HOUSING HARDSHIP, DEMOGRAPHIC STRUCTURE, POST-EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION IN ABRUZZO

This study analyzes housing distress in Abruzzo, Italy. It analyses how the area’s demographic structure and post-earthquake reconstruction efforts intersect to create complex territorial challenges. The study reveals a stark dichotomy: coastal urban areas experience traditional housing affordability crises, while internal mountainous regions face ‘invisible’ housing distress, characterized by underutilized renovated properties despite significant public investment. Following the 2009 earthquake, approximately 21 billion euros – but, as yet, a precise figure is not available – were invested in reconstruction; however, many recovered buildings remain empty due to a systemic disconnection between physical housing availability and territorial vitality. The research investigates because sectoral approaches focused solely on building recovery are inadequate for addressing the interconnected dynamics of housing distress, geographic isolation, and depopulation. Through the analysis of 305 Abruzzo municipalities, the study proposes an integrated regional observatory model combining housing, demographic, and territorial indicators to guide more effective public investment strategies. The findings suggest that sustainable solutions require a systematic approach that integrates housing rehabilitation with economic development, service provision, and territorial connectivity. This approach can transform underutilized post-earthquake housing into a resource that addresses regional housing needs.