Between the pandemic, new housing needs, home and superbonus bonuses and mortgage concessions, it cannot be said that the Italian real estate market has been bored in recent years. On the contrary, according to the CEO of RE/MAX Italy, Dario Castiglia, 2021 closed with satisfactory results, which will most likely be repeated in 2022. According to the real estate franchise, here are the factors that will drive the sector in the year just opened.
Pandemic and the 2022 property market
"Certainly the pandemic has favoured the change of home, creating new housing needs, primarily linked to smart working, which will become structural," explains Dario Castiglia. "Rates at historic lows and the banks' relaxation with regard to the requirements for obtaining a mortgage have also played a decisive role". Among the ingredients of the effervescence of the real estate market are government incentives such as Ecobonus, tax bonuses dedicated to the world of homes and condominiums, the Decreto Sostegni bis and the Bonus prima casa under 36, which have reawakened a latent demand and influenced the overall trend of sales.
Buying a house in a village is worthwhile
Lombardy, with Milan, and Lazio, with Rome, have confirmed their role as the driving forces behind the Italian property market. Demand has poured in outside of the big cities where costs are lower, although for the next few months there is expected to be an increase in demand here which will go hand in hand with an increase in prices, so much so that Castiglia speaks of 'revenge of the small towns', capable of offering the best living comfort/price ratio. "There will therefore be a shortage of supply, which will gradually be compensated for by the entry onto the market of properties that have been 'idle' due to the depreciation of past years, which will return to the market precisely in view of the increase in prices," says Castiglia.
Energy efficiency in buildings
According to RE/MAX, the energy efficiency of old buildings will certainly contribute to an increase in sales in the coming months, as properties that need to be renovated will also be more attractive as an investment, given the significant increase in energy costs and inflation. "Real estate has always been considered a hedge against inflation, encouraging investment in bricks and mortar, historically considered a safe haven," Castiglia comments. "Hence we can assume that prices will rise in all cities, albeit not dramatically, but in line with inflation."
The role of the real estate agent between technology and empathy
In this context, the role of the real estate agent will be fundamental, as they will increasingly have to provide consultancy services. In RE/MAX's vision, therefore, consultants will never be replaced by machines or an e-commerce website, but will have to use technology to make the customer experience more efficient in terms of speed and transparency. "In order to offer real added value compared to the do-it-yourself approach, the real estate agent must use big data to be increasingly scientific, starting from the valuation of the property and providing objective quotes based on concrete data, while keeping the client constantly informed," Castiglia emphasises. The network currently consists of around 4,600 agents and is constantly growing, with forecasts for further growth aimed at exceeding 500 agencies operating in Italy and further strengthening the network by reaching 5,500 affiliated agents.
In addition, buying a home brings with it an emotional component that the experienced real estate agent is able to sterilise during negotiations. His professionalism provides buyers and sellers with a neutral vision that helps to find the right meeting point between supply and demand. "Our promise to the client is to find the best buyer for him, and to find him quickly, making the buying/selling experience less demanding in emotional and time terms and more satisfying in economic terms," Castiglia concludes.
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