Italy’s apartment marketplace shifts against non permanent contracts — idealista/information

Italy’s rental market has changed considerably over the past decade, although its overall size has not shrunk. The share of listings for short-term rental contracts has risen from 1.6% to 31.4% of the total rental stock.

That is according to an analysis by idealista’s research department, which reviewed rental listings published on the platform over the 10 years between 2016 and 2026.

The study distinguishes between long-term rentals, with 4+4 or 3+2 contracts, and temporary rentals, with contracts lasting between one and 18 months. Over the same period, the supply of long-term rentals fell by 34.8%.

Total stock of rental homes

Looking at both segments together, the total stock of homes available to rent — both long-term and temporary — remained broadly stable over the decade. Overall supply fell by just 2.3%.

The market has not lost properties; instead, it has redistributed them. A substantial share has simply moved away from traditional rentals and into temporary lets.

Long-term and temporary rental stock (% of total)

Average rental price trends

Temporary rentals average €21.6 per m² per month, compared with €14.5 per m² for long-term lets. Ten years ago, the gap was much narrower, with temporary rentals at €9.9 per m² and traditional rentals at €8.8 per m².

This difference is likely linked to two factors: the additional cost of services often included with this kind of contract, such as furniture, utilities and sometimes condominium charges, as well as landlords’ tendency to agree to shorter tenancies only in exchange for higher rent.

Price per m² for long-term and temporary rentals

Long-term rents have also increased significantly over the past decade, though they remain below temporary rental rates. They rose from €8.8 to €14.5 per m² per month, an increase partly linked to accumulated inflation over the period and partly to adjustments in line with property market values.

“The data points not so much to a reduction in supply, but to a change in its nature. The number of available homes has remained stable, but the kind of housing available has shifted: it has moved away from a market focused on longer stays towards one where one in three listings now provides shorter, more flexible options. 

This transition reflects structural changes — greater work-related mobility, more ongoing education and smaller households — but it also raises a question: does this market respond just as well to those looking for a home not for temporary reasons, but to build a life there?” 

Vincenzo de Tommaso, head of idealista’s research department

Methodology note

The analysis deliberately excludes tourist short-term lets, as this category is too varied to be assessed alongside the other two types in aggregate form. Long-term and temporary rentals can be compared in terms of stock and rent levels. 

However, by their nature, they cannot be compared by the average number of days listings remain online or by demand pressure, since the lifecycle of listings in the two segments follows structurally different patterns.

The study is based on data updated to the second quarter of 2026, compared with the same quarter of 2016 to measure trends over the decade.