Army of Homeless Languishing in Uncertainty within Salva Milano
In the heart of Milan, Italy, the dream of homeownership for one family has been put on hold due to an unfinished construction project. Luca, a 35-year-old individual, and his family, including a child and two dogs, are currently living in a two-bedroom apartment in QT8, a heavy mortgage weighing on them.
Luca initially resided in a rental property on Via Savona, near the former Osram. Seeking a change, he decided to buy a three-bedroom apartment in a complex for 550,000 euros. However, the construction site has since shut down, freezing his savings invested in the property indefinitely.
This predicament is not unique to Luca. Approximately 1,600 Milanese families find themselves in a similar situation, waiting for a resolution to the stalemate caused by unfinished construction projects. The promised law, Salva Milano, has yet to materialize, leaving these families without recourse.
Italian law does provide some protections for home buyers. Contractual agreements should be detailed, including clauses addressing delays and penalties for non-compliance with timelines or provisions for compensation in case of delays. Italian consumer protection laws also offer safeguards against unfair practices, allowing buyers to seek legal recourse if they believe the delay is unjustified or if the developer has failed to meet contractual obligations.
In such situations, it is crucial for buyers to consult with a local attorney familiar with Italian real estate law. Detailed records of all communications and agreements can also be vital in case of disputes over delays.
Despite these protections, Luca and other affected families have not been able to retrieve their paid amount. The down payment made to reserve a house under construction cannot be retrieved due to the construction site shutdown. The law does not offer any means to backtrack and get back the paid amount.
During the pandemic, Luca saw an advertisement for a residential complex to be built on an abandoned area. However, the wait after the construction shutdown puts life on hold, making it impossible to invest in a new property or get back the paid amount.
As the stalemate continues, home buyers in Milan must remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring their contracts are robust and seek legal counsel to navigate any disputes that may arise from construction delays. The legal system may offer some protection, but it is up to the buyers to advocate for their rights.
- The unfinished construction project has left Luca and 1,600 Milanese families in a challenging situation, as they await a resolution to the stalemate and the implementation of the Salva Milano law, which could provide them with much-needed recourse.
- Given that the down payment made by Luca and other families cannot be retrieved due to the construction site shutdown, it's crucial for home buyers in Milan to thoroughly understand Italian real estate law, seek legal counsel, and ensure their contracts are detailed and robust, particularly with clauses addressing delays and compensation in case of delays.
