Living in Lugano: a unique lifestyle and constantly evolving opportunities
In the 2025 Swiss real estate landscape, Lugano stands out as one of the most attractive and dynamic cities. Nestled along the lake and surrounded by rolling hills of rare beauty, the city has successfully reinvented itself in recent years—moving beyond its traditional elitist image and opening up to an increasingly diverse audience. Families, young professionals, entrepreneurs, active retirees, and international investors now see Lugano not only as a tourist or financial destination, but as a city truly worth living in and investing in.
1.A city between Economy and Well-Being
Lugano has long been associated with finance: with dozens of banks, insurance companies, and wealth management firms, the city has for decades been a point of reference for both private and corporate clients. However, today its economic fabric is much more diversified. The technology, scientific research, design, and medical innovation sectors are expanding rapidly—thanks in part to academic institutions like the Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI) and the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB).
This economic growth is paired with a very high level of well-being. Public services are efficient, healthcare is excellent, and education includes top-level schools—public, private, international, and trilingual. All of this makes Lugano attractive not only for those seeking career opportunities but also for those looking for a balanced and safe lifestyle.
2.Culture and Leisure: a complete lifestyle
One of Lugano’s most unique features in the Swiss context is its ability to combine northern European precision with a Mediterranean atmosphere. The mild climate, presence of the lake, Italian-inspired cuisine, and vibrant cultural events all contribute to a lifestyle that captivates both residents and visitors.
The LAC (Lugano Arte e Cultura), an avant-garde cultural center, hosts dozens of events each year—from concerts to theater performances and art exhibitions. Festivals such as LongLake, Estival Jazz, and the FIT International Theatre Festival draw audiences from across Europe. This cultural vitality has a tangible impact on the real estate market: more and more people—especially in the upper-middle class—are choosing to move to Lugano to enjoy a stimulating and international environment.
3.Evolving Areas and Housing Demand
The Lugano real estate market is steadily transforming to meet the new needs of both residents and investors. While in the past the focus was almost exclusively on lakefront villas and luxury downtown apartments, today demand is diversifying.
Districts like Paradiso, Castagnola, Molino Nuovo, Viganello, and Besso are undergoing significant urban renewal and enhancement projects. The most in-demand properties? Medium-sized apartments (2.5 to 4.5 rooms), ideally with terraces, green spaces, storage rooms, and parking spaces. Modern, sustainable, and functional housing solutions are increasingly appreciated—often part of residential complexes with shared spaces, gyms, co-working areas, or rooftop terraces.
The market is also responding to the rising demand for homes designed for smart working and overall well-being: spacious living areas with natural light, home offices, integrated smart home systems, eco-friendly materials, and efficient heating/cooling systems are increasingly sought-after features.
4.A Market in Expansion
Market data confirm steady and continuous growth. Although Lugano remains one of the Swiss cities with the highest price per square meter, this is justified by solid demand, limited availability of new properties, and a transparent and predictable regulatory framework.
Investors find in Lugano an excellent balance between returns and stability. Buying property to rent offers good profitability, especially in well-served areas close to universities, offices, and infrastructure. Rental contracts are clearly regulated, and property taxation—though varying by canton—is competitive compared to other European markets.
Also noteworthy is the renewed interest in second homes from international buyers, attracted by the city’s proximity to Italy, the quality of the healthcare system, and the chance to own a secondary residence in a secure and stable environment.
5.Opportunities for Individuals and Developers
Lugano also represents a valuable opportunity for real estate developers and investors. Urban regeneration projects, the conversion of former industrial areas, and new residential zoning developments are expanding the housing offer while maintaining high-quality standards. New construction focuses on low environmental impact, careful landscape integration, and energy efficiency.
Local players like Comafim play an active role in this evolving landscape, offering real estate projects designed to meet contemporary demand: efficient, well-located housing solutions that cater to both national and international clients, while also respecting the local territory and architectural quality.
6.Lugano: a residential and strategic choice
Lugano in 2025 is no longer just a postcard-perfect destination or a financial hub for the elite. It is a vibrant, connected, creative, and growing city. A place where living means enjoying a rare balance between efficiency, nature, and well-being. A place where investing means betting on a mature yet expanding market—stable, yet open to renewal.
For those looking to buy a home, for those seeking rental investment opportunities, or for those who simply wish to relocate to a high-quality environment, Lugano today stands as one of the most interesting choices in the Swiss real estate landscape.
