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Old 09-05-08, 11:08 PM
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chrisnotton chrisnotton is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ExpatAbroad View Post
I have recently bought a very small property in Abruzzo. Basically it is a garage with a hayloft and stables underneath. It isn't connected and needs a new roof....well it was under 20K!

I've tried 'agencies' but the quotes are astronomical (130K for full restoration). In total its about 120m2 but it is a beautiful location. Can anyone give a total nOOb some advice on what to do. Agencies seem to charge a lot for what they do but what do I know??

Perhaps I was ripped off and I should just give up (especailly as there are liveable houses for 70K in the area). Can anyone cheer me up??

I know next to nothing about building costs and restoration so assume you are talking to a complete idiot

Thanks in advance
If the location is that special you could think about buying a prefabricated Eco-house from one of the specialized suppliers, mostly in Germany & Scandinavia but also in Italy too. You could then either demolish the existing building or refurbish it, or part of it, later.
Restoration costs are often higher than new-build especially with some of the cost advantages of ICF or pre-fabricated building methods. Restoring a building will often dictate the materials & methods you have to use rather than those you might choose with an entirely free hand.

Once/if you have a progetto approved you may be able to get an Italian mortgage to finance your plan. Live nearby for a while & you might find craftspersons who won't normally work for stanieri will work for you when they get to know you. You will also learn the ropes about getting the property re-classified from "rurale" to "urban" if that proves necessary. You might care to register as a "IA" (farmer) if that would be advantageous to your position. You have lots of interesting stuff to learn & new friends to cultivate!
The research you do now will enable you to make the best decision later.
(I hope you are not in a hurry)

Good luck
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