EU’s Green Homes Directive Set to Cost Italian Real Estate 270 Billion Euros: Critics Raise Concerns Over High Investments and Burden on Low-Income Homeowners

The European Union has given the final green light for the green homes directive, which is set to result in a 270 billion euro bill for Italian real estate. According to the Unimpresa Study Centre, out of almost 12.5 million total units in Italy, over 7.6 million properties fall into the worst energy classes (F and G). This means that these properties will need to be redeveloped, with estimated investments ranging from 20,000 euros to 55,000 euros per property. Unimpresa’s President, Giovanna Ferrara, criticizes the EU for not considering overall interests and points out that countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, and Portugal will struggle to bear the high costs.

The directive aims to reduce energy consumption in homes, public buildings, and new constructions. Member states have to achieve a 16% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 and a 22% reduction by 2035. New residential buildings must be carbon neutral from 2030 onwards. The estimated average expense per property for complying with these regulations is around 35,000 euros, with a total expenditure of approximately 266.7 billion euros over the next 20 years.

Under this directive, some properties such as listed buildings