Frequently Asked Questions

How can one get there and how much does it cost?
By catamaran, and you can take your own car. In winter, the prices are very low. The prices include taxes which have been deducted since 1st January 2009. The prices vary between €60 to €110 for adults only. The prices of the vehicles vary from €96 to €200 with return. There is a good chance that Ryanair will start flying to Comiso airport, in the outskirts of Ragusa.

Can I buy jointly with somebody else or with another couple?
Yes, this can easily be done. Please contact us for more details.

Do I have to appoint a Lawyer or Notary to look after my interests? What are the legal costs?
Yes, one needs a notary or lawyer, who is responsible for the deed. This is at the buyer’s expense. Legal costs depend on what you are going to buy, example;

• 1 to 2 hectares of land only – notary and stamp duty cost approximately €2,000 to €3,000.
• House – Stamp Duty 11%; and
• Agricultural store – the same as when you buy a piece of land.

Do I pay a deposit? How much is the deposit and who holds the deposit? When is the balance due to be paid?
Yes, 10% deposit on contract within 3 months and 30% if the contract is extended over 3 months. The deposit goes straight to the seller (and not to the notary).

Can I get an architect to inspect the property before I buy it?
Yes, this is not a problem. We can also recommend reputable Sicilian architects to assist you on this matter.

How can I be sure that the property is legally built or that it can have a building permit?
If the property is unconverted, you have to look at the copy of the contract. All houses built before 1967 are all legally built and this can be deducted from the copies of the contract. For houses built after 1967, you should ask for a building permit from the vendor.

How do I find local tradesmen to convert the property?
Our associate agency in Sicily has got contacts and is working with local craftsmen and builders.

Do I pay Capital Gains Tax? If yes, how much?
Once 5 years have passed from the purchase of the property, no Capital Gains Tax is applicable. However, if you sell prior to the 5 years, a tax of 20% on the profit is applicable.

Are there any Council Taxes or other taxes that I have to pay annually?
If yes, how much are these?
Yes. See Ownership Costs.

Does property appreciate in Sicily? At what rate approximately?
In the last 2 years there was an appreciation of approx 20%

Can one have someone looking after the property when it is vacant?
Yes, arrangements can be made with people living in the area. Apart from this, one can do a contract with a local farmer to look after the land. We can also offer a management service to look after the property, including regular checks on the property, cleaning, etc.

Is it easy for a foreigner to get a mortgage in Italy?
A foreigner has the same rights as a National and the Banks will deal with every request on the same basis. The usual guarantees required by the Banks would need to be complied with and especially EU Nationals are covered by the same laws. Moreover local Banks, such as Bank of Valletta and HSBC usually deal in loans for property in Sicily.

What running costs is one expected to pay for services e.g. water, electricity, gas, maintenance, housekeeping and gardening/ swimming pool services?
There are two taxes to be paid annually on property:

• Imposta Comunale Immobili – ICI (Council Tax) calculated from the zone the property is in and the type of property. It is normally much lower than other countries. The actual figure varies between communes (councils), it is normally between 0.4% - 0.6% of the property value. It also depends whether the property is the buyer’s only home.
• Rifiuti Solidi Urbani – (Refuse Tax) This is calculated on the surface area of the property. This is a very small amount per year

• Television Tax – in theory every property should pay for this, it is approximately €100 a year
• Utilities - General consumption is less in Italy, 80% of houses only have 3kw supply and they tend to use gas for cooking and water heating. It is not a problem to get higher power supplies, but the cost per unit consumed is more.
• Gas - If the house is urban it may be connected to metano (mains gas) otherwise either butane or propane cylinders or tanks are used.
• Water Costs are low here, supplies are normally reliable. Occasionally the explosion in population with the arrival of northern Italians in July and August and the peak summer weather can cause problems. Rural properties tend to have storage tanks for such eventualities.
• Telephone - Sicilians love to talk, so telephones and telefonini (mobile phones) are everywhere. The standards of service from the effective monopoly of Telecom Italia can leave a lot to be desired.
• ADSL (broadband) internet is becoming widespread.
• Mobile phone costs are similar to the UK and mainland Europe.
• Cost of living. Where the market has not embraced less regulated practices, for example car insurance, then it tends to be more expensive. Electrical goods tend to be the same price. Food and drink tend to be significantly less and significantly better quality! Year on year market deregulation is bringing lower cost solutions, such as the mortgage market.

What should one look out for when buying property in Sicily?
Above all, one should look out for the location and the neighbourhood. Frank Salt Real Estate is only offering property that has met our standards and we can therefore guarantee full advise and peace of mind.

How can one book an Inspection Visit?
An inspection visit (crossing over by Catamaran and transport) can be organised by Frank Salt Real Estate. Clients are accompanied by our sales consultants and by our representatives in Sicily on an inspection tour of properties and developments. Should you buy a property through us, then we will refund you the cost of the ferry. We are also making arrangements with hotels in the city of Ragusa to give you the possibility of sleeping over.