The Langhe Property FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for buying a home in Piedmont Italy.

Choosing your real estate agent

Why should I use Langhe Property?

We have considerable success and this is due to many things including efficient working, honesty (we won't lie or mislead) and by giving genuine care to all of our clients. We've been operating since 2005 and have lived in italy since 2002. We understand the market, property values, we listen to our clients and work only with the best real estate agencies..

Will you be showing me houses I really don't want to see?

No!! We listen. Once we understand your brief we'll only show you houses you want to see.

Do you have more properties than on your Web site?

Yes. New homes come in regularly and as we colaborate with different agencies we can usually find what you're looking for. Please let us know what you're looking for and we'll do our very best to find it.

The town of La Morra from Morforte d'Alba

Buying real estate in Piedmont, Italy

Is buying a house in Italy difficult?

No. Make a check-list of all you have to do and keep asking questions. Be sure to read my Buyer's Guide and watch my YouTube Videos!

Can I pay a deposit and put off buying the house for some months?

Yes, but it really depends on the seller. Usually, a sale takes 2-3 months but if the seller isn't in a hurry they might be willing to wait.

Do I have to be present for the signing of the property deeds?

No, you don’t have to be but you would have to go to the Italian Consult in your country to set up a power of attornery. The notary here in Italy helps with this.

Can you set up a bank account for me?

You must be here in person to do that. If you're buying through us we'll be happy to assist.

Can you get the Codice Fiscale for us?

You must have your tax code (Codice Fiscale). You need to be here in person to get it or you can get it from your local Italian consulate.

Do I need a solicitor?

Yes, you must have the notary - he or she does everything. Other than this you don’t need a 'specialist' solicitor.

Can I get a mortgage in Italy?

Yes, we can recommend an excellent English-speaking broker here in Italy that we've worked with for many years.

If I buy a home that needs restoring can you recommend builders, architects, etc?

Yes. We work with a very reliable team. They're based in Asti and Alba and oversee building works, design, permissions, etc. We can recommend them to you even if you don't buy a house through us.

After I buy a home in Piedmont

Can I get house insurance?

Yes. We can recommend a company for this.

Is there a form of yearly property tax?

Yes, it’s called L'IMU. It depends on the size of the house and land but expect to typically pay 800 euro a year. It's not expensive.

If I buy a property with vineyards or hazelnut orchards, can you arrange for a farmer to care of them?

Yes, this isn't a problem.

Do I have to worry about the house being broken into when I’m not there?

Crime is very low in the countryside areas, but a good level of security is normal here.

Do the locals mind foreigners moving into their region?

They love it. When we moved in, the neighbours joined together and bought us a welcoming gift! They love the idea of ‘new blood’ and are helpful and welcoming.

Centre of Monforte d'Alba, Langhe, Piedmont Italy

Buying a home to make money

Is there a great demand rental potential in the Piedmont areas of Langhe and Monferrato?

Yes, there's great demand for B&Bs, houses and apartments. The season is long – it starts in May and goes through to the end of November. There's a particular need for self-catering accommodation. A 6 bedroom house with pool will fetch around €5,000 a week. Apartments are also in high demand.

If I buy a property as a holiday home or for rental can you arrange for someone to care for it?

Yes, we know realiable people in the area that can work for you.

About Piedmont, Italy

What’s the weather like?

Excellent. The winters are mild. The warm weather starts around April (15C), May around 20C, June – August 28-35C, September and October are very pleasant. It doesn’t get unbearable like Tuscany and because of the real winter it doesn’t turn to desert like Puglia!

What is the voltage of home electricity?

220 volts, as in the rest of Europe. All electrical appliances will work here that are from the rest of Europe. Electrical equipment isnt necessarily more expensive here – We find Yeppon and Amazon good for online shopping. Most chargers for gadgets will work on 120v (US) and 220v (EU).

What's the Italian health-care system like?

It's excellent, rated as one of the best in the world and it's free. You only pay for things like scans and these cost maybe 50 to 100 euros. Medication is also inexpensive. You don't need insurance.

Is there plenty to do in the area?

There's so much to do.. we have the best wines in the world, incredible landscapes to explore, historic towns, markets, shopping areas in old towns such as Asti and Alba, the best restaurants. Then within 90 minutes, you have ski resorts, the Alps, the coast. We can get to Monaco and Nice within 2 hours. And there's so much more to discover.