Wealthy Chinese buyers drawn to European castle estates, agents say Cheryl Arcibalcheryl.arcibal@scmp.com Investors looking to turn castles in Italy into investment properties typically acquire those that come with vineyards and fruit trees and make their own wine or olive oil on site to make a small profit. Photo: Handout
European castle estates are proving to be popular trophy assets among wealthy investors, including those from mainland China, according to agents.
While they have been made popular by films such as those by Disney, the coronavirus pandemic has amplified the need for privacy and extra space. Buyers are looking for privacy and space, and what better place to be isolated in than your very own castle, said Lodovico Pignatti Morano, managing partner at Italy Sotheby s International Realty. Given the circumstances last year, and with Covid-19, demand has definitely increased, he added.