Italy’s property laws ‘antiquated’

Italian property is governed by completely different rules to the UK, an expert has said...

Steve Emmett, spokesman for Brian French and Associates, explained: “Italy's property laws are centred on a civil code that is several hundred years old. Under these rules, foreign property buyers are treated the same as Italians. There is a downside to investing in the country, there are benefits too.

"Once you have signed the preliminary contract both the buyer and seller are committed, so you don't have that awful situation like you do in the UK where you are never really sure if it's going to happen until it happens," he said.

Mr Emmett added:  “There is also a lot of bureaucracy in Italy and legislation is often changed making it more difficult for investors”