HAUS in Italien gekauft

Summary

A person reflects on their lifelong dream of owning a house in Italy, a dream that began at age 14. After finding an ideal property on a real estate platform, they overcame various obstacles, including legal complexities, language barriers, and the property's dilapidated condition. Despite these challenges, they were motivated by the property's charm and potential, eventually purchasing it to create a personal retreat. The journey highlights the excitement and practicality of turning a dream into reality, with a focus on optimism, legal assistance, and the beauty of southern Italy.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dreaming of owning a stone house in Italy since the age of 14, the speaker finally bought a property after years of hesitation.
• 😀 The property was discovered on the real estate platform Idealista, where the speaker impulsively chose a random location in Italy to search for affordable houses.
• 😀 The property is a standalone house on a 5000m² plot of land, located far from the nearest village, offering privacy but not complete isolation.
• 😀 The speaker had been following the listing for months and even years, comparing it with other properties, which heightened the pressure to act.
• 😀 At the age of 30 and having become independent, the speaker decided it was the perfect time to fulfill this long-held dream and took the plunge to make an inquiry.
• 😀 The house was in very poor condition, with no water or electricity connections, but the affordable price made the project feel manageable despite the challenges.
• 😀 To ensure the purchase was legitimate and safe, the speaker worked with a lawyer in Cologne who specialized in Italian real estate transactions.
• 😀 The lawyer facilitated the property’s ownership verification and contract process, including handling the language barrier with the Italian seller and notary.
• 😀 A geometra (land surveyor) was hired to check the feasibility of converting the property into a livable home and connecting utilities like electricity and water.
• 😀 The speaker remained optimistic throughout the process, aiming to use the property as a vacation home and a peaceful retreat, and took their time with the project.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to buy a house in Italy?

The speaker has dreamed of owning a house in Italy since they were 14 years old. They finally decided to take action after realizing that if they didn't buy now, they might never do it. This moment came when they were independent, had no ties holding them back, and felt the time was right to make their dream a reality.

How did the speaker find the property they bought?

The speaker found the property through the Italian real estate platform, Idealista, while casually browsing. They were searching for an affordable house in Italy and randomly selected an area on the map. They were surprised to find the perfect listing that matched their long-held vision.

What made this property stand out from others the speaker looked at?

The property was unique because it was a completely standalone house with no immediate neighbors, situated on a 5,000 square meter plot. This fit the speaker’s vision of having a secluded home in Italy surrounded by nature, offering the privacy they desired.

What challenges did the speaker face when purchasing the property?

The speaker faced several challenges, including language barriers with the realtor, the lack of water and electricity connections at the property, and navigating the legal complexities of buying property in Italy, such as the right of first refusal by neighbors and the lack of an official property registry in the area.

How did the speaker overcome the language barrier during the purchase process?

The speaker used a translator app to communicate with the realtor, who didn’t speak English. They also learned some basic Italian to help with communication and relied on an Italian lawyer to handle the legal aspects of the purchase.

What legal considerations did the speaker need to address before buying the property?

The speaker had to ensure the property’s ownership was clear and legitimate since the area lacked an official property registry. They worked with a lawyer in Germany who specializes in Italian real estate to verify the ownership and manage the legal paperwork, ensuring everything was above board.

What is the 'right of first refusal,' and why was it a concern for the speaker?

The right of first refusal means that the neighbors had the option to buy the property at the agreed price for up to a year after the sale. This was a concern for the speaker because if they invested in the property and made improvements, the neighbors could potentially buy it from them. However, the speaker clarified with the realtor and lawyer that the neighbors had no interest in buying the property.

How did the speaker handle the notary process in Italy?

The speaker had two options for the notary process: being present in Italy with witnesses or using a power of attorney. They chose the latter, and their lawyer in Germany arranged for the power of attorney to be notarized in Hamburg. With this, the notary process in Italy was completed without the speaker needing to be present.

What was the condition of the property when the speaker first saw it?

The property was in poor condition, described as a 'ruin.' It had no water or electricity connections, which were major challenges for future renovations. Despite this, the speaker was excited about the potential of the house and its location.

What are the speaker’s future plans for the property?

The speaker plans to renovate the house into a vacation home, a place to escape to for peace and relaxation. They are not in a hurry to move in permanently but envision it as a serene getaway where they can return whenever they need a break from the hustle of everyday life.