Italy's CNA warns rent costs outpace wages, deepening housing crisis

The Confederazione Nazionale dell'Artigianato (CNA) reports that between 2019 and 2025 Italian rents have risen far faster than salaries. In major cities the average rent now consumes a large share of net pay – 73% in Milan, 62% in Florence, and over 50% in Bologna, Venice, Rome, Padua, Verona and Pisa. By contrast L’Aquila records the lowest impact at 30% of net wages.

CNA warns the widening gap threatens workers’ ability to find affordable housing and hampers firms’ recruitment, especially in tourism, crafts, trade and seasonal services. The association proposes tax incentives for long‑term rentals, a programme to recover vacant properties, a public‑private guarantee fund against rent arrears, a dedicated “Plan Casa” for employees, and accelerated urban regeneration to increase the supply of affordable homes.