Do you own an Italian property that completely or partially lacks planning permission? Illegal construction in Italy is not uncommon. The Office for Italian Statistics (ISTAT), estimates that nationally, some 20% of Italian properties are completely illegal builds. On top of these statistics, many properties are partially illegal. For example, an outbuilding or extension that doesn’t have […]
An Elective Residence Visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Italy You should submit your application for an Elective Residence Visa (ERV) to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country. For example, U.S. citizens can apply to the Italian consulates in New York, Miami, San Francisco. Canadians should apply to the Italian consulates […]
The Italian Budget Law for 2019 introduced a flat tax regime Set at 7%, the flat tax scheme in Italy aims to attract foreign and Italian nationals living abroad. Individuals with an income from a foreign pension, or other source from abroad, can benefit from the scheme. In order to take advantage of the flat […]
What is Usucapione? Usucapione (Adverse Possession) is a legal method of acquiring ownership of an Italian property. There are two essential elements to usucapione. Firstly, material possession of the asset, acting as the owner (as opposed to someone who received the right of use from the owner, e.g., by means of a contract). Secondly, the passage of […]
Applying for an Italian elective residence visa There are two main requirements when applying for an Italian elective residence visa (ERV). Firstly, the availability of a dwelling, which an applicant has elected as their residence in Italy. This can either be an applicant’s own Italian property or a rental property with a tenancy agreement. Secondly, […]
A will determines distribution of your assets By making an Italian will, you can decide how to divide your estate after your death. In addition, it allows you to be certain that your heirs don’t pay more Inheritance Tax than necessary. What is an Italian Will? A will is a legal document. The will writer, […]
EU property regime rules for cross border marriages and registered partnerships According to the European Commission, there are about 16 million couples in the EU living in a “cross border situation”. These international couples are citizens and/or, own properties in different EU Member States. Until 2019, no EU property regime rules existed for cross border marriages […]
Is it true that there are homes for 1 Euro in Sambuca? To combat dwindling populations and to attract Italian and foreign investors to revitalise their areas, a number of Italian villages, towns and cities, have launched charm offensives by putting a number of houses up for sale for the symbolic sum of 1 Euro. Dream […]
In a recent survey, we asked clients what top tips they would offer to others buying a property in Italy. What would they recommend in order to ensure that Italian property purchases run smoothly? Here is a selection of replies, which we hope might be helpful if you are planning to buy real estate in […]
Local property and service taxes This article aims to provide an overview of rules pertaining to Italian property tax and legislation. We outline aspects of legislation and certain taxes which are part of the Italian Stability Law. These measures aim to lower tax burdens and bolster the Italian property market. While the government has announced the […]
