Penthouses, large sizes and foreign demand

Penthouses remain a niche in the Italian property market, but a niche increasingly sought after by those who can afford them. According to analysis by the Tecnocasa Group's Studies Office, in 2024 this typology accounted for just 0.7% of total transactions, a share that in recent years has never exceeded 1%. Small numbers, then, but with trends that show a change in the profiles and characteristics of demand.

Penthouses bought and sold in 2024 are mainly those of medium to large size. 36.8 per cent of transactions involved homes between 101 and 150 sqm, while 22 per cent involved areas between 151 and 200 sqm, up from 17.1 per cent in 2023. The share of sizes over 200 sqm also increased (from 2.7 to 4.4 per cent). In contrast, compact penthouses (51-100 sqm), which a year earlier accounted for 37.4 per cent, fell to 32.4 per cent.

The figure reflects a preference for spacious houses, often suitable for family units, and a potential link with the needs that have emerged in recent years: more comfort, flexible rooms and large terraces.

Another distinctive aspect is the increased focus on construction quality. As many as 17.5 per cent of the penthouses purchased belong to energy classes A and B, against an average of 7.8 per cent recorded for the entire residential market. This is a significant difference, linked both to the fact that a higher proportion of penthouses are new or renovated properties, and to the availability of higher budgets on the part of buyers. However, solutions in low classes (F and G) remain prevalent, accounting for 62.5% of sales.

The penthouse is overwhelmingly chosen as the main residence (86.3%). Sales for investment purposes fall to 8.1 per cent, almost half as much as in 2023 (15.7 per cent). The share of holiday homes remains stable at 5.6 per cent.