Bologna

1. Portico of Bologna: Bologna is home to the world's longest portico, stretching over 38 kilometers (approximately 24 miles). This unique architectural feature not only provides shade and shelter but also adds to the city's charm and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 2. Bologna's Culinary Heritage: While many people know about Bologna's famous dishes like ragù alla Bolognese (meat sauce), fewer are aware that the city is often referred to as "La Grassa" (The Fat) for its rich culinary tradition, which includes a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and pasta. It's also a hub for traditional food markets and cooking classes that showcase its gastronomic culture. 3. University of Bologna: Founded in 1088, the University of Bologna is the oldest university in continuous operation in the world. Beyond its historical significance, it has a vibrant student population that contributes to the city's lively atmosphere, making it a cultural melting pot where diverse ideas and traditions converge.

Based on the available information, Bologna's housing market shows signs of growth and increased demand. Recent data indicates that home prices in Bologna have risen by 2.3% year-over-year, reaching an average of €3,526 per square meter. However, specific details about rental prices, homeownership rates, and the role of public housing in Bologna are not provided in the search results. To obtain more comprehensive and accurate information about Bologna's housing market, including rental percentages, homeownership rates, median rental and purchase prices per square meter, and the role of public and social housing, it would be necessary to conduct additional research using local Italian sources and official statistical databases. It's worth noting that Bologna is considered one of Italy's major cities and is experiencing growth in its real estate market. The city's housing market is likely influenced by factors such as its economic strength, population growth, and its status as a university city, which could impact demand for both rental and owned properties. For the most up-to-date and detailed information on Bologna's housing market, including specific figures on renting versus buying, public housing share, and the distinction between public and social housing, it would be advisable to consult local real estate agencies, municipal housing authorities, or recent reports from Italian statistical offices.

Bologna’s city administration addresses affordable and sustainable housing through a range of targeted strategies within its broader Housing Plan. The municipality has set explicit goals to expand and modernize public and social housing and to ensure inclusive, eco-friendly living environments. Recent targets include the “1,000 homes” plan, which focuses on regenerating abandoned buildings and public housing units to create 1,000 new social housing flats. The city has committed approximately €60 million to modernize 600 existing public apartments and construct 400 new units on brownfield sites, aiming to avoid further land consumption and enhance energy efficiency. These efforts align with the city’s ambition to combine affordability with quality and sustainability. Key activities and programs implemented by the city include: - Extensive rent subsidies for residents struggling with market-rate rentals, ensuring their final rent falls below market prices. - An eviction protocol that provides public funds to cover unpaid rent for tenants facing job loss, thereby preventing homelessness. - Support for alternative, community-based housing solutions such as co-housing and cooperative housing models, promoting social integration and solidarity. - The development of new ecodistricts (e.g., the revitalization of the Bertalia-Lazzaretto area) and energy-efficient social housing projects, such as those managed by Acer, which use renewable energy and advanced insulation to reduce energy poverty and enhance accessibility. Bologna’s strategy is comprehensive, focusing not only on increasing housing supply but also on social innovation, sustainability, and protecting vulnerable tenants.

Cooperative housing plays a notable role in Bologna’s housing landscape, with deep roots and traditions tied to mutual aid and social integration. Currently, in the city, there are about 2,919 housing units provided by cooperatives with indivisible ownership, representing approximately 5% of the city’s 57,500 rental dwellings. These cooperatives serve around 18,600 members and offer rental prices that are on average 60% lower than the market, highlighting their impact in containing housing costs and catering to economically vulnerable groups. Development in the sector is driven by renewed demand for accessible, sustainable housing. Recent years have seen the emergence of innovative forms such as co-housing and the launch of new cooperatives like Habitat Bologna, which focuses on sustainable, community-oriented living and aggregating unmet housing demand. Pilot projects such as Porto 15 have pioneered collaborative living spaces with shared services and targeted young adults, inspiring further municipal support. The city of Bologna actively promotes cooperative housing through urban planning reforms, making available disused public properties for cooperative and co-housing projects, and supporting the regeneration of brownfield sites to avoid new land consumption. Policies encourage public-private collaboration, offer technical assistance, and prioritize social housing initiatives in areas marked by social and economic fragility. The municipality’s approach aims to expand the cooperative sector’s share in the local housing system, positioning it as a pillar of social policy and urban regeneration.