29 April 2026
Residential market 2026: growing demand and a more selective market
Download the reportA market returning to growth
After the slowdown caused by rising interest rates between 2023 and 2024, the Italian residential market is returning to a growth trend. Transactions are increasing, housing demand remains dynamic, and the sector is showing signs of gradual price stabilization.
The dedicated report produced by RE Lab – the digital decision intelligence hub created through the partnership between Patrigest – Gabetti Group, and TEHA Group – analyzes the key dynamics currently reshaping the sector across credit, new developments, rentals, and living investments.
Transactions, prices and credit
In 2025, the Italian residential market consolidated the recovery that began after the slowdown phase linked to the rising cost of borrowing. Transactions increased, price growth started to slow, and credit continued to support demand.
At the same time, new developments, rentals, and living investments highlighted a market increasingly driven by quality, affordability, and evolving housing needs.
Residential transactions and housing demand are growing again in 2026
Demand and prices moving toward stabilization
In 2025, residential transactions increased by +6,4% compared to the previous year, while forecasts for 2026 point to approximately 785.770 transactions (+2,5%).
Particularly significant is the data relating to purchase intentions: in the first quarter of 2026, potential demand reached a 12% peak, signaling a possible return to the market by families and buyers who had postponed decisions during the period of strongest pressure from interest rates. Prices are also showing signs of stabilization, with national growth standing at +0,8% in Q1 2026.
The residential market is evolving toward more stable and selective growth
Credit and new housing needs
Credit trends continue to directly impact the real estate market. In 2025, mortgage-backed transactions increased by +32,8% in the first quarter before gradually slowing to +9,3% in Q4.
Purchases without financing still remain dominant (54,9%), but mortgages continue to represent a key tool for accessing home ownership. At the same time, interest in efficient and newly built properties is growing, especially in major urban centers where supply and demand continue to show significant mismatches.
A market increasingly driven by data
The Italian residential market confirms a progressive shift in paradigm. After years heavily influenced by financial variables, the sector now appears increasingly driven by structural factors such as economic accessibility, housing quality, sustainability, and the ability of properties to answer to continuously evolving needs.
Demand remains present, but it is becoming more selective in its choices, rewarding energy efficiency, construction quality, space distribution, and consistency between pricing and purchasing power. The rental sector also continues to evolve, supported by growing demand for greater housing flexibility, while the living segment confirms its position as one of the most dynamic sectors for institutional investors.
Within this scenario, the ability to interpret market data and anticipate emerging housing needs is becoming an increasingly strategic factor for operators, investors, and developers.