Donatello de maio bruno, the re/max collection aquadulza agency: “in the luxury market, visibility and exclusivity are everything“

Reconstructing the dynamics and characteristics of the luxury real estate market is easier thanks to the direct testimony of the owners and managers of agencies operating in their respective reference territories in Italy.

The RE/MAX Collection Aquadulza Agency, a partner of Luxforsale, has a large and varied client base, ranging from Como to the entire province. The CEO and Founder of The RE/MAX Collection Aquadulza Donatello De Maio Bruno gave us an interview in which he explains in detail his work and that of the collaborators who support him.

What is the current trend of the real estate market in the area your agency covers?

The current trend in the Como real estate market has shown an increase in prices for both sales and rentals compared to 2024. The average price requested for residential properties for sale was €2,910 per square meter, marking an 8.38% increase compared to February 2024, when it was €2,685 per square meter. Regarding rentals, the average price was €14.96 per month per square meter, with a 6.93% increase compared to €13.99 per month per square meter in February 2024. Analyzing the different areas of the city, there are significant variations in prices:

• Bignanico, Villa Olmo area, average sale price (€/m²) €5,175

• Central Como, average sale price (€/m²) €4,539

• Prudenziana and Torno area, average sale price (€/m²) €3,910

• Borghi and San Martino area, average sale price (€/m²) €3,349

• Lora and Como Sole area, average sale price (€/m²) €2,217

• Sagnino, Monte Olimpino and Tavernola area, average sale price (€/m²) €2,164

• Civiglio, Camnago Volta and Garzola area, average sale price (€/m²) €2,115

• Breccia, Camerlata, Rebbio and Prestino area, average sale price (€/m²) €1,866

• Albate and Trecallo area, average sale price (€/m²) €1,779

In the luxury real estate market on Lake Como, demand is diversified: 50% of buyers are looking for a second home, 25% are investing in the sector, and the remaining 25% are purchasing a primary residence. The most sought-after types of properties include historic villas and newly built or renovated residences, valued for their outdoor spaces, panoramic lake views, terraces, parking spaces, and private lake access.

Based on your experience, have you been able to identify a target clientele that turns to your real estate agency?

Luxury real estate agencies in Como and the province mainly cater to a wealthy clientele, both Italian and international, interested in acquiring high-end properties in the area. According to recent statistics from the city, 75% of luxury property transactions involve foreign buyers, while the remaining 25% consist of Italian clients looking to sell or buy high-value properties.

The presence of international celebrities and luxury hotels has helped transform Lake Como into a coveted destination for investors and high-profile buyers. This attraction has increased the demand for luxury properties in the area, making it a benchmark in the high-end real estate market.

Additionally, the city of Como is considered a highly sought-after area due to its historical heritage, architectural wealth, and high quality of life, recognized as an international vacation and residential destination.

What are the most requested properties at the moment?

Currently, in the real estate market of Como and the province, the most requested types of properties include:

• Apartments: Represent 36.96% of total requests from buyers, with a preference for properties that are already renovated or habitable.

• Villas: Represent 20.1% of requests, especially those with panoramic lake views and livable outdoor spaces such as terraces or gardens.

• Independent houses: Represent 10.31% of requests, with a preference for properties larger than 120 sqm and with at least two bedrooms.

The most sought-after locations include the historic center of Como, Cernobbio, Bellagio, Menaggio, and Argegno, valued for their accessibility, services, and panoramic locations.

What motivated you to establish the partnership with Luxforsale for your real estate agency?

In the world of prestige properties, visibility and exclusivity are everything. As mentioned earlier, when purchasing luxury goods, it's not just about acquiring an asset, but about a true experience.

As CEO & Founder of The RE/MAX Collection Aquadulza, specializing in high-end properties, I know that attracting qualified buyers requires more than a simple online listing. It needs a selective, targeted environment that enhances every detail of the property.

Luxforsale is the perfect choice for several reasons, including exclusivity and a selective target. It's not just any portal; it's a showcase reserved solely for luxury properties, visited by investors and buyers with real purchasing power.

A portal that doesn't allow just anyone to publish, but selects and profiles its Partners and Ambassadors. Thanks to its established presence and network of contacts worldwide, aligned with the policies of The RE/MAX Collection Aquadulza, Luxforsale ensures that properties reach an exclusive and pre-selected audience. The marketing is tailored and created specifically, not just for visibility but as a strategy designed to highlight every property with premium content and advanced promotional tools.

Moreover, Luxforsale offers various professionals who can assist in negotiations/sales, such as lawyers and accountants with experience in the sector, dealing with both international and domestic buyers, providing expertise and professionalism.

In the Luxury Real Estate world, it's not about quantity but quality. Every detail, every listing, every negotiation deserves the best professionals in the field, and I believe that Luxforsale can offer my agency, The RE/MAX Collection Aquadulza, all of this.

Based on your experience in the sector, what are the possible future developments of the luxury real estate market in your area and in general?

The luxury real estate market in the Como area, and more generally, presents several trends that could shape its future development:

1. Increasing demand from international buyers – Como and its lake have long been a sought-after destination for wealthy clients, especially from Switzerland, Germany, the United States, the UK, and the Middle East. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the area's economic stability, quality of life, and the timeless appeal of historical properties.

2. Conversion of historical properties and sustainability – Many luxury properties in the area require renovations to meet modern energy standards. The demand will increasingly shift toward historical villas renovated with eco-sustainable solutions, such as photovoltaic systems, thermal insulation, and advanced home automation systems.

3. Increase in demand for villas and exclusive residences – Villas with lake views, spacious outdoor areas, pools, and private water access will continue to be among the most requested solutions.

4. Smart living and experiential luxury – Luxury properties are no longer just an asset but an experience: there is growing interest in residences with concierge services, exclusive amenities, private spas, and access to private clubs or marinas. Moreover, the integration of smart technologies for home management is increasingly in demand.

5. Investment for rental income – Purchasing luxury properties in Como is not only for personal use but increasingly for short- and medium-term rentals targeted at high-level clients (entrepreneurs, actors, athletes). The profitability of these operations is attracting new investors, both private and institutional.