1) How much are the properties?
2) Do you own properties in other parts of Italy?
3) How much do the properties cost to restore?
4) What sort of property can I afford?
5) Can I get a mortgage?
6) Who will do any work or restoration?
7) Can properties be enlarged?
8) Can we come to you if we buy a property that isn't owned by you?
9) If I already have a property that needs restoring, would you undertake to do the work?
10) What are the taxes on owning properties?
11) Can I rent out the property, and generate income?
12) Are the properties a good investment?
13) When can I view?
14) Where can I stay for a few days whilst viewing your properties?
15) How long do I need in order to get a good idea of the restorations and see a good selection of properties?
16) Are you an agent, and do I have to pay you a commission?
17) How do I make payments for purchase and restoration?
18) How can I trust you?
19) Is there an opportunity to invest in rental or resale properties in your area?
20) Why should I choose your area?
21) What are the factors I need to take into account when contemplating a purchase?
22) Do you have reliable doctors and hospitals in the area?
23) Are there any books on buying/living in Italy?
24) Where is the nearest airport?
25) What infrastructure do you have in your area?
26) Are there any restrictions on foreigners owning properties in Italy?
27) How do I manage all the legalities?
28) Can you also communicate in Italian/German/Spanish?
29) How can I get more and better particulars of the houses?
30) Can main services be connected?
31) And how much do the connections cost?
32) Can I install a swimming pool?
33) How long does it take to buy a property?
34) How long does it take to restore a property?
35) What advantage is there in buying a restored finished house?
36) Do I need to apply for a resident’s permit?

1) How much are the properties?

What sort of property do you require? Number of rooms, number of bedrooms, square feet, square metres? (A square metre equals about 11 square feet.)

On average one pays  about Euro 550 per square metre for a country property in our area with good outlook and position, in a fairly ruined condition. A building site in fact.

An “average” 2/3 bedroomed house is some 150 to 200 sqmt.

Prices in Umbria are about 30% less than in Tuscany.

Also, it isn’t just a simple question of "How much is it?", one also has to consider the costs of purchase; notarial fees, survey fees, taxes, registrations, changes of usage, IVA (VAT), in fact a whole host of "add-ons" which will add 10 - 15%.

We do explain every step as you go along.

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2) Do you own properties in other parts of Italy?

No, sorry. Only around our small area, between Mercatale, Cittá di Castello and Umbertide. This way we are able to give our frequent and personal attention.

But if you buy a property more or less in our area, from someone else, we’ll be happy to assist you.

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3) How much do the properties cost to restore?

Restoration up to northern European standard, including bathrooms, kitchen, central heating, double glazing etc., some Euro 1.500 per square metre. (About two thirds of the cost of Tuscany.)

This price doesn’t include anything outside the external measurements of the living areas of the building.

Arrangements can be made for the restoration/purchase budget to be spread over a twelve / twenty four month period.

We don’t now know of anyone else in our area who will issue a written pricing for any and all work with a guarantee. We may well be the only people in middle Italy who offer this amount of certainty and protection, and possibly we are unique in the whole Mediterranean area! But, whatever you do, and whoever you do it with, get a written quotation at least for the rebuilding works before you sign a purchase contract. It isn’t unknown for houses to be offered as "loss leaders" so that the real profit is made on the rebuilding works.

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4) What sort of property can I afford?

See the above two answers.

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5) Can I get a mortgage?

Yes, and several reputable companies advertise in the foreign property magazines.

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6) Who will do any work or restoration?

We advise and arrange the whole procedure, plans, applications, design and building works, at your speed and tailor made to your requirements. We have acquired a vast amount of local knowledge and contacts since 1983.

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7) Can properties be enlarged?

Yes, most country properties can be enlarged by up to 100 sqmt. Obviously planning approval has to be applied, and waited for.

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8) Can we come to you if we buy a property that isn't owned by you?

Yes, if it's more or less in our area, we will be happy to view it with you.

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9) If I already have a property that needs restoring, would you undertake to do the work?

We can assist you if it is in our area (Città di Castello, Umbertide, Cortona), further than that you will have to decide if our involvement is worth your money, after all we will be travelling as much as controlling, and someone has to pay for this.

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10) What are the taxes on owning properties?

A tax is now payable for occupying and living in any property, called ICI (eechee). It is a fairly new tax and the methods of payment are complex but it is very low. For our three bedroomed house with a guest annex, we pay about Euro 78,00 a year. Yes, fifty English pounds or one hundred US dollars. And Italy generally, according to a reprint in the “Times” has the cheapest ‘shopping trolley’ in Europe.

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11) Can I rent out the property, and generate income?

Yes, and various small, and large, agencies are available. Prices of course depend on size, position, condition and amenities. Look in the holiday section of the Sunday papers.

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12) Are the properties a good investment?

Year on year since we started acquiring properties in the Upper Tiber Valley, they have enjoyed a cumulative 10% increase in value each year. In times of world recession when no-one is buying property prices are buoyed up by the fact that the majority of owners are descendants of peasant farmers, who hadn’t attempted to sell their properties in the last 40 years, and now “won’t take a Euro less than...........”, and are quite prepared to wait.

Now, in the Upper Tiber Valley, it’s becoming very difficult to find the smaller properties, about 125 sqmt, that have good access, position and prospects. People are still arriving and the articles keep appearing in the press, thus there is pressure to buy, which is forcing the prices up.

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13) When can I view?

Anytime, but by appointment please, in April, May, June, September, October and November. You'll need at least a couple of days with us, but three would be better, to learn about the buildings, visit the sites, look at possible houses and make a realistic comparison between the offers.

Please book your appointment with us before you book your ticket. Two weeks’ notice should ensure that we have time for you. We often have people who "turn up", "on the spur of the moment", or as they were, "just passing", and we invariably have to disappoint them because of prior commitments to others who are also interested.

We take a pride in passing on our properties to responsible, caring people; just money alone can’t buy our houses; and the buildings have to go to sympathetic, understanding and caring people, who will continue to care for them.

We are not available in July and August, when it really is too hot for you, and us, to go tearing around the white roads, discussing endless numbers of square metres / Euros / feet / dollars / etc.; and December, January and February when it often is too cold and wet to go slopping around ruins that have been abandoned for forty or more years, not to mention the dangers of falling rooves and walls!

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14) Where can I stay for a few days whilst viewing your properties?

There are a variety of holiday flats, rooms and hotels in the area and we can arrange accommodation for you. For first class accomodation see www.lapreghiera.com or www.villamoscatelli.com.

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15) How long do I need in order to get a good idea of the restorations and see a good selection of properties?

A couple of clear days, you need to first have your fears, apprehensions, doubts and worries dispelled. You need to see a selection of properties that are being restored in order to start to be able to understand the building techniques and costs involved, then to make a valued judgement on the properties and prices on offer, and then you need to discuss the costs of purchase and restoration, and the legal responsibilities, and only then, possibly, make a purchase.

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16) Are you an agent, and do I have to pay you a commission?

No, we are not agents, principals really, we are consulting architects, surveyors and interior designers, our interest is to do with the restoration of these fine old buildings, most of the properties are owned by ourselves or jointly with our partners. No commissions are payable to any of us on these sales. A 5% commission is payable on properties sold in which we don't have a financial interest, this is clearly shown on the property details. Some agents include a 10 - 20% commission, which is often hidden in the selling price!

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17) How do I make payments for purchase and restoration?

With normal bank transfers to an account that we will help you to open in Trestina, our next little town. The Italian banks make charges every month for their services, government taxes, and stamps, therefore we always advise account holders to keep their accounts in credit.

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18) How can I trust you?

Since 1983 we have lived in the same small area, we are still using many of the same professional and technical advisors, and some of the original workforce, a few having retired; but sons, and even two grandsons, of others, are now with us.

Materials come from the same suppliers, we are still banking at the same banks. We have had some fifty articles written about us and published in some of the world's leading newspapers and magazines and we have been given a prestigious award by Jaguar’s International Property World’s Best Magazine.

John was awarded an Honorary Citizenship by the Mayor of Montone for his efforts in revitalising the economy of the area.

Also, we have been investigated by some fifty international journalists prior to them writing their articles. (“What the papers’ say”, list available on this website, clic on press reports). We actually live full time just outside Calzolaro, and we are closely and deeply involved in all our local community activities and have a good relationship with members of our local authorities.

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19) Is there an opportunity to invest in rental or resale properties in your area?

Yes, either with us or independently. You would have to visit our area to see the opportunities which we’ll be very pleased to show you and discuss with you when you are here.

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20) Why should I choose your area?

Because it is one of the more beautiful areas in Italy and was top in a survey conducted by “La Nazione”, an important Italian newspaper, regarding quality of life, public services and the local economic situation.

It is a privilege to live in an unspoilt and almost crime free atmosphere where family values, unconditional friendship, emotions and affection still have a strong hold on the feelings of the locals and outsiders who, like us, decide to become part of the community.

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21) What are the factors I need to take into account when contemplating a purchase?

Shape, Size, Position, Price and Heart, - why does one fall in love?

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22) Do you have reliable doctors and hospitals in the area?

Yes, many, very caring and efficient; and one of the most modern hospitals in Europe, in Citta’ di Castello, there are no waiting lists, and people aren’t dying in corridors, abandoned on hospital trolleys.

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23) Are there any books on buying/living in Italy?

Yes, hundreds but see the travel section at your local bookseller’s, one book that is very useful is “Living and working in Italy - A survival handbook”, Nick Daws, Survival Books. Four other books that you might still find in print are: “Setting up in Italy” Sebastian O’Kelly; “Living in Italy”, Y M Menzies ; “Living & Retiring Abroad”, Michael Furnell; “Buying a Home in Italy”, David Hampshire.

And we have started “Life in Umbria”, a free web site, with stories, tips, hints and anecdotes on our area: www.lifeinumbria.com

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24) Where is the nearest airport?

Airports at Fiumicino and Ciampino in Rome, Pisa, Firenze, Bologna, Forli, Rimini and Ancona. From England, Ryanair do a good service to Forli, Ancona and Ciampino, all of which are about two hours by car from the Upper Tiber Valley. Ryanair has recently started flights from London to Perugia airport, which is only about 45 minutes away.

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25) What infrastructure do you have in your area?

Within a 30 minute drive, there are probably a hundred restaurants, ten medieval cities, thirty supermarkets, bars, two large lakes, cinemas, theatres, hospitals, tennis facilities, golf, football pitches, etc. etc. etc. Arezzo, Sienna, Perugia, Urbino, Cortona, Gubbio and Assisi are some of the larger medieval towns which are within an hour or two of driving. There are also local buses, efficient and highly subsidised trains, and local taxi services.

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26) Are there any restrictions on foreigners owning properties in Italy?

No. Behave decently and the Italians are welcoming, friendly and open; and of course all members of the EEC can come and go as they please.

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27) How do I manage all the legalities?

We can handle all the necessary legal documentation, in conjunction with the Notary, the surveyor, the Registry Office and any other agencies.

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28) Can you also communicate in Italian/German/Spanish?

Si/Ja/Si. Our Co-ordinators in England, Germany and Italy can correspond and talk to you in English, Spanish, German and Italian and they have knowledge about our properties, the area, what we do, and life in Umbria.

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29) How can I get more and better particulars of the houses?

Well, we have listed all the details and given descriptions and photos, which have, in the past, enabled more than two hundred and fifty families to join us.

More details would perhaps necessitate a full survey, with drawings not only of the house, but also the grounds and, in some cases, the neighbourhood.

This, we cannot do, and, as many of the structures are in a semi-derelict condition, the possibility of this form of survey is dangerous and impractical. The best way to get further and better particulars, is to visit us.

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30) Can main services be connected?

Yes, mains water, mains electricity, telephones, satellite TV, microwave ovens, central heating, computers, email, internet, faxes etc., etc. All the usual/normal fixtures, fittings, connections and appliances that one would expect in northern Europe or north America.

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31) And how much do the connections cost?

For an "average" house, an "average" distance from existing points of supply, allow an "average" of Euro 1.100 for telephone (TELECOM), Euro 1.300 for electricity (ENEL), and Euro 1.600 for water.

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32) Can I install a swimming pool?

Yes, apply, wait, build, fill and splash!

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33) How long does it take to buy a property?

We cannot stress too strongly the probability that the time required to complete the Notary Act of purchase can often be in excess of six months, or even a year if the property has a mortgage to clear or several inheritant owners, rather than a clean title and a sole owner.

However, to cut down the waiting time, it is possible to purchase properties with clean, clear, recently registered titles, and some also where outline / rebuilding permissions have been granted, or are being processed, and occasionally where building works have been started, or are even almost finished.

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34) How long does it take to restore a property?

After the Notary Act of purchase has taken place, the time required to present the drawings and obtain planning consent will often be in excess of 12 months, and building works will take a minimum of twelve months for an "average" house of up to 150 sqm. Larger takes longer.

So realistically, a 2 year period of anticipation before occupation, if one buys a ruin.

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35) What advantage is there in buying a restored finished house?

Please refer to the previous two points above. And therefore, properties which have already been partially or completely finished are generally sought after because of the savings in time, and the fact that much of the work has been undertaken provides a greater financial security. Obviously the more work that has been completed, the greater the value of the property, the shorter the waiting time for occupation, and the smaller the worries about possible uncertainties with regard to budgeting. Small wonder that we always sell the houses before they are fully completed.

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36) Do I need to apply for a resident’s permit?

This seems to be optional. If you do apply, then a full fiscal investigation and declaration is required usually far too onerous for you to attempt unaided, husband and wife being counted together, and Italian taxes may in future be levied. Offset all this hassle against slightly cheaper gas, water and electricity and it’s certainly not worth it!

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We hope to meet you soon in our lovely part of Umbria,

Best wishes from Liliana and John Tunstill