The Lake Como property market – past and future

Read our annual review on how the property market has been and what you might expect in 2021.

2020 Lake Como Property Outlook

Review of 2019, Best Renovation Italy 2019-20, and predictions for the property market next year on Lake Como.

San Siro, Lake Como

About San Siro, located right next to Menaggio on the lake.

Villa Passalacqua on Lake Como goes under the hammer

The exquisite Villa Passalacqua is going to auction.

Roman Gold Coins Cressoni Theatre

Netflix filming on Lake Como – Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler

A Netflix Murder Mystery is currently being filmed in Italy with a significant part of the action being shot on Lake Como...

Mandarin Oriental resort arrives in Western Europe – on Lake Como

Mandarin Oriental announced yesterday the opening of its first resort in Western Europe on the shores of Lake Como.

Does Brexit Matter?

What impact does Brexit have on buying a home in Italy?

The Lake Como property market in 2018

Buying a Lake Como property exceptionally quickly

A major new road tunnel on Lake Como

You heard it here first! News about the construction of a new tunnel being planned for the western shore of Lake Como, guaranteed to ease traffic from Colonno to Menaggio reducing the road noise and we are likely to see property prices increase.

New train linking Como directly to Milan Malpensa

Update - improvements to the train service for Lake Como from Malpensa Airport.

The Asta: another area of opportunity for international buyers

A look at the Asta process on Lake Como and how the Asta generates opportunity for our clients to buy Lake Como property below market value. Typically these properties will not be found through estate agents and Ultissimo are well-placed to take advantage of the Asta.

The History of Lake Como – from Ice Age to 20th century

From the origins of Lake Como to the present day, the complete history of Lake Como.

Lake Como Property Outlook 2018

Ultissimo's Lake Como Property Outlook 2018 providing expert knowledge and insight into the current state of the market for properties on Lake Como.

The Argegno culinary experience

Argegno offers foodies a culinary delight. Located within the central piazza and the immediate pedestrian area we have six restaurants, seven bars (most of which serve food also) and an excellent gelateria.

Read on to find out about our favourites...

Best Real Estate Agency Italy 2017 – 2018

In the European Property Awards category for real estate agents we were announced as the Italian winner at a grand ceremony held in London on 26 October, with hundreds of property professionals from around Europe.

Fees when buying an Italian property – clarity out of confusion

There seems to be a lack of clarity about fees payable on buying a property in Italy. So here is the simple clarification and our unique approach which has worked every time for more than a decade.

Out and about with Hugo – So where does your fish come from?

Lake Como restaurants serve local fish caught in the lake, of which there are more than 20 species. On a walk with Hugo we stumble across some fishy business.

Defining Lake Como Living – Owning a Speed Boat

Our guide to owning a speedboat on Lake Como. Everything you need to know from buying a boat to rules and regulations specific to Lake Como.

Moltrasio

Moltrasio is a picturesque traditional village which retains its historic charm. It is justifiably popular with international visitors, and offers easy access to Villa d’Este, the city of Como and the international motorway system which places it within 45 minutes’ of Milan Malpensa airport.

Case Study July 2017

I was working intensely with a couple who were really keen to find the right home for them on Lake Como, but the properties weren't quite right when they took their long awaited trip in August to visit...

Bellagio – a shopping and foodie treat!

Bellagio is one of the most popular towns on Lake Como. We take friends for a day trip to Bellagio from Argegno by ferry.

Italian ‘non dom’ status now available

Italy’s Finance Act 2017 has introduced a special tax status for foreign tax residents under which offshore income and capital gains can, for a modest price, be exempt from Italian taxation.

Italian mortgages – a new challenge for international buyers

The Mortgage Credit Directive (MCD) is European legislation designed to foster a single market for mortgages and to protect consumers, and has come into effect in Italy. There are specific provisions relating to ‘foreign currency loans’ which impact most of our clients from outside the Eurozone who wish to take an Italian mortgage.

Finding Value on the Italian Lakes

One surprising fact that seems to elude most market commentators is that there are two distinct markets on the Italian lakes. There are homes for Italians, their main home, and homes that appeal to international buyers. There is little overlap between the two, and the pricing is quite different

Still Popular

Enthusiasm for spending time on Lake Como is undimmed and the modern-day popularity of Lake Como is set to continue.

Property Prices on Lake Como

The global financial crisis sharpened the desire to spend wisely. Many buyers are looking for value – wanting to find a decent bargain. For those seeking a bargain this is fertile hunting ground; it multiplies choice and, with wise selection, provides that ‘bargain’

Cirque du Soleil 2016

The phenomenon which is Cirque du Soleil is visiting northern Italy throughout November, December and February.

Brexit

Brexit – more Italian property opportunities The financial markets got it wrong and the UK unexpectedly voted to leave the EU yesterday, throwing markets into a period of considerable uncertainty. While this may not be what you wanted it does offer opportunities...

Cernobbio

Many describe Cernobbio as the ‘Chelsea’ or ‘Beverley Hills’ of Lake Como, yet you will find that it has surprisingly few international home owners. There are very few lakefront properties and most of the large villas set back further on the flat area of the town do not have lake views...relatively few international buyers have chosen to buy their Lake Como property in Cernobbio Alta, so it retains its largely Italian character...

House Hunters International Sergio and Arlene

Sergio and Arlene's wishlist was quite long, which isn't uncommon with international clients and as we look at property options, clients tend to refine what they are looking for and work out what the most important items are, and which they may be willing to compromise on. As we all know, a wishlist is just that.

OPP Best Small Agent 2013

We enter 2014 determined to continue working with our clients to our uncompromising standards. Winning awards is a wonderful accolade, while client success remains the unswerving focus of our business.’

10 Reasons to Buy a Property in Italy

10 Oct 2013 - Place in the Sun 10 Reasons to Buy a Property in Italy. Full article.

IMU the much-debated Italian property tax

An article about the IMU (Imposta Municipale Propria) Italian property tax.

Sunday Telegraph – Property Showcase

Property showcase encompassing Lake Como. Full piece.

Ferragosto

Public holidays vary depending by country, and Italy traditionally has had a large shutdown period through August based around Ferragosto which falls today, on 15 August.

Place in the Sun – Italian Property Prices Staying Steady

October 2012 - Paul explains how careful buyers can find attractively priced properties. Full article

The Times – Fall in Love with Lake Como

26 July 2013 Lake Como as a popular location and why people fall in love with it. Full article

Argegno Lido and Breakfast

Argegno is a justifiably popular town on the western shore of Lake Como. Sitting in the mouth of the Intelvi Valley, mid-way between Como and Menaggio, it has a lakefront piazza with a range of restaurants, cafes, bars and on a summer’s evening the piazza often has live music.

Italian Property Market 2013

The Italian property market in 2013 – the year of opportunity?

Our clients are always asking whether now is a good time to buy property on Lake Como or the other Italian lakes. The answer is not a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Here is our reasoning, suggesting that those who wait until next year may well look back on a missed opportunity.

Concorso d’Eleganza 2013

The world's premiere vintage and historic car auction will again be held on the shores of Lake Como at Villa d’Este which has hosted this event since 1929. Taking place this year from 24-26 May.

Temporary traffic on Lake Como

If you are spending time on Lake Como in the next couple of months you need to be aware of a temporary traffic problem that is creating travel difficulties on the Western Shore.

Sunday Telegraph – La Dolce Vita

12 May 2013 - a review of Lake Como and where to be on the lake and how to find the best value and right home for you. Full article.

Wall Street Journal – Villa Convento

30 April 2013 - Villa Convento in Torno. With a rich history, stunning views and the opportunity to design and create your own living style. Full piece

Daily Telegraph – Una Vista Bellissima

20 Apr 2013 - an Italian Lakes comparison, and how new builds on Lake Como are moving towards tasteful and quality whilst period villas remain a key base attraction.

Brianza Motor Show

The Brianza Motor Show is held every year and well worth a visit to see the exceptional cars and motorcycles with over 200 stands to visit.

Sunday Times – Still Waters Run Cheap

10 Feb 2013 - be cautious of buying a home more suited to a local purchaser even if it appears to be a bargain, as it is likely to be difficult to resell. Full article.

Lake Como Overview

Lake Como in northern Italy is undoubtedly a very special lake and is certainly on the privileged list of places where the cognoscenti choose to spend time and, increasingly, to have a home. Shaped like an inverted ‘Y’, just 45 minutes from the international airports of Milan, its charms are distributed along 300 miles of shoreline set between high alpine mountains in a deep v-shaped building.

Daily Telegraph – Sumptuous Homes

17 Jan 2013 - Featuring Villa Peduzzi with its infinity swimming pool 600m above Lake Como with amazing lake views. Full article.

Independent on Sunday – Home or Abroad

6 Jan 2013 – In Italy, Lake Como remains the preferred location of choice for up-market second home owners. Full article.

A 3% buyer’s fee

The fees a property buyer pay vary substantially by country, from nothing in several, to up to 10% in France. In Italy, the standard is a fee of 3% although some agents do charge 4%. So quite often we are asked by clients to justify our 3% fee.

Independent on Sunday – Grab ‘La Dolce Vita’

9 Dec 2012 - The importance of knowing the market and finding the off-market properties.

The Telegraph – World’s Best Views

9 Nov 2012 – featuring Ultissimo’s Villa Peduzzi dating from 1909 which is currently undergoing full restoration. Full feature.

Asia Tatler – World’s Most Desirable Real Estate

Oct 2012. The Secret Agents – Why using a buying agent with local knowledge can help you find the gems in the property market.

Castagnata – Lake Como Autumnal Traditions

It’s reaching that time of year and autumn is gently settling on the lake. That means it is time for the Italian autumnal traditions to commence and in restaurants around the lake you will now see chestnuts on the menu.

Daily Telegraph – Buying a Village

22 Sept 2012 - Paul expounds on the importance of preparation before and during renovations in Italy. Full article

JetLev with Lake Como Watersports

Find out about the JetLev, a seriously cool piece of kit. The latest and greatest in watersports, available to fly on Lake Como.

Summer Festivals on Lake Como

Lake Como has a schedule of international cultural events every summer in a number of locations around the lake.  The splendour of its villas and parks are the perfect setting, gifting visitors, locals and home owners’ memorable experiences.

Time to buy a wonderful slice of Italian history?

Ultissimo has been approached by a small number of Italian families who are looking to sell wonderful homes, on Lake Como in particular, that have been in the family for generations. They realise the attraction of these historic homes to the international market and we understand the rarity and attraction of these opportunities.

Lake Como Marathon

This weekend, Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 July, sees the Lake Como Marathon. A true test in endurance, or as its aptly called an extreme marathon! There are two options for this marathon starting in the city of Como on the western leg of the lake – the ‘standard’ 35km marathon or the 102 km option!

Hotels on Lake Como

Many of our clients visiting Lake Como in the search to find their own home ask us to help them find a suitable hotel. For many years the finest hotel on Lake Como has without question been Villa d’Este, in the town of Cernobbio. The grand, frescoed building and traditional standards of excellence have long made this a favourite with many visitors who return time and again.

Tuscany vs Umbria

31 Mar 2012 - Tuscany and Umbria are both favourites among British buyers, Umbrian properties are priced lower by €1,000 per square metre. Full article.

Umbrian Second Home Owners

For many second home owners in Italy arriving at your home for the new season is always a moment of doubt. Wondering whether your Sky subscription might have failed over the winter months, unsure the internet will be connected still (how else will you deal with work whilst you are away?) and wondering whether your house will be infested with brightly coloured beetles.

Skiing on Lake Como

Lake Como would not be the first name on your lips for planning a winter ski trip, but it is worth considering if you are looking for a different type of ski holiday. If you base yourself in Argegno, you can spend an afternoon on the small pistes just above San Fedele, a mere 15 minutes’ drive...

Lake Como property – fortunes for 2012

2011 has been another healthy year. Spring and early summer saw a number of purchase decisions made and then once again autumn was really busy. Overall it looks as though there have been more sales concluded in 2011 than the previous year, although the shape of the market has been a little different.

Two Countries for the price of one

December 2011 - The Sunday Times featured an article on the benefits of buying a home which allows you to explore two countries on your doorstep and in particular the beauty and ease of Lake Como and Lake Lugano.

The Financial Times – Secrets of the Lake

The Financial Times talking about the off-market opportunities on Lake Como, and the difficulties of buying.

Off-market Properties – FT

October 2011 - The Financial Times wrote a piece detailing the complexities of off-market properties and the benefits of using discreet professionals to find the right home for you.

Lake Como Second Home Location

Monica Woodley discusses Lake Como as an affordable second home location.

Lake Como is back in business

27.05.2011 - Paul Belcher 'the market is especially lively'. The full article can be found

The Telegraph – Living the Lake Life

Discussing a property we found through Property Search, an apartment right next door to George Clooney. Read the article

City AM – George Clooney’s Neighbour

20.05.2011 - Huggins says Ultissimo have a 'small army of contacts'.

Provincia di Como – featured in New York Times

27.05.2011 - International Herald Tribune article in the local Como newspaper - full article

Provincia di Como – featured in Financial Times

09.03.2011 - La Provincia picked up the recent Financial Times article.

Financial Times – Follow the smart money

5 March 2011 - 'buyers can find good value properties in areas including Laglio, Ossuccio, Sala Comacina, Argegno...'

Who We Are

Ultissimo are a Property Search company operating exclusively on Lake Como. The reason we choose to operate in just one area is so that we can offer you the best service available through our in depth knowledge.