Student Housing in Italy: comparison with the European market and growth prospects
In recent years, the student housing market in Italy has experienced significant growth, although it still has a wide margin of development compared to other European countries. The increase in student mobility, the shortage of suitable housing and the growing interest of investors have made the sector a key element in the transformation of Italian university cities.
According to the latest data, the student housing coverage rate varies considerably in Europe, with countries such as the United Kingdom and the Netherlands offering far greater availability than Italy. However, interest in new, modern and well-equipped housing solutions is also pushing the Italian market to evolve rapidly.
Student housing in Italy: comparison with major European markets
The student housing sector in Europe is booming, with countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and France boasting a long tradition of providing student housing. In the United Kingdom, for example, more than 30 percent of university students find accommodation in private or public student residences, while in the Netherlands this percentage exceeds 20 percent(Eurostudent, 2023).
In Italy, however, the situation is still far from these standards. Currently, our country has about 85,000 beds in student halls of residence and managed residences, with demand far exceeding the available supply. This gap creates attractive investment opportunities for industry players, especially in major university cities such as Milan, Rome, Bologna and Turin(Real Estate Monitor, 2024).
Recently, the Italian student housing market has attracted the attention of domestic and international investors. For example, Proprium Capital Partners announced a $100 million investment to develop two residential projects in Milan and Padua that will house more than 1,600 students(Reuters, 2024).
The growth prospects of the student housing market in Italy
Increased international mobility, the digitization of education and the desire for more comprehensive university experiences are transforming students’ housing needs. In this context, Italy is trying to close the gap with other European countries through development initiatives and targeted investments.
A key role is also played by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP), which envisions the creation of more than 60,000 new student beds by 2026, with an investment of about 1.2 billion euros(Italian Government, 2024). Building simplification regulations introduced by the government should encourage the construction of new student halls of residence and incentivize private sector participation.
In addition to public investment, the private market is playing a crucial role in expanding student housing supply. In recent years, several operators have initiated the construction of new residences, equipped with modern amenities and designed to meet the needs of an increasingly demanding generation in terms of comfort and accessibility.
Another crucial aspect is the redevelopment of existing urban spaces. An emblematic example is the Olympic Village in Milan, which after the 2026 Winter Olympics will be converted into student residences, thus contributing to the increase of student housing supply in one of Italy’s most important university cities(Il Sole 24 Ore, 2024).
The role of In-Domus in the development of student housing in Italy
In this ever-changing scenario, In-Domus is positioned as one of the leading operators in the student housing sector in Milan. With more than 1,000 beds distributed in three modern residences-MilanoInternazionale, Milano Monneret and Milano Olympia-the company accounts for about 25 percent of privately managed housing supply in the city.
In-Domus facilities offer students a safe, modern environment with all necessary amenities, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, gyms, relaxation areas, co-working spaces, and study rooms. In addition to basic services, In-Domus places a strong emphasis on quality of life for students, offering spaces for networking, educational and cultural events, as well as programs dedicated to mental and physical well-being. The goal is to create a community where students can feel supported not only housing-wise, but also academically and personally.
Afocus on sustainability and innovation distinguishes In-Domus in the Italian student housing scene. The residences are designed to reduce energy consumption and offer eco-friendly solutions, in line with the latest trends in sustainable living. Thanks to its strong presence in Milan and the continuous expansion of the sector, In-Domus is a reference point for Italian and international students looking for quality housing solutions in a dynamic context well connected to the main universities of the city.
Conclusions
The student housing market in Italy is evolving rapidly, with increasing demand and growing interest from investors and private operators. Compared to major European countries, our country still has a long way to go to close the gap in the supply of student housing, but future prospects are promising.
With the support of private and public investment, the creation of new student housing and urban redevelopment, the sector is set to grow significantly in the coming years. In-Domus, with its experience and commitment to creating innovative student living spaces, is a concrete example of how the Italian market is evolving to meet the needs of new generations of college students.
Also read“Student Housing Milan: In-Domus Rentals and Comparison with the Private Sector.”
