UK buyers return: +28% growth in demand for Italian homes in early 2025
The first half of 2025 closed with growing numbers in property enquiries from UK-based international buyers. This is what emerges from the latest report by Gate-away.com, the Italian real estate portal for foreign buyers, confirming that Italy continues to be a highly desirable destination for those looking to purchase a home abroad.
“Spring, in particular,” comments Simone Rossi, co-founder of Gate-away.com, “remains one of the most dynamic periods in terms of property enquiries. It’s during this time of year that many British buyers take advantage of their holidays in Italy to go house hunting, often finalizing the purchase right away after seeing the property in person.”
Surge in interest from the United Kingdom
Although the United States still leads the ranking for total enquiries (26.08%), UK buyers made a strong leap forward in the first half of 2025, with a 28.01% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This brings the UK to 12.72% of total requests, securing second place in the ranking and overtaking Germany (7.98%).
Demographically speaking, the typical British buyer is over 56 years old (46.20%), with a significant increase in the over-66 group (43.60%). Most are married or in a relationship (71.80%) and 80% have no dependent children. It's no surprise, then, that the percentage of retirees has grown (50%), while among non-retired buyers the majority are employees (32%) or self-employed (16.70%).
Where UK citizens searched for homes in H1 2025
Salento, Valle d’Itria, Monferrato, Lunigiana and Lake Como were the five most searched areas by British buyers in the first half of 2025. This marks a shift in preferences compared to the past, when areas like Chianti, Maremma, Versilia or Lake Garda dominated the second-home market.
Today, while still highly popular with 12.67% of total searches, Tuscany is no longer the top region. That spot now goes to Sicily, which attracted 16.79% of total UK enquiries—nearly doubling year-on-year (+99% vs H1 2024). Other regions showing significant growth include Puglia, Piedmont, Liguria, Abruzzo, Calabria and Umbria. These areas appeal to buyers looking for natural beauty, historic towns, local food culture, and more affordable prices compared to the most touristy zones. As a result, the ranking of the most searched towns by UK buyers has also changed: Caltagirone (CT) now leads, followed by Ostuni (BR), Santa Maria del Cedro (CS), Scalea (CS), Noto (SR), Nizza Monferrato (AT), Ceglie Messapica (BR), Montemagno (AT), and Carovigno (BR).
Property types and values
The average price of properties requested by UK buyers in H1 2025 was €229,502—a slight decrease of 4.18% compared to the same period in 2024. Over 80% of purchase enquiries were for properties under €250,000. In detail, the under €100,000 segment accounted for 61.98% of requests, followed by the €100,000–250,000 bracket (20.07%). Only 2.91% of searches were for properties over €1 million.
Buyers from the UK tend to favour homes that are either fully restored or move-in ready (55.46%), a 23.35% increase from last year. The most requested property types include detached houses (17.23%), apartments (15.01%), and villas (14.02%).
Why Italy?
Italy remains the top choice for UK citizens looking for a second home abroad. According to the analysis, over half (52%) are searching exclusively in Italy—well ahead of other Mediterranean destinations like Spain (24%) and Portugal (19%), which also offer favourable climates, quality of life and scenic landscapes.
The number one reason for buying is, unsurprisingly, quality of life, cited by 79.49% of respondents. A slower pace, strong sense of community, access to cultural and natural assets, and a more "human" day-to-day life all play a big role. This is closely followed by Italy’s cultural heritage: art, traditions and history are seen as deeply rooted and authentic, with every village or town offering something unique. Third comes nature and climate—the varied landscape, from the Alps to the Mediterranean, and the mild weather in many regions are a clear draw.
Why are they buying in Italy?
British citizens are mainly buying with retirement in mind (46.20%), but also for a lifestyle change (29.50%), holiday use (16.70%), or as an investment (6.4%).
Between dream and reality: what might hold them back?
While 29.49% say nothing could make them change their minds about buying in Italy, there are still some perceived barriers:
Excessive bureaucracy
High taxation
Concerns about the national economic situation
Global geopolitical issues may also influence decision-making: 33% say external factors could affect their choice, especially terrorism (38.46%) and EU fiscal policy (15.38%).
Why are they leaving the UK?
Many British citizens are also motivated by a sense of dissatisfaction with their home country. 54.84% want to improve their lifestyle, and 35.48% express discontent with domestic politics.