The Alto Garda region is facing a housing crisis caused by unfair competition in the short-term rental market, which is driving away local residents. In 2022, Lake Garda in Brescia recorded a record number of tourist arrivals with 9.4 million visitors and tourist tax revenues exceeding 10 million euros. However, the proliferation of illegal short-term rentals has led to a significant imbalance in the real estate market, making it difficult for residents to find long-term housing. This phenomenon has been described as “out of control” by local industry associations.
Andrea Maggioni, coordinator of Confesercenti Lombardia orientale – Lago di Garda e Valtenesi, emphasizes the need to eliminate regulatory uncertainties and unfair competition between hotels and short-term rentals. According to a Gabetti study, over 12,500 short-term rental apartments are mapped across the entire lake, causing significant distortions in the real estate market. This situation is forcing many young people to relocate elsewhere due to the lack of available long-term rental housing, with negative repercussions for local economic activities throughout the year.
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