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12 August 2026

Evolving Trends in Home Purchases: Efficiency and Quality Take Center Stage

The real estate market is undergoing a significant shift, with buyers now focusing on efficiency and quality. Learn about the new priorities driving home purchases.

Evolving Trends in Home Purchases: Efficiency and Quality Take Center Stage

The real estate market in the Alto Varesotto region is experiencing a notable transformation. As the era of incentives and renovations wanes, buyers are increasingly seeking homes that are already efficient and ready to move into. This shift has been highlighted by Andrea Lagreca and Fabio Prodezza, brokers at the Agenzia Toscano di Marchirolo who note that the absence of incentives has altered buyer priorities.

The quality of the property has become a decisive factor in the purchasing decision, alongside the importance of controlling energy costs. The most sought-after properties are independent houses, villas, and single or two-family homes favored for their spacious layouts, enhanced privacy, and the opportunity to live in less crowded residential areas.

The Rise of Energy-Efficient Homes

According to Lagreca and Prodezza, homes that are both efficient and functional are gaining prominence in the market. The quality of the property is now a crucial factor, with energy cost management playing an increasingly significant role in investment evaluations. Families, retirees, and foreign buyers are the primary drivers of this change. The region offers tranquility, greenery, and services, with the added benefit of proximity to Switzerland.

The strategic location near the border continues to be a key driver of the local real estate market, with a high demand for quality housing. The presence of numerous cross-border workers keeps the demand for quality homes elevated, while the influence of international buyers continues to grow.

The Appeal to International Buyers

Swiss, German, and Dutch citizens are showing a keen interest in the area. For many Swiss nationals, moving to Italy after retirement is an ideal solution, offering a more peaceful living environment and generally lower costs, all while maintaining proximity to their home country.

From Lake Maggiore to Lake Lugano

Localities along Lake Maggiore continue to see strong demand and higher property values, bolstered by the interest of foreign buyers. This trend is beginning to extend to the Italian side of Lake Lugano, where the scenic beauty and proximity to the border are attracting those seeking high-quality homes in a picturesque setting.

The result is a market that, having moved past the incentive phase, is increasingly focused on the value of the property, energy efficiency, and quality of life—factors that will continue to shape buyer decisions in the coming years.

Beatrice Mitchell
Author

Beatrice Mitchell

Beatrice Mitchell, Manchester-rooted and classically elegant, famously commissioned a rebuttal series after a controversial council planning meeting in Stockport, insisting on community testimony. Holds a firm editorial line on accountability and narrative fairness, and collects vintage city planning maps as an idiosyncratic hobby.