The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Roma Capitale have signed a new advisory agreement aimed at supporting the development of Rome’s Social Residential Housing Plan (ERS). The initiative focuses on increasing the supply of affordable housing for households that are not eligible for public housing but are struggling to access the private rental market.
The agreement provides free technical assistance from the EIB to help design and structure an Affordable Housing Fund. This fund is expected to support the development, acquisition and regeneration of housing units offered at sustainable rental prices, particularly for so-called “grey area” families, including young people, students, workers and single-income households.
The advisory support will focus on creating a balanced public-private financing model capable of attracting institutional investment while ensuring long-term financial sustainability. It will also help define governance structures, regulatory compliance frameworks and the operational design of the fund.
EIB experts will assist Roma Capitale in evaluating financial models, structuring potential guarantees or public contributions and assessing legal and accounting implications. The work will include preparing a project pipeline and engaging with potential private-sector investors through market consultations.
City officials in Rome highlighted the growing challenge of housing affordability in large urban areas, where rising rental costs are placing pressure on middle-income households. The initiative aims to address this gap by expanding access to reasonably priced rental housing while supporting sustainable urban regeneration.
The EIB emphasized that the partnership aligns with its broader priorities in social infrastructure and urban development across Europe. The advisory work is intended to strengthen the bankability of future housing investments and support the European Affordable Housing Plan, which includes plans to finance billions of euros in housing projects in 2026.
Roma Capitale has been a long-standing partner of the EIB, with previous collaborations supporting major infrastructure projects in transport and waste management. The new agreement marks a shift toward addressing housing affordability as a key urban policy priority in the city’s development strategy.
