Choose the right property

We've put together a few tips to help you find the home that's right for you in every way, whether you want to move straight away or renovate an existing property.

Tips for finding your home

• Do your sums and be realistic about how much you could afford. You might fancy a Tuscan farmhouse, but once you've added all the fees and taxes, is it still affordable? The buying costs in Italy can be on the high side, so make sure you add it all up before you make an offer. We can help you work out a budget before you start looking.
• Get a surveyor to look at the property before you commit to buying it; this is especially important in rural areas and with old buildings. They will check the structure of the building, as well as making sure there are no local disputes and no plans to replace your view of rolling hills with a shopping mall.
• Location is everything. Make sure you visit the area you're thinking of buying in more than once, ideally at different times of the year. How far is it from the nearest airport, shop, restaurant, doctor, hospital, fire station? Is the area you're interested in well regarded by property investors? Are there any future developments planned? These issues are easily overlooked, but vital if you're planning on spending long holidays there, moving over permanently, renting the property out when you're not there and/or selling on in the future.
• Do your research. The availability of Euro Mortgages has reduced prices, but make sure the asking price is fair for the area. Agents who market specifically to British people may inflate the price - a surveyor should be able to give you a good idea about value.
• Make your money work harder by looking a bit further afield. The popularity of areas like Tuscany and Umbria has made them unaffordable for many British people, but try looking in the surrounding areas and you could still pick up a bargain. For example, if you like Tuscany, head east and take a look at the Emilian Apennines, or for somewhere with year-round potential and a great coastline, you might want to consider Puglia or Abruzzo. If your heart's set on Tuscany, you may need to be more open minded. You may not be able to afford a villa in Siena but there are plenty of small apartments with wonderful panoramic views, set in medieval surroundings, which you can buy for under £150,000.
• Make contacts before you go by looking for properties on the internet and visiting one of the many overseas property exhibitions like A Place in the Sun Live, Viva Italia and La Dolce Vita. You'll find a wealth of contacts from agents to developers, so you can arrange viewings before you arrive.
• Be realistic. Bureaucracy and red tape are rife in Italy and this can cause problems for people buying rundown properties to renovate. Planning permission can take months and you may not be able to get permission for the level of restoration you've got in mind. If you're planning to move quickly, a restoration is probably not for you. Many people do successfully renovate their dream Italian home, so don't be put off if you can afford the time and cost - but do get a surveyor to advise you on what type of work you're likely to get permission for.
• Don't be put off by what you've just read. Moving to Italy is not as daunting as it sounds. Yes, there's a lot to know, but with clear thinking and good advice you're half way there. Barclays has ten years' experience in the Italian property market, so we're well placed to advise you. We can put you in touch with recommended surveyors, estate agents and architects and can advise you on any tax implications. Over the years we've built strong relationships in Italy with a host of trustworthy professionals, so we're confident we can give you the contacts you need to settle into your new home.