If you're planning to buy property in Italy, then you're property on the verge of a major change and making one of the biggest decisions of your life. Finding a house to call you own can be a complex process, especially if you're not familiar with the real estate market in Italy. This is why we asked arcHITects, an architecture company in Milan, for practical advice on how to approach the first visit to a house. This is what Camilla Castellani had to say when it comes to top tips for viewing property in Italy.
Explore the area
Everyone wants their home to be safe place, both inside and out. On the day of the viewing, it's a good idea to spend some time in the local area to get a better feel for both the property and the location. Is the neighbourhood served by transport that is useful or necessary for you? Is it close to the property? Is it an area that matches your lifestyle?
Observation: pay close attention to detail
Although the first impression when viewing property can often be disappointing, try to empathise with the space and pay close attention to details. Look at all the rooms, the amenities and the smallest elements: this is still a property with an economic value and it is good to know clearly all the conditions of the type of investment you would be making. And how many times should you view a property? More than once is always a good idea, as first time round you're sure to miss things.
The 5 Ws: Who, What, When, Where and Why?
When viewing property in Italy, don't hesitate to ask for any kind of information or request: asking questions is a must! And if some questions are not answered immediately or if you leave the viewing and realise you've forgotten to ask something important, send an email to the owner or real estate agent where you can get further clarification.
Reflect: weigh up the pros and cons
It's always a good idea not to make a hasty decision and something that can help you when deciding if you want to buy a property or not is writing down all the pros and cons that you think of during the viewing. Above all, write down your thoughts! They might come in handy when it comes to making a decision.
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