The Institute for Social Housing is a body governed by public law: it is the successor of the "Autonomous Institute for public housing", the latter established in 1934 with the aim of building housing in South Tyrol for workers operating in industry. which at the time were brought together from the other Italian provinces together with the families.

In 1972 the IPES passed under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano and was endowed with a new statute. The administration of the IPES is provided by a Board of Directors while the Board of Statutory Auditors operates as an auditor. The IPES is subject to the control of the provincial government.