Scopri il Mistero degli Edifici Ante ’42: Cosa Significa Realmente?

L’Italia ha uno dei patrimoni immobiliari più ricchi e antichi d’Europa, non soltanto per le strutture storiche, ma anche per le case di uso quotidiano. Nel 2021, secondo Eurostat, circa il 54% degli edifici residenziali in Italia risaliva a prima del 1970, una cifra ben al di sopra della media europea del 44,8%. Una parte importante di questi edifici è stata costruita addirittura prima del 1942, un periodo in cui non vigevano ancora leggi specifiche come le concessioni o le licenze edilizie. Di conseguenza, nel settore immobiliare si fa spesso riferimento agli edifici “ante 42”.

Comprendere il termine “ante” è essenziale quando si deve ristrutturare o vendere un immobile, valutando la sua conformità urbanistica e le necessità di adeguamento alle leggi attuali. Esploriamo le implicazioni di questa definizione partendo dalle origini: la vecchia licenza edilizia.

Che cosa significa licenza edilizia?

La licenza edilizia era un documento amministrativo necessario per autorizzare la costruzione o la modifica di strutture esistenti. Questa è stata introdotta con la Legge Urbanistica numero 1150 del 1942, divenendo da quel momento un requisito indispensabile per le nuove costruzioni.

Prior to 1942, however, the requirement to obtain a building permit was not uniform throughout the country, and often depended on local building regulations. Consequently, this law marked the beginning of a new era in terms of urban planning and territorial planning needs.

When did the building license become mandatory?

Until the enactment of the Urban Planning Law, there was no uniform national regulation governing the need for a building permit. As mentioned earlier, in some municipalities, especially in large cities, permission for new constructions depended on local building regulations.

Therefore, in 1942 it was established for the first time the general obligation to obtain an enabling title to build within urban centers and in expansion areas defined by the Municipal Regulatory Plans. This definitively changed the way urban development was regulated.

What does ante 42 mean?

The 1942 law created a watershed between before and after in the world of building and urban development. Thus, an “ante 42” building is a property constructed before the enactment of the Urban Planning Law of 1942.

Today, these buildings are still considered legitimate even if they lack a building permit, since at the time of their construction there was no generalized obligation to obtain a formal authorization. However, in some municipalities with earlier building regulations, a compliance check of the building with the norms in force at the time may still be required.

To do this, it is necessary to “trace” the origin of a building. Let’s see how.

How to verify if a property is ante 42?

The operation can be complex, and may require the support of experts or municipal staff. Here are some ways to check if a house is “ante 42”:

• Consult historical cadastral maps: the Cadastre can provide information on the construction period of the building.
• Aerial photogrammetry surveys: historical aerial photographs can confirm the presence of the building before 1942.
• Notarial documentation and deeds of sale: old sales deeds may contain information about the construction date.
• Municipal archive: some municipalities have historical documentation that attests to the construction of buildings before 1942.

Why is it important to know if a house is “ante 42”?

From 1942 to today, the regulatory framework has changed profoundly. The building license was replaced by the building concession in 1977, and subsequently by the building permit in 2001. Moreover, new regulations on safety, seismic resistance, and energy efficiency have been introduced, often necessitating updates for older buildings.

The habitability certification, for example, is today a fundamental requirement for any property intended for residential or commercial use, while specific protection constraints are provided for historic buildings.

ALSO DISCOVER: Is the habitability certificate mandatory also for a renovated property?

Therefore, knowing if a house is “ante ’42” (i.e., built before October 31, 1942) is important for several reasons, especially in the urban planning and cadastral fields:

For urban regularity

Many “ante 42” houses do not have official construction documents, but they may still be considered legitimate.

To sell a house

When buying or selling a property, it is necessary to verify its urban conformity. If it is “ante ’42”, it may not have a building permit, but it can still be considered regular if there is proof of its existence before that date.

To renovate a house

If you want to carry out building work on a “ante ’42” house, or use the building for commercial activities, it is necessary to update the urban planning documentation to obtain permits. In some cases, a compliance assessment may be necessary.

How to adapt an ante ’42 property

Adaptation is not always necessary, but if you want to sell or renovate, it is important to clarify the urban situation to avoid future problems or safety risks. If a house built before 1942 does not have a building permit, and you need to carry out interventions, you can proceed as follows:

• Recover historical documents (floor plans, vintage photos, cadastral extracts) to prove that the building existed before 1942.
• Request an urban planning verification at the Municipality, to obtain recognition of prior conformity.
• Submit a CILA or SCIA in regularization, if there have been unrecorded works after 1942.