alan h's activity

Questions Asked

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-14995588Loved the note about changing the locks!

Wed, 09/21/2011 - 09:20

I have just got back from my latest trip to Italy, and thought some of you might be interested to hear about a Swiss hotel that we stayed in on the way down.It is the Hotel Engel in Stans [near to Lake Lucerne, a few minutes from the motorway

Mon, 07/25/2011 - 05:21

For many years now I have used the likes of 'mappy', 'via michelin' etc for calculating different routes down to Italy - for us its a part of our holiday, so we don't always want to take the quickest/shortest route down.  We prefer to vary the rou

Wed, 06/01/2011 - 09:25

Today I received an email from the Swiss Travel Centre.  The relevant portion is;- "The GBP price for a Vignette will increase from 01 June 2011 and we wanted to give you the opportunity to purchase this years’ Vignette before the pric

Mon, 05/23/2011 - 09:45

I've just driven down and back for a [much too] short holiday, and feel that an update on how fuel prices look on the way down would be useful to fellow travellers The following is a good site for seeing what prices have been like  

Mon, 04/04/2011 - 05:02

P&O have introduced a new ferry on the Dover - Calais route - its called the Spirit of Britain. They seem to have a special offer on at the moment [on this ship only] I've just booked a return crossing [car + 2] for £60 - significantly less th

Sat, 01/29/2011 - 06:08

Does Tomato soup exist in Italy? We were feeling a bit under the weather when we went out to Italy 2 weeks ago.  As part of the R&R process, I fancied some soup, and looked around the supermarket.  There were lots of different soups, but I rea

Mon, 01/24/2011 - 08:29

The route/timings for next years Giro d'Italia have been posted http://www.steephill.tv/giro-d-italia/   My son rang me up to inform me that the route passes about 100m away from

Sat, 11/06/2010 - 07:04

I think the groups now exist [at least - when I go to the 'make a new post' section, there they are, in the "Audience" section]   Hope someone uses them soon - after all the time its taken

Thu, 07/01/2010 - 04:50

Anyone used the Harwich to Hook of Holland ferry service? I'm hoping to drive down to the holiday home later this year, and was thinking of using the service.

Thu, 07/01/2010 - 04:45

Comments posted

Tue, 04/25/2023 - 16:52

The problem with coming on and off the Frech autoroute to avoid tolls is the time factor.

  You could (relatively easily) do the bulk of the journey without paying any tolls  but time of travel would greatly increase, as long as you continue to avoid the Switzerland option.

,..................

 As a comparison  my recent trip to Lake Orta  and back from Calais (approx 12 hrs drive time each way) cost me £65 in tolls plus £36 for the Swiss Vignette (Vignette valid until Jan 2024, so can be used for multiple trips) - so much less expensive than the route via Mont Blanc Tunnel, which must cost about double the cost of 'my' route, or more.

ps - I use a French autoroute "tag" so no delays at the toll booth, as I just go straight to the Telepass booths, and drive straight through. 

Thu, 04/20/2023 - 11:35

Construction costs throughout Europe have gone up significantly since the start of Putins "liberation' of Ukraine  so a rise is expected.

However, it does depend on several factors. 

   1.  When was the original estimate given?

   2.  What works have been carried out?  Different material costs have risen differently.  Materials shortages have had major effects

   3.  Labour costs have risen.

However, did your builder keep you on formed of price increases as the works progressed?

Wed, 04/05/2023 - 12:59

Have you talked to your Comune about any necessary approvals?

Mon, 03/20/2023 - 08:05

Totally agree with Tony's comment.  Also applies to finding local builders etc

Thu, 01/12/2023 - 12:13

I think your friend could well be liable to VAT and Customs Duty

https://www.gov.uk/moving-to-uk

Probably best to check with the helpline. 

Sun, 01/08/2023 - 12:22

Many many thanks Tony -

Looks like this could be very useful for many (old) Brits with holiday homes in Italy. 

Fri, 01/06/2023 - 15:02

Thanks for the post Tony.

I have just done an Internet search and found this'

https://arlettipartners.com/imu-benefits-for-individual-who-are-resident-abroad/

My questions are-

1.  Is it a 37.5% or 50% reduction on IMU.  Is it constant across Italy,  or can Comunes set their own rate?

2.  It's not clear if retired UK citizens living in UK and receiving a UK Pension can get the  IMU and TARI discounts on their Italian holiday home (assuming they don't rent it out).  I think it indicates they can, but cannot see it stated clearly.

3.  How do I claim any discounts?  I have looked at my Comune website and cannot find anything about these discounts.  

 

Again, thank you Tony for a great posting.

Sun, 01/01/2023 - 11:25

I'd suggest you use a local Geometra rather than an Architect  - Geometras are less architecturally qualified, but have more "hands on " knowledge. They are also less expensive.  I have found them great on advising the practicalities of building restoration and refurbishment.

Geometras also prepare all drawings and make the submission to the Comune. And they supervise the works.

Choose by recommendation from locals, although your Estate Agent may also be able to give you some names.

Ask to see some of their work - drawings and actual properties.

Whichever you use - it must be local, as they understand how the Comune works, and what they like and what won't be accepted.

Wed, 12/28/2022 - 06:59

I believe that 2 month rentals aren't the norm in Italy.

Have you looked at holiday parks (mobile homes) in the area?

Good luck with your search