Hi all,Looking for advice or thoughts

Callisto99 Image
04/03/2017 - 09:33

Hi all,Looking for advice or thoughts on the following property query: My elderly father is Italian and lives in Italy. I'm British and live in the UK. My father wants to transfer his property into my name, as he thinks this will be simpler than the process of me inheriting it when he dies.Does anyone think this is a wise decision (for him or me!)? Or know how complicated the process would be? Also, I can't travel, so could this be done via a lawyer on my behalf?Any thoughts or suggestions would be much appreciated, as I'm completely baffled as to what to do!Callisto xx 

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Y, its a very good idea.  Your father can make a donation to you at the notary, which doesnt require your presence in italy.  All he will need is your codice fiscale and other details.  It all has a cost, similar to buying the properties, but the good thing is that you will avoid all the complications of Italian inheritance law if the priperties are signed over to you before his death.

Although I have no direct experience I understand that there is also a system whereby your father, on payment of a tax based on the catastal value of the house, can ensure ownership passes to you on his death, automatically. I understand all you would need is the death certificate. In the meantime he retains ownership and liability for any taxes. If he passes over ownership now and you are not resident then you would become liable for the annual IMU taxes. I'm sure there are others on this Forum who can provide more details. I don't know the name but it includes the legal term "Usufrutto" (Usufruct in English) 

Hi Maurice, thank you very much for this. I was concerned that I might be liable for taxes or other costs if I had ownership, so thank you for clarifying this. And thank you for the information regarding "Usufrutto", I shall try and find out more.Many thanks,Callisto

Inheritance tax has changed in Italy and it has all become very expensive. My advise to you is to ge the relevant information. If you need advise, I have a contact over in Italy. She is a solicitor and helped me alot. Let me know if you want to talk to her.