SIS Property and Tourism Services
Are you interested in purchasing a property in the picturesque region of Puglia? Discover how we can assist you in locating your ideal home in this charming part of Italy.
Our primary objective is to offer unbiased guidance, enabling our clients to make well-informed decisions about the properties they are interested in. We are dedicated to providing support throughout the entire Italian property acquisition process, minimizing any potential risks associated with the transaction.
Our Standard Service
In the Italian real estate market, it’s customary for both buyers and sellers to bear the agency commission, typically ranging from 3% to 5% (plus Italian VAT at 22%). At SIS Property and Tourism, for straightforward and typical property transactions, we apply a commission of 4% (plus VAT) based on the agreed-upon purchase price. This commission is due upon the acceptance of the Offer to Buy (Proposta d’Acquisto) and carries a minimum fee of €4,000 plus VAT. It’s important to note that in Italy, an estate agent’s legal obligations cease once the Preliminary Contract (Compromesso) is finalized.
However, at SIS P&T, we recognize that this arrangement could pose significant challenges for our international clients. In addition to guiding our clients through every stage of the property purchase process, we also provide assistance with crucial and essential tasks such as opening bank accounts, among others.
Therefore, our standard fee encompasses the following services:
- First property search We initiate a comprehensive search for properties that align with your specific requirements. You’ll receive detailed information, floor plans, and photographs of available properties from our portfolio via email.
- Additional search Should you be ready to visit the properties, notify us, and we will conduct an additional search for properties before your visit.
- Viewings We offer flexible appointment-based property viewings throughout the year, seven days a week. Additionally, we can assist in arranging accommodation in Salento, the southern region of Puglia, ensuring your business trip doubles as a relaxing break.
- Property discussion We engage in thorough discussions about the properties you’ve selected and visited, addressing any questions or concerns.
- Tax/Legal general advice With our extensive knowledge, we provide guidance and explanations about the Italian property purchase and taxation processes.
- Negotiation on pricing and drawing the Offer to buy (Proposta d’Acquisto) We offer expert advice on the optimal price to propose, and we draft the offer to buy in both Italian and English.
- Codice Fiscale To acquire property in Italy, obtaining a Codice Fiscale (similar to a National Insurance number in the UK) is necessary. We assist you in the application process for your Codice Fiscale.
- Introductions to banks and financial services We introduce you to local banks and aid in the process of opening an Italian bank account, which is a prerequisite for property purchase. We can also provide assistance with various financial services, including money transfers.
- Final phase We handle all paperwork required for the Final Deed and coordinate the appointment with an Italian Notary Public. This includes arranging for interpreter services during the actual title transfer to ensure that all parties, including you, fully comprehend the details of the property purchase.
Personal Tailored Service
Certain clients prefer a personalized, one-on-one support experience, and we can provide this through a straightforward registration fee. This fee is later refunded to you by deducting it from our final charge when you make a property purchase through SIS Property and Tourism. The initial fee is designed to offset a portion of our time and expenses, allowing us to allocate more resources and time to support you during your property search. This fee encompasses the following services:
- Discussion of clients requirements Following our initial discussion, we will provide you with a printed consultation to ensure that we are tailoring our property recommendations to your specific needs.
- Comprehensive Property Search We expand our search by collaborating with various other registered estate agents, including FIAIP MLS, CEPI, and NAR, all of whom adhere to our ethical code.
- Property alert As soon as properties matching your criteria become available, you will be among the first to receive details about them.
- Property Viewings Through our network of estate agents (FIAIP, NAR, CEPI), we arrange appointments for you to view the properties you’ve selected. We can also coordinate your viewing trips to Puglia and assist with accommodation bookings.
- Information Gathering Whether you require details on taxes, local schools, or services, we can provide comprehensive information. Our extensive knowledge of the areas we cover allows us to address any inquiries or concerns you may have.
- Price Negotiation We handle property price negotiations on your behalf.
- Mortgage Advise We can liaise with local banks or recommend UK/International sources to assist with mortgage options.
- Money Transfer Assistance Through a network of international companies, we can help facilitate the transfer of funds and currency exchange to ensure you don’t incur significant losses
- Documents inspection and translation In the preliminary fase, if necessary, we will inspect and translate documents such as the Offer to Buy (proposta d’acquisto) or Preliminary Contract (Compromesso) in partnership with other agents.
- Introduction to Solicitors SIS Property and Tourism can connect you with English-speaking Italian lawyers and solicitors to ensure accurate document checks.
- Final Phase Arrangements We oversee the verification and preparation of all necessary paperwork for the Final Deed and coordinate appointments with an Italian Notary Public, who may be English-speaking if required.
- Power of Attorney In cases where the Notary requires it, we can assist by being granted power of attorney to sign the final deed on your behalf. Additionally, we provide general guidance on the completion process.
Additional Services And Charges
At SIS Property and Tourism, we recognize that our foreign clients often face not only language and cultural disparities but also the simple challenge of managing tasks from a distance. What might be routine matters at home can become quite daunting in a foreign country. We are delighted to provide a service that addresses these challenges, even though they may extend beyond our usual scope of services. In several instances, we may need to impose a fee for these additional services.
However, we are committed to transparency and will always furnish you with our fee structure in advance, giving you the opportunity to decide if you would like us to proceed:
Post-Purchase Assistance
- Utility Bill Transfer We can assist in switching utility bills into your name for services such as Electricity, Gas and Water Companies , Telephone and Internet services, IMU (Council Tax), and TaRi (Rubbish Collection Tax). Please note that this service incurs a nominal fee.
- Rentals Support with short or long term rentals of your property, through our lettings agency Studio Immobiliare Spano, will be charged 15% plus VAT for the peak season and 25% plus VAT on the low and off season.
- Relocation Introductions to the local authority departments responsible for residency and other legal obligations and general tips will be free of charge but additional support, phone calls and arranging of appointments will be charged accordingly.
- Building, Renovation, planning support and consultation SIS Property and Tourism will be happy to make introductions and recommendations for architects, local surveyors and builders, but continued assistance throughout a project will involve agreeing on a fee beforehand.
- Property Management and Keys holding We are pleased to be able to offer a property management service and keys holding service for a small annual charge.
- Various arrangements We can assist with car purchase, furniture purchase, booking services, etc. at very reasonable rates.
- Buildings and Contents Insurance Similarly we can help with buildings and contents insurance either through an Italian company or via a UK/International source (please note that insurance is not mandatory in Italy).
- Documents’ delivery Documents requiring your signature – we can help by arranging their collection and delivery to you.
- Additional services If there are other services not mentioned above that you like us to provide for you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we are always pleased to try to help
Please note, all fees for additional services will be agreed in advance.