When you want to buy real estate in Italy, the first thing you must do is understand the laws and regulations. The good news is that the Decreto Salva Casa has completely updated and simplified the Italian real estate sector. This new law, proposed by Matteo Salvini, is causing a lot of controversy. Proponents of the law are praising its ability to streamline building laws, while opponents are voicing concerns about its long-term effects. But what does Decreto Salva Casa offer, let’s find out together.
Key Provisions of Italy’s Decreto Salva Casa
The first and the most significant change Decreto Salva Casa brings in Italy is the streamlining of the compliance process. As we know, before the law was adopted property owners had to follow “double conformity” requirements. That means they had to adhere to both historical and current building regulations. Let’s agree it’s truly complex and time-consuming and thus affected seriously the property marketability.
So, what does the new law do? The new law simplifies this by requiring compliance only with regulations from the time of construction or the regularization request. This change will make it faster and easier for property owners to legalize their properties, which could also increase their value.
Flexibility for Older Properties
For buildings constructed before 1977, the decree offers even greater flexibility. Many of these older properties feature undeclared modifications or building discrepancies made during construction. So, under the new law, these variations can be legalized with a technical expert’s certification. This means, the provision not only streamlines the process for owners of historic buildings but could also enhance their value in the market. The decree also introduces increased construction tolerances for minor discrepancies, providing relief for property owners who may have been grappling with minor irregularities.
Changes in Property Use and Construction Requirements
The Decreto Salva Casa also brings changes to the process of changing a property’s use, known in Italian as “cambi di destinazione“. This reform makes it easier for property owners and investors to adapt buildings to new uses, fostering a more dynamic real estate market. Alongside this, the law adopts a more lenient approach to minor irregularities, further reducing bureaucratic hurdles and accelerating the compliance process.
The Dual Impact of Decreto Salva Casa
Sure enough, every good thing brings challenges, particularly through the expansion of “free construction” activities. As the law allows, homeowners can now make certain improvements—such as installing weather protection, bioclimatic pergolas, and removable panoramic windows—without needing prior authorization from the municipal technical office. It not only cuts down on bureaucracy but is a great way to incentivize property owners to invest in home upgrades, enhancing both the quality and appeal of Italy’s housing stock.
Yet, critics worry that the decree could lead to increased real estate speculation, undermine safety standards, and potentially allow the legalization of properties in environmentally sensitive areas. Additionally, there are apprehensions about the long-term effects on urban planning and sustainability.
The Debate Over Smaller Homes
Less surface area and minimum height limitations for residential constructions are two of the decree’s disputed features. Critics, particularly environmental groups, worry about possible sacrifices on quality, safety, and sustainability, despite some arguing that this move will make housing more accessible and inexpensive.
The decree also expands the scope of “free construction” activities, allowing homeowners to undertake certain improvements without seeking prior authorization from the municipal technical office. This includes installations like weather protection, bioclimatic pergolas, and even removable panoramic windows like windows VePA. This change is likely to incentivize property owners to invest in enhancing their homes, contributing to the overall improvement of Italy’s housing stock and potentially increasing property marketability.
Note: It’s essential to be mindful of the potential challenges and complexities it may also introduce. If you’re involved in the Italian property market, seeking professional guidance from legal and real estate experts is crucial to navigating this new terrain successfully.
Key Takeaways for Property Owners
Finally, let’s summarize the takeaways from the law for property owners:
- First of all, the removal of the double conformity requirement makes the legalization process easier for property owners.
- Buildings constructed before 1977 now have greater flexibility in legalizing modifications.
- Expanded allowances for construction discrepancies provide relief for small irregularities.
- Lowering minimum size requirements could make housing more affordable but raises questions about quality and sustainability.
- Finally, expanded “free construction” activities enable more property enhancements without extensive paperwork.
Looking Ahead
As we can understand, the Decreto Salva Casa marks a significant shift in Italy’s real estate landscape. It at least offers a range of opportunities for property owners, investors, and developers. But, the true impact of the Decreto Salva Casa will become clearer over time as the market adjusts to these new building regulations.
So, we recommend all those involved in the Italian property market—whether as owners, investors, or developers—it is crucial to stay informed and seek professional guidance to navigate this evolving landscape.
Are you interested in this subject? Then read our related articles from here, Property tax in Italy: The ultimate guide for 2024, Buying a house in Italy: What to be careful about and Costs of buying a house in Italy: How much does it really cost?.
