What motivates buying in Sicily in 2026?
An island experiencing renewed international interest
Sicily is once again attracting foreign buyers and returning Italians, driven by a moderate cost of living, enhanced air connections, and an authentic Mediterranean lifestyle. ✈️🌊
The demand drivers observed in 2026:
- Seasonal rental profitability in major tourist areas.
- Desire for outdoor spaces (terraces, gardens) since remote work became more prevalent.
- Better value for money than in Tuscany or Apulia.
- Listed heritage and historic cities with strong identities.
Growing sales in the Palermo and Catania provinces
Transactions are increasing particularly around Palermo and Catania, buoyed by urban renewal projects and an active rental market.
- Palermo (centro storico, Kalsa, Politeama): renovated apartments often between ~€1,800 and €3,200/m², higher for sea views.
- Catania (Borgo, Corso Italia): ~€1,600 to €2,900/m², with a premium for properties with terraces and an Etna view. 🌋
- Ortigia/Syracuse: premium segment prevalent, with heritage addresses exceeding €3,500/m² depending on condition and location.
These ranges are indicative and vary depending on the street, floor, condition, view, and energy performance.
Indicative asking prices (second homes) as of early 2026: in Syracuse, property listings show an average of €388,000 for 186 m² (≈€2,086/m²) according to Green Acres.
Property in Catania, the average is €310,000 for 199 m² (≈€1,558/m²). See available properties in Catania. These figures reflect asking prices, which are subject to negotiation depending on condition, address, and view.
The most sought-after areas in Sicily
Eastern coast: Taormina, Catania, Ortigia
Taormina is a hub of upscale real estate: views over the Ionian sea, ancient theater, and excellent hotels. High budgets are required for villas and penthouses, with peaks for unique properties.
Catania offers a vibrant urban core, a wine-producing hinterland (Etna DOC), and a convenient international airport. Properties with outdoor spaces are quickly snapped up.
Ortigia (Syracuse) charms with its baroque palaces and waterfront lanes: ideal for a character pied-à-terre and regulated short-term rentals.
- Assets: sea views, heritage, sustained tourist demand.
- Points to watch: tourist rental regulations, demanding condominiums, pedestrian areas.
Northern coast: Cefalù, Castelbuono, charm and authenticity
Cefalù is attractive for its beach, UNESCO cathedral, and rail access to Palermo. Highly sought-after in season, it combines second home appeal with investment potential.
Castelbuono, in the heart of the Madonie, offers a more intimate alternative, with stone houses and a village pace. 🌿
As a reference, property listings in Cefalù average around €238,000 for 111 m² (≈€2,144/m²).
- Assets: authenticity, nature, decent seasonal returns.
- Points to watch: accessibility off season, need for good rental management.
The affordable inland areas
Provinces of Enna and Caltanissetta: houses from €600/m²
Inland, some towns offer very accessible entry prices, with village houses starting from around €600–900/m² depending on condition.
Good to know:
- Many properties need renovation and may require structural work.
- Resale is slower: a long-term outlook is required.
- Check access (roads, services, Internet) and altitude for winter comfort.
Historic villages to renovate and tranquil living
Renovating an old property can be a beautiful adventure… as long as you have good support. 🛠️
- Involve a geometra for surveys and compliance (urban planning, seismic standards).
- Obtain a detailed quote item by item, including contingencies.
- Anticipate administrative delays (permits, condominium, historic monuments).
- Plan for site management if you are not on site.
Property types
Renovated city center apartments, stone houses, coastal villas
– Renovated apartments in historic centers (Palermo, Syracuse, Catania): vaulted ceilings, balconies, charm, and amenities.
– Stone houses in the villages of the Madonie, Nebrodi, or Ragusa hinterland: authenticity and views.
– Coastal or contemporary villas with a pool near Taormina, Cefalù, or south of Syracuse: premium market.
Strong demand for properties with terraces or gardens
Since 2020, the value of an outdoor space has become central: terraces, patios, Mediterranean gardens. 🌺
- Key criteria: good exposure, privacy, usable space (dining, relaxation), low nuisance.
- Highly sought-after features: equipped rooftop terrace, outdoor kitchen, post-beach shower.
Sicily, the ideal destination for combining a sweet life and safe investment
With its two main airports (Palermo and Catania), a packed cultural calendar, and moderate living costs, Sicily blends lifestyle and investment potential.
For a smooth investment:
- Set a total budget including notary, taxes (IMU if second home), works, and furnishing.
- Do your due diligence (visura catastale, compliance, diagnostics, seismic or flood risks depending on the area).
- Validate the rental framework (authorization, registration, tourist identification number where needed).
- Work with a local professional (agent, notary, geometra) and obtain a codice fiscale.
Indicative budget to quickly find your bearings:
- Palermo/Syracuse center: ~€150,000 to €300,000 for a renovated 2-3 room apartment depending on location.
- Taormina/Ortigia prime: ~€350,000 to €800,000 for character or sea-view properties.
- Inland (Enna, Caltanissetta): ~€80,000 to €150,000 for houses to modernize, more for turnkey properties.
Goal: a pleasurable purchase that remains clear economically in the long run. 😊
