Verbano Cusio Ossola housing occupancy hits 53.5% amid tourism surge

An investigation based on Istat census data reveals a significant housing occupancy gap in the Verbano Cusio Ossola province. As of December 31, 2023, only 73,200 of the 136,827 total dwellings in the region were occupied, representing an occupancy rate of 53.5%. This figure is notably lower than the regional average of 70.8% and the national average of 73.2%.

The report attributes this under-occupancy primarily to the impact of tourism and the prevalence of short-term rentals, particularly in lake areas. For instance, Stresa, a major tourist hub, shows an occupancy rate of only 39.6%, while Cannero Riviera sits at 30.6%. Mountainous municipalities also show low occupancy, with Aurano reporting just 10.6% and Bognanco 12.4%.

In contrast, larger urban centers align more closely with regional and national trends. Verbania reports an occupancy rate of 74.5%, Domodossola 79.2%, and Omegna 73.0%. Regarding property ownership, 70.9% of homes in the province are owned, which is consistent with the 71.3% rate in the Piedmont region.