David Redfern

Think of Italy and you’re most likely to think of its love affair with fashion and fast cars than a second home in the sun. Outstanding cuisine, delicious wines, stunning countryside and a rich cultural heritage all still figure but the eternally stylish nation has been more often than not a leader not a follower when it comes to property trends. Until now that is.

Casting off its underdog status in the last few years, Italy is rapidly usurping traditional favourites like Spain and France with its eclectic range of state of the art villas and dilapidated country houses ripe for restoration.

A Tuscan Tale (Of Caution)

The well trodden path from Tuscany is an immediate favourite for first time house hunters eager to enjoy familiar creature comforts. Fulled by a thousand postcard images, it’s already a challenge to find an apartment or villa well matched to a modest investment budget. The canny bargain hunter should instead look to the east and venture into the lush countryside of Umbria. Only an hour or so from Florence by train, Umbria is an area largely unspoilt and un-chartered by foreign buyers.

The only land locked region in Italy, Umbria and its capital Perugia overflows with an abundance of culture and history. Home of the Etruscans and a suffering an embarrassment of riches when it comes to the arts, Umbrian property hunters focusing their search on the regional capital will find apartments and country properties with ease.

Modern builds are few and far between in the rolling valleys of Umbria so expect to invest time and money before renting the property out. This investment is offset by low initial purchase prices – expect to pay around 40,000 euros for farmhouses and casali (old country properties) requiring some degree of restoration.

La Dolce Vita?

Another new region worth investigating if you want to invest in property in Italy is Puglia on the boot’s southernmost tip. Property prices in Italy are generally cheaper the further south you venture, making the coastal region ripe for investment. Hemmed by the Adriatic sea, the inner reaches of Puglia are bedecked with olive groves and fruit orchards.

Adding a Puglian property to an investment portfolio is a good bet for rental income – the gentle climate and network of criss crossing cobbled streets, sandy beaches, medieval towers and sun-drenched piazzas make it an up and coming holiday destination. New, two bedroom apartments in the town of Vico del Gargano can currently be found for less than 60,000 pounds.

In nearby Naples, comparable ground or first floor properties with garden and swimming pool are on sale for around 38,000 euros showing just how much it pays to shop around. As Naples is already a name familiar to many, expect summer rental incomes of around 1500 euros per month.

Although the Italian government does not place any restrictions on foreigners buying property in Italy, it is always worth engaging an English-speaking lawyer to guide you through the Italian property market minefield. Without one, would you know what a compromesso is or when it is signed for example? A good lawyer will advise you at every stage of the purchase, from agreeing terms to advising you when to place the deposit and what percentage of the price is required by law.

For more information about property investment in Italy and details of Italian property for sale, visit www.davidstanleyredfern.com or email: info@davidstanleyredfern.com

About David Stanley Redfern Ltd

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is an overseas property specialist, working directly with developers in more than forty countries. Most properties are exclusive to David Stanley Redfern Ltd, giving an unparalleled selection of resale and new builds.

David Stanley Redfern Ltd is AIPP accredited. For more information, visit http://www.davidstanleyredfern.com

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DoDo Johnson

Italy is one of the busy and beautiful European countries and has a vast coastal line on the sea. It is all surrounded by Alps Mountain in the north, Adriatic Sea on the east, Ionian and Mediterranean Sea on the west. The culture and history of Italy attracts people from all over the worlds towards Italy and is most popular tourist destination in Europe. The demand for stay in Italy is thus continuously growing and has a good scope for hotel business in the country. There are some beautiful cities in the country and you will find a number of hotels for sale in Italy.

Italy is not only world automobile hub but it is also famous for fashion, food and its architectural styles. It is also associated with the holy place Vatican. People from all around the world visit Vatican and Italy and Italy has a lot of more to show the world and therefore a good tourist destination. Italy hotels for sale are offered to the people and are therefore a good investment opportunities for many of us. The hotels in coastal cities or around the holy place are in much demand and the expected demand for these hotels will also grow in feature.

The currency of Italy is Euro and you can buy a small hotel in Italy from a few thousand euros onward, however depending on the location and the size of the hotel the rates will vary. The investment in Italy hotels offered on sale will provide higher return on your investment if you have purchased a right hotel at the right location. The demand for hotels is higher in certain area as people visit these places more often.

It is very easy to search a hotel in Italy as you find many Italy hotels for sale are advertised properly either at web or local papers. You can also contact to the real estate agents in any of your preferred destination and can find detailed information. You can also look for detailed information about these hotels in online information provided on the hotel owner’s websites. The information gathered through website or real estate agent is preliminary information and you need to look into more details of the hotels and you should ask for a visit to the hotel offered for sale.

Once you make up your mind to purchase a Italy hotel offered for sale, it is necessary for you to bargain the price as most of the time the normal cost will be far less than the listed price. A good bargainer can bring down the cost. In Italy many good hotels are for sale and purchasing a hotel at the right location will be an added advantage as you can expect a very high return on your investment from it.

… Was this Hotel Investment Article Helpful? Learn More About Hotel investments, Hotels For Sale and the Ins and Outs Of Hotel Brokerage. Smart Hotels Buyers – Buy Hotels From http://www.smarthotelbuyers.com

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Shana Shane

Are you looking for some inside information on Real Estate In Italy? Here’s an up-to-date report from Real Estate In Italy experts who should know.

Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.

Introduction:- Italy is a stunning nation, with beautiful lakes, mountains, and ancient cities that are teeming with history. Italy is known as a very romantic nation, with plenty of romantic appeal. Italy also boasts a perfect climate with warm waters that are graced by the Mediterranean Sea. The visual appeal throughout Italy is something that simply cannot be denied. Italians are also warm and exotic.

Below are some useful Tips And Tricks To Ensure Your Success With Real Estate In Italy:

1. Throughout Italy, there are no restrictions on foreign ownership on real estate. This means that buying and selling is pretty much a straightforward process. The first thing you should do however, is to get yourself an independent lawyer, one who will work on your behalf. The lawyer can translate any necessary documents into English so you can understand them. He will also act on your behalf, ensuring that you get a great price for the property you are interested in.

2. If you have made up your mind to purchase a home in Italy and move there permanently, remember to sort out your residency status first. Doing so will save you a lot of money in purchase taxes, simply because you will be paying Italian taxes. Residency status in Italy holds several key benefits, which includes property taxes.

3. In Italy, just like the rest of the world, there are many real estate agents to choose from, and it is wise to contact some of them with your requirements before you do anything else. Doing so will help you get a better prospective on the market and determine what you can purchase for your money. If you’ve never been to Italy before, you should head on there first, stay as long as you need to allow yourself ample time to get used to the area and check out some of what Italy has to offer.

4. Throughout Italy, there are many delights, although you shouldn’t let the romance or dream of living in this fine nation steer you away from your task at hand. Keep your focus on the property you are interested in purchasing, and listen to your real estate agent. If he or she tells you that a property isn’t worth the purchase, you should listen to what your agent has to say and avoid purchasing a property due to the location. Remember, you need to ensure that you selected your real estate agent properly in the first place because you rely almost solely on his/her advice.

5. If you decide eventually to buy rural properties or property that needs renovation, remember to ask the necessary questions, such as the title and deed, access to the property, boundaries, and whether or not the property needs to be surveyed and appraised before you can make an offer. If the property needs renovation, get an estimate for the renovation cost to avoid surprises later on. Building expenses in Italy are very high, and they can easily spiral out of control. Before you commit to anything, you should always know your expenses and where you stand with finances.

6. If and when you have found a property that you are interested in, proceed to make an offer. You need to be aware that if the offer is accepted, it will be valid for 2 weeks only, while the preliminary contracts are being created. Once you get the contracts, you should have your lawyer look them over. If you accept the offer, you’ll need to pay a deposit as well. At that point, you will pretty much own the property and will pay on it until you have it paid for.

Italy is a great place to invest in real estate, whether you are looking for a second home, vacation home, or just another property. There is always something exciting going on there, and always plenty of romance in the air. For a honeymoon, there’s no place like Italy. If you do buy a home there – you’ll find Italy to be a nation like no other. You’ll soon find that it was all worth your while.

There’s no doubt that the topic of Real Estate In Italy can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Real Estate In Italy, you may find what you’re looking for in the next article.

For More Hot Tips on Real Estate, hurry on to:

Real Estate Investing
Las Vegas Real Estate

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shana_Shane

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By Les Calvert

Overview

The Italian Property Market

An increasing number of foreign nationals have taken to purchasing real estate in Italy over the course of the past fifteen years. The increase in real estate purchases in Italy by foreign nationals really took off following the integration of Europe into the EU. With the advent of the European Union, more and more foreign nationals began purchasing different types of real estate within Italy. This included commercial, residential and speculative investment purchases by foreign nationals.

The vast majority of foreign nationals who have taken to purchasing and owning real estate in Italy are from within one or another of the European Union nations. With that said, British investors have been particularly active in buying and investing in real estate in Italy during the past five to ten years.

The prime real estate purchases in Italy by foreign nationals in recent years have been concentrated fairly heavily in rural regions of the country

Investment Property in Italy

As with the other nations that are members of the European Union, Italy has seen a growth in the number of foreign nationals making real estate purchases within that country since the inception of the EU. The common marketplace that was formed with the development of the EU is deemed to be the primary reason as to why there is so much activity in the arena of real estate buying and selling in EU nations such as Italy.

A significant amount of the movement in regard to real estate in Italy involves the buying and selling of property for investment purposes. A significant amount of activity when it comes to investment real estate has involved two primary types of property: commercial or industrial property as well multi-family properties that are used for residential and vacation purposes.

There are no real restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Italy beyond a bit higher purchase registration tax that will be discussed later. This holds true for investment real estate as well as other types of real property in Italy.

Residential Real Estate in Italy – Single Family Properties

The biggest rush of selling when it comes to residential property has occurred outside some of the major cities in Rome. Many foreign nationals have involved themselves in this particular buying spree. Indeed, particularly people from the EU have actively made the purchase of homes and villas in rural areas of Italy to be used as second homes.

These people maintain that they are attracted to the easy going and relaxing lifestyle of life in rural Italy. (There have been some motion pictures in recent years set in such environments that many real estate experts in Italy maintain have further spurred the sales of rural residences in the Italian countryside.)

Residential Real Estate in Italy – Apartments in Italy

When it comes to finding private residences in the larger cities in Italy, apartments remain one of the most popular types of residential property bought and sold in the 21st century. Take for example the city of Rome. Apartments remain one of the most often conveyed forms of real property within the Italian capital city. (Of course, the limited amount of living space and the ever growing population of Rome have combined to make apartments invaluable residential assets in that city.)

Many foreign nationals have invested in apartments in the more major Roman cities over the course of the past decade for two primary reasons. First, these apartments are allowing these foreign nationals a second and oftentimes more affordable residence in one or another of the Roman major cities for their own purposes. Second, many people from other nations are making the purchase of these apartments in the larger cities in Italy to then be let or rented to other individuals.

Generally speaking, these investors who are purchasing apartments in Italy are renting to people who will be in Italy for an extended period of time on business. In the alternative, they are renting these apartments to individuals and families who have elected to spend an extended period of time in Italy, in one of the major Italian cities, on holiday.

Holiday Property in Italy

Vacation real estate remains a proverbial hot property in Italy at the present time. The demand for real estate in the major resort communities in Italy have sent the costs of real estate in those communities through the roof. With that said, many of the more healed foreign nationals continue to attempt to make the purchase of nicely situated real estate in the resort communities in Italy.

One of the other areas in which vacation real estate is selling at a brisk pace is in some of the more rural spots in Italy. As mentioned previously, many foreign nationals are taking to purchasing real estate and graceful homes in rural parts of Italy to be used for their second homes. Likewise, many foreign nationals are purchasing real estate in more remote and rural areas of Italy for use on family or other types of vacations and holidays.

In addition to using these properties for their own personal holiday or vacation purposes, many of these same foreign nationals are leasing these properties to other foreign nationals during those times of the year in which these owners are not occupying the properties themselves. As a consequence, many of these foreign nationals have been able to make their vacation properties pay for themselves. Indeed, there are some foreign nationals who have gone so far as to purchase more than one residential property in different locations in Italy. These individuals will use one or another of these residences at different times during the year and let them out to others the remainder of the time. These individuals have found this type of investment to be profitable.

Specific steps to buying real estate property in Italy

The real estate sales and purchasing process in Italy is fairly streamlined and not particularly complex. For the most part, a foreign national stands in the same shoes as does an Italian citizen, with one exception. When it comes to the purchase of real property in Italy, a foreign national must pay a 11% purchase registration tax after the sale itself is consummated. An Italian citizen must only pay a 4% purchase registration tax.

In Italy, the first step towards the purchase of real estate is the initial agreement between the parties. Once the initial agreement is signed and executed, there are some primary tasks that must be completed by the parties. For example, the buyer must obtain appropriate and sufficient financing. The seller must work to make certain that title to the property is free and clear of any and all encumbrances so that it can be conveyed to the buyer.

When this initial agreement is signed, the seller will post a deposit in the amount of at least 10% of the total purchase price of the real estate being sold. It is not uncommon in Italy for deposits to run as high as 50% of the overall purchase price of the property. Deposits in Italy tend to be higher than what is seen in many other countries around the world.

Generally speaking, the deposit is not refundable if the buyer simply decides that he or she does not want to buy the property. Indeed, the only real circumstances in which a buyer can obtain a refund of the deposit — even a hefty deposit of upwards to 50% of the purchase price — is when the buyer backs out of the deal or in circumstances when clear title to the real estate cannot be obtained within the time set forth in the initial agreement between the parties.

The real estate purchase process is overseen by a notary in Italy. The notary actually has more duties than is normally associated with a notary involved in real estate transactions in other countries the world over. For example, the notary in Italy is responsible for carrying out title searches to work to make certain that the title to the property is free and clear of any obvious defects or liens.

Many real estate experts in Italy recommend that a purchaser take the time to hire what is known as a geometra. The geometra will survey the physical boundaries of the property for sale to make sure that it actually does comport with what is listed on the legal description that is subject to a contract for sale. (These experts maintain that this particularly is important when it comes to older properties in Italy.)

The real estate purchasing process can take upwards to six months to complete in Italy. For this reason, unlike in many other countries around the world, it is a commonplace occurrence for a purchaser to move into residential property after the initial agreement is signed. In most countries around the world, the purchaser does not take possession of the property until the final agreement is executed and the deed to the property is transferred from the seller to the buyer

Property Abroad always recommends using a Solicitor or Lawyer.

Les Calvert – the Director of http://www.property-abroad.com often writes articles and information on the overseas property market and Italy. Visit his website with useful information and properties for sale throughout Italy
http://www.property-abroad.com/italy.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Les_Calvert

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By Andrew Faulkner

Think of Italy, and you think of pizza and pasta, wonderful opera, the Renaissance, Ferraris and Lamborghinis, breathtaking architecture, the lakes, glorious sunshine, friendly, passionate people, the Italian Riviera, fine wine, captivating beach resorts and of course, the great Italian cities of Florence, Rome, Venice, Milan, Turin and so much more besides.

Italy is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Europe with all of the seasons having their own unique attractions. In summer, Italy is an international playground, with visitors from all over the world. Spring comes early while autumn lingers and brings balmy days until late in the year. In winter, the Italian Alps are unsurpassed for spellbinding scenery and first class skiing. In northern Italy you’ll find some of the world’s most renowned winter sports resorts, and skiing is also a summer sport in the Torino Alps and the towering mountains surrounding the Valle d’Aosta.

Most of the year the beaches are sunny, and with 5,310 miles of shoreline surrounding Italy and its islands, you’re sure to find a beach to suit you. And naturally, art, culture and history are always in season in Italy. Any time of the year is perfect to tour dazzling cities and historic buildings and view the world’s greatest art treasures.

Buying property in Italy is straightforward and this will give you some idea how easy it is.

1. Once the reservation contract has been signed on your new property the lawyer will take approximately two to four weeks to carry out checks before you sign the main contract. It isn’t necessary to appoint two lawyers, one here and one in Italy, otherwise you double the legal bill and the Italian lawyer is quite capable of looking after your interests!

2. As a rough guide, the total costs incurred in purchase will be approximately 16% of the purchase price.

3. You need a permit to buy in Italy but which one depends on your personal circumstances, ie whether it is a holiday home or you plan to take up residence, whether you intend to work in Italy or send your children to school there.

4. Buyers and sellers are usually required to attend in person to sign documentation but for the sake of expediency, it’s common to appoint a Power of Attorney. It’s very easy to move money in and out of Italy.

5. Mortgages are available, subject to the usual financial checks, up to about 75% of the purchase price.

6. A good agent should hold your hand through the process so you have little to worry about.

Headlands, Italy

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by Maggie Galloway

Calabria is one of the best kept secrets in Italy with its un-spoilt coastline, mountain grandeur and age-old historical towns.

Situated in the southern most region of Italy and caressed by the Ionian and the Tyrrhenian Seas, it is a narrow peninsula where the “cliffs meet the seas”, the intricate coastline facing the water every way you look and pine trees, grape vines and olive and fig trees cling to the rugged mountains adding to the beauty of this region of Italy.

Calabria is an area untouched by mass tourism and is one of the current “hotspots” for buying a home abroad. There are many exciting new developments all situated in beautiful landscape settings with communal swimming pools. These villas, townhouses and apartments are proving popular as holiday homes or as an excellent investment opportunity and are on the market at very affordable prices.

The relaxed lifestyle, excellent cuisine and welcoming people of Calabria will appeal to many individuals who are seeking a holiday home in this part of Italy. From the harbour there is a cheap, regular ferry service to the Isle of Sicily, famous for its stunning, snow capped peak of Mount Etna, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

If you want to find out more about Calabria or view some of the available properties go to www.calabria-properties.com

About the author
The author is a property consultant for purchasers of homes overseas.

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