Puglia Property - Property in Puglia

Puglia Property

Introduction to Puglia

Property in Puglia

Property Location Guide

Property Hotspots

How to Buy property in Puglia

Living in Puglia

Puglia property
sales:
www.apulia.co.uk

Accommodation and more information:
www.trulliland.co.uk

How to Buy Property in Puglia

Until a couple of years ago purchasing property in Puglia relied on luck and speaking the language. Now all this is changing, as estate agents start acquiring some English, and gaining knowledge of what foreign buyers expect of them. But you will still find it hard to walk into an estate agent’s office and get much information about the properties they offer, their details and location.

Fortunately help is on hand, with a number of English-based companies offering internet shop windows for property. Choose one with local representatives in Puglia who can help with finding suitable houses to view and interpret during viewings. They can offer guidance on the purchase, from making offers through to completion, and may also offer after-sales service, including advice on restoration and providing contacts for professionals and tradesmen.

Alberobello Market

Although the buying process appears similar to that in England there are significant differences in approach and it helps to have someone with local knowledge and experience. The practice in Puglia is not even necessarily the same as, for example, Tuscany.

Italians do not normally have surveys performed prior to purchase, but an English agent will be able to advise whether this is appropriate, or whether a quote for renovation works should be obtained before commitment.

On the legal side a public notary ensures a valid sale, and collects the government tax on house purchase. He or she works neither for vendor not purchaser, but the costs are usually paid by the buyer. Italians do not usually seek independent legal advice. A reputable Italian estate agent should liaise closely with the notary to ensure that any problems of the sale are identified and dealt with.

One hurdle the prospective buyer has to face is acting quickly enough to secure the vendor’s commitment to sell. Puglians act swiftly in making purchases and sales. There is no “under offer” period as in the UK, and a vendor could well sell to another buyer or withdraw the property if there is any lengthy delay between making an offer and signing a contract. It’s best to be decisive, and only employ a solicitor if problems arise.

It can take as little as a couple of weeks from signing a contract to completion. The buyer will require an Italian tax code, which can be obtained in the UK from the Italian Consulate, and it is helpful to open an Italian bank account, especially if the buyer is expecting to spend extended periods in Puglia.

After the purchase it is usually a straightforward and quick process to get electricity or water contracts switched to the new occupier, and the agent may assist with registration for local council taxes – ICI – which is generally very low compared with Britain. Electricity is usually the only mains utility connected to a rural property, and it is easy to pay bills over the internet. Most properties outside towns rely on underground tanks for their water supply, filled either by rainwater or by water tanker delivery in summer. Sewage disposal is normally by a septic tank or soakaway.

The new owner will need to get a permit to stay in Italy for longer than 3 months at a time – a Carta di Soggiorno – this needs application to a main provincial police station. It allows you to live in Italy for 5 years, and is renewable.

If you are intending moving to Italy permanently, this may be followed by an application for residence. This takes longer – up to 6 months – and has pros and cons.

The pros are that you pay less for utilities and council tax, and you can buy and register an Italian car. A potential big pro is that provided you obtain residence within 18 months of buying your first Italian property you are taxed on the purchase at a rate significantly less than non-residents. The potential downside is that you become 100% immersed in the Italian tax system, and are taxed (subject to double taxation arrangements with eg the UK) on your worldwide income at Italian rates.

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