Italian homes, both urban and rural, have long been a magnet for foreign buyers. The pandemic has boosted demand from wealthy Americans and Britons, and a number of tax incentives, relatively low prices and the possibility of working remotely have fueled their desire to buy homes in Italy.

Bill Thompson, head of the Italian real estate market at Knight Frank Real Estate Services, said: “Demand has seen a dramatic change.” The group recorded the highest increase in interest among Britons and Americans in recent times, Bloomberg News reported on Friday. “As a business, we're going to have our best year in ten years.”

He added: “As a business, we're going to have our best year in ten years.”