Hello John,
I agree with Maria Cristina and Anghido: Piedmont is a great region where to purchase a property in Italy. Have a look at this website by an Australian journalist: http://www.where-to-buy-in-italy.com/piedmont.html
Furthermore, I believe buying in Piedmont at the moment is a very good investment. The area of Langhe-Roero-Monferrato has been appointed "World heritage Site" by Unesco in June 2014. The attraction for our hills is already increasing and is bound to grow more and more, while prices of properties are still low compared to Tuscany, Umbria, Liguria etc.
Buona ricerca!
Hello,
although not in the same area, we can put together design proposals, renderings, and product suggestions from major retailers and brands. We can design bespoke furniture and have craftsmen produce and deliver them. My team works all over Italy; in particular, we have connections who can work/assist on site in Tuscany.
You can check our website to see if you like what we do: www.gap-studio.it . As far as our reputation is concerned: http://www.italiandreamhouse.com/testimonials/
Feel free to get in touch with me for any further information,
kind regards
Elisabetta Tovo
In Italy we have this mingling of geometra/architetti/ingegneri, since mainly we can all sign the same projects (the matter is more complex, but this is not the place to explain who can sign what).
Truth is that what and for how long we have studied is different: geometri are expert in Catasto (land register) and surveying, engineers are expert in calculating structures and architects in planning/designing. Of course we have to know a little bit of everything and some things we all know how to do (i.e. estimates, quotations) but I assure you that what you get is different according to the kind of professionals you hire.
In case of an interventions of a certain entity -i.e. the renewal of a whole building/property- best thing would be to work with all three as a team.
Hello Panda,
there wouldn't be any problem if you used it yourself but, since it's inagibile (= you cannot live there) in case you rented it, the insurance wouldn't cover any damage to the people inside.
Also, the moment you decide to re-sell, the attic would not count as usable surface, since that's something you cannot legally fix. If the Notary knew about it, he could even refuse to sign the contract, since they're now obliged to check that everything being sold is in accordance with the laws and has proper permission.
It's a very common situation but it's necessary to know all implications.
Best,
Elisabetta
Buongiorno,
concerning sanitary aspects and rules to follow in case you decide to build a stable/keep horses, there's a specific Code:
http://www.aslcn1.it/fileadmin/Sanita_animale/Educazione_sanitaria/Codice%20tutela%20e%20gestione%20equidi.pdf
Consider the fact that you're not allowed to keep horses anywhere. Each Comune (town) through its Piano Regolatore -PRG (Urban Planning) defines the areas where you 're allowed to keep them. Normally they would be the rural areas of the PRG (aree agricole) but I'd advise to check each time.
As an alternative, you could search for properties where they already kept horses. I know of a few on sale in my area (Asti Province).
Riding Clubs: according to the link below, there are at least 17 active clubs in our Province (they must be more than that because I myself know of a few which aren't listed).
You can check here to see where they're located: http://www.maneggionline.it/maneggio/provincia/Asti/6
Let me know if I can help you with anything else,
Elisabetta
1. B&B: up to 3 bedrooms/6 guests;
Affittacamere: up to 6 bedrooms/12 guests;
Hotel: from 7 bedrooms up (if you have more than 7 bedrooms, it cannot be anything else but a hotel).
2. You mention "Residence" which is an additional type of activity. In order to call it Residence or Casa Vacanza, you need to have at least 3 apartments/houses without shared services. The apartments need to be equipped with their own kitchen and, of course, be furnished.
- B&B can only serve breakfast.
- Affittacamere can offer meals to its own guests. In order to do so, you need to request a specific approval by the sanitary service, in addition to the one for Affittacamere.
All kind of activities are subject to taxation (B&B included, in spite of what most people believe), what changes is the bookkeeping they require. Taxation cannot be defined a priori, it depends on your overall income.
3. Affittacamere can serve meals to its clients (not to external clients like a restaurant). The procedure to follow is specified here:
http://www.regione.piemonte.it/turismo/cms/strutture-ricettive/affittacamere.html
For food somministration in particular:
http://www.regione.piemonte.it/sanita/cms2/alimenti/notifica-imprese-alimentari
...Italians make things complicated, I know. It's even hard for us Italians to understand all requirements!
All the best!
Elisabetta
PS: In case you have enough land to be considered a farmer (agricoltore), you could create an agriturismo, which can have up to 25 beds, but that's a completely different story.
Dear Sbthorn,
I own a B&B in Piedmont + I'm an architect.
Most information which was given to you is correct but ..there's a bit of confusion.
Feel free to contact me if you need any clarification,
Buona domenica
Elisabetta
Hi Lois,
I can tell you, without any doubt, that Piedmont in general is a safe region, especially the area where I live and I told you about (Monferrato-Roero and Langhe).
Your decision between renting or buying is a great dilemma. It depends on many elements: renting is a good option, in the long run it can be quite expensive but it allows you to live without being obliged to face all the tax problems and to not care about costs for ordinary maintenance and repair works.
On the other hand, buying a property can be a very good investment: once you've found a place that inspires you, you can change and adapt your house until it's exactly what you want and desire but you'll have to deal with italian rules and taxes and you'll have to take care of the maintenance of the building.
If you are unsure about the region to move to, you should have a little trip around Italy to see and enjoy some of what my Country can offer, and I would be happy to show you something of my beautiful region.
If I had to describe Piedmont, I would say that it is a great place to live: its hills are quiet and offer breathtaking views with all the vineyards. It is studded by little villages rich in history and culture, most small towns (like Asti or Alba) are lively and active, all year around. Piedmont is extremely close to the Mediterranean sea as well as to some amazing ski slopes in the middle of the Alps mountains. Plus, it borders with France and Switzerland.
P.s. Your requirements wouldn't be so hard to be satisfied and I can help you if you need it!
Hi!
Yes, you're right. "Sistema di riscaldamento autonomo" is a heating system that you can control and set by yourself. If you live in a villa or in single countryhouse you don't have to face this kind of problem but if you live in a flat inside a condo you could find a "centralized" heating system which means having just one heating pump for the whole building.
Hi Lois!
I read your post and all the interesting comments you've received. Just in case you're still not sure of what part of Italy moving to I suggest another beautiful italian region to think about: Piedmont (and, most of all, the Langhe and Monferrato areas).
Have a look at this link: http://www.paesaggivitivinicoli.it/index.php/en/photogallery ..there are some nice pics of the areas I told you about.
All Italian regions have something wonderful to them; Piedmont is less known by foreigners but it's as beautiful and amazing as other regions …. probably a little cheaper yet rich in history and culture.
I live in Asti (Piedmont), a little city close to Turin and to these wonderful hills (that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List).
If you need more information, just let me know!
Comments posted
Hello John,
I agree with Maria Cristina and Anghido: Piedmont is a great region where to purchase a property in Italy. Have a look at this website by an Australian journalist: http://www.where-to-buy-in-italy.com/piedmont.html
Furthermore, I believe buying in Piedmont at the moment is a very good investment. The area of Langhe-Roero-Monferrato has been appointed "World heritage Site" by Unesco in June 2014. The attraction for our hills is already increasing and is bound to grow more and more, while prices of properties are still low compared to Tuscany, Umbria, Liguria etc.
Buona ricerca!
Hello,
although not in the same area, we can put together design proposals, renderings, and product suggestions from major retailers and brands. We can design bespoke furniture and have craftsmen produce and deliver them. My team works all over Italy; in particular, we have connections who can work/assist on site in Tuscany.
You can check our website to see if you like what we do: www.gap-studio.it . As far as our reputation is concerned: http://www.italiandreamhouse.com/testimonials/
Feel free to get in touch with me for any further information,
kind regards
Elisabetta Tovo
I definitely agree with Ronco!
In Italy we have this mingling of geometra/architetti/ingegneri, since mainly we can all sign the same projects (the matter is more complex, but this is not the place to explain who can sign what).
Truth is that what and for how long we have studied is different: geometri are expert in Catasto (land register) and surveying, engineers are expert in calculating structures and architects in planning/designing. Of course we have to know a little bit of everything and some things we all know how to do (i.e. estimates, quotations) but I assure you that what you get is different according to the kind of professionals you hire.
In case of an interventions of a certain entity -i.e. the renewal of a whole building/property- best thing would be to work with all three as a team.
Peace and Love :-)
Elisabetta
Hello Panda,
there wouldn't be any problem if you used it yourself but, since it's inagibile (= you cannot live there) in case you rented it, the insurance wouldn't cover any damage to the people inside.
Also, the moment you decide to re-sell, the attic would not count as usable surface, since that's something you cannot legally fix. If the Notary knew about it, he could even refuse to sign the contract, since they're now obliged to check that everything being sold is in accordance with the laws and has proper permission.
It's a very common situation but it's necessary to know all implications.
Best,
Elisabetta
Buongiorno,
concerning sanitary aspects and rules to follow in case you decide to build a stable/keep horses, there's a specific Code:
http://www.aslcn1.it/fileadmin/Sanita_animale/Educazione_sanitaria/Codice%20tutela%20e%20gestione%20equidi.pdf
Consider the fact that you're not allowed to keep horses anywhere. Each Comune (town) through its Piano Regolatore -PRG (Urban Planning) defines the areas where you 're allowed to keep them. Normally they would be the rural areas of the PRG (aree agricole) but I'd advise to check each time.
As an alternative, you could search for properties where they already kept horses. I know of a few on sale in my area (Asti Province).
Riding Clubs: according to the link below, there are at least 17 active clubs in our Province (they must be more than that because I myself know of a few which aren't listed).
You can check here to see where they're located: http://www.maneggionline.it/maneggio/provincia/Asti/6
Let me know if I can help you with anything else,
Elisabetta
Buongiorno Steve,
to answer your questions:
1. B&B: up to 3 bedrooms/6 guests;
Affittacamere: up to 6 bedrooms/12 guests;
Hotel: from 7 bedrooms up (if you have more than 7 bedrooms, it cannot be anything else but a hotel).
2. You mention "Residence" which is an additional type of activity. In order to call it Residence or Casa Vacanza, you need to have at least 3 apartments/houses without shared services. The apartments need to be equipped with their own kitchen and, of course, be furnished.
- B&B can only serve breakfast.
- Affittacamere can offer meals to its own guests. In order to do so, you need to request a specific approval by the sanitary service, in addition to the one for Affittacamere.
All kind of activities are subject to taxation (B&B included, in spite of what most people believe), what changes is the bookkeeping they require. Taxation cannot be defined a priori, it depends on your overall income.
3. Affittacamere can serve meals to its clients (not to external clients like a restaurant). The procedure to follow is specified here:
http://www.regione.piemonte.it/turismo/cms/strutture-ricettive/affittacamere.html
For food somministration in particular:
http://www.regione.piemonte.it/sanita/cms2/alimenti/notifica-imprese-alimentari
...Italians make things complicated, I know. It's even hard for us Italians to understand all requirements!
All the best!
Elisabetta
PS: In case you have enough land to be considered a farmer (agricoltore), you could create an agriturismo, which can have up to 25 beds, but that's a completely different story.
Dear Sbthorn,
I own a B&B in Piedmont + I'm an architect.
Most information which was given to you is correct but ..there's a bit of confusion.
Feel free to contact me if you need any clarification,
Buona domenica
Elisabetta
Hi Lois,
I can tell you, without any doubt, that Piedmont in general is a safe region, especially the area where I live and I told you about (Monferrato-Roero and Langhe).
Your decision between renting or buying is a great dilemma. It depends on many elements: renting is a good option, in the long run it can be quite expensive but it allows you to live without being obliged to face all the tax problems and to not care about costs for ordinary maintenance and repair works.
On the other hand, buying a property can be a very good investment: once you've found a place that inspires you, you can change and adapt your house until it's exactly what you want and desire but you'll have to deal with italian rules and taxes and you'll have to take care of the maintenance of the building.
If you are unsure about the region to move to, you should have a little trip around Italy to see and enjoy some of what my Country can offer, and I would be happy to show you something of my beautiful region.
If I had to describe Piedmont, I would say that it is a great place to live: its hills are quiet and offer breathtaking views with all the vineyards. It is studded by little villages rich in history and culture, most small towns (like Asti or Alba) are lively and active, all year around. Piedmont is extremely close to the Mediterranean sea as well as to some amazing ski slopes in the middle of the Alps mountains. Plus, it borders with France and Switzerland.
P.s. Your requirements wouldn't be so hard to be satisfied and I can help you if you need it!
Elisabetta
Hi!
Yes, you're right. "Sistema di riscaldamento autonomo" is a heating system that you can control and set by yourself. If you live in a villa or in single countryhouse you don't have to face this kind of problem but if you live in a flat inside a condo you could find a "centralized" heating system which means having just one heating pump for the whole building.
Hi Lois!
I read your post and all the interesting comments you've received. Just in case you're still not sure of what part of Italy moving to I suggest another beautiful italian region to think about: Piedmont (and, most of all, the Langhe and Monferrato areas).
Have a look at this link: http://www.paesaggivitivinicoli.it/index.php/en/photogallery ..there are some nice pics of the areas I told you about.
All Italian regions have something wonderful to them; Piedmont is less known by foreigners but it's as beautiful and amazing as other regions …. probably a little cheaper yet rich in history and culture.
I live in Asti (Piedmont), a little city close to Turin and to these wonderful hills (that have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List).
If you need more information, just let me know!
Good luck for your decision,
Elisabetta