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THE NEW MILAN AMONG INNOVATION, TRADITION AND HISTORY

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Milan, an industrious city and centre of business pro¬jected towards the future, has completely redesigned its skyline in recent years, thanks to heavy investment in real estate, without abandoning the past but integrating it with futuristic new structures. We find the highest expression of this integration in the Porta Nuova, Isola and Garibaldi districts. The old Isola district, with its bohemian-style autonomous identity, contrasts with the new Porta Nuova district that has redeveloped a vast area of Milan by proposing new connections between previously separate places. And then Porta Garibaldi with its movida and the New Porta Nuova Quarter: contemporary Milan.
The urban redevelopment plan, which started in 2009 and led to the area winning the International Highrise Award in 2014, covered the entire area between Porta Garibaldi the Isola district and the former Porta Nuo¬va railway yard (also known as “delle Varesine”), now replaced by the Porta Garibaldi station. A project that, thanks to the signature of a pool of internationally renowned architects, has redesigned the area by inserting complexes of buildings for mixed use, tertiary, commercial and residential, and united by a pedestrian system enriched by green areas, squares, bridges and cycle paths.

Among the most significant buildings are the complex of towers overlooking Gae Aulenti square – including the one that houses the Unicredit offices, with its famous flagpole lit up at night – the Torre Diamante, the Samsung District and, in the lively Isola district (a large park also known as the ‘Library of Trees’), the famous Bosco Verticale designed by architect Boeri, a specimen of two residential towers that, with its 8. 900 square metres of expertly planted terraces, host different tree species aimed at enhancing biodiversity in a vertical expression for the Isola district that proudly welcomes the presence of the Riccardo Cotarella Foundation whose mission is to spread the culture of social responsibility through its work in the area.

Gae Aulenti square, on the other hand, with its splendid fountains and its 2300 square metres of circular space, represents the new face of the changing city, a point of convergence of the urban redevelopment of these neighbourhoods. It is precisely this area that has been the protagonist of the change in the skyline of the entire city, for the various buildings over ten storeys high that have sprung up in recent years in integration with the other, lower buildings, which are also modern in design and concept.
From the square, one descends towards Corso Como, in one of the city’s most iconic areas and also one that has become a symbol of the ‘Milan of drinking’, where the new luxurious residences were created to unite the “case di ringhiera” and contemporary architecture with the urban specificities of the Garibaldi district.

Investing in Real Estate: What’s Happening

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Investing in Real Estate: What’s Happening

Real estate investment has always been considered a topic of particular interest. Perhaps this is because it evokes thoughts of significant profits or provides a sense of security due to the tangible nature of the acquired asset. However, purchasing property for investment purposes is a complex activity that deserves to be approached with the right awareness. Therefore, let’s analyze the main issues to consider when delving into this fascinating world. First and foremost, understand the real estate sector before proceeding.

The real estate sector, especially at the end of one of the most severe global health and economic crises, had responded by lowering housing prices, a situation that had sparked strong interest among Italians in purchasing property. However, the most recent data indicate rising prices in the market, with positive values also concerning the volume of recorded and projected sales for the latter part of this year. Nonetheless, the outlook remains uncertain due to the current macroeconomic scenario, which also suggests a more cautious approach from credit institutions in granting mortgages, often necessary for Italians to buy property. Beyond the basic framework, some current trends can influence the real estate market, such as the preference for short-term rentals as vacation homes over hotel accommodations, a phenomenon easily linked to the increase in second homes purchased since 2021, even before COVID. Investment expectations can vary depending on the type of investment, whether it is family, personal, or business-related. In the case of family investments, much attention is paid to the needs of the family and the environment in which to live and raise children. On the other hand, for personal investments, it is crucial to clearly define the objectives to be achieved, why, and within what timeframe the entire operation should be optimized. If the real estate investment is business-related, the direction of the investment must be defined, whether it should concern business growth, enhancing an existing asset, or capitalization. These latter cases also differ in terms of timeframe and liquidity destination. Failing to clarify these variables in advance exposes one to the risk of getting lost in the confusion of the real estate market. The wide range of properties available on the market, easily viewed through various real estate portals, gives the illusion of being able to decide how to invest easily… but this is not the case, especially if it concerns rental income from tourism, where the supply does not meet the demand.

Hence the importance of relying on qualified and targeted consultations from industry experts, capable of recognizing expectations and helping to create the best investment project suited to the investor’s needs. After 25 years of experience in the business world, I have understood how important this topic is, extremely delicate due to the risk an investor faces in the absence of a needs analysis. The weight of uncertainty should not be overlooked, considering that around 2.5 billion euros were lost in the first three months of 2023, with hopes of a recovery by the end of the year. The only exception is the Milan market, likely due to the cautious stance of investors driven by the global macroeconomic context.

In the next issue, we will provide numbers and detailed analyses to understand how to navigate this moment of great uncertainty.

Luxury Home-Office Value: sustainable investment value beyond economic value in luxury.

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Luxury Home-Office Value: sustainable investment value beyond economic value in luxury.

Excerpt from the Luxury Living 5D event held on October 26 at Auditorium Ferrero of SDA Bocconi, Milan and promoted by RE/MAX Group in collaboration with SDA Bocconi School of Management.

The dialogue between Leonardo Luca Etro, Associate Professor of Practice of Corporate Finance and M&A, and Giuseppe Abatista, Group Tax Consultant Salvatore Ferragamo, and the conclusions of Joanne Barley, Owner of The RE/MAX Collection Luxury Lakeview in Verbania on Lake Maggiore, highlights how the luxury experience is first and foremost a distinctive element with deeply symbolic meaning, which identifies a way of being and belonging to a core set of values in order to enhance the peculiarities of those who live that experience. An English national, Joanne Barley has lived on Lake Maggiore for more than twenty-five years, knowing every place, and can boast more than 15 years of experience as a Real Estate Agent exclusively in the prestigious real estate sector. Today she is the owner and promoter of the first agency in Italy of “The RE/MAX Collection”. Her International experience guarantees confidential and professional service.


Joanne Barley, Owner of The RE/MAX Collection Luxury Lakeview in Verbania

The pandemic has revolutionized the positioning and market characteristics of luxury, impacting demand and end-user behavior in real estate as well.

Offices are being asked to be more “cozy” and a place for interaction, and homes are being asked to respond to new needs including allowing for work spaces. Similar to the general case, the luxury living customer seeks not only elements of uniqueness and preservation of distinctive elements over time, but also sustainability in terms of ecological and socially conscious alternatives.

The move away from ostentation in favor of discretion and confidentiality is manifested in 5 areas:

1) quality and durability in terms of attention to high-quality materials and craftsmanship;

2) timeless design and architecture expressed through the relevance of unique and durable architectural elements with reduced environmental impact;

3) ethical sourcing of materials and use of “poor” materials even in luxury products;

4) conscious purchasing with attention to all elements related to the production and management of the asset;

5) minimalism and simplicity. How can companies respond to long-term sustainability needs while taking into account short-term needs? The panel pointed out that one risk factor is the excessive focus on the short term, often coinciding with the company’s valuation each quarter from short-term EBITDA.
Operators who really want to create sustainable long-term value need to find the best tools to include in the business model to be able to extend the time horizon with the full agreement of the capital contributors, which is easier in the case where the ownership, as is the case for so many “made in Italy” companies, is family-based.

From Sustainability to Innovation: An in-depth analysis of the meaning of luxury and its intersections in the contemporary Italian context.

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From Sustainability to Innovation: An in-depth analysis of the meaning of luxury and its intersections in the contemporary Italian context.

“In our rapidly changing society, luxury represents a mirror of our desires, values and identity. It is a sector that reflects taste, beauty and innovation. But, more and more, also social and environmental responsibility.” it is with these words that Dario Castiglia President and Founder of RE/MAX Italia kicked off the Luxury Living 5D – The Dimensions of Luxury in Living Made in Italy initiative carried out by SDA Bocconi in partnership with The RE/MAX Collection the division dedicated to the luxury segment.

“Multidisciplinary and multi-sectoral skills with the ability to create innovation thanks also to the sharing of best practices among different sectors with the constant attention to sustainability are among the distinctive features of SDA Bocconi. The focus on sustainability is also evidenced by the new LEED Platinum-certified Campus, completed in the context of an urban regeneration benefiting not only students and faculty but the entire community, said Stefano Caselli, Dean SDA Bocconi as part of the institutional greetings.

The objective of “Luxury Living 5D” was to explore the dimensions of luxury and the interrelationships with the luxury living supply chain in the domestic market with the involvement of experts and top practitioners of luxury management from different industries. Specifically, the project included the contribution of SDABocconi professors and top practitioners from companies representing national and international Made in Italy excellence who shared what they found in the scientific literature and best practices from different sectors and/or disciplines investigating #5 dimensions.

Dimension 1 – Luxury Home-Office Value: the sustainable value of investments beyond the economic value in luxury: the dialogue between Leonardo Luca Etro, Associate Professor of Practice of Corporate Finance and M&A, and Giuseppe Abatista, Group Tax Consultant Salvatore Ferragamo and the conclusions of Joanne Maria Barley, RE/MAX Collection, highlights how the luxury experience is first and foremost a distinctive element with a deeply symbolic meaning, which identifies a way of being and belonging to a core of values in order to enhance the peculiarities of those who live that experience.

Dimension 2 – Emotional Real Asset: lowest common denominator of luxury and the role of luxury real estate: Gabriella Lojacono Director Executive Master in Luxury Management- EMILUX in conversation with Matteo Marzotto, Head of Real Estate EMEA Essilor Luxottica and with the conclusions of Federico Panigati, RE/MAX Collection identified exclusivity, desirability and “aspirationality” as pillars of emotional real asset.

Dimension 3 – Luxury Real Estate as a service: the value of services in the life cycle of the luxury product and the role of real estate in the luxury customer journey: Manuela Prandelli Director of the Master in Fashion, Experience & Design Management – MAFED in conversation with Carlo Cracco, Chef & Entrepreneur Ristorante Cracco, discussed the topic customer experience: the value of authenticity in the era of omnichannelity. Technology plays key roles in the modern business models of luxury companies. First, it supports the analysis of consumer demand and behavior by providing the ability to personalize service and product.

Dimension 4 – RE-Lux-Tech: The Role of Technology in Luxury and Relationships with Living: protagonists of the fourth dimension dedicated to the role of technology in luxury are Paola Cillo Associate Dean for Resarch – Claudio Demattè Research in conversation with Raoul Ravara, Managing Director – Asset Management HINES and with the final comment of Vittorio Savoia, RE/MAX Collection. “Luxury should not be interpreted as a matter of status but as a form of expression of identity and belonging to a community of people,” said Cillo.

Dimension 5 – Real Asset Investment, the value drivers of luxury assets and the role of luxury and real estate in portfolio diversification: the discussion of the fifth dimension featured Andrea Beltratti, Academic Director Executive Master in Finance – EMF of SDA Bocconi, and Giuliano Giannessi, CFO Dolce & Gabbana, who discussed the distinctive features in diversified luxury and passion asset portfolios. The talk emphasized how the link between luxury and experience has long been rooted in assets that are precisely defined as “passion assets” i.e., financial and real assets linked precisely to the process by which certain goods and services are valued in a particular way by the consumer community.

The “take home” emerged from Alessia Bezzecchi’s interview Associate Professor of Practice Corporate Finance & Real Estate SDA Bocconi School of Management and creator of the Luxury Living 5 D project with Dario Castiglia, who highlighted how “the mission in luxury living is to offer an experience that transcends mere economic-financial value, providing a high-quality service that puts people’s well-being at the center, both socially and environmentally capable of promoting a sustainable lifestyle of great beauty.” Trends in the luxury living market, both internationally and domestically, can vary over time and are often influenced by various economic, social and cultural factors. Internationally, clear trends are evident such as:

– Sustainability: growing interest in luxury properties that incorporate elements of sustainability and eco-friendly practices, in homes that are energy efficient and made from environmentally friendly materials,
– Integrated Technology: luxury homes are increasingly integrating advanced technologies, such as advanced security systems, home automation, entertainment systems, and high-end connectivity,
– Exclusive Locations: continued interest in luxury properties in exclusive and coveted destinations, which may include coastal residences, mountain villas, or properties in prestigious metropolitan areas,
– Privacy and Security: aspects so relevant to luxury buyers that properties often include advanced security systems and fences or other protective measures.

In Italy, distinctive trends include:

– Rural Lifestyles: growing attraction to luxury properties located in the countryside, such as villas and estates, which can offer a rural lifestyle but with all the comforts of luxury,
– Art Cities: Italian art cities, such as Florence, Venice, and Rome, continue to attract luxury buyers due to their rich history, culture, and architectural beauty,
– Historical Heritage: properties with rich historical heritage, such as castles or historic villas, are highly sought after in the Italian luxury market,
– Cuisine and Lifestyle: Italy is renowned for its cuisine and lifestyle. Luxury properties often include gourmet kitchens and wine tasting spaces.
– Access to the Sea and Mountains: luxury properties near the sea or mountains continue to be popular, offering the opportunity to make the most of Italy’s natural landscape.

In addition to the elements of sustainability, technology, and privacy and security, distinctive features of luxury living include:

– Exceptional Design and Architecture: luxury buyers seek properties with extraordinary design and architecture, high-quality materials, fine finishes, and exceptional aesthetics,
– Personalized Services: personalized services, such as service staff, private chefs, concierge, and full-service assistance, are often included in luxury properties,
– Prestigious Location: location is essential. Luxury properties should be located in prestigious areas, such as exclusive neighborhoods or near major attractions
In a nutshell, luxury is no longer synonymous with excess, but with sustainability. Concern for the planet and the global community has become a key component of what we consider luxury. This is why luxury brands are committed not only to satisfying the desires of their customers, but also to doing so in a way that is ethical, sustainable, and therefore “nicer” beyond revenues and costs.