Product Description

Part of the new Buying a House series from Vacation Work, this new title tells readers all they need to know about buying property in Italy including raising finance, how to find and deal with estate agents, what inspections and surveys are necessary, conveyancing, exchanging contracts, arranging removals, and getting power and water connected. It also gives essential information for after moving in, from how to deal with builders to making money from the house by renting it out.
To help readers find their ideal home the book covers the entire country, not just those regions already popular with expatriate buyers, explaining the characters of the different areas, and the types and price of property available there. Special features include full coverage of the up-and-coming areas for those who want to be among the first to discover the new Tuscany or Umbria.
Everything one needs to know to buy a house in Italy whether for use as a base while working abroad, as an investment, or as a second or retirement home.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #811763 in Books
• Published on: 2003-09-01
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 328 pages

From the Back Cover
This informative guide is broken into 4 major parts:
Part I - includes history, culture, economy, Visas, permits, residence regulations, health care, education, food, drink and shopping.
Part II – profiles of the regions of Italy; climate, topography & attractions; types of property available; comparative tables of prices; selecting the best places to buy.
Part III – red tape, planning and surveys; securing legal & other experts; currency conversion, taxes and mortgages; conveyancing, contracts & deposits.
Part IV – restoration and renovation; dealing with local artisans; gardens, pools & security; making money from your property; removals, pets and customs.
You will also find information on making a fresh start, your dream retirement, finding a holiday home and up-and-coming areas as well as useful contacts and personal case histories.

About the Author
Gordon Neale divides his time between England and Italy where for many years he has located property for foreign clients.

Customer Reviews

IF ONLY
We bought a house in Cortona Italy 12 years ago only after a long hard search. IF ONLY we had Gordon Neale's book with us on that first trip hunting for the perfect house. His detailed knowledge of the intracacies of house buying law in Italy is infinite and we would have had fewer grey hairs if this book was available then
. Apart from that it is a wonderful guide from a very sympathetic student of the history, language and humanity of the Italian nation. In concise chapters he will give you the benefit of his long study and experience of the regions, their differences and special charms. The stuff this man has learned would take the casual visitor more than a life time to obtain. Here is his knowledge for you to savour at the cost of a paperback. This is not just a book for aspiring house buyers, it is an invaluable asset to anyone travelling in Italy. IF ONLY, we had had this book all those years ago, but we have it now and it brings even greater pleasure to our life Bella Italia

More than just buying a house
I was sent this book for Christmas since I had stayed in Tuscany and am interested in buying there. Wow! This book is like a Whole Earth Catalog for Italy. Beyond the details on how to buy a house, it's got material on living there in a way that puts you right in the middle. I loved how the author interspersed Italian words and phrases throughout the book and had various glossaries for buying a house and even gardening and dealing with builders doing renovations. I find that I can recall the words easily because of the way he put them in the context of how I would actually use them in conversation to get something I want. The wit and wisdom sidebar on Berlusconi is a real gem. His listing of things like Italian TV and radio, I mean, I can see myself living there, important in the actual determination to buy. Also, he's got Web Site addresses throughout for additional information like real estate agents by region. This is a terrific book that's fun to read and dip into. I recommend it, highly.

A good read
An excellent guide. I loved the sections on the history of Italy and the one on gardening.
The book is packed with information which is clearly written. It is a joy to read and a must for anyone contemplating buying a house in Italy.