Lugano real estate prices fall as Italian retail revenue grows

In Lugano, real estate data for 2025 indicates a 3% decrease in property sale prices compared to 2024. While median asking prices sit at 8,266 francs per square meter, this represents a decline from previous levels, except in the Lugano West area where prices rose by 5.8%. Rental prices have also seen a 2% decrease over the last year, though they remain higher than 2019 levels. Notably, the rate of permanently vacant primary residences has reached 9.1%.

In the Italian retail sector, large-scale distribution is showing growth, with sales increasing by 4.3% in 2025 to reach approximately 109.8 billion euros in 2024 revenue. Projections suggest revenues could reach 119 billion euros by 2026. This growth is accompanied by a shift in store types, with a net increase in discount stores and a decrease in traditional supermarkets. Additionally, local search behavior is rising, with over 7 million monthly searches in Italy using “near me” keywords, highlighting the importance of digital tools like Google Maps for local marketing.