Il verdetto dell'Irpet: il lavoro non basta più per avere una casa (La Nazione)

The article “Il verdetto dell’Irpet: il lavoro non basta più per avere una casa” is a feature published by La Nazione, a major Italian daily newspaper, and written by journalist Rossella Conte. It presents findings from the IRPET (Istituto di Ricerca e Politiche per l’Edilizia e il Territorio) on the growing housing affordability crisis in Florence and the wider Tuscan region. The piece is part of a broader editorial series that monitors urban pressure and social welfare in Italian cities.

IRPET’s analysis shows that Florentine households renting their homes allocate, on average, 34 % of disposable income to rent, exceeding the sustainability threshold of 30 %. The situation is markedly worse for younger residents: under‑35s devote more than 60 % of their earnings to rental costs, a level that severely limits their capacity to save or invest in home ownership.

The study identifies “red zones” where rental costs surpass 30 % of household income. Florence is highlighted as a primary example, with an estimated 15 000 families in the city facing acute housing stress. Across Tuscany, the total number of households unable to secure affordable accommodation is approximated at 47 000, underscoring a regional pattern of unaffordability.

The data reveal a structural barrier for young workers entering the labour market. Despite holding employment, many under‑35s cannot afford a stable dwelling because their salaries are insufficient to meet the high rent demands. This demographic pressure contributes to a broader trend of delayed family formation and reduced social mobility.

IRPET attributes the housing squeeze to several intertwined factors. First, the rise of short‑term tourist rentals has transformed residential units into lucrative vacation accommodations, reducing the stock available for long‑term tenants. Platforms such as Airbnb, especially when operated commercially, have accelerated price growth. Second, tighter mortgage criteria and higher property prices have made home purchase increasingly unattainable for average earners.

Compared with ten to twenty years ago, the pathway to home ownership has become markedly more difficult. Lenders now demand stronger collateral and income proof, while the supply of rental apartments has contracted. Simultaneously, property values have risen, creating a double‑sided pressure that hampers both renting and buying options.

The report stresses the need for public intervention. With 15 000 families in Florence alone requiring assistance, policymakers are urged to consider measures such as expanding affordable housing programmes, regulating short‑term rentals, and providing targeted subsidies for low‑income renters. The findings suggest that without coordinated action, the housing gap will continue to widen, affecting social cohesion and economic stability.

For a pan‑European audience, the Florence case illustrates a broader continental challenge: balancing tourism‑driven income with residents’ right to affordable, stable housing. The IRPET data echo similar trends in other historic cities where rental markets are under pressure. Sustainable urban development strategies must therefore integrate housing affordability as a core pillar, ensuring that economic growth does not compromise livability for local communities.