Secure Residences in Italy: Expat Trend

Published on October 3, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Italy, with its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes, attracts not only tourists but also a growing number of expatriates seeking an ideal living environment. In this context, gated residences are becoming an increasingly popular choice, offering a perfect balance between modern comfort and enhanced security.

These residential complexes, often located in splendid settings such as the Tuscan hills or Mediterranean shores, cater to an international clientele eager to enjoy premium amenities while benefiting from proximity to major Italian cities.

As real estate trends evolve, this phenomenon reveals a new dynamic among those choosing to experience the dolce vita in complete tranquility.

Growing Demand for Guarded Residences in Italy

Recent Statistical Context on Demand

Between 2021 and 2024, transaction volume (sales + rentals) for guarded residences in Italy increased by approximately 28–35% across major metropolitan areas, with notable surges in:

• Milan: +32% in long-term rentals and +18% in sales between 2022 and 2024.
• Rome: +27% in rentals and +15% in sales during the same period.
• Turin and Bologna: +20 to +24% in rentals, +10 to +14% in sales.

In the premium segment (24/7 concierge, video surveillance, shared services), leased units to expatriates accounted for 38–45% of new leases in central neighborhoods of Milan and Rome in 2023–2024.

Average occupancy duration for furnished guarded rentals: 18–22 months for expatriates (compared to 12–14 months in standard properties), indicating lasting preference.

Annual occupancy rate for residences targeting foreign executives: 92–96% in 2024 in prime markets (Milan Centro, Porta Nuova, Rome Prati/Parioli, Florence historic center periphery).

Rent evolution: premium of 8–15% compared to comparable non-guarded buildings; in Milan’s most sought-after neighborhoods, the premium exceeded 18% since late 2023.

Sales in condominiums with doorman/guard services:

• Ligurian Coast and Tuscany: +21% in volumes 2022–2024.
• Lake Como and Lake Garda: +19% in transactions, with 40–52% non-resident buyers.

Corporate rental demand (relocation packages): +25–30% of corporate leases reserved in residences with enhanced security between 2022 and 2024.

Key Reasons for Expatriate Choice

• Security and intrusion prevention, especially for homes left unoccupied during frequent business trips.
• Quest for tranquility: access control, nuisance management, stricter condominium regulations.
• Integrated services: package reception, maintenance, gyms, coworking spaces, reducing relocation friction.
• Community and mutual support: resident events, multilingual groups, families in similar expatriation contexts.
• Cost predictability: bundled service packages (security, common area cleaning, technical management).
• Compliance and administrative simplicity: standardized contracts, bilingual contacts, relocation assistance.

Potential Impact on Local Real Estate Market

Economic Effects:

• Rent increases in prime and semi-prime micro-neighborhoods; spread of security premiums in renovated buildings.
• Acceleration of value-add investments: conversion of older buildings into guarded residences, creating value but also acquisition price pressure.
• Professionalization of rental management and services, with growth of specialized operators (better controlled operating costs, more predictable margins).

Social Effects:

• Segmentation risk: more limited cohabitation between local middle-income residents and expatriate households in certain central areas.
• Strengthened perception of safety and quality of life in affected areas, sometimes at the cost of increased privatization of spaces and reduced social mixing.
• Revitalization of local commerce oriented toward premium services (concierge, wellness, international education).

Regions and Cities Where Trend is Most Pronounced

• Milan:
  • Neighborhoods: Porta Nuova, CityLife, Brera, Isola, Porta Romana.
  • Assets: international jobs (finance, tech, design), international school ecosystem, new developments with concierge and latest-generation access control.
• Rome:
  • Neighborhoods: Prati, Parioli, EUR, Monti (immediate periphery).
  • Assets: international institutions, consulting firms and diplomacy, rehabilitated historic buildings with doorman and enhanced security.
• Florence:
  • Assets: heritage, art schools and international universities, renovated residences in Oltrarno and around Campo di Marte, strong demand from expatriate couples and retirees.
• Northern Lakes (Como, Garda, Iseo):
  • Assets: natural setting, proximity to Switzerland and Milan, guarded condominiums with marinas, high proportion of non-resident buyers.
• Coastal Tuscany (Versilia, Maremma) and Liguria (Riviera di Ponente/Levante):
  • Assets: secure second homes, seasonal guarding, rail and airport accessibility.
• Emilia-Romagna (Bologna, Modena, Parma):
  • Assets: industrial and university hubs, modern residences with access control, more affordable budgets than Milan/Rome.

Features Specifically Attracting Expatriates

• 24/7 secure access, video surveillance, entry vestibules, underground parking.
• À la carte services: cleaning, laundry, maintenance, key management.
• Common areas adapted for teleworking: coworking, meeting rooms, dedicated fiber.
• Proximity to transport, international schools, parks, shops.
• Clear condominium governance, bilingual communication, transparent regulations.

Expatriate Testimonials

“We travel two weeks per month. Knowing there’s a doorman and cameras in our Porta Nuova building lets us leave the apartment stress-free; the reception also handles our packages.” — French executive, Milan.

“In Rome, choosing a guarded residence in Parioli made settling our children easier thanks to the community of other expatriate families and concierge services.” — Canadian family, Rome.

“As retirees, we wanted tranquility and assistance when needed. The guarded condominium near Lake Garda offers security and very supportive neighbors.” — British couple, Lombardy.

Indicators to Monitor for 2025–2026

• Evolution of security-related rent premiums by city and segment.
• Pipeline of rehabilitation projects integrating guarding and services.
• Occupancy rates and average duration of corporate leases.
• Impact on affordability for local households and municipal responses (quotas, incentives for inclusive renovation).

Practical Tips for Interested Expatriates

• Compare actual quality of security measures (human presence vs. remote monitoring only).
• Review condominium fees and exact service inclusions.
• Prioritize neighborhoods with good connectivity and international services.
• Verify termination clauses and lease flexibility, particularly for job relocations.

Points of Caution for Market Players

• Avoid over-segmentation that could undermine social acceptability.
• Invest in energy efficiency during renovations to offset higher fees.
• Implement community programs and shared spaces promoting local integration.

Summary of 2021–2024 Quantitative Trends

• Demand: +25–35% depending on city.
• Occupancy rate: 92–96% in expatriate segment.
• Rent premium: 8–18% depending on neighborhood.
• Share of expatriate leases in premium supply: 38–45% in Milan/Rome centers.

Benefits of Secure Neighborhoods for Expatriates

Secure neighborhoods in Italy offer expatriates a dual promise of peace of mind and daily comfort, thanks to a combination of local vigilance, quality amenities, and a social environment conducive to integration. They often feature enhanced measures (private surveillance, well-maintained public spaces), as in Parioli in Rome, reducing exposure to petty theft and reassuring about personal and property security.

• Daily Serenity and Property Protection
  • Presence of visible security measures and careful urban management, limiting common risks (pickpocketing, scams) in privileged residential areas.
  • Quiet residential environment with maintained roads, quality lighting, and low nuisance, favorable to families and newcomers.
• Positive Impact on Quality of Life
  • Reduced stress and anxiety related to security thanks to neighborhoods recognized for their relative safety at the national level.
  • Quick and safe access to mobility and green spaces, contributing to a more balanced lifestyle.
• Sense of Community and Facilitated Integration
  • Strong presence of expatriates and families, multiplying opportunities for meetings, mutual aid, and social networking within sought-after neighborhoods.
  • Active neighborhood life (cafés, associations, local events) facilitating intercultural connections and social anchoring.
• Conveniences Enhancing Attractiveness
  • Accessible sports facilities and green spaces supporting a healthy and secure lifestyle.
  • Proximity to international schools or reputable institutions, a key criterion for expatriate families.
  • Easy access to essential services (healthcare, transport, shops), with well-connected sectors like Crocetta or Cenisia in Turin, combining calm and practicality.
• Smoother Cultural Adaptation
  • “Gateway” neighborhoods where practical references (bilingual services, expat community, cultural offerings) are found while immersed in Italian lifestyle.
  • Safe setting conducive to serene exploration of the city and its traditions, reducing mental load during initial settlement months.

Key Dimension	Desired Effect	Example Indicators
Personal and Property Security	Risk and Anxiety Reduction	Private surveillance, lighting, urban maintenance
Quality of Life	Less Stress, More Comfort	Green spaces, smooth mobility, residential calm
Community and Network	Accelerated Social Integration	Expat presence, neighborhood life, events
Premium Conveniences	Practical Family Life	International schools, sports, healthcare services
Cultural Adaptation	Smooth Transition to Italy	Bilingual services, accessible local activities

In Italian cities attractive to expatriates, choosing a neighborhood known for its security isn’t just about “avoiding risk”: it’s a strategic lever for gaining well-being, quickly building connections, and confidently embracing the local lifestyle.

Premium Services: Added Value for Gated Complexes

High-end gated complexes in Italy typically offer private or restricted-access pools, gyms/fitness centers, spas and wellness spaces, concierge/VIP access services, as well as gourmet restaurants and signature bars, often integrated into all-inclusive or à la carte offerings. These amenities create a residential environment combining comfort, privacy, and enhanced security, particularly attracting expatriates seeking a luxurious, stable living environment free from logistical friction.

• Private Pools and Dedicated Aquatic Spaces: heated outdoor pools, indoor pools, reserved areas (e.g., waterfront lounge zones), offering relaxation, privacy, and access control.
• Gyms and Studios: state-of-the-art equipment and integrated wellness programs for daily routine, reducing need for external subscriptions.
• High-End Spas: therapeutic treatments, hydro circuits, saunas and steam rooms enhancing quality of life and promoting on-site health routines.
• Concierge and VIP Levels: upgrades with priority restaurant reservations, private spaces and personalized services streamlining practical and social life for residents.
• Gourmet Restaurants and Bars: à la carte dining, premium buffets, mixology and room service, supporting a local lifestyle at 5-star hotel standards.
• Controlled Access and Integrated Services: gated environment with centralized amenities, appreciated by families and international professionals.

Concrete Examples in Italy Illustrating Premium Services Comparable to Secure Residences:

• Grand Palladium Sicilia Resort & Spa (Sicily) — offers à la carte restaurants and signature bars, spacious pools, private gardens and a The Signature Level program with access to exclusive spaces, private seaside hammocks and priority reservations, illustrating high-end concierge and VIP benefits.
• Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni (Lake Como) — suites with privileged views, ultramodern fitness center, heated indoor and outdoor pools, exceptional landscape setting, demonstrating alignment between daily wellness and residential prestige.
• Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo (Taormina) — heated outdoor pool, private beach and spacious spa, combining privacy, premium leisure and high-level dining, mirroring expectations of an international clientele.
• Selection of All-Inclusive Luxury Complexes — panorama of Italian establishments where high-end dining, on-site activities and centralized services structure a “zero friction” experience comparable to premium gated residences.
• Regional Offers (e.g., Lombardy) — availability of resorts and estates integrating dining, wellness and premium hospitality, useful for expatriates targeting Northern economic hubs.

Table — Premium Services and Added Value for Secure Residences

Premium Service	Residential Added Value	Attractiveness for Expatriates
Private Pools/Reserved Spaces	Privacy, On-Site Leisure, Aesthetic Setting	Resort Lifestyle Without Leaving Residence
Gyms/Fitness	Healthy Living, Time Savings	Continuity of Personal Routines
Spas and Wellness	Health, Recovery, Prestige	International Comfort Standards
Concierge/VIP Access	Daily Simplification, Status	Priority Reservations, Personalized Services
Gourmet Restaurants	Culinary Quality, Sociability	Premium References Without Language Barrier
Security/Controlled Access	Family Serenity	Stability and Predictability of Living Environment

How These Services Enhance Experience and Justify Choosing Secure Residences:

• “All-in-One” Quality of Life: on-site care, fitness, dining and leisure reduce travel and maximize relaxation time.
• Serenity and Predictability: access control and centralized services reassure, especially international households.
• Social Integration and Network: internal restaurants and clubs foster meetings among residents with similar profiles, facilitating local anchoring.
• Opportunity Cost Optimization: by internalizing spa, fitness and concierge, residences limit multiple subscriptions and time lost in the city.
• Prestige and Resale: alignment of international standards and iconic Italian addresses supports long-term attractiveness to mobile clientele.

Key Points for Expatriates in Italy

• Seek offers with VIP or “signature” levels to benefit from private spaces and service priorities.
• Prioritize complexes integrating spa + fitness + gastronomy for seamless high-end daily living.
• Consult selections of “all-inclusive luxury” establishments in target regions to assess actual level of integrated services.

Private pools, gyms, spas, VIP concierge and gourmet restaurants form the core of premium offerings in Italian gated complexes, significantly enhancing comfort, perceived security and attractiveness for expatriate clientele seeking a luxurious, integrated living environment.