Buying a historic home in Italy can come with many benefits. After all, there’s something special about properties that have housed families for decades and seen their children go from babies to adulthood.

Italy brimming with Baroque and Renaissance properties that instantly transport you to the days of old, something lots of international buyers find appealing. Historic homes in Italy come in all shapes and sizes. From spacious farmhouses with lots of land to city apartments and village townhouses, there’s something for everyone.

In the Property Guides 2023 reader survey, 42% of those interested in Italian property were searching for something“old and beautiful”. So, if you’re tempted by historic homes in Italy and are looking to find your own, you’ve come to the right place.

Building restrictions & vincoli

Historic homes in Italy are oozing with character and while that’s something you don’t want to lose; you might want to make a few cosmetic changes to the property to make it a bit more operational in the 21st century.

However, there are building types often protected by the cultural heritage authority for their artistic significance. There’s a law in Italy called vincoli which applies to estates of environmental or historic nature. This law states that they cannot be sold due to territorial boundaries and there are strict regulations in place to preserve them.

Certain features in old Italian homes, such as frescoes, ancient loggias, decorated ceilings and ornate stonework are ruled by art authorities who will have the final say over any renovations you wish to make.

To ensure your plans aren’t unexpectedly halted, read our top 6 considerations to help you avoid common pitfalls.

Check law and local maps

If you’re concerned about your home’s status (listed or not) you can speak to your local authorities. For homes in a wider conservation area, it would be advised to check territorial maps.

When buying a home in a small town or village where the street scene is uniform, it might be worth checking with the local authorities if there’s a standard that must be kept. This will save you time and money – especially if there are requirements that must be met.

 

Running costs

You might consider turning your historic home in Italy into a rental property. After all, there’s nothing like an old and beautiful home to entice visitors. It might also be an option for bringing in a little more cash to finance the building’s upkeep. If this is something you’re looking into, it might be worth exploring options when it comes to utility bills. Play the market and see what’s available. Remember to consider how you’ll heat the home in winter and cool it in summer, hopefully without costing a fortune.

 

Speak to a reputable geometra

A geometra is a professional who takes on the role of engineer, surveyor and architect for homes that require major restorations. They manage all paperwork needed for planning permissions and can draw up any plans needed for restoration work. You can find your local geometricians in the Yellow Pages or online at http://www.paginegialle.it.

 

Detailed contracts

If you’re having work done on your historic home in Italy, it can pay off to get your quotes and contracts checked by a lawyer. This provides peace of mind that every detail is covered. The last thing you want is for a contractor to use an inferior material that’ll need replacing two years down the line.

 

Get a SCIA before starting any restoration work

A SCIA is a documented communication from your local municipal office. It permits you to carry out any demolition, restoration or expansion works to your home. SCIA stands for a certified start of activity report.

If you are considering an overseas property purchase, whether for lifestyle or investment, opening a no-obligation account with FCA-authorised Smart Currency Exchange will enable you to benefit from their competitive exchange rates and specialist currency knowledge, ultimately saving you money and time. For more information, download Smart Currency Exchange’s free report or visit the Currency Zone.

Download the Italy Buying Guide for help every step of the way

Written by PropertyGuides for Rightmove