What’s the greatest passion of Italians? No, it’s not football. Not even good food, cars, or designer fashion. The real obsession of the Italian people is the home — more precisely, owning one.
According to the latest data from ISTAT, Italy’s national statistics institute, the typical three-person family lives in an owned home in 82.4% of cases, while only 17.6% opt for renting. The numbers are only slightly different for two-person households: 84.4% live in their own homes, while 15.6% rent.
These figures clearly show that real estate remains not just the main form of investment, but also a trusted “safe haven” for Italians — a symbol of stability and security.
Generational Differences and Housing Preferences
The tendency toward ownership decreases somewhat among single people under 65, who show a greater preference for renting (32.1%). Still, the majority — 67.9% — own their homes, confirming that even among younger adults, the desire for ownership remains strong.
At the other end of the spectrum, older couples without children (aged 65 and over) are the most attached to homeownership: a remarkable 93.4% of them own their homes, with only 6.6% living in rented accommodation.
Economic and Cultural Factors Behind the Trend
These differences naturally reflect variations in financial stability across age groups. Younger people are more likely to rent due to limited purchasing power or less job security, while older Italians, having accumulated savings and stability over time, are in a better position to own property.
Yet beyond the economics, the enduring appeal of a “home of one’s own” in Italy seems almost cultural — a deep-rooted aspiration that has resisted changing lifestyles and generational shifts.
Even as society evolves, the dream of owning a home continues to unite Italians across ages and regions — a timeless emblem of security, identity, and belonging.