Spring 2022 Trends in the Piedmont Real Estate Market

The burning question is always the same: how’s the property market in Piedmont?

Well, here we are in May 2022, and the answer is simple — it’s booming.

Houses are selling fast and some really interesting things are happening.

The search area for buyers is getting bigger. Places that were once slightly overlooked are suddenly becoming very desirable. Availability is down, there simply aren’t many good houses on the market, so buyers are becoming more open-minded.

You can’t find much in the Barolo area anymore? Fine. What’s wrong with being 30 minutes away? In American or London terms, that’s practically next door.

We’re also seeing growing demand for townhouses and historic properties in old village centres.

And here’s a little hot tip from me: look north of Asti.

My son lives in Montemagno and it’s beautiful. Honestly, it’s a bit like Tuscany… but better. You have the Alps in the background, far less humidity in summer and amazing wines everywhere. Geographically, I’d argue it’s far more interesting too.

These small hilltop towns became a little forgotten over the years, but that’s changing quickly. Foreign buyers are restoring beautiful old properties, living in them part-time or renting them out successfully. I’ve personally got my eye on something in Montemagno for Airbnb use.

We recently sold a house in Casorzo within five days. I wasn’t remotely surprised.

The higher end of the market is especially active right now. Expensive houses are selling and they’re selling quickly. The enquiries never stop. People email me and then, two days later, send another message asking whether reports of my death have been exaggerated because I haven’t replied yet.

Which leads me to an important announcement: in June, for the entire month, I’ll be almost closed for business.

I need a break.

For the last two years I’ve been working flat out with hardly any time away from the office. I’ve put weight back on because I spend half my life driving or sitting at my desk eating too much in between, and my own house is now looking slightly abandoned. It’s desperately asking for plaster, paint and repairs.

I’ll still take care of clients already in the buying process, and if you’re genuinely serious and can’t wait, I’ll respond.

If you waste my time, however, I may force you to come and help paint my hallway. Fair warning.

What makes me happiest is seeing what’s happening to the area itself.

Years ago, many local people left for Turin, Milan, London and elsewhere. Now foreigners are arriving and recognising the value of this region. They’re restoring homes, investing serious money and helping local builders, restaurants, wineries and businesses.

It’s genuinely positive for the area.

Just today I met a man playing the bagpipes in Asti — he was Dutch. I hear Scandinavian accents everywhere now, and the best bartender in Asti is Albanian.

Piedmont is becoming wonderfully international while still remaining very, very Italian.

This month alone I fully expect to help buyers close on around €6 million worth of property.

I’ve never seen the market this busy or this exciting.

So if you’re thinking about buying here, don’t think for too long.

And if you’re wondering why the “lazy, useless agents” sometimes don’t reply… perhaps that tells you everything you need to know about how active the market really is. If you want quiet markets and endless availability, there are other countries for that.

But the magic is here.

To finish with a nice story:

A few weeks ago, I noticed three people wandering around my driveway pretending to be casual passersby, despite clearly having a mission. Eventually they gathered the courage to knock on the door.

It turned out their ancestors had lived in this very house. They were Swiss and had family here back in the 1870s. They even brought photographs from the 1940s and 50s.

So no — we’re not the first foreigners to fall in love with this region, and you certainly won’t be the last.

Local people are usually delighted when newcomers arrive and restore old homes and become part of the community — provided you don’t play electric guitar aggressively at midnight or argue loudly in English in the street.

You won’t regret buying here.

It probably sounds like salesman talk, but honestly, after all these years, I still appreciate living here every single day.

It’s a wonderful place.