FAQs

In every property transaction, two primary parties are involved: the buyer and the seller, each with distinct goals and obligations. The seller’s aim is to secure the best possible terms for their property, while the buyer is focused on finding a property that meets their needs and offers solid value for their investment. It’s essential for both parties to have their own professionals representing their interests. As a buyer, you need a property consultant with proven expertise in the specific field and area where you’re looking to invest. You likely already have a clear vision of your goals, but having a dedicated professional by your side ensures that your interests are fully represented. This level of expertise helps you navigate the complexities of the property market with confidence, ensuring that you make informed decisions with the right guidance.

In the UK, Estate Agents exclusively represent the sellers’ interests. They list and market properties on behalf of sellers, handle inquiries from potential buyers, called ‘applicants’, arrange viewings, and negotiate offers. Their primary goal is to sell properties for the highest possible price and under the best terms for their clients, the sellers, with whom they enter a contract. The seller is the only party from whom an Estate Agent will receive the commission for their service.

Property Consultants|Buying Agents represent the buyers’ interests exclusively. They work on behalf of buyers to find suitable properties, negotiate terms, and ensure the best possible deal for their clients. They focus on helping buyers navigate the purchasing process and achieve their goals, entering contracts with them and acting in their best interests to pay the least amount of money possible and purchase the best property available on, or, off the market. The buyer is the only entity from which Property Consultants|Buying Agents receive a commission.

Investing in London is highly attractive due to its prominent position as a global financial center with a diversified and resilient economy. Additionally, the presence of one of the most stable and transparent property markets in the world clearly explains why London is always a sought-after destination. This offers investors the potential for long-term growth, as well as stability and diversification in their investment portfolios. Notably, the continuous influx of university students, drawn by some of the best universities in the world, contributes significantly to the city’s rental market.

Investing in a global city like London is highly appealing when considering the diversification of a property portfolio. London’s status as a leading financial hub, along with its resilient economy, even during challenging times, makes it a prime location for investment.  However, there are important key factors that should be carefully considered to ensure a sound investment.

Location. Prime Areas | Emerging Areas | Transport Links

Property Type. New Builds vs. Period Properties | Buy-to-Let | Luxury vs. Affordable

Market Conditions. Property Cycle | Economic Factors

Rental Yields | Capital Growth

Regulations and Taxes. Stamp Duty | Capital Gains Tax | Regulations for Landlords

Foreign Investment. Exchange Rates | Government Policies.

Financing. Interest Rates

Infrastructure and Development Plans

Demand and Demographics. Tenant Demand | Population Growth

Exit Strategy. Having a clear plan for how and when you intend to exit the investment. Whether you plan to hold long-term for capital growth or sell after a few years, understanding your goals will influence your decision-making process.

It is definitely recommended to seek advice from property consultants, financial advisors, tax consultants, legal experts, property management companies, before making any investment decisions. They can provide valuable insights, guidance, and support throughout the investment process, helping you navigate the complexities of the London property market and make well-informed decisions that align with your investment goals and financial situation.

A tenancy agreement is a legally binding contract between a landlord and a tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement for a property. It governs the rights and responsibilities of both parties throughout the tenancy period. Tenancy agreements in the UK are ruled by various laws and regulations, including the Housing Act 1988 and the Tenant Fees Act 2019. It’s essential for both landlords and tenants to understand their rights and obligations under the tenancy agreement and to ensure that the document complies with relevant legal requirements. Additionally, it’s advisable for both parties to seek professional advice or legal assistance when drafting or reviewing a tenancy agreement to avoid potential disputes or legal issues later on.

Paying a holding deposit is common practice in the rental process. It allows landlords to temporarily take the property off the market while they conduct the necessary checks, such as references, credit, and right to rent checks. This helps both parties to demonstrate their commitment to the rental agreement and provides reassurance during the negotiation process.

The referencing procedure is a standard part of the rental process in the UK. It involves the landlord or his letting agent assessing the suitability of prospective tenants by verifying their identity, employment status, credit history, right to rent and previous rental history.

An exchange of contract is a significant step in the process of buying or selling a property. It occurs after both the buyer and seller have agreed on the terms of the sale, including the price and any conditions, the due diligence on the property was successful, and both parties have signed identical copies of the contract. During the exchange of contract, these signed contracts are exchanged between the buyer’s and seller’s solicitors. Once this exchange takes place, the sale becomes legally binding, and neither party can pull out without facing significant financial penalties. Typically, a deposit is also paid by the buyer at this stage, usually around 10% of the property’s purchase price. The completion date, when the property officially changes ownership, is usually scheduled within two weeks following the exchange of contract.

A homebuyer survey is an essential step, even if is not mandatory, in the property purchasing process. It helps identify any potential issues or defects with the property that may not be immediately apparent, such as structural problems, dampness, issues with the roof or plumbing, or other concerns that could affect the property’s value or require costly repairs in the future. If any issues are identified during the survey, the buyer can negotiate with the seller to address these issues or reconsider their offer.

After your offer is accepted, the next phase, known as “sales progression,” kicks in. This involves a series of tasks, including property searches, finalizing lending agreements, and completing necessary paperwork. These steps require time and patience to complete. On average, the sales progression process takes around two months. However, if complications arise, such as title issues or financing delays, it may extend beyond this timeframe. Staying proactive and maintaining clear communication with all parties involved can help mitigate potential delays and ensure a smoother transaction process.

In Italy, a notary, or notaio, is a professional with specialised training and authority to authenticate and certify legal documents, contracts and transactions. Notaries in Italy have a unique role compared to notaries in other countries. They are responsible for ensuring the legality, validity, and enforceability of legal documents and transactions. One of the distinctive features of the Italian notarial system is that notaries have a monopoly on certain legal acts, such as real estate transactions. This means that certain transactions, like property sales, must be conducted through a notary to be legally valid.

Once you have found the right property, you will need to sign a purchase agreement, known as a ‘Proposta Irrevocabile d’Acquisto,’ which reserves the property until you sign the preliminary contract (compromesso or preliminare di compravendita). A deposit is required, which is usually held by the agency. If you change your mind about the purchase, you will lose the deposit. However, if you proceed with the purchase, the deposit will be deducted from the total amount due at the time of the final deed (rogito notarile).

When buying a property in Italy, various taxes and fees apply. Here are some of the main ones: Registration Tax (Imposta di Registro); Value Added Tax (VAT – Imposta sul Valore Aggiunto) if applicable; Land Registry Tax (Imposta Catastale); Mortgage Tax (Imposta Ipotecaria); Notary Fees; Agency Fees; Additional fees may include legal fees, translation costs, and administrative expenses.