alan h's activity

Questions Asked

 I thought it might help people not break the law [or get caught breaking it] to some info on speed cameras they might come across in driving down to Italy. [This really applies to people like me who don’t have a sat-nav that tells them all the in

Sat, 07/04/2009 - 11:03

When driving to Italy, [Lake Maggiore area], from Calais, I almost always drive up towards Dunkirk and then head East towards Luxembourg.   The reasons for doing so is simple:-

    Fri, 07/03/2009 - 12:52

    If you are driving down to Italy, this regularly updated AA site gives you the latest info on fuel prices across Europe.  Its useful for deciding where to fill up. Note - in Luxembourg, [where I always fill up - its worth the minor detour from Cal

    Thu, 07/02/2009 - 05:32

    .     I heard this today on Radio 4.  I take it you already know of tough and bough and cough and dough?Others may stumble, but not you,On hiccough, thorough, lough** and through.Well done!

    Sat, 06/20/2009 - 16:58

    .   I'm considering handing over ownership of my Italian Holiday Home to my kids. Does anyone know

    • How easy this is to do, and how costly?
    • Whether this can be done in the UK - or do I have to do it in Italy?
    Fri, 06/19/2009 - 04:54

    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