Where Do Italian Buyers Purchase Property Abroad? (2026 Buyer Map)
Published on: July 8, 2026
Quick answer: Italian buyers abroad split into two camps in 2026: lifestyle purchasers chasing Spain's islands and cities for sun and rental yield, and value-and-tax-driven buyers looking just across the Adriatic to a fast-growing Albania, with Portugal leading the tax-and-relocation set. Proximity, price and climate remain the decisive factors.
Italian buyers abroad split into two camps: lifestyle purchasers chasing sun and islands, and value-and-tax-driven buyers looking just across the Adriatic or toward Portugal. Both are growing. Here is the Italian buyer map for 2026.
The top destinations for Italian buyers
1. Spain: islands first
Spain is a leading Italian destination, and their footprint skews toward islands and major cities. Italians are especially active in the Canary Islands, around a fifth of Italian resident purchases in Spain land in Tenerife and Las Palmas, as well as the Balearics, Barcelona / Catalonia and Madrid. Year-round island climate and strong rental demand are the draw.
2. Albania: the fast-growing favourite
Albania has become one of the most dynamic destinations for Italian buyers, and the reasons are compelling: it is extremely close (a short ferry or flight from Bari and Brindisi), inexpensive, Italian is widely spoken, and the coastline around Sarandë, Vlorë and Durrës offers sea-view property at a fraction of Adriatic-coast Italy's prices. For Italians priced out of their own coast, Albania is the value play, and demand has risen sharply. For a closer look, see our guide to Albania for foreign buyers.
3. Portugal: lifestyle and tax
Lisbon and the Algarve have attracted a steady stream of Italian entrepreneurs, remote workers and retirees, historically drawn by favourable expat tax treatment and the quality of life. Even as tax rules shift, Portugal remains a top choice for Italians relocating within Europe. For the full picture, read our buying property in Portugal guide.
4. Other favourites
- Greece: islands and Athens, close and culturally familiar.
- Croatia: the Dalmatian coast, an easy Adriatic option.
- Switzerland: Ticino and border areas for work and lifestyle.
- Dubai and Miami: for tax-efficient investment and a second base.
What is driving Italian demand
- Value and proximity. The Albania boom is the clearest example: coastal property that is cheaper and closer than staying home.
- Islands and climate. The Canaries and Balearics offer year-round sun and rental income.
- Tax and relocation planning. Portugal and Dubai attract Italians seeking a more favourable fiscal base within reach of home.
- Cultural familiarity. Mediterranean and Adriatic destinations feel close to Italian life and are easy to reach.
The bottom line
For Italian buyers in 2026, the story is two-speed: Spain's islands and cities for lifestyle and yield, and, increasingly, Albania for unbeatable value just across the water, with Portugal leading the tax-and-relocation set. Proximity, price and climate remain the decisive factors.
Related reading
See what is available now
Once you know where Italian buyers are heading, the next step is real inventory. JanusHermes brings verified listings from trusted local agencies into one place, so you can compare destinations, prices and property types side by side. Browse properties on JanusHermes.
Cross-border demand patterns are directional and based on the latest available market data; individual regulations and tax rules change, always take local advice before buying.