The number of Russian property buyers in Italy has increased from 2% in 2005 to 13% in 2012. The biggest demands are apartments on Sardinia (elite real estate), homes in Liguria and in the north-western part of Tuscany (Versilia area), informs Scenari Immobiliari, an independent company that studies the European real estate markets.
The most active foreign investors in Italy are German citizens (36% of all transactions with non-residents in 2012) and the UK (18%). Altogether in 2012 there were 4,600 transactions with foreigners, 53% more than in 2005. The amount spent on the purchase of real estate in Italy increased from €245,000 in 2005 to €455,000 in 2012.
Foreigners are most actively buying Italian house in the following regions: Puglia (22%), Lazio (21%), Tuscany (16%) and Marche (15%). Affluent citizens (businessmen, managers) were most often interested in real estate.
According to the latest data, the highest prices were recorded in central Italy (about €2,665 per sq.m.), the lowest - in the southern regions (€1,790 per sq.m.). The property in Rome cost about €4,742 per sq.m., in Venice - €4,330, Siena - €4,175, Florence - €4,000, Milan - €4,179. The cheapest accommodation was located in Caltanissetta, Sicily (€1,125 per sq.m.).