Sardinia housing market faces imbalance as 32% of homes remain vacant or used for tourism

A report by Nomisma, presented by Confartigianato Sardegna, reveals a significant imbalance in the Sardinian housing market. Out of more than 1 million owned properties in the region, approximately 320,000—or 32%—are either unoccupied or dedicated to short-term rentals. Of these, about 51,000 are used for tourist accommodations.

The housing crisis is particularly acute in inland areas, where the proportion of uninhabited homes exceeds 50%. Conversely, 80% of real estate transactions are concentrated along the coasts, with the Gallura area alone accounting for 21.7% of regional transactions. This imbalance occurs despite rising housing demand from families, workers, students, and the elderly.

Economic pressures are also mounting for residents, as mortgages, rent, and utilities consume 33.5% of average family income. Experts suggest that rather than focusing solely on new construction, strategies should prioritize returning unused properties to the market, regenerating urban centers and inland areas, and diversifying housing options to meet modern needs.