Più turisti e più Airbnb in centro, ma gli affitti sono meno cari: il paradossale fenomeno etneo

The article, authored by Leandro Perrotta and published by the Italian daily La Sicilia, reports findings from an Airmap/University of Catania research project examining the growth of Airbnb listings in Catania and its impact on long‑term rental prices. The piece is part of a news/feature series and has been automatically submitted to the EHC profile routine.

In many Italian cultural capitals—Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan—the surge in short‑term rentals has driven up long‑term rents, a phenomenon often linked to gentrification. In Catania, however, the data reveal a paradox: areas with the highest concentration of Airbnb units show a decline in long‑term rental rates.

• Viale Africa – Cittadella giudiziaria and Via Umberto – Fiera: Airbnb listings rose by 302 units since 2017, while long‑term rents fell between 23 % and 15 %.
• Bellini – Lago di Nicito, Sicilia – Fiera and Tribunale – Europa: Airbnb growth of +150, +131 and +122 units respectively corresponded with rent reductions of 15 % to 10 %.
• Central historic district: Over half of the city’s Airbnb units are located here, with rents decreasing by 10 % to 5 %.

Despite these local declines, the overall long‑term rental market in Catania has risen sharply. According to the Agenzia delle Entrate’s Osservatorio del mercato immobiliare (Omi), the average rent per square metre increased from €2.45 in 2017 to €4.75 in 2024—a 93.9 % rise.

Rome’s “Sola Roma” platform generated €1.1 billion in revenue in 2024, more than twenty times the €49 million earned by Catania’s equivalent platform, illustrating the scale difference between major tourist hubs and smaller cities.

While most central districts see price drops, neighbourhoods such as Aci Castello have witnessed rents doubling, highlighting divergent local dynamics within the same urban area.

The findings suggest that Airbnb proliferation can produce mixed outcomes for housing sustainability. In Catania, higher short‑term rental density appears to alleviate pressure on long‑term rent levels in certain quarters, potentially improving affordability for residents. However, the city‑wide upward trend in average rents indicates that overall housing pressure remains significant.

Researchers intend to deepen the analysis through local surveys, interviews with hosts and residents, and further statistical examinations to clarify the mechanisms behind the observed rent reductions and to assess broader social impacts.