Sardinia, one of Italy’s most alluring Mediterranean islands, continues to capture the imagination of property investors, tourists, and those seeking a slower-paced, high-quality lifestyle. With its stunning coastline, unspoiled landscapes, and a growing real estate market, it’s no surprise that many are asking: Is now the right time to buy property in Sardinia?
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the current Sardinian property market, evaluate key trends, and provide data-backed insights for those considering investing in real estate on the island in 2025.
Sardinia Property Market Overview: Trends and Insights
Over the past few years, Sardinia has witnessed steady growth in its property market. Despite global economic uncertainties, the island’s real estate sector remains a strong performer.
Here are some essential figures that highlight the ongoing growth of this market:
Rising Property Prices: Since 2019, property values in Sardinia have grown at an average annual rate of 2.68%, making it one of the more stable and predictable real estate markets in Italy. This gradual increase in value reflects both the island's desirability and the limited availability of properties in some of its most sought-after areas.
Increasing International Demand: Between 2019 and 2023, international interest in Sardinian property surged by 64.5%. Foreign buyers, particularly from Germany, the United States, and Northern Europe, have been increasingly drawn to the island, seeking second homes, vacation properties, or investment opportunities.
Current Property Prices in Sardinia: As of 2024, the average asking price for residential properties in Sardinia is €2,372 per square meter. This is substantially more affordable compared to other major Italian cities:
Milan: €5,428 per square meter
Florence: €4,316 per square meter
Rome: €3,411 per square meter
These comparative prices make Sardinia an attractive alternative for those looking to invest in Italian property but who want to avoid the steep premiums associated with mainland hotspots.
Why Invest in Sardinia?
Sardinia’s charm isn’t just in its natural beauty, but also in its diverse investment opportunities. For those pondering whether to buy property in Sardinia in 2025, here’s why it may be an opportune time:
1. Alternatives to Coastal Luxury Properties
While Sardinia’s coast remains a premium location for luxury real estate, the sharp rise in property prices along the well-known Costa Smeralda has led many buyers to explore alternatives. The increasing affordability of inland areas presents an excellent opportunity for savvy investors.
Alternatives like Alghero and Bosa: Alghero, a picturesque town known for its Catalan heritage and proximity to beautiful beaches, is increasingly becoming a popular destination for international buyers. Similarly, Bosa, with its medieval charm, has begun attracting more tourists and real estate investors. These areas provide a more affordable entry point while still offering the natural beauty and authenticity that Sardinia is famous for.
Sustainable Growth in Inland Areas: Investors are turning towards inland locations such as Oristano and Nuoro, where property prices remain lower but are expected to rise as more people discover the region’s potential. As these areas develop their infrastructure and services, they are likely to attract a wider variety of property buyers.
2. Growth of the Rental Market
Sardinia has long been known for its short-term vacation rental market, with tourists flocking to its beaches during the summer. However, in recent years, there has been a shift toward longer-term rentals, driven by both remote workers and retirees looking for a slower pace of life.
Long-Term Rentals: Investors who focus on long-term furnished rentals are finding an increasing demand for properties that cater to residents and expatriates seeking a more permanent base. This trend has allowed for more consistent rental income throughout the year, in contrast to the seasonality of short-term rentals.
The Rise of Remote Workers: With the rise of remote work, many individuals from across Europe and beyond are seeking out Sardinia as a more affordable, picturesque place to live and work. This change in work habits has resulted in a new group of tenants who are interested in long-term, furnished rental properties in Sardinia’s towns and rural areas.
3. A Steady Increase in Foreign Buyers
Since the Brexit vote, British investors have slightly reduced their interest in Mediterranean properties, but demand from other international markets has been robust. Buyers from Germany, the U.S., and Northern Europe have steadily increased their presence in Sardinia.
A Changing Demographic: While British buyers were historically dominant in Sardinia’s real estate market, more diverse foreign buyers are now contributing to demand, resulting in a healthier and more sustainable property market. The shift towards Northern European and U.S. buyers is also reflected in Sardinia’s growing popularity as a destination for second homes and vacation properties.
4. Low Interest Rates and Favorable Financing Options
While interest rates in Europe have fluctuated, Italy’s real estate market continues to benefit from relatively affordable mortgage rates for both Italian citizens and foreign investors. Lower borrowing costs, combined with the rising demand for Sardinian property, make now a prime time to invest, especially for those looking to take advantage of favorable financing conditions.
Which Sardinian Locations Should You Consider for Investment?
Sardinia is a large island with diverse areas that cater to different buyer needs.
Here are some of the key regions where you should consider investing in property:
Costa Smeralda: If luxury is what you're after, Costa Smeralda remains one of the most desirable regions in Sardinia. While property prices here can be high, the area’s status as a luxury tourism and yacht hub makes it a solid investment for those who are looking to capitalize on high-end properties.
Cagliari: The capital of Sardinia offers a mix of urban amenities, cultural attractions, and proximity to stunning beaches. Cagliari has also seen a surge in demand from foreign buyers due to its diverse real estate offerings and excellent transport links.
Alghero and Bosa: Both towns offer unique charm, beautiful coastal views, and a growing international community. As previously mentioned, these towns are more affordable compared to Costa Smeralda and offer long-term investment potential.
Inland Areas: For those who want to experience Sardinia’s rural beauty and slower pace of life, towns like Oristano, Nuoro, and Iglesias present more affordable property opportunities, with the potential for future growth as the island’s infrastructure develops.
Final Thoughts: Is 2025 the Right Time to Buy Property in Sardinia?
As we move into 2025, the Sardinian real estate market continues to offer strong investment potential, with rising prices, increasing foreign interest, and a growing demand for both long-term and short-term rentals. Whether you're looking for a second home, a vacation property, or an investment opportunity, Sardinia’s diverse regions provide options to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.
The combination of relatively low property prices compared to mainland Italy, increased demand from international buyers, and a favorable financing environment makes now a great time to consider buying property in Sardinia.
For personalized advice and the latest property listings, don’t hesitate to reach out to real estate experts in Sardinia who can help you navigate the market and find the perfect investment.
Sources:
Sardinian Real Estate Trends (2024) - Italian Property Market Report
Real Estate Price Comparison (2024) - Italian National Statistics Institute
International Buyer Demand in Sardinia (2019-2023) - Sardinian Real Estate Insights Report
Moving to Sardinia?
We at Sardiamo have 40 years experience with real estate in Sardinia.
As part of FIAP, Italy’s number one realtor association, we follow the highest standards in code of conduct and ongoing technical training.
Sardiamo operates through a vast partner network covering all of your real estate needs throughout the island. Services are provided in English, a pretty hard skill to find at other local players!
Sardiamo is the only relocation services company in Sardinia. We specialise in helping expats like you relocate to the island. We provide real estate assistance, tax assistance, relocation and settling in services. Scroll down to book a call with us!
コメント