🔹 Hello, Lake Como.
While markets are under strong pressure this week, and interest rates do not seem to be going down anytime soon, I have just learnt that Credito Emiliano bank has been accepting Parmigiano cheese as collateral for loans since 1953.
God, the world still has a lot to learn from Italians.
P.S. 📬 You asked - we made it. Lake Como Post club is out! I’m sharing it here first. Book your spot, and see you in your physical mailboxes in April! It’s going to be fun.
-Simona
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P.S. We already have an art collab, local design stickers, and 2 local business deals ready for you.
🔦 Spotlight: 8 Reasons to Relocate to Italy
What's Happening:
Alessandro Palombo just launched a full guide on Italy, stating that “for the first time in decades, Italy is a viable option to move to in 2026.”
Let’s break it down.
Facts:
The €300k Flat Tax: The flat tax for HNWIs has risen to €300k, yet demand has quadrupled.
50% Income Exemption: Professionals moving to Italy pay tax on only half their income for 5 years.
Property Extension: Buying a home can extend your tax benefits from 5 years to 8 years.
The €250k "Dolce Visa": A fast-track residency for a €250k startup investment. Zero physical stay is required.
Approval First, Invest Later: Unlike other EU visas, Italy lets you get the visa approved before you commit your capital.
90% Research Break: Tech and R&D roles can access a 90% tax exemption (effective rate of ~2–3%).
89% Fiber Coverage: Italy’s digital infrastructure now covers nearly the entire country, making "Villa-working" seamless.
Economic Surplus: Italy recorded a €46B trade surplus in 2024, outperforming the EU average.
What does it mean for us:
Proximity to Milano and tax breaks are turning Como from a "summer escape" into a permanent home for global founders.
The 3-year tax break extension makes buying a villa a calculated financial strategy, not just a luxury purchase.
For US/UK owners, the "Dolce Visa" provides EU residency and Schengen access with no requirement to actually live here full-time.
What's your take? Are we missing something?
⭐ In Case You Missed It
✨ Openings
🏛️ Iconic Return. Villa d’Este has officially opened for the 2026 season.
☕ New Design Hub. LOAFT Living opens this Easter at Via Lambertenghi 21, featuring a WOLFOX Coffee Lab.
🥗 Fresh Tech. Planet Farms has opened a high-tech vertical farm in Cirimido to grow pesticide-free basil and salad greens in just 35 days.
✨ Global Mentions
💍 Vogue-Style Indian Wedding. Vogue featured a local wedding with secret tunnels and fireworks, showing why the lake is still the #1 spot for a dream wedding.
🗺️ World’s Best Getaway. The Michelin Guide officially named Lake Como one of the best lake destinations in the world for food and hotels.
✨ Modern Luxury. Il Sereno is reopening this month. Some reviews incoming.
🏗️ Local Projects & Life
🏔️ We Love Rifugios. The region is providing money to fix up popular hiking spots like the Alpetto and Riella mountain huts.
🍸 Club Signature Drink. Silk bar has teamed up with Como 1907 to launch the 1907 Punch, a new cocktail celebrating the city's colors.
⚽ Champions League Dreams. Como has beaten Roma in a huge playoff match, putting them on the path toward the Champions League.
💰 Real Estate & Business
📈 Local Growth Call. The Chamber of Commerce has opened a new call for local businesses to join a project focused on promoting Larian territory.
💎 Boutique Hotel King. Passalacqua - known as the world’s best hotel, reviewed.
🛎️ New Luxury Rules. Industry experts are analyzing how Lake Como’s revival of historic hotels is setting a new global standard for luxury travel.
🏛️ National News
🛵 Electric Bike Bonus. Applications open tomorrow for the Ecobonus to help you buy electric or hybrid motorbikes and mopeds.
📦 Package Tax Delay. New taxes on online orders from outside the EU have been put on hold for now.
👮 Rental Tax Checks. The Guardia di Finanza is starting a new plan to find homeowners who aren't paying taxes on short-term holiday rentals.
📱#1 on Socials This Week 🙏
🏠 Real Estate
🏡 2 Room Apartment with Lake views, Argegno ($): €250K · 73m² ·
Energy class B, lake views, terrace, pool, parking space.
View
🏡 2 Room Apartment in Nesso with Lake views ($): €159K · 50m² ·
Balcony with lake and mountain views, private parking.
View
🏡 Panoramic Villa, Argegno ($$): €1.25M· 150m² ·
Panoramic view, private pool, 10-year short-term rental experience (€45-50k p. a.)
An Off-Market Listing Near Villa d’Este Golf Club
🏡 3 Bedroom Apartment With the Private Park, Montorfano ($$): €450K· 90m² ·
Private terrace, garage, private residents’ park.
Reply to this email for more details.
🏢 Businesses for Sale
🏢 Office/Shop for sale, San Fermo della Battaglia. €93K · 70 m² . Street facing window, covered parking space is included.
View🧺 Full Service Laundry, Como. €42K · 53 m² · Fully functioning business with the newest technology. Rent: €500/month
View💅 Beauty Salon for transfer, Como. €72K · 70 m² · Rent €633/month. 3 Functional rooms, 2 dedicated parking spaces. An already established business - immediate takeover with no downtime.
View
💼 Job Opportunities
🏨 Groups and Events Executive: Mandarin Oriental (Blevio). Need to be fluent in English and Italian. Other languages are a plus.
Apply📞 Sales Area Manager: Walter Tools (Cadorago). Role requires extensive travel.
Apply🧑🍳 Primary years Program Coordinator: Como International School (Como). They are looking for a qualified IB educator with significant experience in the IB PYP curriculum.
Apply
Have a property, business, or job to feature? Submit it here
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📅 Events This Week (Mar 19–25)
Legend: 🏛 Culture · 🎭 Theatre · 🎶 Music · 🍷 Food & Wine · ⚽ Sport · 🛍 Fair · 🧘 Wellness
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How was it?
That’s all for this week!
If you found something interesting, make sure to forward this email to your curious friends.
↓ Have questions/suggestions? Hit the reply button - I personally reply to all the emails.
- Simona
