Italy short‑term rentals see falling prices and surge in last‑minute bookings

Marco Celani, president of the association of short‑term rental managers (Aigab), warned that the Italian short‑term rental market is shifting toward “prenotazioni sotto data” – bookings made shortly before the stay – which is forcing operators to cut nightly rates to attract guests. He highlighted very high cancellation rates and a large surplus of vacant units, noting that Rome alone has about 6,000 empty rooms and that some properties are being offered for as little as €60 per night.

Celani expects a decline in the number of online short‑term rental listings as owners grow weary, describing the trend as a “criminalizzazione” of the sector and foreseeing rising tension with municipalities over regulatory issues. He also pointed to fewer American tourists, reduced long‑haul travel and the loss of the Eastern market after Dubai, shaping a difficult summer 2026 for the industry.