Rome housing crisis prompts conference as Italy sees record rents

Trade union bodies CISL Roma Capitale, Rieti and SICET organized a conference titled “Roma da Abitare. Tra emergenza, disuguaglianze e politiche pubbliche” on 10 June 2026. The event, opened by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, aimed to analyse the city’s acute housing emergency, rising rents, growing unaffordable‑housing situations and the need for inclusive housing policies.

Data from the CNA, based on the Agenzia delle Entrate’s real‑estate market observatory, show that between 2019 and 2025 rental prices in Italy’s major cities have risen up to five times faster than net wages. Milan remains the most expensive city, with a typical 70 m² apartment costing over €1,800 per month; rent consumes about 73 % of a net salary there. Similar pressures are seen in Florence, Bologna, Venice, Rome and other large urban centres, where rent accounts for more than half of disposable income. Analysts warn that without structural measures – such as expanding affordable housing, repurposing vacant stock and urban regeneration – the housing market will continue to deter young people, workers and businesses.