A word of advice
Our clients often ask for general information on the local area as well as indications on the purchase process. There are many books available offering useful information, but how current are they? Regulations and costings can change from Region to Region so it’s important to have local support, advice and knowledge. You can never be fully prepared - no matter how hard you try. Our help is designed to save you time, money and stress.
Buying a property in Italy is much like buying in any other country - you need to know what the rules and regulations are, and Italy is a minefield!
Whether you are buying a ruin or a renovated / new house, do so by the book, this will avoid unpleasant surprises and unwanted tax fines! For example don’t consider purchasing as a first home (prima casa) thus paying a reduced tax rate if you are NOT intending to become resident. The non-resident tax rate is higher and the law has become very severe, they do check-up, and the fines are very high!
We advise you to view as many properties as you can, make time to look around the area - this is just as important as the house itself. Have a clear view of the type of property you want and make this clear to your Estate Agent, this way you should have a good refined selection of properties to visit. We are able to assist with your communications and accompany you on viewing appointments.
Decide how important being near to a town or village is, many people come with the dream of living in total isolation, but the reality is different. It is one thing for a holiday home, but for a full time place to live the house needs to work for your day to day requirements - driving 30 minutes through winding country roads for a litre of milk may be a dream in the summer, but in the fog and snow in the winter months the novelty soon wears off! Also think of your family, children, elderly relatives and their needs: medical care, schools etc…
When undertaking restoration projects make sure that you ask for various quotes, we always help our clients make sure that they have a number of options, the quality of work as well as the price must be taken into account. There are ways of checking up on building firms, this is an extra assurance we can give to you, the client.
“Keys in Hand” solutions are very rare, many offer this service but we know of only one company that we can fully recommend, because for us “keys in hand” means a fixed price and guaranteed results so the client can sit back and relax whilst the work is being carried out. Make sure this is what your “keys in hand” service offers!
If you need advice or assistance in any of these areas please feel free to contact us!
