Moving to Italy... The How / What / Why
After a lovely chat last week with friends who are thinking of moving, here's a brief overview of what we told them...
Thinking of upping sticks & joining la dolce vita? This is by no means expert advice, but here are just a few things to consider.
Why’d you move to Italy?
This one explains it all - I absolutely loved recording this one. I started out in my journey abroad as a holiday rep, and I lived in Slovenia, Austria & France before settling in Italy. Here’s the story, let me know what you think.
And if you’re planning your own ski holiday, here’s an exclusive discount of up to 55% off on all your ski & snowboard equipment hire from the guys at monsguide
How do you move to Italy?
Brexit
Brexit has made it all but impossible for most people to now move to Italy from the UK. Ash & I lived here and claimed residency before the Withdrawal Agreement, which is why we can stay (I’m also Irish, so that’s my double-back-up safety net).
Finding a European grandparent is now (in reality) the only real way to move here full time. The other option is the 90 days in, 90 days out of the Schengen, so holiday homing is still possible.
Property Searches
You might find some mega bargains on Idealista, but look out for these Italian words. They’re not dealbreakers, but might give you pause for thought
Asta - Auction
Nuda - You buy the house with the current owner still living there. You only get it when they die. Could be a good investment, but feels like bad ju ju to be, kinda, waiting for death.
Rustico - We bought an uninhabitable place, which means no water, electric, toilet, heating etc., so it wasn’t a dealbreaker for us. But we had to buy it in cash, because the bank would only offer us a renovation mortgage (that came with very tight terms and conditions).
Fabbrica - Designated as a factory building, so technically uninhabitable. Just be aware if you’re trying to get a mortgage
Laborotorio - Technically designated as an artisanal studio, so taxes are 20% (rather than the 2% of first home purchase) and also you’re not meant to live there... we didn’t end up buying the house that was half like this, because legally, you can’t even put a kitchen in there. But as with most things, there are ways and means around most things in Italy.
Search Criteria
We didn’t know exactly what we wanted when we were searching for houses. We looked across almost every region in the north of Italy, and I really do recommend viewing anything & everything, even if the advert looks a bit rubbish.
But finally, we narrowed it down to these essentials & these desirables. Hopefully this list might help you with your search.
Our Essentials -
Not in a ski resort - tourists in ski boots can be annoying when you just want a decent night sleep
But close to a ski resort - with easy public transport access
Immediate access to trails for dog walks
Garden
Easy access to shops, doctors and supermarkets
Easy access to an international airport with public transport links
Public transport easy access to a large city
Independent House
Direct sunlight
Multiple rooms for offices and guest bedrooms
Has a roof and walls
Price - Very low, thank you very much
Not extreme heat in summer - the dog runs hot, he does not do well in Italian City Summers
A welcoming and friendly neighbourhood
Open minded area - We want anti-racist, LGBTQ+ friendly, non-Meloni voting, non-Brexit supporting
Close to bars and restaurantsÂ
The ability to have a BNO - Big Night Out
Summer & winter sports on the doorstep
Off-road private parking
Internet connection possible
Desirables -
Lake Nearby
Scope - the possibility to develop the space
Not a dead town - Not empty, or filled with Airbnbs
Not all walks out the front door immediately up and down hill
What was your criteria? Anything that’s non-negotiable for you? Share you advice, your lists & your properties!
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