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Real estate in Liguria region, Italy: coastal elegance and limited supply

Why invest in property in Liguria

Liguria, a slender region hugging the northwestern coast of Italy, offers one of the most exclusive real estate markets in the country. Known for its dramatic cliffs, pastel-colored towns, and proximity to France and Monaco, Liguria combines natural beauty with solid market fundamentals. The scarcity of buildable land, protected historical zones, and restrictions on new development contribute to long-term property value retention. For investors, this translates into a market with low volatility, excellent lifestyle appeal, and high rental demand during peak tourism seasons.

Unlike more volatile resort regions, Liguria enjoys stable demand from both Italian and international buyers. It’s a favored destination for retirees, second-home seekers, and cross-border professionals who work in Monaco or the French Riviera. From famous towns like Portofino, Sanremo, and Santa Margherita Ligure to lesser-known gems like Finale Ligure or Lerici, the region offers a variety of investment scenarios — from luxury villas to modest flats with rental potential.

Types of real estate available

Liguria’s property market offers a mix of historic townhouses, cliffside villas, and compact apartments in charming fishing villages. In the eastern part (Riviera di Levante), towns like Portofino, Rapallo, Camogli, and Sestri Levante are renowned for upscale real estate. Many of these properties feature terraces, sea views, and pedestrian-only surroundings. In the western section (Riviera di Ponente), cities like Sanremo, Bordighera, and Alassio offer more varied inventory, including post-war apartment buildings and gated residences.

Buyers can also explore investment opportunities inland — in the Ligurian hills — where rustic stone houses and farmhouses (rustici) offer value and renovation potential. Commercial opportunities are mainly focused on boutique hotels, guesthouses, and seasonal holiday rentals. Liguria also has a strong second-home segment, particularly among Milanese buyers who travel to the coast for weekends or holidays.

Foreign ownership and legal aspects

There are no restrictions for foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Liguria. The legal process includes obtaining a codice fiscale (tax ID), drafting a preliminary contract, and finalizing the transaction through an Italian notary. In coastal and historic areas, additional layers of approval may be required, especially for renovations. This is due to strict zoning and preservation laws designed to protect the architectural and environmental heritage of the region.

VelesClub Int. assists clients through every legal and administrative stage: property due diligence, building code compliance, coastal protection laws, and urban planning verification. We also help clients navigate mortgage options, tax residency scenarios, and inheritance planning. For investment-oriented buyers, our team ensures that properties are eligible for rental licensing, and we assist in structuring ownership across borders if needed.

Property prices and rental yields

Prices in Liguria are highly dependent on proximity to the sea and prestige of the location. In Portofino, properties routinely exceed €10,000 per square meter, making it one of the most expensive locations in Italy. Santa Margherita Ligure, Camogli, and Alassio follow with averages between €5,000–€8,000/m². Sanremo and Imperia offer more affordable options, ranging from €2,500 to €4,500/m², with some renovation properties available for less inland or in secondary neighborhoods.

Rental yields vary by strategy. Short-term rentals during the summer season can yield 5–8% annually, particularly in areas with beach access or tourist attractions. Homes near train stations or ferry ports command higher occupancy due to visitor mobility. Long-term rentals are more modest, averaging 2.5–4% gross return, but offer stability and lower management demands. Properties with sea views or large terraces enjoy a strong premium and higher booking rates.

Neighborhoods and lifestyle

Liguria is divided into four provinces — Genoa, Savona, Imperia, and La Spezia — each offering a distinct character. Genoa, the region’s capital, is an important port city with a mix of historic and modern housing, plus a growing student and logistics sector. While not traditionally a tourist city, Genoa has a strong rental base and offers some of the region’s best value for urban real estate.

The Riviera di Levante includes the most prestigious and picturesque towns, such as:

• Portofino: An ultra-luxury enclave with very limited supply and international cachet.
• Santa Margherita Ligure: Elegant and refined, popular with both Italian and foreign buyers.
• Rapallo: A more accessible market with strong seasonal demand.
• Sestri Levante and Levanto: Charming towns near Cinque Terre with high tourism draw.

On the Riviera di Ponente, west of Genoa:

• Sanremo: The largest city on the western coast, known for its casino, flowers, and bike path.
• Alassio and Bordighera: Popular with French and Swiss buyers for second homes and rentals.
• Imperia: Offers better value and a growing reputation among young Italians and expats.

Inland villages such as Dolceacqua, Apricale, or Castelvecchio di Rocca Barbena provide a slower pace and attract buyers looking for rustic charm and renovation projects. Overall, Liguria offers a Mediterranean lifestyle with a northern Italian flavor — culinary excellence, walkable towns, sea-mountain contrast, and access to international airports (Genoa, Nice).

Who buys real estate in Liguria

Liguria attracts a broad spectrum of buyers. Italians from Milan, Turin, and Genoa often buy second homes in Rapallo, Sanremo, or Varazze. Foreign buyers — especially from Switzerland, France, Germany, and the UK — are active in the luxury and vacation segments, particularly in Portofino, Santa Margherita, and Alassio. More recently, remote workers and digital nomads have started purchasing small apartments in Genoa and inland villages for quiet living and better cost-of-life balance.

Retirees are a strong segment, drawn by the healthcare system, transport connections, and climate. Investors focused on short-term rental income target centrally located flats with terraces and proximity to beaches. Some buyers also acquire properties for dual use — personal vacations and tourist lettings — depending on the season.

How VelesClub Int. helps you

VelesClub Int. supports investors, families, and second-home seekers in acquiring property throughout Liguria. We start with a strategic consultation to define your goals — lifestyle, yield, or portfolio diversification — and then curate properties based on budget, condition, and legal readiness. Our team conducts full due diligence, including structural inspections, zoning verification, and cross-border tax planning if required.

For buyers focused on rental income, we assess local tourism flows, occupancy patterns, and pricing strategies. We assist in licensing, furnishing, and managing short-term rental operations, including listings, guest turnover, and income optimization. For renovation projects, we coordinate with architects and contractors familiar with Ligurian codes and restoration incentives.

Whether you're purchasing a sea-view pied-à-terre in Camogli, a rustic villa in the hills, or a family retreat near the French border, VelesClub Int. ensures your transaction is smooth, legally sound, and tailored to your financial and personal objectives. We provide an ecosystem of services that turns property acquisition into a fully supported experience — from search to keys in hand.