The Community Land Trust (CLT) project in Porta Palazzo, initiated by the Porta Palazzo Community Foundation, aims to address urban segregation and social exclusion through a non-profit housing model. The CLT removes land from the speculative market, separating land ownership from housing units to create permanently affordable homes as a common good. Prices are stabilised through resale formulas, protecting residents from market fluctuations while promoting housing rights, social inclusion, and justice. Governance is participatory, involving homeowners, local associations, and public-interest representatives.
To implement the project, the Foundation, together with the CLT Corso Giulio 34 Citizens’ Committee and CoAbitare Association, established the Community Land Trust Foundation Terreno Comune. On 1 July 2024, the CLT purchased a building at Corso Giulio 34 for €476,085.68, financed through social loans from 81 individuals and five organisations. Architectural and energy feasibility studies were supported by a grant from the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation, while ongoing fundraising aims to cover renovation costs of approximately €1.5 million.
The project focuses on providing affordable housing for families with moderate incomes who cannot access the local property market, ensuring total housing costs remain below 33–35% of household income. Beyond creating homes, the initiative seeks to empower residents by enhancing relational networks, trust, and ownership, while practicing “commoning” to counter real estate speculation and improve housing accessibility in the wider community.
