Hi there. We are interested in buying a property in the Lucca area, but have been told it may be subject to a 'change of use' tax, as it used to be a farmhouse. It would have to be changed in law to a residence.
Many thanks to you all for your suggestions. For a novice with no Italian it is very confusing, but I will hopefully be able to find out more on 12th, when we meet the agent with an English speaking renovation company. The company is providing a full run down of costs for major work, such as roof repair, connecting drains, water and electricity. It is a house, not an agricultural building, but has been unoccupied for decades. I have no idea of the classification however, just that this is an issue and possible expense.As I understand it, we will need planning permission to do any renovation work, even to mend things that are already there. I think the renovation company would have to deal with this for us. They offer geometra and lawyer services too and look very professional.However, this is a huge project for us and we need to know costs before we put in an offer. It is frustrating not to understand what those costs might be and if we or the seller is responsible for paying them. I think we will just have to pay somebody to do the research for us and come up with a figure.
Aha, this is fascinating to hear. Thank you Ugo. The property is listed as Rustico - farmhouse with land, although the plot is not particularly large. A small olive grove.There is a 'metado'/chestnut roaster structure, but the house itself is three bedrooms, kitchen, domestic type arrangement. There is no bathroom or toilet as present, but there is a well.If it is being listed as a 'rustico', is it likely that they were hoping to avoid paying the change of use tax by selling to a farmer, do you think? If so, they will have to find the money if they want to sell to us. Interesting. I will ask the agent when we visit next week what the situation is. No doubt this will all add time to the shedule if we do go ahead. It's all a bit daunting to be honest.
Comments posted
Many thanks to you all for your suggestions. For a novice with no Italian it is very confusing, but I will hopefully be able to find out more on 12th, when we meet the agent with an English speaking renovation company. The company is providing a full run down of costs for major work, such as roof repair, connecting drains, water and electricity. It is a house, not an agricultural building, but has been unoccupied for decades. I have no idea of the classification however, just that this is an issue and possible expense.As I understand it, we will need planning permission to do any renovation work, even to mend things that are already there. I think the renovation company would have to deal with this for us. They offer geometra and lawyer services too and look very professional.However, this is a huge project for us and we need to know costs before we put in an offer. It is frustrating not to understand what those costs might be and if we or the seller is responsible for paying them. I think we will just have to pay somebody to do the research for us and come up with a figure.
Aha, this is fascinating to hear. Thank you Ugo. The property is listed as Rustico - farmhouse with land, although the plot is not particularly large. A small olive grove.There is a 'metado'/chestnut roaster structure, but the house itself is three bedrooms, kitchen, domestic type arrangement. There is no bathroom or toilet as present, but there is a well.If it is being listed as a 'rustico', is it likely that they were hoping to avoid paying the change of use tax by selling to a farmer, do you think? If so, they will have to find the money if they want to sell to us. Interesting. I will ask the agent when we visit next week what the situation is. No doubt this will all add time to the shedule if we do go ahead. It's all a bit daunting to be honest.