I'm new to the forum so first of all, hi!
Myself and my boyfriend are considering - in a vague, long-term sort of way - trying to find ourselves an old building, most likely in Cilento, Campania, to restore and turn into living space and a studio/ workshop.
We're not new to Italy, in fact my bf. has Italian residency, and owns a flat in Cilento. His parents live in the same village and run an artists' retreat there. We lived in that village for 7 months a couple of years ago, (bf has actually lived there longer than that). In other words, we have an idea of the red tape around getting residency and buying a property. We're also used to the pros and cons of living way out in the middle of nowhere in Italy BUT... we've never restored a property before. Bf is pretty good at practical stuff, like he put in a window to his flat, and fixed the roof and stuff. But we aren't builders, unfortunately!
Does anyone have any advice, tips, or warnings on propety restoration in Italy? They would be gratefully received
p.s. we don't need to get into Vogue Interiors magazine or anything... just want a safe home and workspace with no leaks...

It's a sensible to stipulate that any planning permits required are secured between "compramesso" and "atto" (closing).
often easier for seller, with local contacts, to make sure process is speedy. Cost for plans, permits and "oneri" (duties) to be paid by buyer.

Thank you!

Basically dont even think about it unless you work together brillianly no rows) can deal with any sort of disaster/emergency from rat invasions to walls collasping and have sacks of money!

Sorry thats being a bit pessimistic but do plan a budget then cost out the jobs ie new bathroom,replace roof.

If its an old stone house in the country you want be very careful and try to get someone who understands this type of property.I've seen some wonderful constructions in stone that could last another 500 years but remember most humble country houses were put up quickly with what was around locally (rubble stone, mud mortar bricks etc) and future owners were too poor to carry out proper repairs so would usually just stick weak cement in cracks ,holes or use cheap materials to make a chimney wall.These will all need remving then the original problem sorted out!

We are doing this on our old property in Abruzzo and I've added pictures etc to my web site

www.myabruzzohome.com