Overview of the Ipsos Housing Monitor
The Ipsos Housing Monitor, produced by the research firm Ipsos, analyses public opinion on housing across 30 countries, including Italy. The study examines satisfaction levels, generational challenges, price trends, and expectations for sustainable housing, offering a pan‑European perspective on how households perceive the current and future housing landscape.
Italian housing satisfaction and direction concerns
In Italy, 63 % of respondents express satisfaction with their own housing situation, yet a higher 58 % believe the country is heading in the wrong direction on housing policy. This contrasts with the global average satisfaction of 61 % and a lower global pessimism of 52 %, highlighting a notable domestic dissonance between personal contentment and expectations of national policy.
Desire for ownership versus affordability challenges
A strong aspiration for home ownership persists, with 76 % of Italians wishing to buy a home, surpassing the global average of 73 %. However, 70 % of under‑35 Italians report that acquiring or renting a home is more difficult for their generation than for their parents, signalling a generational affordability gap. Among renters, 65 % would like to own a home, yet 53 % feel it will never be within reach.
Price dynamics and future expectations
Fifty‑nine percent of Italians perceive house prices have risen in the past year, compared with 70 % globally. Looking ahead, 55 % expect further price increases in Italy, lower than the 67 % worldwide outlook. For rents, 58 % anticipate rising costs, again below the global expectation of 71 %. These figures illustrate a cautious optimism in Italy relative to broader trends.
Economic concerns and payment ability
Financial worries focus on high property prices (52 % of Italians), costly rents (47 %), and taxes (42 %). Nevertheless, only 32 % of Italians express concern about their ability to meet mortgage or rent payments, a lower proportion than the global 37 %. Anticipating the next 12 months, 33 % remain apprehensive, compared with 39 % globally.
Generational perspectives on housing difficulty
Across age groups, a majority believe housing conditions have worsened for younger generations. In Italy, 68 % think young people will face considerable challenges finding suitable housing, close to the global figure of 71 %. This sentiment is echoed by older cohorts, with 68 % of 35‑49‑year‑olds and 64 % of 50‑74‑year‑olds sharing the view that housing has deteriorated relative to their parents’ era.
Owner‑tenant relations and perceived fairness
Italian respondents are less likely to perceive landlords exploiting tenants (47 %) than the global average (59 %). This more balanced view of owner‑tenant dynamics distinguishes Italy within the European context.
Preferred features of the ideal home
When describing the ideal dwelling, Italians prioritise a favourable quality‑to‑price ratio (58 %), good location (41 %), and access to outdoor space (33 %). Lower‑priority factors include low crime rates (28 %) and public transport accessibility (24 %). These preferences align with broader European trends favouring economic practicality and livability.
Implications for sustainable housing
The data underline the importance of affordable, energy‑efficient homes that balance cost with quality of life. High price sensitivity and concerns over taxes suggest that policies promoting sustainable building practices—such as energy‑saving renovations and shared‑ownership models—could address both environmental goals and the affordability challenges highlighted across Europe.