House Hunting in Italy: A 19th-Century Villa on Lake Como

Home prices are highest around the city of Como, on the southern end of the lake, and decrease as you head north, Ms. Baysal said: “Generally, a waterfront property is 6,000 euros to 10,000 euros a square meter ($680 to $1,130 a square foot). If you want to buy a property on the hillside, then you pay between 3,000 euros to 6,000 euros a square meter ($340 to $680 a square foot).”

Who Buys in Lake Como

Traditionally, buyers from the United States, Russia and Middle Eastern countries have been a staple of the regional market. In recent years, more buyers from India, Australia and China have arrived, Ms. Morabito said.

This year, brokers said, there have been many more buyers from Northern Europe who can drive to property viewings as opposed to flying.

“When the country opened up in June and people started traveling again, we got a lot of Germans, Swiss people, Dutch people, Belgians and Scandinavians, especially among those who came for viewings,” Ms. Heron said.

Buying Basics

There are no restrictions on foreign home buyers in Italy, though nonresidents can buy property only if their home countries have reciprocity agreements with the Italian government.

Many buyers hire a real estate agency, which typically charges a commission of 3 percent of the sale price, Ms. Heron said. The sales broker’s fee, which is negotiable, is paid by both parties, with each typically paying 3 to 5 percent.