Properties for sale in Lake Maggiore

Homes for sale in Lake Maggiore

Stunning Lake Maggiore spans two regions in the north of Italy, Piedmont and Lombardy, and even ventures into the southern tip of Switzerland in the canton of Ticino. It has a less crowded feel than its fellow lakes further east and boasts lovely lakefront promenades, cobbled old towns, idyllic vistas, botanical gardens and its most famous attraction, the Borromean Islands, known as the Jewels of Lake Maggiore. Its two main towns, Stresa and Verbania, lie on the western shores and are popular with property buyers looking for eateries, culture and activities galore, while the sleepier Cannobio sits further north, close to the border with Switzerland, and is also sought-after thanks to its beach.

What are the best places in Lake Maggiore?

Verbania

Verbania is the biggest town on Lake Maggiore and the capital of the province of Verbano Cusio Ossola. It is one of the key ferry ports on the lake so makes a great base for buyers who intend to explore the surrounding areas. Most famous for its mesmerizing Villa Taranto botanical gardens, it is also awash with majestic 19th-century palaces, pretty waterfronts, jogging and cycling paths and cultural events such as music festivals and flower shows.

Stresa

One of the main tourist resorts on the lake, Stresa is a lively town that enjoys breathtaking views of the beautiful Borromean Islands. It has a pretty waterfront promenade, bustling cobbled streets in its old town, and a cable car that whisks you up to the top of Mount Mottarone in 20 minutes where you can enjoy vast vistas and wonderful walking trails. Stresa is also popular with buyers as it has both ferry and rail links.

Cannobio

Cannobio is the most northerly town before the Swiss border, boasting a picturesque lakefront with colorful houses and fishing boats and a charming old town with narrow cobbled streets and churches and buildings dating back to the 16th century. Its Blue Flag beach is a draw for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of activities including watersports and kite surfing. There are also plenty of hiking and cycling trails nearby to keep property buyers busy.

Baveno

Just a five-minute drive from Stresa, Baveno is a quieter lakeside town with equally wonderful views of the Borromean Islands, which can be visited by ferry from Baveno’s harbor. Famous for its pink quarries and 19th century villas, it has an attractive waterfront with cobbled café-lined streets leading to the main square dominated by a charming Romanesque church.

How much does a house in Lake Maggiore cost?

Real estate prices in Lake Maggiore vary according to location and property type. At the top end of the scale, a lake view property in the prestigious resorts of Verbania, Stresa, Cannobio and Cannero Riviera could set you back up to €5,500 per square meter, whereas an apartment without a lake view or one that requires complete renovation could start from approximately €1,000 per square meter. Lake view properties in the province of Verbania are more expensive than in the province of Varese.

One of the best places to grab a bargain is Luino, where property prices range from €1,900 to a maximum of €3,000 per square meter.

For buyers looking for a mid-range home for sale in Lake Maggiore, Baveno could be the ideal choice, with properties available from €2,400 to €4,700 per square meter.