FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What sets you apart from others?
A. Our level of personal involvement and attention to detail. We feel that our truly bi-cultural background gives us insight both into what the foreign buyer's needs are, as well as the foreign seller's. Since our experience lies not only in buying and selling property, but creating a valid rental situation as well, we feel we are especially well suited to helping non-Italians though the ins and outs of the local market.

Q. Can American citizens buy in Italy?
A. Yes

Q. Can Australians buy in Italy?
A. At the present moment, no. Because of 1998 reciprocity laws, it is not possible for an individual to buy without taking residency, which means getting a visa and then the ”permesso di soggiorno”. One way to resolve this dilemma is to create a company (with at least one Italian partner). Companies can purchase property. This set-up is not particularly difficult to arrange.

Q. Can I build a terrace or balcony?
A. Without permission from the municipal council it is prohibited to build and add anything to the exterior.

Q. Can I get my money out of the country if I wish to sell the apartment?
A. Yes it is very easy to export funds through a bank.

Q. Will I pay taxes?
A. Yes there are municipal taxes to pay on every property, and also owning a property in Italy it is necessary to fill in a personal tax return, especially if you have earned from renting the property.

Q. Can I make the windows larger?
A. No, not without permission, which has to be submitted to the municipal council for approval.

Q. May I put in an elevator?
A. Yes if there is sufficient space to receive a permit for the job. You can share the cost between all the condominium members who agree to participate, otherwise the ones who don’t participate can be deigned access to the lift.

Q. How much money does one have to put down immediately?
A. As a rule, one third of the asking price.

Q. Is the price negotiable?
A. On principal, yes. One always tries to negotiate the price down.

Q. I've never heard of anything like the Italian procedure for property sales; does it work?
A. This procedure involving the notaio (notary) has been in use for several centuries and seems to work perfectly. These individuals are highly respected members of their community and their professional reputation depends on their title research and on being responsible to all parties involved.

Q. What is the process in signing a contract?
A. In Italy only a notary (notaio) can officiate, create and validate a contract, whether it be for buying or selling a property, establishing a company or partnership etc.

Q. What is a notaio (notary official)?
A. Someone who represents the state.

Q. Can I use a lawyer instead of a notary official?
A. No, but should you wish your lawyer be present at the contract signing, that would be fine. Your lawyer can be useful in advising you in who’s name the contract should be, also for inheritance information, but a lawyer cannot substitute the notary official.

Q. Do I need to speak Italian to buy property in Italy?
A. Eventually you will want to learn as much Italian as possible to fully enjoy all the country has to offer. But part of our job is to facilitate your purchase by translating and where necessary obtaining a “power of attorney”, together with explaining the transfer procedures, taxes, and so forth, so that you feel completely at ease when finalising this important business transaction.