Property Restoration
The majority of overseas buyers investing in Le Marche opt for properties that are in need of some level of restoration – from a simple refurbishment or modernisation job 
to a major knock-down-and-rebuild project.
This need not be a daunting or stressful operation, providing you make absolutely sure that you use the right people from the outset – be that project manager, real estate agent, builder or supplier.
It is also important to be realistic about the likely final cost of a full renovation. Costs vary from region to region and in Le Marche it is usually between €1,200 and €1,400 per square metre.
Be extremely sceptical if you are told that the figure will be significantly less than this because this is the area where buyers are most frequently misled. Unscrupulous agents and builders may try and convince you that the price will be far lower and then express dismay and surprise when ‘unforeseen complications’ push up the final bill.
The price will also vary, of course, according to the condition of the property. A good solid structure could reduce the cost considerably. Also the building materials used can affect the price, brick being a third less expensive than stone.
These prices usually take the property to a habitable state, including external work, windows, doors, plastering, tiles, plumbing, heating and bathroom fittings. However, it is possible to have a property restored to a sound condition but only as a shell. This is known as an al grezzo state. It will then be necessary to install windows, doors, plumbing, electricity, etc.
As in the UK, minor repair work to Italian houses can be carried out as DIY projects, but small exterior maintenance work can be slightly more complicated if a property is in a centro storico (historic centre) of a town or village when guidance may be required from the local council (comune).
Restoration work, however, has to be overseen by an architect, surveyor/geometra or structural engineer. Most people opt to employ a geometra because they tend to be less expensive but for larger or more complex projects, an architect, invariably better qualified, is recommended.
The professional will prepare the necessary plans, obtain permissions and usually undertake to project manage the work. Their fees are generally between 8% and 12% of the total cost of the project but it is advisable to obtain firm quotes before work begins.
Planning permission must be obtained from the local council/comune. Some are far more relaxed than others with regard to granting permission for changes and/or rebuilding and it is advisable to make some preliminary enquiries, either through your architect/geometra or in person, at an early stage.
Changes to Italian planning laws have been introduced in 2009, allowing extra volume to be created where a property is restored using modern eco-friendly materials and building standards.
Previously it was forbidden to rebuild a property or outbuilding any larger than the original building ‘footprint’ but the new legislation has allowed far more flexibility and made conversion of annexes or outbuildings into living or guest accommodation a far more practical possibility.
It is illegal not to use registered builders on anything other than minor works. The builder will have full insurance and all new electrical and plumbing installations will have to be signed off by a qualified professional.
Once building work is finished, the geometra or architect applies to the comune for a certificate of habitability to show that all the work has been carried out in accordance with Italian law by registered workmen and professionals.
The comune has 30 days in which to check that the property complies with the law, but it is more usual that a certificate is automatically issued.
