What advice would you give ?

[latoca]

travel around italy to understand which is the best area for you...

[elliven]

Some good advice here NickZ has a point, try renting first including over winter to get the feel of the place etc and look around at the same time for your own property. Nothing too much lost if it doesn't work out!

[jowilliams]

Originally Posted by deborahandricky

What one piece of advice would you give people thinking about buying in Italy?

For my part, I would advise them to go and see the planning dept of there local commune before making the final decision.

Giving one piece of advice is impossible!!!
If i was going to give one it would be......don't underestimate the cost of any restoration!!!
Obviously you need to choose the right location and the right house........so I would say that after you see a house that you like........go back and see the village etc etc. Drive around.............at the very least......... Ideally ....yes...you come here and rent for a while.....but that isn't always possible.
Ask your agent if you can speak with satisfied customers. Ask them what their estimated restoration costs are based on. Ask them lots of questions eg........can we add on an extension, can we open up further this window, can we open up a new window here (if they say yes to everything...take a deep breath and a big pause!!).........ask them about change of use tax if the house has animal stalls or shops or whatever underneath. If water has to be connected.....ask for a fixed quote or better still, that the current owner does it but you pay the cost (but make sure that this includes having the pipes buried in accordance with the law).

I agree about getting 3 lots of quotes........but if the third is half that of the others........ask yourself why and get a lawyer to write the contract if dealing with a full restoration...........get him to check the viability of the company you are dealing with.......hmm.......am back to ....don't underestimate the costs of restoration. Oh.....and when you have to pay the builder..........pay him!!! Don't pay the Geometra or anyone else!!! Your contract is with the builder.......if he doesn't get that money.......you will have to pay again.

Probably more things to say.......but......it is late

Jo

[elliven]

Don't sell up in UK yet, rent a property in Italy - there are plenty out there and spend at least one winter in Italy - If all is well - go buy. Sorry that seems like six bits of advice!

[tumshie]

All of the above

[giovanni]

Advice.?

Is this what you really want? an hoilday is always a totally different experience to living in a place fulltime.Don't go in with your eyes only half open.

[Italy_Man]

Originally Posted by deborahandricky

What one piece of advice would you give people thinking about buying in Italy?

For my part, I would advise them to go and see the planning dept of there local commune before making the final decision.

1. learn the lingo
2. find Italian estate agent with representatives/partners in YOUR country/area
3. learn the lingo as it's often more possible than no.2

[deborahandricky]

Originally Posted by Italy_Man

1. learn the lingo
2. find Italian estate agent with representatives/partners in YOUR country/area
3. learn the lingo as it's often more possible than no.2

And nearly as important as number 1.....or was that number 3 ......

[Italy_Man]

Originally Posted by deborahandricky

And nearly as important as number 1.....or was that number 3 ......

[sueflauto]

Don't assume because you're English that you have to buy a big wreck in the countryside that needs extensive restoration!