Italy
A land of absolute beauty. Some places are so intense that they take your breath away, and like all particularly beautiful things, they don’t even seem real. Yet, they are. A land of absolute beauty. Some places are so intense that they take your breath away, and like all particularly beautiful things, they don’t even seem real. Yet, they are.
A native and expert Italian property consultant
The beauty of a country like Italy lies in its captivating blend of history, cultural richness, and natural splendour, attracting tourists and buyers from all over the world. Whether exploring the ancient ruins of Rome, indulging in the culinary delights of Florence, or basking in the sun on the idyllic beaches of Sicily or Sardinia, Italy beckons with endless opportunities for discovery and wonder. As an Italian professional with extensive experience, I can provide assistance and expertise to help you navigate the complexities of purchasing a property in such an extraordinary country.
How I work
Initial brief
I start with a meeting together to understand your goals and requirements in order to tailor my services to your needs. During our conversation, you will receive a comprehensive overview of market conditions and areas that align with your budget. We will also go through all the information you might need. By the end of our conversation, you will have a clear understanding of the market and my approach.
Shortlisting properties
A significant benefit of hiring a property consultant who works on your behalf is saving money, effort, and time. I preview properties and ensure they meet all of your requirements before introducing them to you. You will still receive a spreadsheet of all properties considered so that you will always have the appropriate comparables at hand.
Every detail is fundamental
My approach emphasises the importance of thoroughness, efficiency and honesty in the property search process. By leveraging my contacts, expertise, and negotiation skills, I can identify prime properties before they hit the open market. My strategy aims to optimise the property search process and ensure you have access to the best available opportunities.
Viewings together
Organising relevant viewings, along with the analysis of useful comparables, is crucial for an efficient property search. Factors such as the condition of the properties and their common areas, the neighbourhood, the potential for renovations, and foreseeable costs must be carefully evaluated. It is also important to consider researching neighbourhood development plans, real estate market trends, and potential resale value.
Making an offer
Having the opportunity to conduct a significant portion of due diligence before making an offer, allows buyers engaged in the Italian property market to gain a comprehensive understanding of the property, and its surrounding factors, early on in the process. This approach facilitates a more informed decision-making process and can potentially streamline the entire transaction. After formulating an offer that is accepted by the seller, the estate agent who works on behalf of the seller, retains a money deposit, which will then be deducted from the final purchase price.
The conveyancing process
In Italy, the conveyancing process, known as “atto di compravendita” or “trasferimento di proprietà,” involves several steps: Preliminary Agreement (Compromesso); Deposit (Caparra Confirmatoria); Title Search and Due Diligence: Final Deed (Atto di Vendita); Payment of Taxes and Fees; Registration of Title. Overall, the conveyancing process in Italy involves careful legal and financial due diligence to ensure a smooth and legally binding transfer of property ownership. As your property consultant, my goal is to ensure that you have access to a network of qualified professionals, including notaries, who will play a crucial role in navigating the property acquisition process effectively.
FAQs
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What is a notary and what is his role in a property transaction in Italy?
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.
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How does the offer process work in Italy?
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).
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What are the potential costs involved in a property transaction in Italy?
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.
"You may have the universe if I may have Italy"
Giuseppe Verdi