One out of three Italians thinks of move house in the next two years and even if the price remains the first criterion for choosing a new home, a strong focus on environmental impact and energy efficiency is starting to emerge. These are the data contained in the new research by Changes Unipol, created and developed by Ipsos, who analyzed the relationship of Italians with their homes.
How our way of living at home has changed after Covid
The Covid emergency has revolutionized our lives, also changing our relationship with the home. According to the survey, in fact, the dwelling has become a more individual place, in which we watch TV, read and listen to the radio (more often than in the pre-Covid period in 37% of cases), spend time with family (increase in 34% of cases) and indulge in hobbies, chores, cooking and gardening (32%).
Instead, we gave up the house as place of conviviality, so much so that 48% of Italians say they spend less time at home with friends than they did two years ago. A figure grows to 51% for generation X and 58% for Baby Boomers, the most affected still by the effects of the pandemic.
More beautiful and functional houses
Although the lockdown period is now behind us, we continue to spend a lot of time at home. A new way of life that has caused people to make the most beautiful and functional home: in the last year, one out of three Italians (32%) has replaced electrical appliances and 23% plan to do so within the next year, while 18% have made changes to the furnishings, 17% have renovated the interiors and the 14% outsiders. The renovation of interiors and exteriors, thanks also to government incentives, remains on the agenda for next year, respectively for 27% and 24% of Italians.
One out of three Italians thinks of moving house
29% of Italians consider the possibility of moving house in the next 2 years, 6% are sure of it. "The certainty of change is more marked among the inhabitants of Turin (11%), Florence (10%) and Bari (10%)", explains the study, according to which the preference for ahome ownership remains strong, but is expressed by only 55% of Italians, compared to 17% for the rent, a preferred option especially for young people of Generation Z (up to 26 years, evidently also due to lower disposable income).
Selection criteria: all the factors for buying a new home
In first place, as per tradition, there is the house price, indicated by 64% of respondents, followed by area (48%), from brightness (42%) and from square footage (41%). “A strong focus on environmental impact and energy efficiency is starting to emerge”, however, according to the study. In fifth place among the selection criteria we find the "high". energy efficiency/low environmental impact”, indicated in 37% of cases, testifying to a new awareness of Italians towards savings and sustainable consumption.
Among other factors, the safety (presence of video cameras in common areas and concierge service) is indicated only in 18% of cases, in 8th place in the ranking order.
What can't be missing in the home of Italians?
In addition to heating, considered indispensable by the interviewees, in terms of equipment and accessories, the priority of Italians is towards elements linked to the climate and the environment: the possibility of producing green energy or in any case having energy efficient systems is essential for 39%, followed by having a private garden (37%), the'air conditioning (32%) or one private terrace (30%). It is especially in the southern metropolises that the conditioner of air is considered essential (in Bari in 43% of cases, in Palermo in 46%), as it is in the first three places in Milan and Verona: in Florence, Naples, Bologna and Rome, however, the terrace is preferred to the air conditioner private.
La hi-tech house however, it does not seem a priority for now, given that the latest generation TVs are indicated as "must have" only in 19% of cases, as is home security (10%, which however rises to 18% for Gen Z) and home automation (7%).
