Buying Property in Rome Tips

Some top tips for those seeking property in Italy specifically in the stunning ancient city of Rome

If you dream of moving to live in Italy or of retiring to Rome to trace the steps of Caesar or Mark Antony for example, you’d better start saving your pounds or your Euros!  It is quite feasible to find property for sale within this historic city of culture and modern-day wonders - however property in Rome doesn’t come cheap!

The prices for the better located properties are often considered high in comparison even to other cities within Italy - and especially so when compared to other hotspots for international relocation in different countries in Europe such as Spain and France for example - so here are our buying property in Rome tips to get you started on your hunt for the perfect piece of well priced Italian real estate.

Should you not waver in your desire to live among the ruins of the Colosseum or in the shadow of Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Basilica even in spite of property prices in Rome, there are quite a few things you can do to hedge the odds in your favour to find an ideal property within the city of Rome…

Some of the best advice for buying Italian property in the city of Rome for an actual relocation (investment is often a little different) is to: -

• Consider finding a rental property first.  Rome is a huge city, with more than 4 million people residing in its metropolitan areas so it is hard to get a real feel for the flavour of life without actually spending considerable time getting to know the city well.  Citizens of European Union countries have a relatively easy time relocating to Rome and finding a rental property especially if their income is secured.

• Take the time to explore the city and its outer regions.  The Roman real estate market is alive with possibilities, but even the smallest of flats can set you back several hundred thousand pounds or more.  It is often more economically feasible to purchase on the outskirts or within reasonable driving distance of the city itself if you’re seeking affordable property in Italy.

• Get a feel for the property market and the buying process before you commit.  Buying property in Italy is not at all like buying elsewhere; everything from the terms of contracts to the average length of time involved in the buying process differ to the UK or US processes especially.  Familiarise yourself with the Italian process and be prepared to hurry up (with a deposit) and wait (for a closing) once your perfect property in Rome has been found!

• Get a lawyer!  It is always considered a very good idea to have legal representation to walk you through the buying process and no where is this more the case than in Italy where red tape is notoriously complex.  Having a good local lawyer can help you avoid any misunderstandings and ensure your interests are best served when an ideal property is located.

The allure of Rome - especially for history buffs - is hard to deny, from the Pantheon and the Arch of Constantine to the amphitheatre and the site of Caesar’s death, the voices of the city’s past speak from every corner.  Still, it is important to realise that living in Italy and buying property in Rome is different to the experiences in most other parts of the world and even other parts of Italy.  Therefore, taking your time to really explore the possibilities and examine available properties, the best parts of the city for you and the most affordable locations for your budget is definitely the best way to go.