Boom of holiday homes in Ticino: impacts on real estates market and future developments
Ticino, the southernmost canton of Switzerland, is a renowned tourist destination thanks to its cultural mix, breathtaking landscapes, and mild climate, making it an attraction all year round. Cities like Lugano and Locarno, along with green valleys like Valle Verzasca and Vallemaggia, offer a range of experiences that attract visitors from all over the world.
Holidays home in Ticino are gaining popularity in the local real estate market. Travelers prefer more personalized stays and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture. This has increased the demand for properties intended as holiday homes, driving investment in this sector. Holidays home are seen not only as rental opportunities but also as solid investments due to the constant flow of tourists and the potential economic return.
The growing interest in holiday homes is stimulating the real estate market and contributing to the economic dynamism of Ticino, supporting the tourism sector and creating new opportunities for local communities.
1.Holiday homes in Ticino
In recent years, Ticino has seen significant growth in the number of holiday homes, a phenomenon driven by the region’s increasing attractiveness as a tourist destination and the preference for stays that offer flexibility and an authentic experience. This trend has led to an increasingly widespread distribution of holiday homes in the main areas of the canton.
Lugano, known for being the economic and cultural center of Ticino, is one of the most popular areas for holiday homes. The city offers the charm of an urban environment immersed in nature, with Lake Lugano serving as the perfect backdrop for many luxury residences converted into holiday homes. The combination of high-quality shopping, cultural events, and a mild climate attracts visitors year-round.
In the region of Locarno and Ascona, situated on the shores of Lake Maggiore, holiday homes are a popular choice for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and historical charm. Locarno, with its famous film festival, and Ascona, with its picturesque streets and art galleries, offer an ideal setting for extended stays, increasing the demand for tourist rentals.
The Ticino valleys, such as Valle Verzasca and Vallemaggia, known for their unspoiled landscapes and tranquil atmosphere, are witnessing an increase in the transformation of traditional rustic buildings into charming holiday homes. This development is supported by a growing interest in sustainable tourism and authentic nature experiences.
This growth not only reflects Ticino’s popularity as a tourist destination but also the economic potential of the holiday home sector, encouraging investments and offering new opportunities for local owners and outside investors.
2.Growth and New Trends
The growing demand for holiday homes in Ticino is driven by travelers seeking authentic and personalized experiences, preferring to live like locals rather than stay in traditional hotels. These accommodations offer an immersion in local culture, with the freedom to shop at markets and cook typical meals. The pandemic has also accentuated the interest in extended stays in spaces that combine work and leisure, thanks to larger spaces and amenities such as kitchens and work areas.
Moreover, the demand for housing solutions that ensure privacy and security, away from the common areas of hotels, has made holiday homes a particularly attractive choice. These factors have led to a significant increase in their demand in Ticino, positioning this sector as a key segment of the local real estate market and transforming the region’s tourism landscape.
3.The impact on the Real Estate Market
The increase in demand for holiday homes in Ticino has significantly raised real estate prices, reducing housing affordability for local residents. This phenomenon is commonly observed in many tourist destinations, where the interest of investors and tourists puts pressure on the market. The resulting price growth makes it difficult for residents, especially those with lower incomes, to acquire or rent homes in central areas, pushing them towards more peripheral zones.
Furthermore, many homeowners convert their properties into short-term rentals, where the profit is higher than from long-term rentals, further limiting the availability of affordable housing. These dynamics pose complex challenges for local authorities, who must balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to ensure sustainable housing solutions for local communities. Effective regulatory policies and appropriate urban strategies are crucial to mitigating negative impacts and supporting balanced economic growth.
4. New Constructions and Redevelopment in Ticino
The growing interest in holiday homes in Ticino is promoting the development of new constructions and the redevelopment of existing buildings to meet tourist demand. This phenomenon is part of a global trend where tourism and the sharing economy are redefining the real estate market. In Ticino, new constructions are designed to offer modern apartments with advanced technologies and high comfort, leveraging the natural landscape and combining innovative design and sustainability to attract international visitors.
In parallel, the redevelopment of existing buildings, such as rustic and historic residences, is increasingly common. These projects preserve the architectural and cultural essence of the region, offering an experience that combines authenticity with modern comfort. Redevelopment uses fewer resources than new buildings, making it an environmentally and economically sustainable choice.
These activities are diversifying the accommodation offerings, positioning Ticino as one of Europe’s leading destinations for holiday homes. However, it is crucial that this growth is carefully managed to remain sustainable, ensuring that local communities benefit from these transformations while avoiding compromising their identity and affordability.
