Camilla Frattina, Rental Specialist Engel & Völkers, tells us about the world of rentals in Venice and life in the lagoon

For a dream stay, for total immersion in the history and culture of one of the most beautiful cities in the world; for those looking for rentals in Venice, we offer you a very interesting overview of the rental apartments sector. Speaking is Camilla, a consultant in Engel & Völkers Venezia team who supports customers in making their dreams come true.

Where do you work and what do you do?

My job is to find an apartment for rent in Venice for those who intend to experience total immersion in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, giving them the opportunity to learn the history and intrinsic beauty of Venetian culture. We receive requests for rentals in Venice both for business reasons and to "rinse clothes in the Grand Canal". On the other hand, we must find the right person for the house that one of our clients intends to rent, making sure that there is full respect for the property. In both cases, kindness towards the customer and respect for Venice - which we try to convey by giving us a good example - remain two essential priorities.

How do you support your customers?

From the first steps, to on-site or remote visits, to the preparation of documents such as the rental proposal, contract and check-in, not to mention the assistance we offer at any time to ensure the full well-being of our customers. We listen a lot to the customer to understand which type of contract can satisfy his needs. We also immediately talk about the infamous commission, right from the very first contact phone call. This is possible because professionalism goes hand in hand with humanity. We strongly believe in this union and in the desire to treat the customer as an affection. You check in with a young student and you identify yourself thinking that maybe one day your brother will also need to find an apartment and you hope that he will not only have a competent agent in front of him, but someone to support him: basically we take care of the brothers, of the aunts, grandmothers, mothers and fathers of others as if they were our own. 

What types of customers do you have?

The type of clientele looking for a house for rent in Venice varies a lot. There are foreigners who want to spend a long vacation, seasonal workers, those looking for support to be more comfortable, those who need an apartment until they buy a house. Among the owners we often find people who prefer to leave their properties for short periods. Especially here in Venice, but I imagine in all cities of art, those who own their own home, perhaps that same childhood or family home, find it hard to break away from it for five or even eight years.

What are the contracts most in use?

Different types of customers, owners and properties, give rise to as many forms of contract. In addition to the classic housing contracts such as 3 + 2 and 4 + 4 we work a lot with transitory contracts, for a stay of no less than 29 nights up to a maximum of 18 months.

Are there also those looking for long-term rental homes in Venice?

Yes, in the long run they are usually families who move to be closer to their children's school. Venice is very popular with families with school-age children because it is an ideal environment for growing up. But there are also young couples who are looking for their first nest in a more picturesque setting on the mainland, and commuter workers who prefer a support near their workplace for convenience. Many Venetians prefer to buy a house, in this case they look for rent as a temporary solution until a house is found to buy. In short, the world is beautiful because it is varied and here in Venice it is beautiful, with a variety of languages ​​and shades of accents that change from street to street.

What type of property is most sought after by those interested in renting a house in Venice?

Again it depends. For those who decide to live in Venice for rent, look at the comfort and livability, the walkable surface, the presence of capacious wardrobes, the presence of a supermarket nearby. For temporary rental houses, on the other hand, we look at the presence of wi-fi and the much sought after "convenient area" mainly near the station or the jetties.

What is the advantage for those interested in renting a house in Venice?

The most important plus is certainly the possibility of modulating the stay according to your needs. Temporary rental contracts in Venice are an alternative to tourist rentals by night or contracts for years. With these solutions, on the other hand, you have the possibility to choose in total autonomy how long to stay, choosing the months of the year of greatest interest - which in Venice tend to be from late March to the end of October - with the convenience of having your own apartment. an affordable price.

What do you like most about your job?

I especially love the chance to help people make their dreams come true, because living in Venice is truly a fairy tale. I understand their needs and the surprised look as we wander around the calli before a visit, because that amazement is mine too. In my role I appreciate both the office work, the precision and attention to detail, as well as the human relationship, the encounter with others even from a different culture, always being able to learn something new.

And what is the added value of working in Venice?

Here we do not rent and sell only houses, we rent Venice with all the joys and pains that follow. Anyone who has ever been to these calli knows what I'm talking about, Venice has built itself with patience, pole by pole, Istrian stone after Istrian stone and gives us every day, simply by existing, a precious teaching: take the critical issues, work on them up and build a masterpiece day after day. Venice teaches us that even from the mud a jewel can blossom, and she is the proof.

Are you looking for a property to rent in Venice? Scroll through the gallery to discover the exclusive offers of Engel & Völkers Venice!