The First-Home Mortgage Guarantee Fund , also known as Fondo Prima Casa, was established at the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance by Law 147 of 27 December 2013, article 1(48)(c). It supports access to home-purchase lending by providing a public guarantee on qualifying mortgages.
How the fund works
The fund is administered by Consap SpA , which assesses guarantee applications submitted electronically by participating lenders. Applicants deal with their bank rather than applying directly for a loan from the fund.
The article describes a requirement not to own other residential property, with specified exceptions for inherited homes made available free of charge to parents or siblings. The maximum mortgage amount is €250,000 .
The standard guarantee described covers 50% of the financed amount , reducing the lender's exposure. It does not remove the borrower's repayment obligation.
Changes from 2025: eligible categories
Law 207 of 30 December 2024, the 2025 State Budget Law , changed access to the fund. From 1 January 2025 , eligibility was restricted to specified categories, including:
- Young couples ;
- Single-parent households with dependent minor children ;
- Tenants of public housing institutes ;
- People under 36 ;
- Households with:3 minor children and ISEE up to €40,000;4 minor children and ISEE up to €45,000;5 or more minor children and ISEE up to €50,000.
The article discusses access for these categories until 31 December 2027 , with support directed towards the groups identified by the legislation.
Higher guarantees for loans above 80% of the price
For qualifying loans exceeding 80% of the property's price, borrowers may request a higher guarantee , subject to the relevant ISEE thresholds and other conditions. This is intended to support buyers with limited initial funds.
The article also discusses loans whose total effective rate (TEG) exceeds the average effective rate (TEGM). Eligibility for the enhanced guarantee depends on a specified calculation involving the 10-year IRS rate, with more favourable lending conditions required where the relevant differential is negative. The bank must confirm the applicable calculation.
Requirements and applications
Eligible properties must meet requirements including:
- Use as the borrower's main home ;
- Exclusion of cadastral categories A/1 (high-status dwellings) , A/8 (villas) and A/9 (castles and palaces) ;
- No luxury characteristics under Ministerial Decree 1072 of 2 August 1969.
Applications are made through a participating bank using the form available from the Ministry of Economy and Finance or Consap . Identity documentation is required; overseas applicants should ask the bank which passport and residence documents apply to their status.
The article lists these transaction types:
- Purchase only ;
- Purchase with refurbishment intended to improve energy efficiency ;
- Purchase with assumption of a subdivided developer's mortgage .
Bank deadlines and responsibilities
After receiving an application, Consap communicates its decision within 20 days . The bank then has 90 days to confirm disbursement of the guaranteed loan or report that it has not been granted. If the borrower defaults, the fund can reimburse the guaranteed amount to the lender and pursue recovery from the borrower.
Participating banks undertake not to seek additional non-insurance security beyond the property mortgage and public guarantee, within the scheme's rules.
The fund can help eligible households access first-home lending. The article describes the targeted changes introduced for 2025; applicants should confirm current eligibility, deadlines and lending terms with Consap and a participating bank.
