USEFUL INFO

Italy is often referred to as “il bel paese” literally translated  “the beautiful country”; a name attributed by arguably one of the greatest poets in the world, Dante Alighieri, author of the Divine Comedy. Could one dare disagree? Soaring snow-capped mountains, fabulous and extensive coastlines, low grassy plains and thousands and thousands of hills. Plus large metropolitan cities, sleepy country villages, seasonal seaside resorts, fashionable, wintertime ski locations. A country of contrasts and contradictions, steeped in history and rich in architecture. Passionate. vibrant and sometimes a little crazy too!

Mediterranean Climate – Many people think of Italy as a hot summer country, but Italy really does have four well-defined seasons. Intense summer heat gives way to a mild autumn. Indian summers are not uncommon, and eating “al fresco” can often occur until October. Winters are relatively short, bringing plenty of snow to the mountains but few below- freezing periods to other areas. Spring starts early (March!) and often includes great beach days to start on your summer tan. There really is something for everyone!

Art & Culture — The official Cities of Art are of course Venice, Florence and Rome. But this excludes the wealth of cultural, artistic and architectural phenomena found right across Italy. History literally bursts from every brick in every building, and the spectacular and varied countryside can be found nowhere else in the world.

Quality of Life – Life is good in Italy! The food is fabulous, the wines are to die for, but there is more. Health services and education can compete with the best in the world. In a nutshell it’s more simply called “La Dolce Vita“.

Stable and Unique Housing market —The property market is extremely stable, and what makes Italy  unique is the wide range of property types which are available on the market: mountain chalets, beach homes, rural properties, townhouses and apartments, castles, studio apartments, city lofts and much, much more.

Tourism — Italy also can predictably boast an extraordinary tourism industry. Florence alone attracts some 12 million tourists every single year. A strategic investment purchase of a property for rental or B&B purposes is highly attractive in the current market conditions and there are many locations where this makes very sound business sense.

The Italian lifestyle is a undeniably enviable one; a truly exceptional opportunity for anyone thinking of purchasing a foreign property. “La Vita è Bella” (Life is Beautiful) is now a phrase of international fame, and we really could not agree more. What is your reason for choosing Italy?

There are many foreigners who dream of buying a house or any other form of real estate property in Italy, however, it is important to first understand the laws which govern land buying issues for foreigners in Italy. The current legislature provides the following conditions and distinctions for foreign nationals seeking to buy real estate property in Italy:

1. Foreigners who do not reside in the country can buy property in Italy if there is aninternational treaty which permits a material condition of reciprocity between their country of origin and Italy. This is a treaty that also allows Italians to buy a house in the foreigner’s country of origin. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs periodically verifies reciprocity between Italy and other countries such as the United States. No forms of property buying contracts involving citizens from “non-reciprocity” are allowed.

The Ministry of Foreign affairs stipulates that reciprocity is not required under the following conditions:

• If the foreigner is an EU citizen or a “resident alien” in Italy
• If there is a treaty between Italy and the foreigner’s country such as Canada which allows mutually requested activities including purchases, companies and so on.

2. Foreigners residing in Italy legally, their family members in good standing, and stateless persons who have lived in Italy for no less than 3 years are eligible to buy property in the country without the need for verification of a condition of reciprocity if they have a residence permit for:
   • Employment or self employment
   • Sole proprietorship
   • Family reasons

• Humanitarian reasons
• Study
• Possession of a long-term EC residence card.

3. There are no special requirements for citizens of EU countries,EEA countries such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, and stateless persons or refugees who have resided in Italy for more than 3 years seeking to buy property in Italy.

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