Over 50% of private properties in the World Heritage site of the City of Quito are facing conservation challenges. Because of restrictive laws, the lack of financial resources and knowledge on restoration techniques, the state of conservation of these buildings is progressively degrading.

The Metropolitan Institute of Heritage together with the local government has launched a program to provide financial incentives to restore and maintain buildings with heritage value providing owners with a 10-year loan that can be paid back without interests.

The program includes:

• Roof interventions: municipality covers up to $15000
• Restauration of facades: 50% covered by the municipality
• Maintenance (electrical and plumbing)

The program takes care of all paperwork, approvals, design, and execution of the restorations.

Properties with residential use are prioritized, but it is also for commercial buildings and they can be accessed simultaneously. Owners pay the difference of the investment of each restauration though yearly tributary taxes.