“In Italy, we have around 35.5. million units of real estate residences and a population of around 26 million families, in theory, this means that there are nine million empty houses, approximately 25% of the total. Nonetheless, looking into the capital cities respectively; Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Torino among others, there is a significant influx of people, coming from smaller towns, thus, the percentage of empty homes drops down to 2% in Rome and 3% in Milan. This dismantles the narrative of a large number of empty and unused houses in Italy, but rather indicates a problem of houses located in places where they are no longer useful. Therefore, future efforts have to be directed at empowering those territories considered as “minorities”, and bringing life back to them, most importantly is enabling these cities to allow for an improved lifestyle.” As stated by Francesca Zirnstein, general director of Scenari Immobiliari, at the announcement of the 31st edition of the Forum of Scenari Immobiliari, which is to be held on September 15 and 16 for the first time at the Excelsior Palace in Rapallo and will have as a main theme “City to be- The city we want.”
Where to Invest in Italy?
“On a few territories”, stated by Zirnstein, pointing out that it depends, however on the investment goal of each investor. “If the investor has a purely economic purpose, one might see a higher return by purchasing in Milan, Rome, and a few other cities such as Bologna, Padua, and to some extent Venice and Florence. That is, in big student cities, which will remain as such at least for the upcoming 30 years (a medium- to long-term, time horizon, typical of real estate, ed)”, explained the general manager of Scenari Immobiliari-Then there is the type of investment that combines personal pleasure and the possibility of generating some passive income. This is a typical investment of holiday destinations, as an investment in places where it is nice and pleasant to live.”
In the latter, to clarify, we put forth two types of investors: frequent users and a pure form of investment, meaning,for receptive purposes. In the first case, acquisitions should be made not too far from major cities. For example, Bologna, the Romagnola zone, near Rome the Tirrenica coast, near Milan the go-to’s for this type of investment are Liguria and Valle d’Aosta, aside from the lake areas, a market which at the time is skyrocketing, after a slowdown in past years.” Says Zirnstein- In the second case, as an investment for receptive purposes one should go, in my opinion, to those areas that are known at a global level, for example, Capri, the Amalfi coast, or the great Tuscan villages, etc.
What city do you want?
During the forum held on the 15-16 of September the main theme is “City to be- The city we want”.”The work being done is a global and crucial task. In fact, the numbers indicate the importance and impact urbanization has on our lives and how regardless of the pandemic this process never seemed to stop.” Zirnstein says, pointing out that the city is a place for services. What are we looking for? We want a safe and beautiful city, a place where living is easy, that improves the quality of our lives. What enables this?A broad range of service offerings. Within the forum, the topic of city development and urbanization will be discussed in all its aspects, from: the sale of houses, house rentals, student housing and, social housing (for those in need of affordable housing). “As cities don’t stand chances of thriving without those who provide the services that make it function: this is the main theme”, Zirnstein concludes.
