Lombardy: the Housing Plan gets underway with a 96 million call for proposals

The non-repayable grant is a minimum of 700 euros per square metre for projects with a use restriction of at least 20 years, and rises to 900 euros if the restriction exceeds 23 years. The value of the projects submitted ranges from 200,000 to 2 million euros. For the ‘Aler scheme’ alone, the upper limit rises to 15 million, whilst there is no minimum threshold for the third sector and religious organisations.

The duration of the commitment, the speed at which the housing regeneration works are carried out, and the municipality’s housing needs are among the criteria used to assess the projects. There are also a number of ‘bonuses’ for projects involving entire buildings, environmental certifications, and initiatives relating to property management, facility management, social management and innovation.

The deadline for applications is 30 October; the rankings are due to be published by the end of February. The works must be inspected by 31 December 2029 and the final report submitted by 30 June 2030.

Lombardy, which – like other regions – had reluctantly yielded to government pressure in December 2025 to reallocate European housing funds and bolster the national housing plan, is therefore the first region to cross the finish line with the publication of the call for proposals. Emilia-Romagna and Valle d’Aosta are expected to follow shortly.

“The Lombardy Region,” said Paolo Franco, Councillor for Housing and Social Housing, “has been quick to seize the opportunity presented by the reallocation of European funds, in order to provide a concrete response to the growing demand for affordable housing across Lombardy.”

“With this investment,” the councillor went on to emphasise, “we are reaffirming our commitment to tackling the housing crisis in a structural manner, by expanding the supply of affordable housing and providing concrete solutions for workers, families, students and people in vulnerable circumstances. Social housing is not merely a housing measure, but a strategic lever for social cohesion, regeneration and regional competitiveness, thanks to its positive knock-on effects on the economy. ‘We want to build a model capable of enhancing the value of existing housing stock and bringing together institutions, Aler, local councils, the third sector and economic operators, so that housing becomes more accessible to communities across Lombardy.’