As the new year unfolds, it is essential to analyze the evolving housing preferences of Italians. Recent research from Immobiliare.it highlights current trends in the Italian real estate market, providing insights into the cities and neighborhoods gaining traction among potential buyers and renters.
Rome remains a dominant
player in the real estate landscape in 2026. It is the most sought-after location for purchasing and renting homes, accounting for approximately 7.5% of the market for buying and 11.2% for rentals. However, there has been a slight decline in rental searches compared to the previous year.
Top cities and neighborhoods in demand
After Rome, Milan and Turin emerge as popular choices for home seekers. Milan attracts around 4% of home-buying
inquiries and 6.5% for rental searches, while Turin follows with 2.5% for purchases and 4% for rentals. The rankings fluctuate, with Genoa and Naples alternating positions based on market demand; Genoa ranks fourth for purchases, while Naples holds that position for rentals.
Neighborhood preferences
In terms of specific neighborhoods, Rome and Milan lead the way. In Rome, the historic center, Parioli, and Salario-Trieste are the most
desirable areas for renting. The historic center remains the top choice among renters. In Milan, the Città Studi area is gaining popularity for purchases, making it attractive for young professionals and investors seeking a secondary residence.
Desirable features in homes
Outdoor spaces continue to be a priority for Italians in their home searches. The terrace, despite a slight decline in demand from 39.3% to 38%, remains a sought-after attribute. Other desirable features include elevators and balconies, with preferences recorded at 27.4% and 24%, respectively, highlighting the importance of outdoor living.
Rental preferences
For rental properties, there is a growing preference for fully furnished homes. Currently, around 40% of individuals prefer move-in ready homes, although this figure has declined from 46% in previous years. Nonetheless, terraces and balconies continue to be highly sought-after features among renters.
Search behavior and timing trends
Analysis of search behaviors reveals that Italians typically begin their home searches early in the week. The days of Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday account for 45% of property purchase inquiries and 48% for rental searches. In contrast, weekends see a significant drop in interest, with only 11.5% of searches occurring on Saturdays and Sundays.
During the day, the afternoon hours between 3 PM and 6 PM are the busiest for home seekers, with notable activity around 9 PM. Renters are particularly active online during the 4 PM to 5 PM window.
Changing trends in second homes
In recent years, preferences for second homes have shifted significantly. The once-favored Altopiano di Asiago has dropped to third place with 3.9% of searches, overtaken by the stunning Lake Garda, which commands 6.4%, and the picturesque Elba Island at 4.8%. This shift underscores a transformation in Italian tastes regarding vacation properties.
Summer rental hotspots
For summer rentals, the Castelli Romani area remains the most popular choice, attracting nearly 12% of preferences. It is closely followed by the Sorrento Peninsula and Valpolicella, each capturing around 5% of the market. These trends illustrate the evolving landscape of real estate in Italy as preferences adapt to changing lifestyles.