Relaxation of short-term rentals in Ticino: what changes for cross-border workers and the sector

Contesto

HotellerieSuisse Ticino has presented its 2025 balance sheet, describing it as a 'positive year' for the canton’s hotel industry. The report highlights that Swiss clientele remains the primary market, accounting for over 60% of total demand according to sector estimates. However, the new development causing concern among operators is the introduction of more uniform rules for short-term rentals via online platforms such as Airbnb or Booking. ### The regulatory context The new legislation, still under development at the cantonal level, aims to streamline procedures for short-term rentals but risks exacerbating the already strained Ticinese real estate market. Short-term rentals, particularly in urban centers like Lugano, Locarno, and Bellinzona, saw a 15% increase in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to data collected by HotellerieSuisse. This trend has been accompanied by a reduction in the availability of long-term housing, creating challenges for cross-border workers who work in Ticino but live in Italy. > «More uniform rules are also needed for those renting out properties for specific periods via online platforms,» a spokesperson for HotellerieSuisse Ticino stated, emphasizing how the lack of a clear regulatory framework is creating disparities between traditional operators and new market players. 📊 Key data - Short-term rentals in the Lugano area: over 12,000 active listings in 2025. - Average monthly rent for a two-room apartment in Lugano: exceeded 2,800 CHF, with peaks of 3,500 CHF in central areas. - Increase in short-term rentals in 2025: +15% compared to 2024. ### Emerging challenges The Ticinese hospitality sector has highlighted how the rise in short-term rentals is distorting the market, directly impacting residential property prices. Fo...

Dettagli operativi

The easing of short-term rental regulations in Ticino poses a concrete challenge for cross-border workers who cross the border daily to work in the canton. The current situation, already complex, risks worsening further if measures are not introduced to balance the different forms of housing supply. ### Impact on cross-border workers: costs and accessibility For a cross-border worker employed in Lugano but residing in the province of Como, the rise in short-term rental prices is making relocation to Ticino less appealing. According to sector estimates, the average cost of a two-room short-term rental in Lugano ranges between 150 and 200 CHF per night, with peaks of 250 CHF during peak season. This means that for those seeking temporary accommodation during the workweek, monthly expenses can exceed 3,000 CHF, excluding additional costs such as utilities, gas, and internet. 📊 Comparison between short-term and traditional rentals | Type | Average monthly cost (CHF) | Minimum duration | Security standards | |------------|---------------------------|---------------|-----------------------| | Short-term rental (platform) | 2,500 - 3,500 | 1 night | Not always guaranteed | | Traditional rental (lease) | 1,800 - 2,300 | 12 months | Guaranteed by the landlord | | Italian residence | 800 - 1,200 | Flexible | Guaranteed | The data clearly shows how short-term rentals are on average more expensive than traditional rentals, while also offering no housing stability. For cross-border workers, who often face long daily commutes, choosing accommodation in Ticino is increasingly becoming a luxury. ### Future scenarios: what could happen If regulations on short-term rentals are further relaxed, the risk is that the Ticino real estate market will experience another sharp price surge,...

Punti chiave

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino who are struggling to find affordable housing, it is essential to be aware of the available options and the procedures to protect your rights. Below is a practical guide to navigating the rental market, both for short-term and traditional leases, with a focus on cross-border solutions. ### Step 1: Evaluate cross-border housing options If renting in Ticino proves too expensive, a practical solution is to look for accommodations in the provinces of Como, Varese, or Novara. Border municipalities such as Chiasso, Stabio, Mendrisio, and Balerna offer direct connections to major Ticinese centres via train and bus. The average monthly rent for a two-room apartment in these areas ranges from 800 to 1,200 CHF, with the possibility of negotiating lower rents for long-term contracts. ### Step 2: Use specialised rental intermediaries Some Ticinese real estate agencies offer targeted search services for cross-border workers, with contracts that include early termination clauses in case of job changes or relocations. Among these are: - Ticino Immobiliare (based in Lugano) - Mendrisio Casa (based in Mendrisio) - Bellinzona Affitti (based in Bellinzona) These agencies can help find affordable solutions, particularly in peripheral municipalities within the canton. ### Step 3: Carefully monitor digital platforms If opting for a short-term rental via online platforms, it is important to verify: - The presence of recent and reliable reviews. - Compliance of the property with safety regulations (especially regarding electrical and gas systems). - The availability of cleaning and maintenance services included in the price. ⚠️ Caution: Some listings on Airbnb or Booking may conceal irregular situations, such as unregistered rentals or illega...

Punti chiave

[{"q":"Will the easing of short-term rentals in Ticino come into force immediately?","a":"The new regulations are still being finalised at cantonal level. According to HotellerieSuisse Ticino, the new rules could be introduced by the end of 2026, with possible retroactive effects on existing listings. No precise deadlines have been announced at this time."},{"q":"Can I still find affordable long-term rentals in Lugano?","a":"Yes, but availability is limited and prices are rising. The average cost of a two-room apartment in Lugano exceeds 2,800 CHF per month, with peaks of 3,500 CHF in central areas. Cross-border workers may consider solutions in nearby municipalities such as Mendrisio, Varese or Como, where prices are significantly lower."},{"q":"Are platforms like Airbnb reliable for short-term rentals in Ticino?","a":"Digital platforms offer a wide choice, but they do not always guarantee safety standards or regular contracts. It is essential to check reviews, compliance of the property with cantonal regulations, and clear clauses on deposits and cancellation. Some listings may conceal irregular situations."},{"q":"Which Ticino municipalities are the most affordable for cross-border workers?","a":"The most affordable municipalities in terms of prices are Chiasso, Stabio, Mendrisio, Balerna and Biasca. These centres offer direct connections to Ticino’s main employment hubs and average long-term rental prices between 1,500 and 2,000 CHF per month."},{"q":"What happens if my short-term rental is regulated by the new legislation?","a":"If the new regulations come into force, short-term rentals could be subject to new obligations, such as registration or compliance with a maximum number of days per year. Industry operators fear this could increase management costs and redu...

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