Just bought a house in Abruzzo - Page 4

Barry · #31 (**permalink**) 18th April 2008, 01:33 PM

The requirement could be residency, I haven't looked into it that closely. I have seen new cars, a display at a shopping centre, for around 7000 euros. I would think shipping a car from the US and paying duty etc. wouldn't make sense. The smaller the car the better for getting around these villages. I've seen locals drive down the main street in Carrufo but it's with mirrors brushing the walls on both sides. I can't imagine paying 2000 euros a year for insurance. We have a Honda Element and it's $1000 a year here in Alberta.

Caporciano · #32 (**permalink**) 19th April 2008, 03:31 PM

Hi Claire,

we are just 'round the corner' in Caporciano. we bought 4 years ago & just about finished all the works! Nice area.. You have a very good restaurant near you!

Chris

Caporciano · #33 (**permalink**) 19th April 2008, 03:39 PM

Hi..

The notario acts just the same as in france & is a legal rep of the state & acts totally within & for the law/state. The geometro - we have one in Caporciano & he has become a good friend - an invaluable aide in buying for all sorts of advise & they come at no great cost!

The whole process of purchasing is totally straight forward. I would suggest you put a good deposit down (20%) saves & safe guards..

Good luck with it all - yes you are doing right.... you need to be out & about scouting!

Chris

Barry · #34 (**permalink**) 19th April 2008, 03:48 PM

Did you have any trouble with planning permission? In Carrufo we are in the National Park and they've told us we can't modernize the outside look of our house or change it in anyway without permission. We had hoped to knock out one bedroom upstairs and make a terrace patio but it looks like we are out of luck. Our neighbor put a new aluminum door in and they made him cover it in wood!

TAO · #35 (**permalink**) 20th April 2008, 05:51 PM

Thanks Stravinsky for your good advice. I guess it's too late now!!
I am actually in Abruzzo at the moment, playing tourist and checking out the area. Pretty nice. Will keep you guys posted.
Ciao

Goingtoitalia · #36 (**permalink**) 7th May 2008, 12:15 AM

Hello Stefanaccio,
I hope you are correct. As I would like to buy a car to get around. Everybody seems to have differing information. One person says that you can get insurance, but it will only cover the other driver's car, another says no it is just like American car insurance, another says it covers the car only not the driver, a lot of info out there... some of it maybe right

Thank you,
Bruce

Goingtoitalia · #37 (**permalink**) 7th May 2008, 12:23 AM

I have a question for all of you that have puchased. How long did it take to get from putting a deposit down to the conclusion of the sale and you getting the keys? I am at 2 months, I don't need a mortgage, they had to get death cerificates from the deceased co-owner who moved to the US after the war. Just curious as to how long it should take?
Thank you,
Bruce

Barry · #38 (**permalink**) 7th May 2008, 01:13 AM

As you are finding out it all depends if the seller can "prove" he or she has the right to sell the house! The actual sale, ie signing the papers and paying your money can take place anytime you, the seller and the notary can get together. We bought 2 halves of a house. One half the seller had all the papers and we could have done the deal in 3 weeks. The second half the sellers had to prove their right to sell so 6 months. It seems a lot of people selling property are not prepared as there is a cost involved.

Goingtoitalia · #39 (**permalink**) 7th May 2008, 01:21 AM

Hi Barry,
Thank you for the information. As the months pass I was getting worried. My Estate Agents see no problems, but they have several properties to look after a month. My Italian friends say get used to Italian life, it moves a little slower, so I guess that I will adapt.
Thank you,
Bruce

Paola · #40 (**permalink**) 8th May 2008, 07:43 AM

Hi Everyone, I am an estate agent in Italy and am pretty familiar with the "right to sell" problem that crosses many people. You see, in Italy to sell a house you need to have the original deed which is the deed that states that you are the owner of the house. Many abandoned homes are taken in possess by one relative and can not be sold unless they go by "usucapione" Ususcapione is a way of having possession of a property and get the original deed. This process takes quite some time. In fact, you have to proove that you have possess of the house and the judge decides wether or not to give you the original deed. It could take more than one year.
What I reccomend to all those purchasing a home in Italy, is to ask to see the original deed before making an offer. I would not purchase a house that is not legally "sellable" by those that say they are the real owners but are not. If I can be of further help for anyone, feel free to ask. Happy house hunting to all!
Paola