A mini-house that changes size according to your needs

In Italy, you can buy low-cost building land, even a few meters from the sea, especially in the south, and install a mini home for the holidays … No more waste of space and energy with this home powered by renewable energies Mini homes and transportable and habitable containers are becoming one of the most innovative real estate trends. Their charming charm and practicality are undeniable, and nothing indicates that current will stop, at least in the short term. The protagonists at the source of the latest innovation in the field are the group WZH (Hebel Weizhengheng Modular House Technology Co.), which produces prefabricated modular houses and containerized, and on sale on Amazon, the giant of electronic commerce. The Asian company has launched a new product that has attracted attention in an industry where it is increasingly difficult to stand out. It is a small house of 20 square meters that can easily be enlarged to provide up to 10 square meters of additional space, thanks to a hydraulic system that allows it to stretch or fold like an accordion. This prefabricated structure naturally has separate spaces, true fully equipped rooms. It is equipped with a kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom, each room with its furniture. Its real peculiarity lies in its unusual ability to change size on demand: the small house can effectively compress or expand laterally as needed by removing the compartment where the bathroom and part of the living room are located. The procedure is fully automated and can be controlled remotely. And this home not only saves space, but also energy, being equipped with solar and wind energy harvesting systems to power the entire house. The lighting, television and refrigerator provided with consume no more than 250W. Its third strong point is its price: this transformable home, solidly built from fiberglass composite, starts at just under $ 24,000 (about 21,200 €). But its low cost shouldn’t let you think that it is not a functionally capable house:  this mini house has everything you need, whether to live permanently, as a second home or for holidays by the sea or in the mountains. As often happens with mini homes, these structures can be customized to suit your tastes and needs. For example, the wind and solar system can be replaced by a conventional electrical system to power lights and appliances.

Foreigners love italian lakes: luxury real estate market grows

There is a growing interest in luxury real estate on the edge of the lake: in recent years, this segment of the real estate market is alive, thanks in particular to foreign capital investments. Among the most popular places for foreign tourists are Lake Como and Lake Maggiore. According to data provided by Engel & Völkers, 70% of people buying a property on Lake Como are international buyers: firstly Germans, but also Europeans from the North, the Middle East and Americans. A dynamic that, according to surveys, will continue at a good pace also in 2019: in the first quarter of this year, the number of applications has actually increased by 20% compared to 2018. Prices have risen by about 20% in the last ten years, and even during the economic crisis, they have not undergone major changes. Among the most demanded areas are Cernobbio and Menaggio, where, in 2018, the prices of properties located in exclusive places are between 3 and 7 million euros; the cost of the apartments remained between 4,000 and 5,500 euros per square meter. Luxury real estate market on the shores of Lake Maggiore The performance of the luxury real estate market on the shores of Lake Maggiore has also been good, despite lower investments. However, the interest of foreign buyers remains strong, with a presence of 75% of the total. The most exclusive site is Stresa, with prices per square meter between 2,800 and 3,300 euros. In the Lake Maggiore region, domestic buyers represent 25% of the market, compared to 75% for international buyers. Among the international buyers, the main countries of origin are: Germany (35%), Switzerland (25%) and the United Kingdom (15%). Lake Garda property market Over the past two years, the Lake Garda property market has enjoyed a good recovery. The demand for real estate has increased and those who ask for information are seriously interested in buying. Investors are mainly Germans and Austrians who also buy land because they want to invest heavily in Italy in green building projects.

Italy: main innovations of the 2019 tax decree for real estate

Let’s see what are the main innovations of the 2019 tax decree for real estate Confirmation of the coupon option Canceled the rule that provides penalties for those who forget to confirm the option for the coupon (cedolare secca) on rents at the time of the extension of the contract. Short rental identification code Each structure for short-term rental must have an identification code which must be used for “any communication regarding the provision and promotion of services to users”. The same code should also be used by internet portal managers and real estate agents. Penalties from 500 to 5,000 euros for those who do not comply. Tenant data communication with income The data on the tenants of the short rent communicated by the owners to the state police will in turn be communicated (anonymously and aggregated by structure) to the Revenue Agency (IRS) to verify the payment of taxes. Unclaimed taxes For contracts stipulated as of January 1, 2020, the growth decree provides for the possibility of not paying taxes on unclaimed fees if the absence of collection is evidenced by a “notice of eviction for non-payment or obligation to pay”. Expiration of the IMU declaration The deadline for the IMU declaration now set for 30 June is extended to 31 December of the year following the year to which the data to be reported relate. IMU rural instrumental buildings The IMU on instrumental buildings becomes deductible from the company’s income from 2023. Until then, the percentage of deduction will increase: 50% for IMU 2019, 60% for 2020 and 2021 and 70% in 2022. Ecobonus at a reduced price on the invoice A taxpayer who is doing work to improve the energy efficiency of his building or to reduce the seismic risk has the option of receiving an advance from the supplier who performed the intervention instead of a deduction, in the form of a reduction of the amount due. The supplier can recover the contribution in the form of a tax credit or can in turn transfer it to its suppliers of goods and services.  

How to negotiate the price of a property in Italy

Some tips to get a better deal when buying any property in Italy Don’t be in a hurry if you got deadlines to respect, or are in a hurry for any reasons, it will be harder for you to get a good deal, since the other party will notice that, and will be less likely to accept price reductions. Don’t fall in love with the house try to the logic and objective. Too much enthusiasm will render you too generous with your offers. Don’t be afraid that another buyer could outbid you say to yourself: it’s either I get the house at the price I want, or nevermind. Unless you should absolutely buy that property, with no alternatives. Estimate the likely market value of the house in the year when you forecast to resell it because this could have a big influence on its actual price. If the house is likely to depreciate, you’d better bring up this argument during the negotiation. Discover the secrets of the home Become a detective and find out how long the house has been for sale and if the owner has lowered the price. If the house has been on the market for more than six months and always has the same price, the owner is probably in no hurry to sell. Otherwise, it can be treated. Inquire about recent sale prices of similar properties Ask neighbors who purchased recently; ask you real estate agent, and verify with the owners, if possible. Be very kind and diplomatic when trying to lower the price Being firm doesn’t imply any arrogance. Never hurt the seller’s feelings; if he is happy to sell to you, it will be more likely to concede a lower offer. Price is not the only element to be negotiated Furniture, kitchen appliances, the date for moving in, garden tools: these things can be part of the purchase, not only can they be negotiated, but their price is not subject to taxation. You should therefore deduct it from the total price of the purchase, in order to pay less taxes.

Italy: compatibility of holiday rental with condominium regulations

In Italy there are many tourist resorts. Even cities like Milan, Naples, Turin enjoy a remarkable tourist attendance. Real estate is not expensive, often less than 1500 € per square meter. On the other hand, demand for short-term rental in almost all the many tourist locations is growing. This is why more and more foreign Italian investors are buying apartments for short-term rentals, or holiday rentals. The compatibility of the holiday rental with the condominium regulations At the same time, there is also an exponential growth in neighborhood complaints from occupants of the same co-ownership to those who deal with this type of entrepreneurial activity. The rules: where are we in Italy? Despite the many legal interventions in this area, in our country, a precise orientation on the nature of b & b and short-term rental activities still seems to be lacking. As explained in a recent article by Sole 24 Ore, it is generally necessary to prohibit these activities in the stipulated co-ownership regulations or regulations; it can also be expressed by a resolution adopted by the co-owners with the consent of all the participants. The same procedure must also concern the resolution of the clause to be included in the current regulations prohibiting the co-ownership operation of this type of activity. In all cases, these are clauses that must be written clearly and explicitly. When, for example, the regulations prohibit the use of the property in question for activities other than residential, the possibility of proposing temporary rentals within the apartment is excluded. Anyone who wishes to use their property for temporary rental purposes should not rely solely on regional laws for the exercise of activities of bed and breakfast or vacation rental: he should   first take into consideration those relating to contractual regulations or conventional condominium by-laws, which override regional legislation.

Real estate investing, the most profitable Italian cities

Real estate sales in Italy are going through a positive phase, especially in the big cities. In recent years, regional capitals have seen an increase in the number of investment-related transactions, also thanks to the activity of holiday homes. This is confirmed by a recent survey carried out by the Tecnocasa group’s research department, which analyzed the trend of investment transactions from 2014 to 2018. From north to south, we find out which are the places where it is interesting to bet. Milan It is the city whose real estate market is the most lively. Suffice it to say that between 2014 and 2018, home sales to be allocated to income went from 15.3% to 26.4% and that 43% of commercial activities opened last year are vacation homes. The Center has always been the most attractive area for investors, but recently other areas have also attracted interest: for example, Lodi-Corse, where more than 44% of purchases are registered, and Gioia-Fulvio Testi, attractive for both tourists and university students of Bicocca. Turin Despite a slight contraction in 2018, investment transactions have increased by more than 5 percentage points since 2014, from 17.3% to 22.6%. Centro-San Salvario and France-Sao Paulo are the most popular areas for tourists and students. Verona A well-known tourist destination, the city of Romeo and Juliet recorded a considerable increase in its investment turnover, from 23% to 30.8% over a period of four years. The historic center is the main attraction, ideal for holiday residences: here, more than 67% of purchases concern real estate to generate income. Then we find the Borgo Roma-Golosine area, which guarantees a good annual yield thanks to reduced prices. Rome While the housing market has fluctuated in recent years, the demand for investment purposes has not decreased, quite the contrary: between 2014 and 2018, there was an increase of 4.7% mostly in the center, where every second purchase is for income. Interesting not only for tourists but also for workers in the Prati-Francia macro-region, the second most popular for investors. Naples It is the capital where the increase in investment purchases has been the strongest, due to lower prices per square meter and increased tourism. While in 2014, 28.9% of the buildings purchased were intended to generate income, they exceeded 40% in 2018. The most popular areas are the center, Posillipo-Chiaia-San Ferdinando and the district of Foria. Palermo More and more Italians, but not only, choose to buy a house in the Sicilian capital. Even after interventions aimed at improving its viability, the area of greatest interest to investors is the Center, which accounts for 44% of purchases for investment purposes. Follows the macro-region University-Brancaccio, thanks to the presence of the train station and the university. And Florence, Venice, Pisa? Well, there properties for sale are few and expensive …

Foreigners interested in holiday homes in Italy are increasing

Foreigners wishing to buy real estate in the tourist areas of our peninsula are on the rise. After years of crisis, during which only the most famous and prestigious places had seen the cost of real estate remaining stable, the desire to invest in holiday homes seems to have come back in recent months. In fact, Italians and especially foreigners who want to buy a property in the tourist areas of our peninsula to spend a few weeks relaxing and then make money from short rents are on the rise. Not just at the seaside The best-selling types of apartments are the classic two- and three-bedroom apartments, while the tourists’ favorite places have a twofold tendency: on the one hand, Lake Garda and the Amalfi Coast, which retain their appeal especially in the eyes of German and Scandinavian tourists; on the other, the small villages of the Tuscan hinterland and Liguria, which arouse more and more interest among the English and the Russians, who willingly give up the view of the sea in exchange for more tranquility. Investing in the city remains a guarantee Are purchases for rental purposes a good investment? Despite taxes on the second home, the yield also reaches 5 to 6%, although it is necessary to be careful before talking about a real boom. The most practical solution is to buy real estate located in major cities or universities and to be rented to tourists, students and young workers. Are purchases for rental purposes a good investment? Despite taxes on the second home, the yield also reaches 5 to 6%, although it is necessary to be careful before talking about a real boom. As for houses located near the sea, in the mountains or at the edge of a lake, in addition to taxes and management and maintenance fees, the change in the way people live their holidays, which have become shorter and more diversified, has a negative impact.

10 reasons to consider buying property in Italy

Here are ten reasons that could prompt you to buy real estate in Italy, and the caveats that follow. You enjoy the culture of Italy or of one of its regions and would like to explore it more in depth. Be careful, Italian culture varies a lot from one region to another; moreover, what woos you at a glance may turn up to dismay you in the long run. You have an hobby that you could practice more enjoyably if you had a base in Italy, thanks to its climate or other particular conditions. Just try to practice your hobby for sufficient time in Italy. You have a large family and would like basil for all of you in which to enjoy holidays together or apart. Are you sure your family members will continue to enjoy holidays in Italy? You have young children and would like to have a base for seaside holidays. Give your children a chance to experience a holiday at the seaside in Italy before deciding. You are thinking about ways to boost your retirement finances and think property has good long-term potential. Check out taxes and the possible fluctuations of the real estate market in Italy. You would like to work and live in Italy. Check everything out carefully: working conditions, social life, fiscal obligations, food, pollution, etc. You would like to retire somewhere with a warmer climate. Provided that you won’t feel alone without your friends. You have a lump sum to invest in think putting it in a property could be a safe option and produce regular income. Verify the state of the rental market, taxes and recurrent expenses. You’ve heard about huge potential for capital growth in some areas and would like a slice of the action. Be careful, real estate market fluctuates a lot in Italy in recent years. You think you would enjoy the challenge of property developing overseas. At your own risk.

Deposit of sale price of a house at the notary’s

How it works The Competition Act (No. 124/2017) prepared the ” Deposit of Price at the Notary’s”. The new legislation applies from 29 August 2018. The real estate negotiations must have started from that date. According to the law, first of all, the price must be deposited if at least one of the parties so requests, an agreement between the parties is not necessary. The money on the account of the notary can not be touched and the notary can affect it only for payment to the seller. The seller may not receive the money solely because of damaging events caused by the seller himself: mortgage, seizure. There are no other events that prevent the notary from giving the money back to the seller.  

Rental prices up 1.5% in the first quarter of 2019

According to the latest Idealist price index, the rental market ends in the first quarter with a rise in rents equal to 1.5%, an average of 9.2 euros / m2. In the last 12 months, rents in Italy are up 2.8%. For Vincenzo De Tommaso, head of the Idealist design office in Italy: “The positive moment of the rental market continues, even if the national rent card is more and more articulated and complex. In any case, the recovery is confirmed in the main cities, but also in the centers and localities where the strong demand for short-term, sometimes seasonal, rental, especially in the main destinations, can influence the normal price dynamics. For the rest, the market remains asphyxiated and suffers from legislative rigidities that do not protect the owners against arrears and risks, forcing many of them to keep their goods out of the market instead of accepting offers from potential tenants. Hence the need for greater regulatory clarity to promote the flexibility and dynamism of this market, the engine of development of the country. Rental market by region The first quarter of 2019 ended in positive territory for most Italian regions (13 out of 20), led by Sardinia (8.4%), Basilicata (6%) and Lombardy ( 5%). On the contrary, the biggest declines of the period are Piedmont (-3.2%), Molise (-3.4%) and Umbria (-4.5%). Rental market by city Among the capitals analyzed, the most important increases concern Cosenza (12%), Chieti (11%) and Agrigento (8.1%). The largest decreases were in Biella (-11.9%), Campobasso (-8.2%) and Como (-7.2%). Bari (6.2%) leads the uptrend in the large cities markets ahead of Cagliari (4.4%) and Milan (3.4%). The winter months show slight progress in Rome (1%), while Naples (-1.4%) and Turin (-1.6%) are reversing. Milan (18.8 euros / m²) remains the place with the most expensive square meters for rent, in front of Venice (16.2 euros / m²) and Florence (16 euros / m²), which precedes Rome (13.2 EUR / m²). The lowest rents in Italy are in Caltanissetta (3.9 euros / m²), which precedes Vibo Valentia and Reggio Calabria at 4.4 euros per month.