where and why?

I'm really surprised at the number of people still buying total wreaks. Their usually not told the full cost of renovating as the Geometre's & Architects do not seem to tell people about the official costs involved, theirs and the Comune. Another big thing seems to be a total  misunderstanding of how the Italians cost evrything....no such thing as a daily rate!!

Renovating old buildings is not for everyone. Many have hidden problems which are expensive to solve. Unless you know what you are doing do not buy a ruin. As for location... it is a matter of falling in love with it.

Daily rates are alive and well in the south, as are hourly and piece work rates.  Most professionals are used to dealing with Italian clients who know by osmosis the 'other' charges.  They are not obliged to tell you how much the oneri are for the comune, nor anything outside their remit, so dont do so.  

often overlooked but makes a big difference. Low properties can get pooled cold air overnight and are under the cold mist in the mornings as a result. This doesn't seem to be a benefit in the summer where the heat seems to be worse.  To be under the snow line, warmer in winter and cooler in summer go for about 550m in Umbria. The difference on a typical winter day will be 5c.     Contrary to the advice you seem to be getting I would go for a wreck. Italian builders know exactly how to restore them and will do a fantastic job if you take care to get one with a good reputation.  As there aren't many good wrecks left and a good chunk of northern Europe is retiring to seek the sun so they should be a good investment.

I've sent you a PM Ram, Can you advise? Ciao Billy   PS My builder does a daily rate too.

Go on several short breaks - stay in Agriturismo's chat with the families that live there.   Shop locally, eat locally, get friendly.

I've sent you a PM Rachel. Ciao Billy

if you are working, you buy near to your work and your family, where your family can live and where you can get to schools, hospitals etc on good roads. If you not need to work you buy some isolated cheap ruin that the Italians don't want. when you want to sell, still the Italians don't want

Capito.

We have started looking for a renovation property near our current Italian home (near Mogliano, Macerata) so that we can renovate and then use it as a holiday rental to generate some income whilst living not too far away. We may not do the renovation for a couple of years but it certainly appears to be a better time for buyers given the economic climate and there appears to be more ruins being offered for sale on almost a weekly basis. Our current house was bought as a wreck and completely knocked down before starting again, so we have some experience of what is involved. A good geometra is a must!

Umbria was our choice for a number of reasons. 1  The views from our place are superb in all sorts of weather (sagraiasolar is right about location). 2  Our village is not on the tourist trail and the people are really warm and friendly. 3  Age of the property, ours is relatively new but looks older due to the superb building work. 4  Location to nearest big town is 15 minutes on a bad day so all amenities are easily accessible. 5  Low tourists means local prices everywhere and more Italian spoken. Price played a part because we wanted to buy in Tuscany.  On reflection we made the right choice for us as we are more at home in working communities as we enjoy the simple life.  The other choice was Le Marche but my wife insisted on Umbria so that is where we are.

....this sounds a bit daft (and apologies for late response ) but I bought in Umbria 7 years ago. I had a wonderful estate agent who found the geometra and was able to estimate the renovation costs prior to purchase. Admittedly it wasn't a total wreck. I chose because the area is beautiful, the people wonderful and Mia piccola casa is a place where I can come and read and slob out and thoroughly unwind. My family thought I was mad - they all come here now! Lots of luck. Jacki