Recent figures collected during the first months of 2026 paint a consistent picture: in Liguria people financing a second home typically apply for smaller, shorter mortgages than those buying a first home. These patterns mirror national trends and reflect a buyer base that is on average older and often able to put down a larger initial payment. Understanding these differences — in amounts, durations, borrower age and the Loan-to-Value ratio — helps anyone considering a seaside retreat or an investment property to set realistic expectations and pick the most suitable financing strategy.
National context and how Liguria fits in
At the national level the purchase of a second home represents 8.6% of mortgage requests, while applications for a first home account for 70.6%. The demographic shift is notable: borrowers targeting a second property average 45 years old, compared with 37 years and 2 months for first-home buyers. In Liguria the same dynamic is visible but with local figures that matter for negotiation: the average sum requested for a second property is €114,567, against €127,852 for a first residence, and the typical term for second-home loans sits at 21 years and 3 months versus 26 years for primary homes.
Demographics, duration and borrowing ratios
Locally the average age for second-home applicants is 44 years and 2 months, while first-home borrowers are younger, averaging 36 years and 6 months. The regional Loan-to-Value metric is lower on second-home deals (66.9%) than on first-home operations (72.7%). The Loan-to-Value concept — the ratio between the amount lent and the property’s value — signals how much equity the buyer brings at the closing. A reduced Loan-to-Value typically reflects heftier down payments or supplementary guarantees, which in turn can unlock better terms and reduce exposure to market-rate shifts.
Provincial contrasts inside Liguria
Breaking the region down by province highlights distinct patterns. Imperia records the highest average requests for second homes at €165,385 and also shows the loftiest average property values (around €243,654). In contrast, Savona stands out for longer second-home loan tenors, with an average duration of 22 years and 10 months, while Imperia exhibits the shortest average terms for second properties at 19 years and 2 months. La Spezia posts the lowest provincial Loan-to-Value figure at 64.2%, suggesting heavier initial payments or stricter lending criteria.
Genoa and the relationship between values and requests
In Genoa the split between first and second homes is revealing: the average mortgage term for a primary residence is about 25.9 years, compared with 21.2 years for a second property. Borrower ages register at roughly 36 years for first homes and 45 years for second homes. Requested amounts in Genoa average €122,436 for first homes and €113,152 for second homes, yet the typical market value declared for second properties tends to be slightly higher (around €172,000) versus €169,000 for first residences — a sign that second-home buyers may target higher-priced leisure or investment units while using more equity.
What the data means for prospective buyers
These patterns carry practical implications. A lower average Loan-to-Value for second homes implies that many buyers arrive at the table with larger down payments, which can translate into access to more competitive offers and reduced rate risk. Shorter tenors, however, mean higher monthly outlays even if total interest exposure falls. Buyers should therefore weigh the trade-off between monthly affordability and overall borrowing costs, keeping in mind local price levels and how provincial differences in Liguria — from Imperia to Savona, La Spezia and Genoa — will shape both the purchase price and financing options.
Practical steps to use these insights
To make the most of this information, compare lender proposals with varying term lengths and evaluate how an increased initial payment affects the quoted rate and the Loan-to-Value. Check local market valuations before negotiating and factor in whether the purchase is for personal use or for income generation. Consulting mortgage simulators and seeking offers in multiple banks can reveal savings when mortgage terms are tightened or when a stronger upfront equity position reduces the lender’s perceived risk. The figures from the first months of 2026 provide a helpful compass for those preparing to buy in Liguria: arriving informed increases the chances of securing a deal aligned with both lifestyle and financial objectives.
