From the red carpet to the canals: how the Venice Film Festival influences the city’s real estate market

From 27 August to 6 September 2025, the Lido of Venice will host the 82nd edition of the Venice International Film Festival, organized by La Biennale di Venezia and recognized as one of the most prestigious cultural events worldwide. For ten days, the red carpet and cinema halls will showcase premieres and film debuts, renowned directors and actors, conferences, and exclusive social events.

The energy of the Festival spreads far beyond the Lido, enlivening the entire city: from historic cafés to bustling narrow streets, every corner of Venice exudes vitality, elegance, and international appeal.

A catalyst for Venice’s real estate market 

The Venice Film Festival is not only a moment of great cultural significance, but also a driver for the local real estate market. During the days of the Festival, the city records a significant increase in demand for temporary accommodation, leading to higher prices both for hotels and private rentals.

Celebrities, investors, and international buyers often seize the opportunity to experience Venice firsthand and explore new housing opportunities. Prime properties, especially those overlooking the canals or located in iconic areas such as the historic center, become particularly desirable. In this context, the Festival serves as a privileged showcase for Venice’s real estate market, where the city’s timeless charm meets its growing attractiveness for global capital, consolidating Venice as one of the most exclusive destinations for high-profile residential investments.

Record prices and trends

The Venetian real estate market continues to stand out for its vitality and resilience, supported by steady international demand, primarily from France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, and by the very limited availability of prime properties. As highlighted in the Engel & Völkers Market Report Italia 2025, Venice confirms its position among the most exclusive markets in the country, with record prices in the most sought-after areas.

In the prestigious historic districts, renovated apartments intended as second homes or holiday residences are priced between €4,300 and €5,300 per square meter. Along the Grand Canal, properties with high-end finishes and iconic views, such as that of the Rialto Bridge, average around €12,000 per square meter, with peaks reaching up to €20,000 per square meter.

The most sought-after features remain terraces or outdoor spaces, panoramic views over monuments and canals, and the preservation of traditional architectural details, such as Venetian floors or the typical altane roof terraces. Looking ahead to 2025, forecasts indicate stronger demand for second homes and prime locations, while investment in tourist-oriented properties is expected to decline. This dynamic, combined with the structural scarcity of supply, further strengthens Venice’s position as one of the most coveted luxury real estate markets in Italy.

Conclusion

Purchasing a home in Venice means not only acquiring a valuable property, but also living every day surrounded by the art, history, and beauty that make this city truly special. It is the privilege of residing in a place that, with events such as the Venice Film Festival, continually renews its charm and shines under the spotlight of the world stage.