Many of us dream of owning a property in the Italian sunshine and for the lucky
few it can become a reality. As with most countries, however, when
buying property Italy there is a real diversity in prices and types of property to
be found from region to region.
Tuscany is often the first name that trips off most people’s lips, when thinking
of a region in Italy in which to purchase a property. The region certainly lives
up to its popularity, with its typically Italian landscapes of vineyards and
cypress groves, nestling on rolling hills, which bask in sunshine. The cities of
Florence and Pisa offer an abundance of cultural interests. However, with this
popularity comes a hefty price tag and more and more people are looking to
purchase in the less expensive neighbouring central Italian regions of Umbria;
the Green Heart of Italy; and Lazio, the region which includes the Italian
capital with its many attractions, Rome.
The northern Italian regions tend to be more prosperous and therefore property
tends to be more expensive, particularly in Lombardy and Piedmont, although
there are still bargains to be found in the lesser known Friuli region, which
includes the old port of Trieste, close to the Slovenia border. In the region
surrounding Venice, known as Veneto, property can be found at a fraction of the
price than in the city itself.
For those sun seekers seeking real bargains, southern Italy cannot be beaten.
The region of Campania, which includes the vibrant and colourful city of Naples
is a popular choice for those wishing to purchase a property in Italy. The city
itself and nearby Sorrento can be expensive and decent property is scarce,
however, there are still gems to be found in the inland villages.
Calabria, which is situated on the ‘toe’ of Italy, is a beautiful sun soaked
region where you are never far from the sea. The pretty whitewashed cottages, or
casas, with their terracotta tiled roofs are in abundance here and can still be
purchased at bargain prices, particularly if you venture inland.
Puglia, in Italy’s ‘heel’ is perhaps more fashionable and therefore more
expensive with its baroque town houses in the ports of Lecce and Brindisi.
The Italian islands of Sardinia and Sicily vary considerably. Although the
former tends to be more fashionable and therefore expensive, there are still
bargains to be found in the more rural areas off the beaten tourist track.
Sicily, with its geographical position enjoys the best sunshine in the country.
The island also boasts an abundance of architectural styles, including baroque,
Greek and Islamic buildings; just waiting to be snapped up by the adventurous
property seeker.
Although buying a property in Italy is a different process to buying in the UK,
the basic rules are still in place. It is recommended that any purchasers
instruct a conveyance solicitor from their home country, as well as an Italian
lawyer or ‘notaio’.
When the purchaser has found their ideal appartamento, casa or terratetto, and
makes their offer, it is usually expected that they pay a small percentage of
the purchase price as a deposit to confirm their genuine interest. It is,
however, important to note that at this stage and until the preliminary
contracts are drawn up, the offer is binding for the purchaser but not the
vendor. Then the solicitors and notaio do the rest. This process involves much
the same as the UK property purchasing system, including local searches and
registering the sale.
