Messina faces severe housing crisis and mobility challenges

The province of Messina is experiencing a significant housing crisis characterized by high eviction rates and financial instability. According to data from Unione inquilini, there have been 167 eviction orders, with 61 executed with the assistance of law enforcement. Delinquency accounts for 90% of these cases, driven by low wages, inflation, and rising interest rates that have increased mortgage burdens.

A paradox has emerged in the judicial auction market: many foreclosed properties remain unsold due to local liquidity issues and demographic decline. This has led to severe property devaluation, with some apartments being auctioned for as little as 20,000 to 45,000 euros, often failing to cover the remaining debt. Additionally, the cost of renting single rooms has surged by 200% since 2018, the highest growth rate in Italy after Padova.

Separately, the SPI CGIL union has raised concerns regarding mobility for people with disabilities in the province. Only 12 out of 108 municipalities have joined the CUDE (European Unified Disability Permit) platform. This lack of participation, including in the provincial capital, creates bureaucratic hurdles for citizens attempting to access hospitals and essential services across different municipal traffic-restricted zones (ZTL).