Why Piedmont Attracts Newcomers in 2026
A Prosperous, Industrial, and Cultural Region
Long associated with the automobile industry, the region has diversified its engines of growth: aerospace, premium agri-food, design, digital. As a result: a fabric of exporting SMEs and innovations, supported by the Politecnico di Torino and efficient logistics hubs. 🚄
- Key sectors: mobility and engineering, aerospace, high-end textiles (Biella), logistics (Alessandria), agri-food.
- Key connections: high-speed trains and highways to Milan, Liguria, and France; Turin-Caselle Airport.
- Real estate: prices are still moderate compared to other Italian regions, with country houses and character apartments.
Real Estate Focus: for second homes, demand is in Turin for large apartments and charming houses. According to Green Acres data, the average basket of properties viewed is around €1,017,000 for 414 m² (approx. €2,457/m²).
High Quality of Life and Varied Landscapes
Four distinct seasons, large lakes (Orta, Maggiore on the Piedmont side), Vercelli rice fields, rolling vineyards, and Alpine parks: here, changing your scenery takes less than an hour’s drive. 🏞️
- Services: renowned healthcare, good schools and universities, a dense cultural network.
- Daily life: gastronomy, markets, a more relaxed pace than in megacities.
- Soft mobility: bike paths, marked trails, and well-connected regional transport.
Turin, a Modern and Sophisticated Capital
Urban Renaissance and Remarkable Architectural Heritage
Turin has turned its old industrial sites into places to live: Lingotto, OGR, Po riverbanks. The historic center is lined with baroque palaces, elegant arcades, and Art Nouveau gems, with the Mole Antonelliana as the flagship. 🏛️
- Trending districts: Centro, Vanchiglia, San Salvario, Crocetta.
- Assets: green spaces, bike-sharing, cafés under the arcades for real neighborhood life.
Vibrant Cultural Life: Museums, Historic Cafés, Festivals
From intimate to mainstream, the cultural offering is unique in Italy.
- Museums: Museo Egizio, National Cinema Museum, MAUTO, GAM.
- Festivals: Salone del Libro, Torino Film Festival, Artissima, MITO SettembreMusica.
- Art de vivre: historic cafés (Caffè Torino, Al Bicerin), gianduja chocolate, bicerin, and aperitivo on every piazza corner. ☕
International Demand Benchmarks
According to Green Acres, foreign inquiries in the Turin area mostly come from France (22%), the United States (11%), Israel (9%), and the Netherlands (7%). Median budgets range from €250,000 to €790,000 for median areas of 130 to 390 m², with median prices close to €2,000/m².
The Hills of Langhe and Monferrato
UNESCO Vineyards and Exceptional Wine Villages
Listed as a UNESCO site, the hills of Langhe and Monferrato form a postcard landscape: rows of vines, medieval towers, and stone cascine. Ideal for a second home or an agritourism project. 🍇
- Villages to explore: Barolo, La Morra, Neive, Barbaresco, Canelli.
- Experiences: grape harvests, wine routes, panoramic walks at sunrise.
- Typical properties: restored farms, brick mansions, small village houses with a view.
For houses for sale in Canelli (Asti province), the average basket is around €333,000 for 308 m², or approx. €1,081/m².
Local Gastronomy: White Truffle, Barolo, and Slow Food
In Alba, the white truffle lights up the autumn. The town of Bra saw the birth of Slow Food, a movement that influences restaurants and markets.
- Wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Arneis.
- Dishes: vitello tonnato, tajarin, plin, bagna cauda, robiola di Roccaverano. 🍄
- Rituals: family trattorias, cellar tastings, village festivals during the grape harvest.
Who Buys in the Hills?
In the province of Cuneo, which covers much of the Langhe, foreign demand is led by Germany (16%), the Netherlands (13%), and France (11%). Median budgets range from about €170,000 to €300,000 for properties from 257 to 376 m².
In Asti, the Dutch (16%) and Swiss (12%) dominate international demand, ahead of Germany (10%). Sought-after properties are around €180,000 to €270,000 for median areas of 250 to 323 m².
The Piedmont Alps: Living Between Nature and Sport
Ski Resorts of Sestriere and Bardonecchia
In the Via Lattea, Sestriere and Bardonecchia offer sunny, welcoming skiing, renowned schools, and modern facilities. In summer, it’s all about mountain biking, trail running, and climbing. ⛷️🚴
- Sought-after properties: wooden chalets, apartments near lifts, small hamlet houses.
- Practical: shuttle buses, season passes, activities for children all year round.
New Sustainable Tourism Initiatives
Piedmont is moving toward more responsible tourism: e-bikes, natural parks, short supply chains, and eco-efficient renovation of accommodations.
- Protected areas: Parco Alpi Cozie, Gran Paradiso zones on the Piedmont side.
- Mobility: networks of trails and mountain lodges, rail links for car-free weekends.
- Vibrant territory: agritourisms, organic markets, local producers’ workshops.
Piedmont, the Perfect Balance Between Culture, Nature, and Sophistication
What strikes you in Piedmont is harmony: a hushed capital, gourmet hills, sporty valleys. An ideal setting to work serenely and savor your free time.
- People who feel at home here: remote workers, families looking for schools and nature, wine and mountain lovers.
- Choosing your territory: chic urban in Turin, wine villages in Langhe/Monferrato, lively alpine valleys.
Good to know before buying:
- Prepare your codice fiscale and financing; anticipate notary (notaio) and registration fees.
- Request the APE (energy certificate), check planning permissions and charges (co-ownership/condo fees).
- Get assistance for the preliminary contract (contratto preliminare) and technical checks.
