Decree “Save your home 2024”

The Salva Casa decree, recently approved by the Environment Commission and the Chamber of Deputies, includes many important innovations for the construction sector. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Matteo Salvini described the law as "great news for millions of Italians." The decree now awaits final Senate approval before its scheduled expiration date of July 28. Here are the main changes introduced by the approved amendments:

- Permission for Panoramic Stained Glass Windows
The new rules allow the installation of removable and fully transparent panoramic windows (VEPA) in porticoes, both inside and outside buildings. In addition, it will be possible to install sun and weather protection structures, such as pergolas with retractable fabric and bioclimatic awnings, without the need for permits.

- Inhabited Attics
An amendment was approved to allow the conversion of lofts into living accommodation even if this does not comply with the minimum distances between buildings and boundaries, subject to the distance restrictions in force at the time of construction of the building. No changes should be made to the shape or area of the attic, delimited by the perimeter walls, and the maximum building height should be respected.

- Increase in Area by 6% for Properties up to 60 m²
For properties up to 60 square meters, the permissible error in increasing the area has been increased to 6%, to a maximum of about 3.5 square meters above that specified in the permitting documents.

- Standards for the Suitability of Micro-Apartments
The livability requirements for micro-apartments have been confirmed: the minimum internal height of the premises is 2.40 meters and the minimum area is 20 square meters for one person (28 square meters for two people). These requirements must be met both to obtain a certificate of habitability from a specialist and to obtain the consent of the administration, in addition to compliance with other sanitary and hygienic standards.

- Change of Purpose
Changing the purpose of real estate units within the same functional category is always permitted, subject to compliance with sectoral legislation, with the possibility for municipalities to impose special conditions. For real estate units on the ground floor or in the basement, the conversion to residential use is regulated by regional legislation.

- Amnesty for Violations in Protected Areas
An amnesty for construction violations even in protected areas has been approved, allowing for regulation in these areas.

- Decree "Save Milan"
Specific measures for Milan were not included in the housing plan bill, but could be integrated into an infrastructure decree that will be considered shortly.

- Real estate in Vayont District
The approved amendment provides that a certificate of acceptance or certificate of regular performance of work is equivalent to a certificate of fitness for habitation or use, provided that the work performed complies with the building and urban planning regulations in force at the time the work is carried out.