An Interview with Alessandro Ponzi, Owner of Panorama Properties Monaco

In the vibrant port of Monaco, overlooking the yacht-dotted harbor, Alessandro Ponzi greets us in an elegantly repurposed apartment that serves as the headquarters of Panorama Properties Monaco. This is no ordinary agency — and Alessandro Ponzi is no ordinary real estate entrepreneur.

We sat down with the Italian-born investor, a Monegasque resident and agency owner, to talk about his journey from family legacy to modern-day luxury real estate, the evolving property market in Monaco, and how he’s built a business that thrives on trust, authenticity, and human connection.

Could you tell us about your background and how you got started in real estate?

My story in real estate is rooted in my family history. I represent the third generation of real estate investors — it began with my grandfather, then my parents, and now it continues with my brother and me. Our roots are in Italy, where we’ve been investing for decades. So, real estate isn’t something I stumbled into — it’s in my blood.

I moved to Monaco in 2011 with my wife and our two daughters. Initially, I continued to invest personally in the market here. But over time, I felt the desire to take a more active role — not just as an investor, but also as someone who could offer advice and guidance to others looking to enter this unique market. That’s when I decided to acquire a real estate agency.

How has your family adapted to life in Monaco?

We moved when our daughters were 6 and 8, and Monaco was ideal at that stage. It’s a remarkably safe, family-oriented environment. We enrolled them in the International School of Monaco, which offers a bilingual education and helped them integrate quickly.

But I always say — Monaco is perfect for young children, not necessarily for teenagers. It’s a bubble. At some point, young people need challenge and contrast. So when my daughters reached 12, we sent them to boarding school in the UK. Now they’re studying at university in London. So Monaco gave them — and us — the ideal foundation, but we also recognized when it was time for a broader horizon.

Obtaining a real estate license in Monaco is known to be quite challenging, isn’t it?

Exactly. In Monaco, the number of real estate licenses is limited. You can’t simply start a new agency unless you’re Monegasque and have a long-standing professional history here. So, I acquired an existing license — which is rare and highly sought after — and completely rebranded the company. I brought in new people, new energy, and even used one of my own apartments as the office space. It has one of the best views in the Principality — and I think it sets the tone for what we offer.

How would you describe your unique style or philosophy when it comes to real estate in Monaco?

Real estate here is not about volume — it’s about relationships. Our approach is very different from the more transactional style of many traditional agencies. We don’t bombard clients with listings. Instead, we cultivate curiosity, build trust, and create meaningful conversations.

Many of our connections begin in a social setting — at events, private dinners, even Grand Prix weekends we host right here. From there, interest in the Monaco market often grows naturally. It’s about creating a lifestyle experience. Clients become friends. Friends become clients. That’s our circle.

You mentioned hosting events — tell us more about how this plays into your business model.

Events are central to how we operate. We don’t just sell properties; we create opportunities for people to connect — to the place, to each other, and to us.

Monaco has an incredibly vibrant calendar: from the Rolex Tennis Masters to the Grand Prix and the Yacht Show. We make the most of these moments to invite clients, partners, and even competitors — because, in our philosophy, competitors can also become collaborators. We’re not afraid of introductions; in fact, we encourage them. Sharing networks is a strength.

Let’s talk about your clientele. Who are you typically working with today?

Monaco is inherently international. Right now, we’re seeing a strong influx of clients from the UK — largely driven by tax restructuring in England. Walk around the port today and you’ll hear English spoken everywhere.

We also have clients from across Europe — Scandinavia, Germany, Switzerland — and even the U.S. Many of them are buying as an investment, not necessarily to live here full-time. Others are relocating with their families, drawn by the lifestyle, the weather, and above all, the safety.

What’s the current state of the real estate market in Monaco?

Demand is incredibly strong — especially in the rental market. There’s a real shortage of family-sized apartments — two- and three-bedrooms — which are most in demand. Many newcomers to Monaco choose to rent first, to get a feel for the different districts. But the problem is: Monaco is essentially full. You could say it’s “fully booked.”

And even when apartments are available, they’re not always renovated or ready. That creates another challenge for families who need to move quickly. There are new developments, like Maraterra in Larvotto, but these are high-end and prices are still finding their market level.

How important is location to your clients when choosing a property in Monaco? Are they typically fixed on an area?

It’s fascinating — Monaco is small, but each district has its own personality. Fontvieille, for example, is calm and residential, while Monte-Carlo is lively and iconic. Larvotto has its beach and new constructions. Saint-Roman is now more in demand because of the international school.

People often discover their preferences only after living here for a while. That’s why we always suggest renting first. What works for a family with young kids might not suit someone who wants nightlife and access to luxury shopping. Monaco may be tiny, but it’s a mosaic of lifestyles.

Final question — what’s next for Panorama Properties and for you personally?

Our goal is to continue growing, but organically — through relationships, trust, and experience. We’re strengthening our online presence, building out content, and expanding our event calendar. We’re also working closely with other agencies, not as rivals, but as partners.

Monaco is competitive, yes, but it’s also a community. And we want to remain a trusted part of that — not just for transactions, but for people looking to build a life here.

Panorama Properties Monaco is more than an agency — it’s an experience built on legacy, lifestyle, and loyalty. And under Alessandro Ponzi’s vision, it’s helping redefine how business is done in one of the world’s most exclusive real estate markets.