Portofino Leads Italy’s Luxury Second‑Home Market as Prices Surge

A new study by Abitare Co shows that Italy’s luxury second‑home market continues to climb, with Portofino topping the national ranking at more than €23,233 per square metre. The Tigullio area dominates the Ligurian list, holding four of the top ten spots, while other high‑priced locales include Santa Margherita Ligure (€11,425), Alassio (€8,663) and Portovenere (€8,613).

Over the past five years, prices for residential properties in Italy’s prime coastal towns have risen on average 15.5%, with Portofino alone up 18%. Analysts attribute the growth to expanding global wealth, which fuels demand for luxury homes that remain insulated from broader economic pressures. Knight Frank’s Liam Bailey notes that the luxury residential segment “has progressively detached from the rest of the market, supported by the continued creation of new wealth.”

The report examined 134 coastal locations, 26 of which are in Liguria, confirming that the aspiration for a seaside second home remains strong despite post‑pandemic market adjustments.