Thinking of Buying a Home in Italy? These New Rules Change Everything
Italy Simplifies Its Property Laws: A Big Win for Home Buyers
Buying or restoring a home in Italy has always come with a fair amount of bureaucracy, but that’s finally changing.
The new Decreto Salva Casa (Law 105/2024), also known as the latest Italian building reform, makes it simpler to legalize minor building irregularities, renovate properties, and sell homes without long delays.
This reform brings long-awaited clarity to the real estate market, helping both Italian and international buyers navigate the process with greater confidence and far fewer surprises.
A Clearer System for Old Irregularities
Many Italian homes (especially older ones) have small differences between what’s shown on official plans and what was actually built.
Until now, even tiny discrepancies could stop a sale or complicate a renovation.
The new law finally changes that. Owners can now regularise minor issues instead of facing heavy penalties or endless paperwork.
For example:
- Homes up to 60 sqm can be approved even with up to 6% differences from their original plans.
- Deadlines for resolving small issues are now much longer, giving owners time to fix things properly.
This update unlocks thousands of beautiful homes that were previously stuck in legal limbo, especially historic or countryside properties in regions like Tuscany.
Turning Unused Spaces into Living Areas
The reform also encourages the conversion of attics, basements, and storage rooms into living spaces, making better use of existing buildings.
The new minimum requirements are:
| Type of unit | Minimum area |
|---|---|
| Studio / one-room flat | 20 sqm |
| One-bedroom flat | 28 sqm |
The minimum ceiling height is now 2.40 meters (previously 2.70 m), as long as the space meets health and safety standards.
That means more flexibility for small apartments and smart renovations in both cities and rural areas.
Fewer Permits, Less Bureaucracy
The law expands the list of permit-free works (edilizia libera) — small upgrades that no longer require lengthy authorisations.
These include:
- Awnings, pergolas, and sunshades for outdoor comfort
- Removable panoramic glass walls on terraces or porches
- Heat pumps up to 12 kW for better energy efficiency
All of this means you can improve your property’s comfort and sustainability faster, without battling Italian bureaucracy.
Easier Way to Prove a Property’s Legitimacy
Before this reform, proving that a building was legally compliant often meant tracking down every single document since its construction.
Now, you only need to provide the most recent valid building permit or declaration (SCIA) related to the last authorised works.
This change makes transactions, renovations, and even access to tax bonuses much more straightforward, and faster.
Simplified “Double Conformity” Rule
Previously, to fix an irregularity, the building had to comply with both past and current regulations (a nightmare for older properties).
Now, minor discrepancies can be regularised if the property meets current rules.
Major violations (like works done with no permit at all) still require full compliance, but most small issues can now be resolved easily.
A fine applies, typically between €1,032 and €30,984, depending on how much the property value increases after correction.
Tacit Consent: No More Endless Waiting
In the past, silence from the municipality meant your request was rejected.
Now, silence means approval.
If local authorities don’t reply within the set deadlines, your request for regularisation is automatically approved. This is a huge step toward faster, simpler property management.
For properties under landscape protection, deadlines are extended by 180 days, but the same principle applies.
More Flexibility in Property Use
The reform also allows changes in how properties are used. For example, from office to residential, as long as no construction work is involved and the change fits within the same functional category.
Switching between broader categories (like residential to commercial) is possible in some cases, especially in mixed-use or historical areas.
This flexibility helps align Italian cities with modern living needs and revitalises unused spaces.
Why This Law Matters for Foreign Buyers
For international buyers, this reform is a breakthrough.
It makes owning property in Italy more transparent, flexible, and secure than ever before.
And remember, at Tuscany Home Atelier, we help you:
- Check that your future home complies with current regulations
- Coordinate with trusted notaries, architects, and surveyors
- Manage the legalisation process smoothly if needed
With the right guidance, you can focus on what really matters: finding and enjoying your dream home in Tuscany.
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