Squatters take over abandoned Venice homes as high rents drive families out of the city
- Many houses are empty as those who moved out cannot afford the upkeep of properties to rent them out
Squatters are taking over unoccupied buildings in Venice in defiance of what they say are high rents forcing families out of the city as tourism takes over.
Venice’s population has declined rapidly from roughly 175,000 after second world war to about 50,000 today. Remaining residents complain that their city is being overrun by tourists while they have to pick up the bill for cleaning and security.
Around 25 million tourists pour into the Italian lagoon city each year, of whom around 14 million spend just one day there. It has close to 8,000 Airbnb flats catering for those who stay longer, soaking up the attractions around the canals.
Nicola Ussardi, 41, co-founder of a housing community group that helps Venetians find homes, has been squatting in a flat in the Cannaregio district since 2013, with his partner Nadia and their two children.
He says many houses remain empty as people are forced to move out and then cannot afford the upkeep of the properties to rent them out – although the city housing authority says the activists are preventing the renovation of homes by occupying them.
There are no houses available in Venice unless you are a tourist