Veneto – the Northern Italy region of which Venice is the undisputable gem – is one of most beautiful, serene, magical places in the country. From the sparkling beaches on the Adriatic Sea to the snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites, from the medieval towns such as Padua, Treviso and Verona, which are brimming with culture and charm, to the timeless elegance of Lake Garda, it can all be found in the wonderful region of Veneto.

Venice, a city of magnificent beauty, is the capital of Veneto and offers everything one might wish for in a place to buy property. It is a fashionable city of magnificent architecture, plenty of history and a social and cultural calendar that spans the year – from the Architecture Biennale to the internationally famed Venice Film Festival. Few places can rival Venice for its ability to deliver long-term capital appreciation, rental income potential and a stunning setting in which to live.

International buyers continue to account for an important share of the prime property market in Venice. Most are driven by lifestyle desires rather than short-term speculation. Today’s buyers are diverse in origin, although most frequently come from the UK, France and Germany. As well, Belgium, Switzerland and Netherlands are active in the field, whilst Russians, Eastern Europeans and Middle Easterners are showing more interest all the time. There is also significantly more activity among domestic buyers.

Neither the worldwide financial situation, nor Italy’s own recession, have been able to put a dent in the upper end of the Venice real estate market. Central areas of the city, as well as the exclusive San Marco district, the artists’ quarter of Dorsoduro and Castello, as well as areas near the Canal Grande and Canal Giudecca, retain their primary allure. In fact luxury properties in San Marco, near the Piazza, are so rare as to command particularly high prices. 

Amongst the types of properties of high desirability are palatial Venetian townhouses, or palazzi, exclusive freehold historic properties and high-end apartments that enjoy canal views.

A region rich in culture and art, with a wealth of cities to discover, it is little wonder that Veneto property is keenly sought out. These art cities are of particular interest amongst buyers drawn to Veneto for its rich cultural heritage. Three cities listed by UNESCO for their world heritage value are Venice, Verona and Vicenza. These are the gems, valued particularly for their architecture and artistic worth. Beyond these three are Padua, Treviso, Rovigo and Belluno, which are representative of the region’s culture and history.

In addition, easy access to the popular ski areas in the Dolomites and the Adriatic coastline with beautiful beaches of fine golden sand and crystalline waters, add further to the area’s allure and the potential for a good investment in Veneto real estate.

Veneto is one of Italy’s most renowned wine-producing regions, and it is the largest producer of DOC wines in the country. Veneto has gained recognition with such wines as Valpolicella, Amarone, Soave and Prosecco.

Property in Veneto offers potential homebuyers an attractive lifestyle, wonderful Venetian architecture, easy access to the mountains and the coast and excellent access to the broader world.

Read more about Veneto and Venice properties for sale in THE ADDRESS Magazine.