Overview of the Resource
The article, published by Genova24.it and authored by journalist Emanuela Mortari, reports on the scale of vacant public‑social housing (Erp) in Genoa, Italy, and the municipal recovery programme aimed at restoring these units. It draws on official municipal data updated to January 2026 and includes statements from local officials and stakeholder groups.
Size of Genoa’s Public‑Social Housing Stock
Genoa’s municipality manages 3,573 Erp apartments across 360 buildings. As of early 2026, 1,006 units are vacant, of which 206 are already earmarked for funded maintenance. After accounting for 178 additional units in various stages of recovery or ordinary upkeep, 622 vacant apartments remain earmarked for extensive renovation to meet current safety and habitability standards.
Vacancy Context and Demand Pressure
Housing demand in Genoa is high: allocation calls receive roughly 4,000 applications, with about 2,000 falling within the ISEE‑based eligibility criteria. The high vacancy rate, combined with a backlog of maintenance needs, creates a risk of illegal occupation and urban decay, prompting regional and municipal authorities to prioritise swift recovery actions.
Planned Recovery Interventions
The recovery plan focuses on structural and technical upgrades, including the installation of reinforced doors, removal of abandoned furnishings, façade and interior repairs, replacement of windows, sealing of infiltrations, and modernisation of building services. The aim is to render the units suitable for re‑allocation and to curb abusive squatting.
Financial Resources Allocated
The municipality has earmarked €500,000 for the 2026 work phase, scheduled to start in April 2026 and to run for one year. Over the three‑year period 2024‑2026, total funding reaches €1.5 million, supporting the rehabilitation of 64 vacant units, of which 15 were restored in the first year (2025) and 10 are slated for immediate work.
Implementation Timeline and Progress
In the 2024‑2026 triennium, the city inserted 64 vacant apartments into its recovery plan. Fifteen units were completed in the first year, while ten are currently undergoing renovation. Priority has been given to apartments located in easily accessible neighbourhoods to accelerate re‑allocation.
Governance and Stakeholder Involvement
The public‑social housing portfolio is owned by the regional territorial company Arte Genova, while the municipality issues tenders, manages allocation lists, and oversees major renovation projects funded through regional programmes or municipal budgets. The initiative has been discussed with regional authorities, tenant associations, and trade unions, highlighting a coordinated approach to the housing crisis.
Relevance for Sustainable Housing in Europe
The Genoa case illustrates common challenges across Europe: ageing public housing stock, high vacancy rates, and the need for substantial retrofitting to meet contemporary energy‑efficiency and safety standards. The city's strategy of targeted investment, stakeholder dialogue, and phased rehabilitation offers a model for other cities seeking to repurpose vacant social housing sustainably while addressing acute demand.