How challenging is it to purchase a house in Italy?

The Challenge of Acquiring Property in Italy: Regional Insights

The initial quarter of 2026 marked a significant period for Italy's housing market. Demand for home acquisitions surged across all 107 provinces, a first according to Idealista portal's data. However, this heightened interest hasn't translated into quicker transactions due to dwindling supply and prolonged sales timelines, intensifying market pressures. Consequently, while the desire to purchase homes is growing, the process is becoming more arduous.

Idealista noted a rise in inquiries per advertisement from 1.22 to 1.5 (+22.5%). Simultaneously, available supply decreased from 2.6% to 2.5% (-4.9%), and the average selling period extended from 160 to 169 days (+6.1%). Of the 107 provinces, 87 saw a reduction in available properties, with 73 experiencing lengthened selling times.

According to Vincenzo De Tommaso from Idealista's research division, the mismatch between supply and buyer preferences hinders the swift conversion of high demand into actual transactions. A substantial portion of the existing housing comprises large units suited for big families in low-demand areas, while buyers seek smaller units in well-connected locales. In prime cities, exorbitant prices and costly mortgages further delay purchase decisions.

Regional Overview

Northwest

The region saw a notable 27.4% surge in demand, yet supply declined by 6.7% with sales periods growing by 7.3%.

Northeast

This area remains Italy's most liquid market. Despite a 18.5% demand uptick, properties sell in an average of 141 days, indicating prior supply shortages.

Central Italy

This region maintains a balanced stance; demand rose by 26.5% while sales periods remained stable (+0.7%) due to ample supply at 3.81% of the housing stock.

Southern Italy

This region faces the toughest scenario with minimal supply, a 25% demand surge, and a 17.2% longer sales period, indicating slower transaction closures despite high buyer interest.

Islands

Sardinia and Sicily exhibit resilience; despite increased demand, sales periods only rose by 0.9%.

Major Cities

Bologna

Currently, Bologna leads Italy's housing market dynamics. Properties surged by 22%, and average sales time dropped by 31% to a mere 50 days, showcasing marked improvement compared to other major cities.

Milan and Florence

Both cities show early signs of a cooling market. Supply is up, demand is down - a rare occurrence. Milan saw a 7% decrease in inquiries, and the average sale period extended from 58 to 61 days.

Turin, Bari, and Catania

These cities maintain high demand (20% to 32%) translating effectively into transactions with stable or decreasing sale periods.

Naples, Palermo, Genoa, and Rome

These cities face notable challenges. Palermo experienced a record 50.5% demand surge, but sales periods increased by 30%. Naples saw the highest spike in sales times - up by 36.5%. Despite significant buyer interest, transactions close slower. Rome mirrors this trend, although to a lesser extent.

Provincial and Administrative Centers' Highlights

Provinces like Trieste, Udine, and Gorizia on the northeastern Adriatic coast notably saw a rapid supply decline - 15-17% annually.

Among administrative centers, Chieti stands out with a third fewer properties available, yet inquiries doubled (+105.3%), intensifying buyer competition.

Sales periods saw the most significant spikes in Potenza (+72%), Barletta, and Cosenza (almost +70%). Conversely, Enna halved its sales time, and Carbonia reduced it by around 40%.

Only five administrative centers in the country experienced decreased demand: Frosinone, Cremona, Milan, Florence, and Isernia. Notably, Milan and Florence's presence on this list is attributed to high prices and a mismatch between offers and buyer expectations.

Methodology

The analysis covers the residential real estate market in Q1 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, utilizing Idealista's database encompassing 107 provinces and 110 administrative centers.

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