All about Italy

Italy is a huge peninsula jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea, separated from the rest of Europe by the Alps.

The territory is hilly and mountain ranges run the length of the country from the Alps and Dolomites in the North right down along the Apennines which form the backbone of Italy. Arable land occupies a large percentage of the country, as farming is still an important issue in Italy.

The miles of coastline generally boast sandy beaches, while the 18 huge national parks protect wildlife which thrives in the Italian countryside.

The region of Tuscany and its little sister region Umbria are two of the most popular destinations in Italy. However, despite their increasing popularity, the traditional images of these Italian regions have not been lost to mass tourism. The blankets of the countryside and quaint hilltop towns and villages throughout Tuscany signify the region in ages past and the area is truly the heart of Italy. Umbria is a sleepy, verdant region dotted with medieval towns and castles. A real ancient facade that has remained in harmony with the modern era. The region is ideal for those seeking rest and relaxation is attractive surroundings untouched by time.

The northern Tuscan coast known as the Versilia coast, has the regions best beaches and some of the most popular resorts. Further south the coastline is more rugged and includes the Monte Argentario peninsula with its up market resorts of Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. To the east lies Tuscany’s principal prize

Florence

Florence is the great Renaissance capital and one of Europe’s finest cities. Florence lies on the banks of the River Arno in the heart of the Italian peninsula. Today with a population of half a million, this wonderful city is home to beautiful churches, tourism, medieval monuments amazing parks and gardens.

Arezzo

Arezzo is a lively medieval town centre with thriving antique shops as well as jewellery and gold businesses including the largest gold manufacturing plants in the world. It also holds one of Italy’s most important antiques fairs each month.

Versilian Riviera (Tuscan Coast)

Stretching from Monte Argentario in the south to Viareggio in the north the Tuscan coast is dominated by pine woods, fishing ports and small bays with clear seas and long sandy beaches. La Versilia in the north is a 25km coastline with mountain scenery that includes Viareggio, Camaiore and Forte dei Marmi.

Siena

This ancient city is full of wonderful attractions. with its National Picture Gallery house with important local works. It also has a lively Piazza del Campo which is one of Italy’s most famous squares.

Cortona

The quiet little town of Cortona is set on a hilltop location with its winding medieval streets leading to many interesting churches. At the top of the town you can see the most amazing views over the Val di China and Lake Trasimeno.

Lucca

One of Tuscany’s most beautiful towns with its striking feature of the 16th century fortification walls. Lucca has narrow, winding streets and is built on a flat plain. Spread across the surrounding hills of Lucca are over 300 15th to 19th century villas.

Montepulciano

At 605 metres above sea level, Montepulciano is the highest hilltop town in Tuscany. The towns streets are spilling over with well preserved renaissance-style palazzi churches and a cathedral including the 15th century Palazzo Communale with its far reaching views and the beautiful Madonna di San Biagio church on the outskirts.

Chianti

Set in the heart of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, the hilly landscapes of the Chianti region are among the most gorgeous in Italy: This district is most renowned for its vineyards and world famous red Chianti classico wines. Villas, castles and stylish farmhouses set in the hilly landscapes give the most amazing picturesque views. Many of the farmhouses have been renovated in recent years often by foreigners.

Tuscany

Tuscany has been continuing to rise at a steady pace over recent years. There was a roughly ten percent growth in the Tuscan market from 2004 to 2005 and as budget flights continue to take off from more regional airports demand will proceed at a healthy pace.

Rental Market:
Tuscany is one of the most in demand holiday destinations in Italy. 56% of all visitors to Italy made for Tuscany with Florence receiving nearly two million visitors per year. Demand for rental property is high.

The average property in Florence is yielding between 4.8% and 5.9% from rentals.

Umbria

Umbria for years had less visitors than Tuscany but the region is one of the best kept cultural secrets with its wonderful landscapes and seemingly endless list of beautiful treasures. Umbria was thought of as a backwater due to its lack of jobs opportunities, however as buyers begin to see the region as an unspoilt and undeveloped alternative to Tuscany, foreign investors started to invest in the market. Prices rose at a rate of 8% in 2002 as British, Dutch and German buyers arrived to purchase there ideal holiday home.

Lake Trasiemo

The biggest lake on the Italian peninsula, Lake Trasimeno is an area of outstanding beauty that has remained largely unspoilt. The landscape is made up from low lying hill, with vineyards and olive trees. The lake has three islands: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese with charming villages that are scattered along the shoreline.

Todi

The hill top town of Todi lies 40 kilometres south of Perugia among some of Umbria´s finest scenery. Steep narrow medieval streets and Renaissance churches are reminders of Todi’s long history.

Perugia

The lively city of Perugia has become a booming economy and has a population of approximately 150,000. It was once an Estruscan city and many buildings from that era, such as the Etruscan Arch and the Etruscan well are still visible. The old town is set on top of a hill and gradually meets with the modern, sprawling lower part of the city.

Assisi

The small medieval town of Assisi with its population of around 25,000 is perched on the ridge of Monte Subasio. The towns lush surroundings of olive trees and agricultural fields have remained unspoilt.

Orvieto

Perched high on a rugged volcanic rock, Orvieto dates back as far as the iron age. It became an important Etruscan city during the 7th century. Orvieto retains a medieval flavour with narrow lanes and the cathedral dominating the city skyline. A ban has been imposed on driving in the old city but the Funicular railway, a series of lifts and escalators and minibuses transports people up to the old quarter.

Abruzzo

Abruzzo - featuring the Villages of Fossa, San Panfilo, Villa S. Angelo, Casentino and Tussillo

The above-mentioned villages represent a chosen lifestyle revolving around Italian quality of life, relaxation, and beautiful rural locations - perfect for those who are looking for a retreat from the stresses of modern-day life. The villages are situated in the heart of the region of Abruzzo, which is renowned as a holiday location in Italy for its abundant countryside and parkland. More than a fifth of the land of the region is designated to protected park areas, including those encompassed by the Abruzzo, the Gran Sasso, the Silente-Velina and the Majella National Parks.

Buyers of homes here can benefit from low cost airlines arriving at two airports all within less than an hour and a half's drive. In addition, there are ski slopes, beaches, a lake and historical sites nearby. The borgos (Italian medieval villages) are a short drive from Italy's capital city - Rome - and close to the renowned regions of Umbria and Tuscany. In the village, homeowners can enjoy the traditional qualities of everyday Italian life, including the healthy and tasty Mediterranean diet, temperate weather, clear blue skies, and warm and friendly locals.

Calitri

Situated in the heart of Italy's Campania region, at about an hours drive from Naples and its international airport, Calitri is a traditional Italian mountain village tucked up against the green slopes of a gentle rise. From here, there are views of rolling fields and pastures, green valleys cut by the nearby Ofanto River and the forested hills and mountains of the Neapolitan Apennines.

The village itself is characterised by the tightly packed pastel-coloured houses of the old quarter which appears to drape off a hillside. Set within a peaceful agricultural region that produces the classic ingredients of a delicious local cuisine, Calitri is also surrounded by history, culture, nature and the bustle of nearby Naples. Dotted within this green landscape are scores of charming villages, archaeological ruins, nature reserves and, of course, the Mediterranean coastline to explore.

The famous Amalfi coast, with Salerno, Positano and the Isle of Capri is about 45 minutes away, while in winter the ski resort of Lacena brings winter sports to within an hours reach. Other attractions in the area include Vesuvius and Pompei, while the open beaches of the Adriatic are also just an hour away. Closer by are the woodlands of Melfi and the volcanic lakes of Rionero in Vulture. With all of this within a one-hour radius, Calitri offers the flavours and sights of the real Italy accompanied by beach, ski slopes and a host of activities.

Most homes are considered urban.
Residents or those intending to make a permanent move will pay 4% stamp duty. VAT on new properties ranges from 10% to 20% depending on whether the property is considered a luxury home. Reduced rates of 4% VAT are available for those who build their own property. Notary fees average around 3% and legal costs tend to amount to around 2% of the purchase price. Local taxes ICI of between 0.4% and 0.7% also apply to anyone owning a home in Italy

Healthcare
The Italian health service is much better than its reputation would imply. for the most part Italy’s health service is cheap and pretty good, English speaking medical staff widely available. That said, many Brits still prefer to take out private health insurance when visiting .

Buying process

While the amount of Italian red tape is well known and bureaucracy tends to move rather slowly, buying a property in Italy is actually pretty straightforward but time consuming.

Anyone wishing to buy an Italian property must first obtain a tax identification number (codice fiscale) from the Italian authorities.

There are then three main buying stages. The buyer makes an offer which commits her/him to buying the property at the price and a 10% deposit is paid.

Both parties then sign a legally binding buying proposal (compromesso di vendita) This outlines details of transfers and the scheduled completion date.

On the day of completion both parties sign a final contract (Rogito) in the presence of a notary, who will then issue the deeds and informs the land registry about the transfer of ownership.