Essential Guides & Advice Tuscan Planning Regulations

Date Published:

24/06/2008

Tuscany, the spectacularly beautiful region of northern Italy's west coast, has remained so true to its history by the sheer force of law. The strict building regulations here can prove to be a real headache, and building or restoring a property comes with more strings attached than almost anywhere else.

Getting Started

The best way to try and negotiate the minefield is to bring in some experts on property in the region. Of course, the logical starting point would be a good estate agent. Even this early step could be easier said than done. There are a lots of people Tuscany who are operating as estate agents without the required license. This means that they most likely lack professional indemnity insurance, meaning you wouldn't be covered were anything to go wrong. The local Chamber of Commerce will list licensed estate agents that are operating in your chosen area.

So, once you've tracked down a reputable estate agent you should put aside an absolute stack of money. There will be the agent's fee on top of notary fees and purchase tax.

This additional money could add 20 per cent to the cost of your home, so it is absolutely imperative that you account for these costs, payable by law, in your original budget. Despite all of these add-ons, buying a home in Tuscany is pretty straightforward. Sadly the planning laws are anything but. Should you want to change or modify your new home, you'll most likely be up against it.