With the publication in the Official Gazette of Decree-Law May 7, 2026, n. 66, the Piano Casa 2026 becomes fully operational and opens new opportunities for companies in the construction sector. The measure mobilizes public and European resources to recover public residential housing, develop social housing, and attract private capital through integrated construction programs.
To access the calls for tenders and competitions related to the Piano Casa, SOA certification represents a regulatory prerequisite and a true competitive asset. CQOP SOA analyzes the three pillars of DL 66/2026, the strategic SOA categories, and the timelines to be respected to position oneself effectively. International companies looking to participate are encouraged to start applying for the SOA certification as soon as possible to be ready to capture opportunities as they arise.
The three pillars of DL 66/2026
According to the communiqué of the Council of Ministers of April 30, 2026, the Piano Casa 2026 is divided into three pillars, today translated into Chapters II and III of the decree: extraordinary recovery of public residential housing, the Housing Cohesion Fund managed by INVIMIT SGR, and public-private integrated construction programs. For each of these channels, SOA certification is both a regulatory prerequisite and a strategic competitive asset. Companies that arrive at the first public notices with an updated qualification and relevant categories will have a significant competitive advantage.
Pillar 1 – Extraordinary recovery of public residential housing (ERP)
Chapter II (articles 2-6) of DL 66/2026 introduces a national program for the recovery and maintenance of the public and social residential housing heritage, with an allocation of 970 million euros between 2026 and 2030, also financed with resources from the European Social Climate Fund. The managing entity is Invitalia S.p.A., on a non-interest-bearing account at the State Treasury. The implementing subjects are territorial entities, former IACP, and bodies competent in the field of public construction. Coordination is entrusted to an Extraordinary Commissioner appointed by DPCM and operational until December 31, 2027, with the task of surveying within 30 days of appointment the state, regional, and municipal properties that can be destined for the program.
Three related instruments complete the pillar:
- Art. 4 – Guarantee fund for blameless arrears;
- Art. 5 – Redemption of existing ERP housing by the assignees;
- Art. 6 – Social residential housing intended for long-term lease.
Pillar 2 – Housing Cohesion Fund and financial instruments
Art. 7 of the decree establishes the Housing Cohesion Fund, a financial instrument designed to concentrate European and national resources destined for social housing and the housing emergency, today dispersed among different levels of government.
Management is entrusted to a financial vehicle of INVIMIT SGR, a company of the MEF, with compartments dedicated to each Region and Autonomous Province.
The initial endowment is 100 million euros in 2026, subscribed by the Department for Cohesion Policies through the Development and Cohesion Fund 2021-2027, and the fund can also be fed by regional resources, EU Programs, and reductions in national co-financing.
Pillar 3 – Integrated construction and private investments
Chapter III (articles 9-10) introduces integrated construction programs, aimed at the so-called “grey area” of housing demand: citizens who do not access ERP but struggle to support free market prices.
These are mixed public-private operations in which at least 70% of the overall investment must be destined for subsidized housing, with prices and rents reduced by at least 33% compared to OMI values and a thirty-year destination constraint. The remaining 30% can be free construction.
The procedures provide for a simplified Conference of Services that must close within 40 days; for programs with foreign investment equal to or higher than 1 billion euros, an Extraordinary Government Commissioner with derogatory powers on urban planning is provided.
Strategic SOA categories for the Piano Casa 2026
To participate in the tenders related to the Piano Casa 2026, companies must have SOA certification in the categories relevant to the financed works. For classifications higher than II, certification of the company Quality System UNI EN ISO 9001 sector EA28, issued by EA accredited bodies, is mandatory.
| Category | Works | Relevance to Piano Casa |
|---|---|---|
| OG1 | Civil and industrial buildings | New-build and residential renovation projects |
| OG2 | Restoration and maintenance of protected assets | Conversion of former barracks, schools and historic buildings |
| OG11 | Integrated technological systems | Complete refurbishment of the building services in social housing |
| OS3 | Water-sanitary systems | Renovation of social housing |
| OS28 | Heating and air conditioning systems | Energy efficiency |
| OS30 | Internal electrical systems | Bringing facilities into compliance with regulations |
Operational timeline of the Piano Casa 2026
Three concrete actions for companies to ensure they are ready for the first calls for proposals
FAQ
Piano Casa 2026
