Milan for individuals, Naples for financiers, Bologna for sustainability: housing tendencies 2025–2026

An examination of real estate agency statistics for 2025 indicates that the Italian property market is diversified: each major city has its own societal makeup, price ranges, and prevalent contract types.

Evaluation of the property market by urban area

The motivation for property acquisition differs from city to city. While in Florence, Genoa, Rome, and Turin more than 77% of transactions are for primary residence purchases, Naples stands out with the highest percentage of investment acquisitions — 37.3% (primarily for rental to tourists and students).

• Purchaser demographics: In Palermo (72.3%) and Naples (71.3%), traditional families are prevalent. In Milan, nearly half of buyers are unattached (46.9% single).
• Age distribution: Across the board, the most active buyers are individuals aged 18–34 (35.5% in Milan). Florence stands out, where purchases are delayed to the 35-44 age group due to steep prices.
• Property types: The three-room apartment (trilocale) remains the norm globally. However, Milan and Turin favor two-room apartments (bilocale), while Genoa and Verona opt for four-room apartments.
• Resale property prices: Milan leads with a price of €4,622/sq. m. Rome (3,309 €/sq.m.) and Florence (3,183 €/sq.m.) lag behind significantly.
• Energy efficiency: Bologna is at the forefront for purchasing properties with high energy efficiency ratings (A and B), accounting for 9% of total transactions.

Rental sector: tenant characteristics and agreements

Rental demand is influenced by the economic landscape of each city:

• Tenant demographics: In Turin, 35.5% of agreements are with students. Verona and Bari see approximately 43% of tenants as migrant workers and professionals. In Bologna, Milan, Turin, and Verona, renters are mostly single individuals and young adults under 34, whereas families dominate in Florence, Naples, and Palermo.
• Contract varieties: In Bologna, 90% of agreements fall under the free market (canone libero). Genoa sees 80% in agreed communal rent (canone concordato). Milan and Bari witness a notable rise in temporary agreements (contratti transitori).
• Average rates (for a 2-room apartment):

1. Milan: €1,128/month.
2. Rome: €949/month.
3. Florence: €879/month.
4. Bologna: €828/month.