Many dream of real estate abroad. Despite the drop in demand for real estate in Spain and Portugal and the increase in demand for houses in Bulgaria and Croatia, the Italian real estate market is practically unstoppable. The most frequent buyers of private property in Italy, according to statistics, are the Germans and the British. So, if you still decided to buy a wonderful house in Sicily or in any other region of Italy, we are ready to share useful tips that will definitely come in handy.
Region
It doesn’t matter if you are looking for a house by the sea or an apartment in the very center of the city where you are going to move, do a little research before starting the search. Italy is 20 regions, an amazing mix of mountains and plains, fields and groves, so ask yourself in advance the question “in which area and in which area would you like to live?”. For example, in winter the average temperature in Florence is about 2 degrees above zero, while in Positano at the same time of the year it is nine degrees. The difference is present in the summer. For example, in southern Calabria, the air warms up to 32 degrees Celsius on average, and in Lombardia only 23 degrees, in May in Puglia the average rainfall reaches 37 millimeters, and in Sicily only fourth part of the above indicator. If you are an ardent fan of skiing, then the region of Piedmont (Piemonte) or the mountains of Abruzzo (Abruzzo) for you. If you prefer a passive vacation and the proximity of the sea, then coastal cities are better for you.
You will make the only right choice only after visiting the regions that are most interested in you and compare them.
It will not be amiss to go there several times at different times of the year: in the summer the resort town seems to be a cultural and entertainment center, however, closer to winter, all umbrellas will disappear from the beaches, and tourists will leave. The mountain region of Abruzzo in the summer seems charming and stunningly beautiful, with many unique villages that you can visit, but few people will find something special and amazing in this region in February.
Summer house or place of permanent residence
Another important thing to consider when looking for real estate in Italy is its purpose. Decide for yourself whether you are going to move to a sunny country or if you want to come there only on vacation.
Obviously, when choosing a summer house, the most significant factors will be the distance to the nearest airport, as well as the crime rate in the region (you are going to leave your house unattended for a very long time).
If you intend to move to the country of wine and sun, then keep in mind that depending on the location of the city it will be easier or harder to find a job. The chances of finding something to your liking will increase as you approach major cities. It is quite another matter if you intend to open your own business in Italy. Analyze the market situation of supply and demand. You probably do not know whether there will be a demand for services or products that you intend to offer in the region where you want to move. One way or another, know that most of the lucky owners of summer houses in Italy after retirement become permanent residents.
Location
Some people will prefer a luxurious villa with sea views, while there are those who love the hustle and bustle of the big city. Most likely, people of the second type will choose an apartment with a view of the central square or a busy street. Pay special attention to the house itself, its appearance. The building, whose windows overlook a cobbled street, will certainly seem charming, but there is a high probability that its residents will experience serious inconvenience with parking. If you are nevertheless disposed to purchase a small private house somewhere outside the city, teach that in addition to clean air and a beautiful view from the window, you can also receive a “noise” at night, which will be heard from a nearby town where it will be held some kind of festival. The Italian version of our "house in the village" in addition to the minuses, of course, has a lot of pluses. So, for example, with the purchase of your own home, you will also gain the opportunity to grow something in the garden and decorate it as you please.
A house that is sold at a low price with the condition that it will be restored and repaired may seem like a great option. However, before contacting a realtor and making an appointment with him, take a calculator and do some calculations. In addition to the price you have to pay for the building itself, consider factors such as the cost of the services of an Italian real estate agency, the workers you hire for repairs, and the cost of building materials. If you are planning to buy an abandoned house, then some troubles await you. So, for example, your neighbor is unlikely to be glad that one day you will say that from now on she cannot grow vegetables in your garden now.
Italians, for the most part, are quite welcoming and welcoming towards foreigners, and also appreciate their contribution to the development of both their region and the whole country.
If you do not know Italian, then perhaps you should take a closer look at densely populated places and cities, where the chance that you will meet Italians speaking your native language will be high. Do not be discouraged if you still decide to purchase a home away from the Italian town. You can always try to find nearby a certain community of foreigners who will give you a warm welcome and help you get used to and settle in Italy.
Rental of property
And finally, if you have finally decided on the place and house that you want to purchase, offer it to the current owners to rent it for a month or two. During this time, you will have time to feel the house, and also decide whether it suits you or you need to find more options. The rental housing that you intend to purchase will allow you to visualize and understand how your life will work if you still decide to buy it, as well as make new friends and acquaintances, who, in turn, can help you decide once and for all it should be your Italian dream house.
