brand Portfolio Into Southeast Asian Real Estate Market

Italian luxury fashion house Etro is strategically diversifying into the high-end real estate sector with its latest venture in Thailand’s premium property market. According to Monitor Immobiliare, the brand has announced “Etro Residences Phuket,” marking its entry into Southeast Asia’s luxury real estate landscape.

Strategic Brand Extension

This development represents Etro’s second branded residential project following “Etro Residences Istanbul,” indicating a calculated expansion of the company’s real estate portfolio. The Phuket project is being developed in partnership with Amal Development, a Thailand-based developer focused on sustainable luxury properties, with design expertise provided by The One Atelier, a firm specializing in branded real estate concepts.

The move aligns with a growing trend of luxury fashion houses extending their brand equity into complementary lifestyle sectors, creating additional revenue streams while reinforcing brand positioning in key high-net-worth markets.

Premium Positioning and Value Proposition

The residences will be situated within the Gardens of Eden, an upscale waterfront residential complex in Phuket. The property offerings range from three-bedroom residences to duplex units, with each space designed to embody Etro’s distinctive heritage, craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities.

Etro’s value proposition extends beyond the physical properties to include a comprehensive luxury lifestyle experience. Residents will have access to an extensive amenity package including private wellness retreats, spa facilities, holistic wellness programs, fitness facilities, and personalized concierge services—all consistent with the brand’s luxury positioning.

Executive Perspectives

Fabrizio Cardinali, CEO of Etro, frames the development as part of a broader expansion strategy, noting: “After the success of Etro Residences Istanbul, Etro Residences Phuket represents the continued expansion of the brand in the luxury real estate sector. This project is destined to establish a new standard in Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding luxury real estate market.”

This sentiment is echoed by Aleksandr Chuvalov, CEO of Amal Development, who highlights the market dynamics driving the project: “Thailand is an incredibly dynamic market, where consumer preferences are fueling demand for branded residences.”

Michele Galli, CEO of The One Atelier, positions the development as forward-looking: “Etro Residences Phuket represents a window to the future of luxury living. Branded real estate goes beyond aesthetics. It’s a fusion between hospitality, wellness and exclusivity that reflects the lifestyle of the world’s most demanding clients.”

Market Context

The branded residence segment has shown significant resilience and growth, even during global economic uncertainty. Projects that combine established luxury brands with premium real estate typically command price premiums of 20-30% compared to non-branded properties in the same markets, according to industry data.

For Etro, which has been undergoing a strategic repositioning since its acquisition by L Catterton in 2021, this real estate venture represents both a brand extension and potential revenue diversification at a time when luxury fashion houses are increasingly looking beyond their core product categories for sustainable growth.

The Thailand luxury property market has demonstrated particular strength post-pandemic, with increased interest from both regional and international investors seeking second homes with resort-like amenities in destinations known for natural beauty and favorable investment conditions.

Milan Real Estate Market Continues Upward Trajectory in 2025: Prices Reach €5,500 per Square Meter

Milan’s real estate market is demonstrating remarkable resilience and growth in 2025, with property prices continuing their upward trend to reach an average of €5,500 per square meter. This price point represents a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing transformation into one of Europe’s most sought-after property markets.

Sustained Growth in a Dynamic City

The continued price appreciation in Milan reflects the city’s enduring appeal as Italy’s financial and fashion capital. Despite global economic fluctuations, Milan has managed to maintain investor confidence through its strong economic fundamentals, cultural significance, and strategic importance in the European business landscape.

Real estate analysts attribute this sustained growth to several key factors, including limited housing supply in desirable central districts, ongoing urban regeneration projects, and Milan’s enhanced international profile following successful events like the 2026 Winter Olympics preparations.

Investment Trends Across Italy

Italians continue to view real estate as a solid investment vehicle. According to a study by Gruppo Tecnocasa’s research office, 19% of property purchases throughout Italy in 2024 were made specifically for investment purposes. While this figure represents a slight decrease from the previous year, it still indicates strong confidence in the “mattone” (brick) as a reliable asset class.

Within this national context, Milan remains a top destination for investment purchases, with 28.2% of all transactions in the city during 2024 classified as investment properties—homes purchased specifically to generate rental income. However, in the national ranking of investment-focused markets, Milan does not hold the top position. Naples leads the country with 39% of transactions being investment purchases, followed by Palermo (36%), Verona (32.2%), and Bari (30.5%).

Preferred Property Types and Investor Profiles

The two-bedroom apartment (bilocale) remains the most sought-after property type for investment purposes across Italy. In 2024, these units accounted for 32.5% of all investment purchases nationwide, followed by three-room apartments (trilocali) at 27.4%. Notably, there has been an increase in purchases of larger properties as well.

The typical real estate investor in Italy is someone who already owns their primary residence. The most active age group in this market segment is 45-54 years (27.7% of investors), followed by 35-44 years (22.6%) and 55-64 years (21.8%). Couples and families dominate the investment market, accounting for 72% of purchases, while singles represent less than 30%. Perhaps most significantly, 86% of investment property purchases are made in cash, without requiring mortgage financing.

District Variations and Investment Hotspots

While the €5,500 per square meter represents an average across the city, prices vary significantly between neighborhoods. Premium locations such as Brera, Porta Nuova, and the Quadrilatero della Moda command substantially higher prices, often exceeding €10,000 per square meter for luxury properties.

Meanwhile, emerging districts like NoLo (North of Loreto), Isola, and areas surrounding the Scalo Farini redevelopment project are experiencing the most dynamic price growth as they undergo gentrification and attract younger professionals and families.

Market Dynamics and Buyer Profiles

The buyer landscape in Milan has evolved notably in recent years. International investors continue to view the city as a safe haven for capital, while domestic buyers increasingly prioritize energy-efficient homes with outdoor spaces—a trend accelerated during the pandemic years that shows no signs of reversing.

The luxury segment remains particularly robust, with high-net-worth individuals from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia seeking trophy assets in Italy’s most cosmopolitan city. Simultaneously, the growing presence of international companies establishing or expanding their Italian headquarters in Milan has fueled demand in the premium rental market.

Future Outlook and Challenges

While the market continues to perform strongly, challenges loom on the horizon. Affordability concerns are mounting as local incomes struggle to keep pace with property price appreciation. This discrepancy has prompted discussions among city officials about potential measures to increase housing accessibility for Milan residents.

Additionally, interest rate policies at the European level could influence mortgage affordability and potentially moderate price growth in the coming years. However, most market observers expect Milan’s property prices to continue their upward trajectory, albeit potentially at a more moderate pace.

The city’s commitment to sustainability and smart urban development, exemplified by projects like MIND (Milano Innovation District) and the ongoing regeneration of former industrial areas, is expected to create new investment opportunities while addressing some of the supply constraints that have contributed to rising prices.

For investors and homebuyers alike, Milan’s real estate market in 2025 presents both opportunities and challenges, requiring careful consideration of location, property type, and long-term objectives in a city that continues to reinvent itself while honoring its historic character.

Source: Repubblica 

What We Loved About Milan’s Brera Design Week: The Standout Installations That Defined Luxury Innovation

In the competitive landscape of global design events, Milan’s Brera Design District once again demonstrated why it remains the premier destination for both established luxury brands and emerging creative talent. With 237 official events and numerous satellite presentations, as reported by Living Corriere, this year’s edition delivered exceptional return on investment for both participants and visitors seeking inspiration at the intersection of craftsmanship, technology, and luxury experience.

Strategic Brand Positioning Through Immersive Environments

The most successful luxury brands leveraged historic venues to create memorable brand experiences that transcended traditional product displays. Hermès exemplified this approach at La Pelota with an ethereal installation by Charlotte Macaux Perelman, the brand’s artistic co-director for home collections. The suspended luminous structures created a labyrinth effect, strategically positioning the French luxury house as an innovator in spatial design beyond its product offerings.

Gucci’s “Bamboo Encounters” at the 16th-century Cloisters of San Simpliciano demonstrated effective heritage marketing by connecting its iconic 1947 Bamboo bag to contemporary interpretations of the sustainable material. The exhibition, curated by 2050+, featured seven commissioned projects from diverse international designers including Anton Alvarez, Dima Srouji, and Nathalie Du Pasquier. This strategic integration of brand heritage with forward-looking sustainability narratives exemplifies luxury’s current balancing act between tradition and innovation.

Exclusivity Through Access: The Luxury of Limited Availability

According to Living Corriere, this year’s Design Week continued the tradition of providing access to typically restricted venues—a significant driver of exclusivity value in the experience economy. The Sant’Angelo Cloister, where Flexform presented Antonio Citterio’s outdoor collection, created perceived value through both product display and the privilege of accessing a normally private historic space.

Similarly, Australian luxury skincare brand Aēsop demonstrated market differentiation by creating a multisensory installation in the normally inaccessible sacristy of the Church of Carmine. The brand effectively extended its olfactory identity into spatial design, using its Eleos Aromatique hand balm as an architectural finish that emanated woody and herbaceous notes throughout the space.

Investment in Cultural Capital: The Es Devlin Effect

Perhaps the most significant investment in cultural programming came from Salone del Mobile with Es Devlin’s “Library of Light” installation in the Courtyard of Honor at the Pinacoteca di Brera. The 18-meter diameter circular structure, containing over 2,000 volumes on rotating luminous shelves, represents the type of large-scale cultural investment that generates substantial earned media and visitor engagement.

The installation’s sophisticated integration with the historic architecture—functioning as a sundial that illuminates previously unlit portions of the 17th-century courtyard—exemplifies how design week installations have evolved from simple product displays to complex cultural interventions with lasting impact. Living Corriere notes the installation will remain accessible until April 21, 2025, extending the event’s influence beyond the traditional design week calendar.

Market Expansion Through Strategic Showroom Launches

Tacchini’s first Milan showroom opening in Largo Treves 5 demonstrated effective market positioning, creating a residential atmosphere that blurred the line between retail and hospitality environments. The presence of design luminaries like Tobia Scarpa, who supervised the re-edition of his 1975 Africa chair, and Faye Toogood arranging cushions on her Butter sofa, added authentic narrative value to the brand experience.

This “home open to friends” concept signals a shift in how design brands are approaching physical retail in the post-pandemic marketplace—emphasizing personal connection and lifestyle integration over traditional product display.

The Bottom Line

The most successful presentations at this year’s Brera Design District shared a common approach: leveraging the distinct cultural capital of Milan’s historic spaces while creating forward-looking installations that position brands for future market relevance. As luxury continues to shift toward experience over acquisition, these strategic investments in cultural programming and immersive environments provide significant competitive advantage in an increasingly crowded global design marketplace.

Richard Tayar

Milan’s Design Revolution: Inside the 2025 Fuorisalone Phenomenon

Interested in investing in Milan real estate during this peak cultural moment? Contact Columbus International agents at info@columbusintl.com

As the world’s creative elite descends upon Milan this April, explore how the 63rd Design Week is transforming Italy’s fashion capital into a laboratory of innovation, creativity, and future-forward thinking.

When Milan’s Fuorisalone opens its doors from April 7-13, it won’t just be showcasing furniture and lighting. What was once primarily a trade show has evolved into a cultural juggernaut where the boundaries between design, art, technology, and entertainment dissolve completely.

The 2025 edition represents a pivotal moment in Milan Design Week’s evolution, with an unprecedented convergence of disciplines reshaping how we think about design’s role in society.

The New Power Players

The 2025 edition marks a significant shift as major cultural figures from outside traditional design circles take center stage. Academy Award-winning director Paolo Sorrentino transforms pavilions 22-24 at Salone del Mobile into a meditative installation titled La dolce attesa, challenging visitors to experience time differently in our hyper-accelerated world.

Meanwhile, legendary theatrical director Bob Wilson unveils Mother at Castello Sforzesco, a multimedia installation engaging with Michelangelo’s unfinished masterpiece. The piece, accompanied by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt’s minimalist compositions, exemplifies the cross-disciplinary approach defining this year’s event.

Market Impact: The Business of Design Week

With over 500,000 visitors expected and an estimated €370 million in economic impact for the city, Milan Design Week has become a powerhouse business opportunity. Major brands are investing record budgets into spectacular installations that double as sophisticated marketing vehicles.

This evolution reflects broader shifts in luxury marketing, where experiential activations increasingly outperform traditional advertising in connecting with next-generation consumers.

The Innovation Map: Navigating Milan’s Design Districts

Brera: The Experience Economy Epicenter

With over 300 events scheduled, Brera has emerged as the district commanding the highest square-foot premiums. British artist Es Devlin’s Library of Light at Pinacoteca di Brera demonstrates why: the immersive installation combines cutting-edge projection mapping with physical architecture, creating what will likely be the most photographed design moment of the week.

At Palazzo Moscova 18, digital artist Michela Picchi partners with Glo For Art on a technicolor installation that represents another crucial trend: the gamification of design exhibitions. Visitors don’t merely observe but interact through augmented reality elements that extend the experience into digital realms.

Tortona: The Commercial Innovation Hub

Once an industrial zone, Tortona has transformed into the commercial heart of Fuorisalone, where product launches dominate. Base Milano’s We Will Design program functions as an incubator for emerging talents, while Superstudio Più’s Superdesign Show offers a platform for 70 international designers focused on sustainable manufacturing techniques.

The district serves as an essential barometer for anyone in consumer-facing design businesses, showcasing tomorrow’s retail innovations today.

5Vie: Heritage Meets Disruption

In Milan’s historic center, 5Vie district curates a thoughtful dialogue between Italy’s artisanal traditions and technological innovation. This year’s focus on order and equilibrium manifests in unexpected venues like the INPS courtyard, where Angela Florio’s Metropolitan Jungle explores biophilic design principles.

For savvy collectors, the district offers treasure hunting opportunities in workshops like Laboratorio Paravicini, whose hand-decorated porcelain represents the kind of high-value artisanal investment that’s increasingly attracting wealth management attention.

Beyond the Center: The Innovation Frontier

The most experimental work appears in peripheral districts like Isola, where the Design is Human exhibition examines how emerging technologies are reshaping craft traditions. At Quartiere Stadera, a network of studio visits organized by Vicini di Strada association provides visitors rare access to next-generation creators before they achieve commercial recognition.

Nina Yashar’s influential Nilufar gallery stakes new territory in Via Lancetti with three exhibitions including Silver Lining, a forward-looking exploration of advanced metalworking techniques curated by architecture collective Fosbury Architecture.

The Business Intelligence Takeaway

For business leaders attending Milan Design Week, the key intelligence extends beyond aesthetic trends. The event functions as a laboratory for observing how physical experiences can be monetized in an increasingly digital marketplace, offering strategic insights applicable across sectors from retail to hospitality.

As boundaries between creative disciplines continue to blur, Milan Design Week isn’t just showcasing objects—it’s previewing how we’ll live, work, and interact in the coming decade. For forward-thinking executives, it’s become an essential field research opportunity into the mechanics of desire and attention in tomorrow’s experience economy.

Source: Corriere

Swiss Watchmaker Audemars Piguet Claims Prime Fifth Avenue Real Estate In Major Expansion

In a strategic move that signals confidence in luxury retail’s future, renowned Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has secured a prominent Manhattan location, taking over a corner space that had remained largely unchanged for half a century.

According to an exclusive report by the New York Post, Audemars Piguet has signed a lease for nearly 12,000 square feet at 785 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan’s upscale Lenox Hill neighborhood. The deal encompasses the entire corner site at East 60th Street, a space that previously housed a Citibank branch with notably narrow windows that failed to maximize the prime retail potential of the location.

“The retail space used to have narrow windows befitting a bank, which have since been expanded,” the Post reported, noting that these alterations required approval from the Landmarks Preservation Commission due to the property’s location in a historic district.

This high-profile lease effectively extends Fifth Avenue’s luxury shopping corridor a full block northward. The prestigious address, known as the Parc Cinq, counts Hollywood mogul David Geffen among its residents. The building’s co-op board, which controls the retail space, began marketing the site in late 2023 through brokerage firm Newmark.

Premium Positioning Comes With Premium Price

The financial commitment reflects the location’s prestige. According to sources cited by the Post, the asking rent for the two-level space was approximately $4.8 million annually, though the duration of the lease remains undisclosed.

John LaValley, founder of Sunday Development, the consulting firm that facilitated the redevelopment, told the Post that the project faced initial challenges, including “getting the board to invest in the changes before a tenant was found and to excite retailers over a ‘forgotten corner of Fifth Avenue’ a block north of the Dior and Apple stores at the GM Building.”

The co-op board ultimately selected Audemars Piguet because it “best matched the area and enhanced the story of the building,” LaValley explained to the Post.

Strategic Expansion In Luxury Markets

This new flagship location represents Audemars Piguet’s third Manhattan presence. The luxury watchmaker currently operates a sales boutique at 66 East 57th Street and maintains a service center in the Meatpacking District on Gansevoort Street.

The investment comes at a transformative time for Fifth Avenue. The iconic shopping destination is set to undergo a major redesign that will double the width of sidewalks between Bryant Park and Central Park, creating more pedestrian-friendly spaces that could further enhance the luxury shopping experience.

For Audemars Piguet, the move aligns with its global expansion strategy, which has included opening showcase venues in fashion capitals including Paris and Milan. By securing this prominent Fifth Avenue address, the Swiss watchmaker is positioning itself at the heart of one of the world’s most prestigious shopping destinations, reinforcing its status as a premier luxury brand committed to experiential retail in key global markets.

La Lombardia è la regione con più transazioni in Italia

Milan’s Architectural Renaissance: The Landmarks Reshaping the City for the 2026 Winter Olympics

From visionary designs by BIG and Renzo Piano to transformative urban developments at CityLife and Porta Romana, Milan’s skyline is evolving rapidly as the city prepares for its Olympic moment

Since hosting Expo 2015, Milan has embarked on an ambitious urban transformation journey that is fundamentally reshaping Italy’s business capital. These architectural and infrastructural developments follow a clear strategic vision: sustainable regeneration of existing urban spaces rather than expansion into undeveloped land—a choice driven by both spatial constraints and ethical considerations.

Milan’s metamorphosis spans multiple scales, from the revitalization of massive railway yards and former industrial zones to the careful renovation of historic buildings and iconic public spaces. The city is positioning itself as a global destination for excellence in services, culture, and sustainability, attracting world-class architectural talent to redefine its urban fabric.

This architectural renaissance has drawn an impressive roster of international designers including Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Renzo Piano, Snøhetta, and David Chipperfield. Their work is concentrated in key development zones like Scalo di Porta Romana, CityLife, Porta Nuova, and the historic center, with projects scheduled for completion by 2025 and in time for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

While the transformation promises to elevate Milan’s global profile, questions remain about whether this wave of development will benefit all segments of society or if market-driven priorities might leave certain communities behind as the city races toward its Olympic future.

From Medieval Castles to Fashion Palazzos: Luxury Gastronomy Reshapes Italian Real Estate

Columbus International, with its signature expertise in luxury real estate across New York, Miami, Milan and Tuscany, continues to witness how exceptional dining experiences are transforming historic properties into world-class destinations. Two recent developments highlight this trend that savvy real estate investors should note.

Castello di Fighine: A Medieval Marvel Reborn Through Gastronomy

In the heart of Tuscany’s Val d’Orcia, an extraordinary transformation has occurred. What began in 1266 as a fortress granted by Frederick II of Swabia to Tancredi Campiglia has evolved into one of Italy’s most exclusive gastronomic destinations.

The once-abandoned medieval hamlet of Fighine has been meticulously restored to offer 34 luxury accommodations spread across five elegantly designed villas, two apartments, and various historic structures including a consecrated 18th-century church. The conservative yet luxurious interior design by international designers David Mlinaric and Hugh Henry creates an atmosphere of authentic country elegance with functional luxury.

At the heart of this renaissance is the Michelin-starred restaurant Castello di Fighine. Under the guidance of three-starred chef Heinz Beck (of Rome’s La Pergola) and led by talented head chef Francesco Nunziata, the restaurant offers sophisticated tasting menus (€130 for 5 courses, €150 for 7 courses) featuring locally sourced ingredients, many from the property’s organic garden.

Dining here means experiencing culinary mastery within two-meter thick stone walls, where dishes like the “Cappelletti alla Genovese with balsamic vinegar and Parmigiano fondue” blend regional Italian influences with technical precision. The restaurant’s intimate setting, with well-spaced tables and views of the surrounding greenery, creates an atmosphere of protected exclusivity.

Louis Vuitton Brings Luxury Dining to Milan’s Fashion District

Meanwhile, in Milan’s prestigious Quadrilatero della Moda, luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is extending its brand into the culinary world with the opening of “DaV by Da Vittorio Louis Vuitton” this April. Located in Palazzo Taverna on Via Montenapoleone, the restaurant will be accessible from both the maison’s showroom and Via Bagutta.

This collaboration with the three-Michelin-starred Da Vittorio restaurant group marks Louis Vuitton’s first gastronomic venture in Italy, following successful dining establishments in France, Japan, China, and the United States. The Cerea family, owners of Da Vittorio, promise a blend of Italian culinary tradition with international creativity in a contemporary setting.

The restaurant will feature Louis Vuitton’s Art de la Table collections and design elements that blend the brand’s aesthetic with Italian cultural influences. While described as “casual dining,” this venture represents the growing intersection of high fashion and fine dining in premium real estate locations.

Columbus International: Pioneering Luxury at the Intersection of Real Estate and Lifestyle

For Columbus International’s discerning clients, these developments represent more than culinary news—they signal lucrative investment opportunities. Properties adjacent to such prestigious culinary destinations often see significant appreciation in value.

In Tuscany, Columbus International has long specialized in identifying and representing historic properties with restoration potential similar to Castello di Fighine. Our expertise in navigating Italian restoration regulations and sourcing authentic materials has helped numerous clients transform ancient structures into luxury accommodations.

In Milan, our team’s intimate knowledge of the fashion district allows us to identify properties with potential for luxury brand partnerships or high-end commercial conversions. The Louis Vuitton restaurant exemplifies how historic palazzos can be reimagined for contemporary luxury experiences while maintaining their architectural integrity.

Whether you’re seeking a Tuscan estate with culinary potential or a Milan property in proximity to luxury retail and dining experiences, Columbus International’s boutique approach ensures personalized guidance through every aspect of acquisition, restoration, and potential commercial partnerships.

As these two distinctive developments demonstrate, the intersection of historic properties and exceptional dining creates a uniquely compelling value proposition in luxury real estate—an area where Columbus International continues to lead with unparalleled expertise and vision.

Investing in Milan’s Premier Real Estate? Salt Bae’s Latest Venture Highlights City’s Growth

For expert guidance on Milan’s luxury real estate market, contact Columbus International Real Estate, with offices in Milan, Florence, New York, and Miami. Our team of multilingual specialists offers unparalleled insights into Milan’s investment landscape.

Salt Bae Signs Deal for Luxury Milan Location, Confirming Italy’s Appeal to Global Investors

The expansion of celebrity restaurateur Nusret Gökçe—better known as Salt Bae—into Milan’s luxury hospitality scene represents more than just another dining establishment. It signals Milan’s continued strength as a prime location for premium commercial real estate investment.

After much speculation, the Turkish butcher-turned-global phenomenon has officially signed an agreement to open his newest restaurant in Casa Brera, a recently launched luxury hotel in Milan’s historic Piazzetta Bossi. This development marks a significant vote of confidence in Milan’s high-end commercial property market.

The luxury hospitality sector in Milan has shown remarkable resilience in recent years, with premium brands continuing to seek flagship locations in the city center. Salt Bae’s expansion follows this trend, with the restaurateur strategically establishing his Italian presence after previous openings in Rome and Naples.

The property deal was signed with real estate developer Giuseppe Statuto, owner of the Casa Brera property, rather than with the Marriott Group who manages the hotel operations. This arrangement highlights the complex ownership structures often seen in Milan’s premium hospitality sector.

Casa Brera, which opened in 2024 as the debut property for Marriott’s “Casa Brera” brand within its Luxury Collection, occupies a meticulously restored twentieth-century palazzo designed by Pietro Lingeri, with interiors by acclaimed designer Patricia Urquiola. The property already houses multiple dining concepts overseen by renowned chefs Andrea Berton and Haruo Ichikawa.

Industry observers note that Salt Bae’s restaurant will likely occupy the rooftop space currently home to Etereo, taking advantage of Casa Brera’s panoramic views and statement swimming pool. This strategic positioning aligns with the showmanship that has made Nusret’s restaurants global destinations.

Market Implications

The continued investment in Milan’s luxury commercial properties reflects the city’s enduring appeal as a fashion and design capital. High-profile restaurant openings like Salt Bae’s establishment tend to enhance surrounding property values and attract additional investment to neighborhoods.

The timing of this expansion is particularly notable as it demonstrates confidence in Milan’s post-pandemic recovery and long-term growth prospects in the luxury sector.

Source: Milano Today
Image: Instagram Nusr_et

Milano superlusso

Milan Cements Its Status as Italy’s Premier Real Estate Market

In a landscape where real estate dynamics shift with increasing velocity, Milan continues to reign supreme as Italy’s most coveted market. Despite projections from Immobiliare.it Insights indicating residential prices will surge to €5,700 per square meter by late 2025, the Lombard capital’s allure remains undiminished. This resilience particularly manifests in the luxury segment, where Columbus International has established itself as a pivotal player.

Unrivaled Market Dominance

The latest Market Appeal Index, a sophisticated metric developed by Immobiliare.it Insights to gauge real estate market attractiveness, awards Milan a perfect score of 100/100, reaffirming its commanding position held since January 2024. This comprehensive index synthesizes supply volumes, search patterns, and listing engagement metrics, revealing the extraordinary vitality of Milan’s property market.

The Ripple Effect Across Lombardy

Milan’s magnetic pull catalyzes growth throughout the Lombardy region, fostering an exceptionally vibrant real estate ecosystem. The phenomenon is particularly evident in strategic satellites such as Monza, which has ascended to prominence among provincial capitals with 94.3 points, closely followed by Bergamo at 93 points. Como and Mantua’s remarkable performance further solidifies Lombardy’s preeminence in Italy’s property landscape.

Foundations of Sustained Excellence

Milan’s ascendancy stems from a confluence of strategic advantages:

  • A sophisticated financial ecosystem that rivals Europe’s leading business centers
  • A cultural landscape that seamlessly blends heritage with contemporary dynamism
  • Infrastructure that sets new benchmarks for urban efficiency
  • An exceptional quality of life that magnetizes global talent and affluent families

Columbus International’s Market Leadership

Within this sophisticated marketplace, Columbus International distinguishes itself as the premier destination for discerning property investors. With an established presence across global property hotspots – from Manhattan to Miami’s waterfront and Florence’s historic center – the firm brings unparalleled insight into Milan’s nuanced market dynamics.

Our elite network of property specialists delivers bespoke services that transcend traditional brokerage, encompassing:

  • Granular understanding of Milan’s most prestigious districts
  • Superior valuation expertise in the luxury segment
  • Seamless facilitation of international transactions
  • Tailored advisory services aligned with ultra-high-net-worth client requirements

Market Trajectory

While Rome demonstrates renewed vigor (86.1 points) and Bologna maintains its competitive position (72.2 points), Milan’s status as Italy’s real estate crown jewel remains unchallenged. Current price trajectories suggest continued appreciation through 2025, reinforcing the city’s position as a premier destination for sophisticated property investment.

In this context, Columbus International stands as the definitive partner for investors seeking not merely premium real estate, but strategic positions in one of Europe’s most dynamic and promising urban centers. Our profound market understanding, coupled with our global reach, enables us to unlock exceptional opportunities in Milan’s thriving property market.

mercato immobiliare Milano

Milan’s Real Estate Market in 2025

Market Signals Point to a Cooling Trend in Italy’s Financial Capital

The once-unstoppable Milan real estate market is showing clear signs of deceleration, with data suggesting that both property prices and rental rates are plateauing—and potentially poised for a downturn. This shift marks a significant turning point for one of Europe’s most dynamic property markets.

Transaction volumes tell a compelling story. In the first three quarters of 2024, property sales contracts plunged 8.8% compared to 2023, significantly underperforming the national average decline of 1.1%. This sharp contraction occurred despite increased mortgage-based purchases, indicating a retreat of investment capital from the market.

The pricing landscape reveals equally interesting patterns. According to data from immobiliare.it, Milan’s average property prices increased by a modest 1.4% in 2024, reaching €5,420 per square meter—a figure that would secure premium real estate in most other Italian cities. However, this headline number masks significant neighborhood variations:

The clear winner is Forlanini, posting a remarkable 15.4% appreciation, largely attributed to the new M4 metro line development. Certosa and Baggio-Bisceglie-Olmi follow with gains of 9.5% and 8.3% respectively, though these increases largely reflect new development projects like Cascina Merlata and SeiMilano.

In contrast, the historically popular Navigli district saw a slight decline (-0.1%), while Indipendenza and Bande Nere remained flat—potentially signaling a shift in market dynamics.

The rental market presents an even more striking picture, with annual growth slowing to just 0.7%, and showing signs of decline in the latter half of 2024. Notably, 11 out of Milan’s 32 districts registered decreasing rental rates, with the Repubblica-Centrale area experiencing the steepest decline at -3%.

Looking Ahead: Market Forces and Policy Impact

The outlook for 2025 presents a mixed bag of opportunities and challenges. The anticipated decrease in mortgage rates could provide some market support, particularly benefiting variable-rate loans. By late 2024, the same €1,000 monthly payment could finance 43.7 square meters compared to 40 square meters in 2023—a 9% increase in purchasing power.

However, the market faces a critical juncture with the pending “Salva Milano” legislation and construction sector dynamics. The current supply shortage of new developments is undeniable, and the administrative gridlock in the Urban Planning Sector is hampering projects that comply with existing regulations. The potential revival of new development projects, particularly outside the city’s prime central zones, could exert downward pressure on existing property prices—a significant factor as the market grapples with both price stagnation and looming EU energy performance directives.

As Milan confronts these challenges, the fundamental question of affordability remains paramount. The growing disconnect between income levels and housing costs continues to reshape the city’s social fabric, potentially threatening its position as Italy’s economic powerhouse. The coming months will reveal whether these market signals represent a temporary adjustment or a more fundamental shift in Milan’s real estate landscape.

Source: Corriere della Sera Milan


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Columbus International operates in the United States under the aegis of Keller Williams NYC and Living RE srl in Italy