The market for second homes in Trentino Alto Adige has seen a marked uptick in interest from international buyers. Data from Gate-away.com presented at an event organized by FIAIP and held at Confindustria Trento show an increase of 44.29% in inquiries compared to 2026. The surge is driven largely by buyers from Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium and the United States, who are evaluating properties both as vacation retreats and as a way to improve everyday lifestyle. Many of these buyers search for homes that support an all-seasons lifestyle rather than purely seasonal use.
Motivations center on a desire for proximity to nature, high-quality local services and the possibility of authentic experiences away from congested tourist hubs. Typical property types in demand include panoramic apartments, chalets and detached houses set in green surroundings. Prospective owners emphasize outdoor spaces, scenic views and nearby amenities; these practical preferences reflect a broader shift toward properties that can be used continuously and are well connected to transport and local infrastructure.
Provincial dynamics: Trento and Bolzano
The regional distribution of interest reveals complementary roles for the two provinces. The province of Trento accounts for the largest share of requests — about 54.77% — capturing a wide, cross-cutting demand attracted by accessibility and lifestyle quality. In contrast, Bolzano has recorded an acceleration in demand, with inquiries rising by over 90% compared with the previous year. This spike highlights Bolzano’s pull for a more premium segment, strongly linked to the prestige of the Dolomites and the elevated standard of local services.
Trento: breadth and accessibility
Buyers interested in Trento often seek a balance between practical access and a compelling mountain setting. The province’s appeal lies in a combination of day-to-day livability, transport links and a growing offer of experiential tourism options. For many international buyers the ability to use the property across seasons — what analysts describe as year-round livability — is pivotal. This translates into demand for homes close to well-maintained roads, public transport and local services that make prolonged stays comfortable and logistically feasible.
Bolzano: alpine prestige and premium demand
Bolzano is increasingly seen as the destination for buyers seeking high-end mountain real estate. The strong uptick in inquiries signals interest in properties near the most renowned alpine landscapes and in towns that offer refined hospitality and infrastructure. Buyers targeting Bolzano appear prepared to pay a premium for proximity to iconic peaks, organized trails and an established hospitality ecosystem that supports both winter sports and summer outdoor activities.
Favored locations and property characteristics
Across the region, a constellation of alpine municipalities is standing out: places like Brennero, Senales, Tre Ville, Riva del Garda and Trento repeatedly surface in search data. Smaller communities benefit from growing international visibility by offering an authentic local atmosphere combined with structured land management. The consistent pattern shows buyers preferring homes with views, private outdoor areas and proximity to leisure opportunities such as hiking, cycling and water sports, while also valuing nearby services that make longer stays convenient.
What the trend means for local stakeholders
Experts at the event underlined that sustaining this momentum requires deliberate choices by both market operators and public administrations. Mauro Caruso, commercial head at Gate-away.com, noted that international buyers prize territories that are authentic and well organized, able to offer nature-related experiences and a high quality of life. For local authorities and real estate professionals this suggests a two-track approach: protect the character and sustainability of smaller towns while upgrading services and infrastructure in areas targeting higher-end buyers, thereby aligning supply with the clear preferences revealed by the incoming demand.
