Lake Maggiore is entering a defining phase in Italy’s evolving property landscape. Spanning the border between Lombardy, Piedmont, and Switzerland’s Canton Ticino, the second-largest Italian lake has long been associated with grand lakefront living, yet its real estate market has remained more accessible than neighboring Como and Garda. That dynamic is shifting. Growing international demand, improved infrastructure, and proximity to both Milan and Switzerland are drawing a new wave of affluent buyers seeking privacy, authenticity, and long-term value.
Among the properties defining this momentum is an exclusive lakefront villa with pool and pier on Lake Maggiore, a recently renovated contemporary residence on the lakeshore in Angera.
At the forefront of this market is Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate, part of Warren Buffett’s global real estate network. Led by Marina Rizzotto, the agency brings almost 20 years of experience in Italy’s high-end property sector, with offices positioned across Lake Maggiore, Lake Como, Milan, Piedmont, Tuscany, and Lake Lugano. The opening of a waterfront office on the lake resort of Stresa in 2024 underscores the group’s confidence in the region’s trajectory.
The agency specifically supports international clients at every stage of the journey: from curating viewings and managing negotiations through to completion at the notary, while also providing a full post-sale service and guidance in identifying the most suitable financing solutions.
Lake Maggiore: A Strategic Address Between Milan and Switzerland
The lake’s appeal extends well beyond its scenic shoreline. The investment case is supported by several factors: steady infrastructure improvements, including upgraded road connections and enhanced air links via Malpensa; growing interest from international buyers seeking second residences or long-term assets in Northern Italy; and the broader appeal of the Piedmont region, where the global recognition of the Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato UNESCO wine regions is strengthening the area’s international profile.
What sets the area apart for property buyers is its connectivity. Milan Malpensa International Airport is less than 30 minutes from the southern lakeshore, while Milan itself is under an hour’s drive.
According to Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate, buyers are increasingly drawn to destinations that feel authentic, livable, and still relatively undiscovered, qualities that Lake Maggiore delivers in full.
International demand is increasingly drawn to a hybrid use (private residence paired with short-term rentals), with a clear preference for effortless liveability: lighter traffic even in high season, broader roads and smooth, easy movement. Perfect for lakeside strolls, cycling and outdoor living. Adding to its appeal is a rich year-round calendar of cultural and sporting events that keeps the destination vibrant in every season.
Lake Maggiore is attracting buyers as property prices remain more competitive compared to other prime Italian lake destinations, while demand from European, American, and Swiss buyers continues to accelerate.
In recent years, Lake Maggiore has evolved from being simply an alternative to Lake Como into a destination with an identity of its own, where value, lifestyle and returns meet (around €6,000–€9,000/sq m in the most coveted locations).
Lake Orta, the understated jewel of the Lake Maggiore area, offers an equally compelling setting for international buyers.
One often overlooked yet telling indicator: over 90% of second-home purchases on the lakes are completed without a mortgage, clear evidence of an increasingly cash-driven market, and therefore less exposed to financial volatility. Lake Maggiore ultimately stands out as a destination that may be less iconic, but decidedly more rational, where capital preservation, lifestyle and income potential become the real investment drivers.
Featured Properties on Lake Maggiore and Beyond
The following selection, presented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate, reflects the range of opportunities available across the lake and its surrounding regions, from contemporary waterfront residences to historic estates and cross-border properties.
Lakefront Villa with Pool and Pier, Angera, Lake Maggiore
Price: €7,000,000
Beds/Baths: 6 beds, 8 baths
Size: 750 sqm
Fully renovated in 2022, this contemporary villa sits directly on the shores of Lake Maggiore, spanning four levels connected by an internal elevator. A 12-by-2.5-meter swimming pool and air conditioning throughout complete a residence designed for year-round lakefront living, located just three kilometers from Angera’s town center.
Historic Villa on the Shores of Lake Maggiore, Verbania
Price: On Request
Size: 1,960 sqm on a 2.4-hectare lot
Dating to the early 1900s, this villa occupies one of the most historically significant stretches of Lake Maggiore’s coastline. The estate encompasses approximately 1,960 square meters of living space across the main villa and two independent buildings, set within 24,000 square meters of meticulously maintained parkland featuring mature trees and rare botanical species. A private boathouse with direct lake access and its own garden adds a particularly rare dimension to this heritage property.
Liberty Villa with Private Park, Varese
Price: €5,000,000
Beds/Baths: 3 beds, 4 baths
Size: 500 sqm on a 1.6-hectare lot
Nearby Lake Maggiore, fully renovated in 2019, this Liberty-style villa offers over 500 square meters of interior space across four levels, served by an elevator and an original wrought-iron staircase. Carrara Calacatta Oro marble with Emperador Gold borders graces the flooring throughout.
Modern Villa with Infinity Pool, Massino Visconti
Price: €2,900,000
Size: 360 sqm on a 3,338 sqm lot
Perched on the sunlit hills of Massino Visconti, this energy-class A2 contemporary villa features floor-to-ceiling glass walls that open to 180-degree panoramic views of Lake Maggiore. Four bedrooms, each with a private en-suite bathroom, an elegant fireplace, underfloor heating, an indoor Jacuzzi, and an outdoor hydromassage pool ensure comfort in every season.
A Destination for the Informed Buyer
Lake Maggiore presents a rare convergence of lifestyle quality, heritage, and investment potential in Northern Italy. As the market evolves, the opportunity remains well-timed for buyers seeking a destination that is connected, credible, and still poised for appreciation.
For more information on these properties and other opportunities across Lake Maggiore and Northern Italy, contact Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palazzo Estate via the form below:
