One in four Italians ready to move home. Outdoor spaces and energy efficiency top the list of preferences

According to the RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024, the lack of balconies and gardens, together with high energy costs, is driving housing dissatisfaction in Italy and Europe.

The European property market and the Italian one are undergoing profound changes, with families rethinking their housing needs in order to balance economic pressures and the desire to improve living conditions. In line with the European average, 24% of Italians say they want a new housing solution. Of these, 17% expect to move within the next 12 months, while 28% are considering relocating to a foreign country, with the aim of finding a more financially sustainable life. This is according to the RE/MAX European Housing Trend Report 2024, which offers an in-depth analysis of the changes affecting the European property market, exploring how financial pressures, evolving preferences and sustainability concerns are shaping housing decisions.

The survey provides a snapshot of preferences gathered by interviewing 20,000 people in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland and Italy. Overall, the study shows that the European property market is undergoing profound changes, influenced by ongoing international challenges and the rising cost of living. This is leading families across Europe to rethink their housing needs in order to cope with financial pressures and keep them sustainable in relation to the desire for better living conditions. Thus, Italians looking for a new home place great value on outdoor spaces: 52% consider balconies, terraces or gardens essential, a higher percentage than the European average of 44%. Other factors, such as the layout of indoor spaces (9%) and proximity to the workplace (16%), are less crucial, signalling greater attention to improving lifestyle and housing comfort. In addition, 44% of Italians are interested in properties equipped with energy efficiency systems, 26% want to be close to green spaces, 24% consider proximity to amenities such as schools and shops essential, while 23% see good connections to public transport as fundamental.

For many Europeans, housing costs are the most significant item in the household budget. On average, 38% of monthly income goes toward mortgages, rent and utility bills. In Italy, the RE/MAX Europe survey shows that 39% of respondents report an increase in housing costs over the past year, while 58% consider the affordability of their home more important than any other aspect. Despite the increase in housing costs in Italy being lower than the European average (-15%), a significant proportion of Italians surveyed are ready to move abroad to improve their financial situation.

As regards the future of the property market, according to Dario Castiglia (pictured, CEO & Founder of RE/MAX Italia), “The forecasts from the Research Centre of RE/MAX Italia point to a dynamic 2025, with rates falling and a stronger labour market. Greater clarity in the global political landscape and access to credit are already helping to revive consumer confidence.” The dream of property ownership remains strong: 72% of Italians already own at least one home, and 26% own more than one property. This aspiration, shared across Europe, continues to represent not only a personal goal, but also an investment opportunity for the future.