How long does it take to buy a house in Italy?

Usually the normal time is about 12 weeks, if there are not particular circumstances.

When I found the right property what could I do to take it out of market and to avoid to be bypassed?

You can fill out a letter of intent – proposta d’acquisto – including a deposit which is not refundable if you withdraw without any valid reason. The letter has to be countersigned by the vendor at the agreed price This letter is valid for a short period, in general 15 days – one month, before the preliminary agreement is signed.

Is it possible to arrange a survey for the property before to buy it?

Our agency collaborate with trusted surveyors/geologists/architects to provide you a survey about your house prior to buy it. However, during the standard purchasing process in Italy it is the vendor who must declare if there are defects on the property and it is always the vendor who can be held legally accountable for his declarations.

Normally, what are the (geometra) surveyor’s tasks in Italy?

He is an expert on the structural side of the property. He has legally competence and professional responsibility in providing a property’s survey, taking information about the different municipalities’ law, obtaining building permissions. A surveyor is responsible for the accuracy of his declaration, and can be sued if it is inaccurate.

What is the role of the notary?

Notary is a legal representative of the Italian Republic, first he has to ensure that the contract is legal under Italian law (ex: if the vendor has the right title to enter into the contract in question, if the house has the right permissions to be sold etc), he collects the statutory taxes and registers the final contract (rogito) at the Italian Building and Land Registries. Normally It is the buyer that pays the notary’s fee but he has the opportunity to choose the notary.

Is it true that there are many risks and problems relating to buying property in Italy?

Buying property from a distance is not so easy especially if there are also restoration works to do. Italy House provides you with the most accurate list of the ”pro and con” before you are going to embark on a property’s purchase process. Common sense should be applied always when you are looking at a property’s investment, in Italy or anywhere in the world. It is very important to make sure you have the right support in place, for that APREMONT OVERSEAS Italian agency developed a larger range of services than the traditional real estate agencies usually provide. We are aware of the difficulties and the risks our clients can run and we created a net of trusted advisers can make the sale easier for you, if you wish, our collaboration can be extended after the completion of the purchasing process. All the Italian “red tapes” will be resolved with the help of our trusted advisers. We happy to lower the risks of your investment abroad.

Are there any extra chareges incurred when buying a property with Aremont Overseas?

Please see our buy info page to see what other charges you will have to pay.

Is it possible for me find a single property all featured, in good structural condition, for a low price?

No, because those kind of properties normally are marketed with a high price, also because they are not so easy to find. Most of the country houses in Abruzzo need to be restored. Our website provides clear price ranges and accurate information about any property’s condition to permit you to find the right solution for your budget.

What is the price per sqm for restoration work cost in Abruzzo?

The cost is around € 1.000 -1.100 per square metre for restoration works for a good standard property. It is possible that the costs will vary from area to area and from one building firm to another. We collaborate with trusted architects to provide you more than one estimate to avoid to exceeding your settled budget.

Can you help me with restoration?

Yes, we can assist you with restoration. Through our restoration management service you will receive from us frequent reports with pictures, short movies about the restoration works. Please email to apremont@btconnect.com for further details. We are happy to assist people also in projects for properties we have not sold.

How do I know if I will get planning permission before to buy a property?

Each municipalities has different planning regulations. Normally a surveyor or an architect can check this with each individual city hall - commune- (local authority) to know what is possible to do. Those information can be provided through a survey. Another way to buy a property in a safe mode is to insert a “get-out” clause in the preliminary agreement - preliminare di vendita - on the basis that permission will be obtained before the rogito (final contract) or the contract will be deemed not valid

I have heard that is possible to enlarge the property but is it this always possible in Abruzzo?

As the case of the permissions any municipality has different planning regulations, usually for country houses the answer is yes, but only the 20% of the property's volume, but we note that every circumstances is very different to another and a surveyor or an architect, with an thorough research can reply to this question.

I am expert in some building works, can I do those works by myself in Italy?

Some building works can be done by yourself, but there are some others where the certification from registered professionals (ex: plumbing and electrical installations and wiring) it is required. During the works are necessary the site security plans and the local city halls permissions that have to be required from a surveyor or an architect. At the end of the works an anti-seismic report have to be provided to the local authority. In general to avoid any kind of difficulties we recommend you to take information about the works you are planning to do.

What about water and electricity or gas contracts?

We recommend that you to taking over into the vendor’s supply’s contracts, because making a new contract with the supply companies is very expensive.

Do you recommend us a property insurance?

Certainly, it is always an good warranty to insure your investment against any kind of risk can occur. We can arrange for you some quotes from some Italian companies.

I heard that a foreign canmot sign any contract because he doesn't speak or understand Italian language. what shall I do?

Most people in your situation use an Italian representative, We can arrange special power of attorney procura speciale - to sign on your behalf any contract with the conditions allowed by the proxy. You could also use an official court translator to have your documents translated in your language. We can arrange one at your request.

What advantage does APREMONT OVERSEAS Italian agency offer to the buyer instead to a normal local agency?

APREMONT OVERSEAS Italian agency provides a support for foreigners during the whole buying process and offers a wide rage of additional property management services that a lot of traditional local estate agents are not providing. We are happy to create a long term relationship with our clients and we believe that the "word of mouth" is the best way to be known. We are aware of our clients worries and we are ready to address all the justified doubts to provide the best solution. We don't sell only properties we develop with you your whole project.

Can you tell us where are the most attractive areas in the region and what are the factors that influence the price ?

Abruzzo is a varied and extensive place with many localised factors that affect house prices. Usually all the coast it is very alive and very attractive during the summer time. Properties there are market at higher price than in the countryside. All the big cities are full of services but not all are very charming.
The typical Italian property style can be found in the countryside, houses with vaulted ceilings, bricks or stones walls, panoramic view, vineyard and a quite surrounding area. We estimate that in some area the houses are now too much overpriced if we compare with the rest of the region. The “hotspot” area it is what we call the “first hill”, about 40 minutes into the countryside from Pescara’s airport. The market there is very “fizzy”.

How can I scout the Abruzzo region before to invest there?

If you want to know more about Abruzzo region, scouting the best areas for your investment, we will arrange a visit around the region before going ahead with your property research.

How can I visit the properties listed on your web site?

We can arrange a tour of the properties you selected before your arrival in Italy. Our tours have different prices in base on your needs. The accompanied visits around Abruzzo will take place with the advice of an architect or surveyor on the structural condition of the properties. To book a tour with us please email us at apremont@btconnect.com or call us on 020 8457 7557