Guide to Buying Property in Italy
Who is this guide from and what will it tell me?
AIPO asked supporting partner and independent overseas property experts, AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals) to bring you answers to the most asked questions – and to share their top tips about buying a home abroad.
Buying a property overseas is a big decision which involves several steps and, of course, some thorough research. Our guide covers the following subjects:
- Where do I start?
- Brexit implications on living, working and pensions in ITALY
- Where in ITALY should I buy?
- What type of ITALY property is available – and at what cost?
- How can I finance a home in ITALY?
- What other costs are involved?
- Who do I need to help me with my purchase?
- What can I expect from the legal process?
- What potential pitfalls should I be wary of?
- Is there anything else I should consider?
View Properties in Italy here – from approved members of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals).
Where to buy property in Italy?
We asked Peter Robinson, Director of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals), for an overview.
“Italy is a big and varied country. The British love of central Italy’s Tuscany reached such feverish popularity in the late 1990s, certain areas of its lush countryside – such as Chianti and Siena – were coined ‘Chiantishire’ by the British media. If your budget doesn’t stretch that far, the regions of Le Marche and Lazio are very worthwhile alternatives. They might not be as fashionable as Tuscany or Umbria but the landscape is just as beautiful and property there much less expensive.”
“Many Brits have now opted to move further south to Puglia, in the ‘heel’ of the boot. Newer developing markets here include the city of Brindisi with its bustling harbour, and the town of Alberobello which is chock-full of traditional trulli cottages (more on these later). The very far south region of Calabria provides a plethora of inexpensive seaside apartments, rural properties and restoration finds.”
“Head north and you’ll find the lakes of Italy’s Lombardy region. Some of the most spectacular shores here include Lake Como, Garda and Maggiore. At one time, these areas conjured up dreamy visions of poets and writers although you’re now more likely to spot George Clooney and Kim Kardashian. While you won’t need celebrity status, owning a villa here – as you’d imagine – requires a large budget. Prices fall off as you go further up the mountain and hillsides with some of the biggest bargains being found around the smaller lakes. Bergamo or Brescia near the less-visited Lake Iseo are both beautiful towns to consider, as is the very pretty Orta San Giulio nestled the shores on tiny Lake Orta.”
“In the very far north of Italy lay the elegant ski resorts and alpine villages that border Switzerland and the well-known regions of Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta. Rental opportunity is at its strongest here, but head just a few minutes further out by car and property prices drop significantly. Renovation projects can offer great value. Rentals are similarly strong in the affluent area of The Veneto which is full of historic cities, mountain resorts and – of course – the country’s watery capital, Venice. Dorsoduro and Castello, within Venice itself, are popular tourist areas but you will be paying for excellent rental prospects with high prices.”
View Properties in Italy here – from approved members of the AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals).