Buying a Property: Italy

Rating:
Summary: Real Estate Horror stories are World-wide
Review: The book is informative and an excellent resource though some information is not correct and misleading. Many cautions and horror stories are stated but these facts apply to buying a home anywhere in the world. Dodgy real-estate agents, tradesmen and sellers can also be found world-wide though the impression given is that they are concentrated in Italy. With regards to permits and planning permission it can take up to six months if the building is classified as a Historical building but if it is not a historical building a reply is given within three months. In Italy there is a lot of red-tape and the process of purchasing a property is very different to the English system though the best advice is to have the assistance of a lawyer and use your common sense. The most important thing I learnt when buying a home in Italy is to respect the people and there custom especially if you want to make friends in the community.....of course everyone knows everyone!