Residential, presence of animals affects choice of house

The presence of pets is increasingly influencing Italians' choice when looking for a new home. This is what emerges from the latest Immobiliare.it survey of a sample of about 4,000 users: more than 60 per cent of those who live with a pet declared that its presence and needs had a significant impact on their decision to buy or rent a home.

The data show that the majority of those who took their pet's needs into account opted for a solution with a garden (over 57%), recognising the importance of open space for their pet's well-being. Others chose a house with a balcony or terrace (about a quarter), while a small percentage sought a larger home or one close to a public green space.

The type of animal also influences housing choices: the three-room apartment is the most chosen (35.8%) by those who live with a four-legged friend (or not) - and is also the solution preferred by a third of those who bought and 38% of those who rent - followed by the two-room apartment, indicated by about a quarter of respondents, and the detached house, which receives just under 20% of preferences. The majority of respondents' homes have access to an outdoor space (86%), and the vast majority (94%) have also made this space accessible to their pets, ensuring their safety.

However, not everyone who lives with an animal has considered its needs when choosing a house: almost half of those who responded in this way expressed a desire to find a house with a private outdoor space in the future. Many have already started looking for a new housing solution, although a number stated that they do not currently have the financial means to move elsewhere.

Almost half of the respondents (49.8%) said they had not made any particular changes to their home when welcoming an animal. Of those who did want to make their home more pet-friendly, 34% said they had installed protective measures - such as gates - 16% had provided spaces entirely dedicated to their pets, and 15% had also provided facilities for play and recreation for their furry housemates. Only 8% decided to additionally purchase pet-friendly furniture (such as scratch and stain-resistant sofas).