New Residential Developments in Italy 2026: Emphasis Shifts to Neighborhood Over Square Footage

As per the latest Savills' Survey on New Construction in Italy, individuals of all age groups prioritize infrastructure and neighborhood attributes when selecting a new residence in Italy, rather than the size or specific location of the apartment. The definition of "neighborhood" now revolves around safety, green spaces, good transport links, and everyday convenience, rather than mere habit.

Reasons for Purchasing New Properties

The primary motivation for purchasing new properties is their energy efficiency:

• 19% — high energy efficiency;
• 14% — desire to avoid renovations;
• 13% — construction quality and materials;
• 11% — status of being the first occupant ("brand new");
• 11% — modern technologies like "smart home";
• 5% — immediate move-in possibility ("turnkey");
• 4% — lower pricing.

Around 60% of buyers have a budget of up to 450,000 euros (mostly through mortgages). Over half of the respondents are above 46 years old, and half have permanent employment contracts (contratto a tempo indeterminato).

Demand Geographically: Priority on Urban Areas

• 80% prefer urban real estate;
• 12% opt for coastal properties;
• 4% choose rural areas;
• 2% are attracted to mountain regions;
• 1% favor lake districts.

The demand for vacation homes (seaside, mountains, countryside) is highest among the 46–65 age group. Conversely, 86% of buyers over 65 exclusively select urban locations due to their proximity to services and family.

Buyers' Age Categories and Compromises

Under 35 years old (Youth)

• Key Aspects: Neighborhood, public transport, social amenities, parks.
• Main Non-negotiable: Reluctant to sacrifice space (59% adamantly oppose size reduction).

36–45 years old (Maximum Flexibility)

• Key Aspects: Neighborhood, transport, parks, home facilities.
• Willingness to Compromise: 40% accept less central areas, and 38% are open to sacrificing space for a good design.

46–65 years old (Balanced Approach)

• Key Aspects: Neighborhood, transport, home amenities.
• Main Non-negotiable: Lack of personal parking space (25% consider this an unacceptable compromise). The proportion willing to expand their living space (33%) is nearly equal to those ready to downsize (31%).

Over 65 years old (Downsizing and Comfort)

• Key Aspects: Internal home amenities and proximity to family.
• Trends: 42% knowingly select a smaller area, 44% willingly reduce their square footage. 81% finance their purchase solely from personal savings.

Residential Infrastructure: From Parking to Concierge Services

Private parking is the sole mandatory feature for buyers across all budgets (from 36% in the economic segment to 44% with budgets of 750 thousand to 1 million euros).

Priority Varies by Budget:

• Up to 450,000 €: 24/7 security, electric vehicle charging points.
• 450,000 – 750,000 €: 24/7 security, rooftop access, electric car charging stations.
• 750,000 – 1,000,000 €: Concierge service (18%), round-the-clock security.
• Over 1,000,000 €: Swimming pool, 24/7 security, and concierge services (akin to a hotel).

Terraces and balconies are crucial for all buyer categories (from 81% of 36–45-year-olds to 53% among the 65+ demographic). Shared workspaces rank low on the preference scale, irrespective of the budget.

Buyers' Profiles in 2026: 4 Distinct Categories

1. Urban Maximizer: City residents valuing location and status, willing to sacrifice space to reside centrally.
2. Lifecycle Optimizer: Pragmatic individuals adjusting housing to new life stages, focusing on maintenance ease, cost-effectiveness, and open to downsizing.
3. Space & Quality Seeker: Families prioritizing comfort and material quality, willing to move away from city centers for more space and rural living.
4. Experience & Community Seeker: Buyers valuing services, community, and serviced apartment formats, ready to pay for premium living standards and flexible on location and space.