1. Historical Canals: Milan is home to a network of canals known as the Navigli, which were designed by the famous architect Leonardo da Vinci in the 15th century. These canals were primarily used for transporting goods and have now become a vibrant area filled with restaurants, bars, and art studios. 2. Fashion Capital: While many know Milan for its fashion, not everyone is aware that it hosts the world's largest fashion trade show, Milan Fashion Week, which attracts designers, buyers, and influencers from all over the globe. The event showcases both established and emerging talents in the fashion industry. 3. Cultural Richness: Milan is not only known for its art but also has a rich history in music. It is the birthplace of famous operas like Verdi's "La Traviata" and Puccini's "Madama Butterfly." The iconic La Scala opera house is a must-visit for music lovers, offering a glimpse into Milan's vibrant operatic tradition.
Milan's housing market is experiencing steady growth, with prices and demand on the rise. As of 2025, the average price per square meter for homes in Milan is around €5,500, reflecting a significant increase over the past few years. The rental market is also robust, with a 4% increase in demand observed in 2024. The city has approximately 194,758 housing units, with about 79.6% occupied and 20.4% vacant. While specific figures for Milan are not available, Italy generally has a high rate of homeownership, though urban areas like Milan tend to have higher rental rates. For rentals, a typical two-room apartment in the city center costs around €1,500 per month. The average daily rate for short-term rentals is €116, with a median occupancy rate of 70%. Public housing accounts for about 8% of Milan's total housing tenure, with an estimated 6,000 vacant public housing units. The city faces challenges in managing its public housing stock, including maintenance issues and long waiting lists. Cooperative housing plays a significant role in providing affordable options. The Consorzio Cooperative Lavoratori has built about 15,000 housing units in Milan and its province since 1974, offering more affordable alternatives to market rates.
The Milan city administration is actively addressing housing challenges through various initiatives and programs. The city has set ambitious targets for affordable housing, including a requirement that 40% of new residential developments over 10,000 square meters be dedicated to affordable housing, with at least 20% for rent. To create more affordable and sustainable housing, Milan has implemented several concrete activities: 1. Three-Year Housing Plan: The city approved a plan for 2023-2025 to provide public and social housing services, aiming to address high rents and housing difficulties for workers. 2. Student Housing Initiative: A project to provide 600 beds in renovated public housing units at affordable rents for students. 3. Public-Private Partnerships: The city collaborates with private operators to develop affordable housing in exchange for urban planning benefits. 4. C40 Reinventing Cities Programme: An international tender to deliver at least 500 dwellings with rent caps across six municipal areas. 5. Energy Efficiency Projects: Initiatives to improve the energy performance of existing housing stock. 6. Support for Cooperative Housing: Partnerships with organizations like CCL to develop affordable housing projects and allocate land for social housing. 7. Urban Regeneration: Incorporating affordable housing into larger urban renewal projects, such as the Porta Romana ex-railway yard development. These efforts demonstrate Milan's commitment to addressing housing affordability and sustainability through a multifaceted approach.