FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - Guide to House Buying in Abruzzo

I would like to buy a house in Abruzzo , but am unsure about the procedure for property purchase in Italy. Can you help to outline this please?

House purchase using La Base, and as stipulated by Italian Law follows three main steps:

1.Preliminary Intention to buy (impegnativa d’acquisto): we will require a deposit and a date will be set by which time you must purchase the property, and an agreed price.

2. Preliminary contract (compromesso): this is a firm promise to buy and involves a deposit of 30% of the value of the house. If the seller breaks this agreement, he or she will be required to pay back double the amount to prevent gazumping.

3. Final Deed: this must take place in the presence of a public Notaio (solicitor), where the final balance is paid.

If agreed by both parties, and to speed up procedures it is possible to skip the compromesso (step 2).



I have heard that I have to pay a high rate of tax on my purchase, is this true?

The total rate of tax is about 14% for properties if you buy as non resident, as resident it is about 4%. But this tax is paid on the cadastral value (taxable value). This value is normally far lower than the agreed purchase value, thus meaning you will pay far less than this.

If you obtain a certificate of residence you will be able to (if it is your first property in Italy) declare the property as a primary residence, and pay the rate of 4%. You have 18 months after the purchase for obtaining it.

We can assist you with obtaining a certificate of residence.



What documents might I need for a house purchase ?

You will need the following:

Passport

Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code). We can assist you with obtaining it.



Do I need to be present for all these procedures?

No, you can sign over power of attorney to one of our representatives to act on your behalf, to carry out your requests, if you cannot attend the signings.



How much is the charge of the Estate Agency?

The charge of the Estate Agency is 3% + VAT with a minimum fee of € 2.000 + VAT for selling/purchasing less then €70.000.



In which aspects can LA BASE be helpful?

La Base will help to guide you through your house purchase in Italy, and help ensure that you receive all the assistance you need. We can help you with:

- All aspects of your purchase

- Currency transfer

- Financial affairs

- Surveys

- Architectural services

- Mortgages and finance

- Renovation

- Translation

- Accommodation or hotels



How can I manage a restoration project then?

La Base can offer assistance for your interior design work from helping you locate a builder, plumber or electrician to full plans involving structural alterations, layout and furnishings. It can advise about good and fair local architects and engineers. Please feel free to discuss any plans with us during or after your house purchase in Abruzzo.



Why should I have to buy a property right in Abruzzo?

There are many reasons why Abruzzo is a good destination to buy a property abroad:

Beautiful countryside

Safe and good law and order

Appreciating property prices

Value properties still to be found

Good climate

Good diet

Culture and History

Friendly peoples

Traditional properties for renovation available

Stunning architecture and cities

Laid back pace of life

As many other regions properties become overpriced, or suffer from crime or other problems, Abruzzo stands out as a great place to buy a second home. Watch out though, as it may end up becoming your first home.



How can I spend my time in Abruzzo then?

There are many different chances:



Nature Tour:

1. Caves in Stiffe

2. Gran Sasso/Monti della Laga National Park

3. Velino – Sirente National Park

4. Natural reserve/Spring of Pescara river



Sport Tour:

5. Manège

6. Golf

7. Mountain bike

8. Winter Sports

9. Ecological walks



Health Tour:

10. Spa in Popoli

11. Spa in Caramanico



Art and architecture Tour:

12. Abbeys, Sheppard churches

13. Archeological sites

14. Art towns

15. Castles and ancient villages



Arts and crafts Tour:

16. Old ceramics in Castelli

17. Pillow embroidery in Scanno and Pescocostanzo

18. Copper vessels in L’Aquila

19. Beating iron in Guardiagrele



Food and feasts Tour:

20. Feasts of tradition

21. Feast of religion

22. Food and dance feasts



Museum Tour:

23. The Castle in L’Aquila and the Museum of Holy Art

24. The Castle in Celano and the Museum of Holy Art

25. Ceramics Museum in Castelli

26. National Archaeological Museum in Chieti

27. Modern Art Museum od Splendour in Giulianova

28. Abruzzo’s People Museum in Pescara



Religious Tour:

29. S. Gabriele Sanctuary in Isola del Gran Sasso

30. Holy Face Sanctuary in Manoppello

31. Holy Communion Miracle Sanctuary in Lanciano



Technology Tour:

32. Fisics Laboratories at Gran Sasso, L’Aquila

33. Telespazio Laboratories in Avezzano



Theme Tours:

34. Gabriele d’Annunzio’s places (Pescara, S. Vito Chietino, Lama dei Peligni)

35. Ignazio Silone’s places (Pescina, Cocullo)

36. John Fante’s places (Torricella Peligna)

37. Movie Locations (Calascio, S.Stefano di Sessanio, Sulmona…)