Tuscany is internationally-renowned for its rich artistic legacy and indeed is home to no fewer than 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites (Florence, Siena, Pienza, San Gimignano, Val d'Orcia and Pisa cathedral). In addition, the region's cuisine is appreciated worldwide and Tuscany boasts some of the most highly-acclaimed wines and olive oil.

It is little wonder then that the region has attracted discerning foreign house-hunters drawn by the unique natural beauty and the pace of life. This attraction has been consolidated in recent years by the property purchase by some high-profile buyers and the setting of well-known films such as Room with a View, The Gladiator and La Vita è Bella (Life is Beautiful) against the backdrop of its cities and countryside.

While it is true that many properties in the more famous areas of Tuscany come with price tags which are out of the reach of many, the region does offer a wide range of property types and prices which are affordable for many 'ordinary' buyers. Aside from the better-known centres of Florence, Siena and Pisa, Tuscany offers properties in the Etruscan hillside locations of Cortona (Arezzo province) and Volterra, the less touristy Casentino valley (in Arezzo Province), the wilder Maremma region stretching along the coast and the islands of Elba and Giglio.

As a foreigner looking to buy a home in Tuscany, it is important to be guided from the outset in relation to the different rules, regulations and local practice, made more complicated by language barriers for those who do not speak Italian fluently.

At Belmonte-MacLeod Lawyers, we are happy to assist clients wishing to purchase property in Tuscany.

Together with a trusted network of professionals who work with us to assist you choosing your property, we can assist in the process of negotiating price, carrying out property surveys, obtaining a mortgage and the contractual aspects including assistance at the notary to execute the sale deed with all important documentation translated into English.

We offer a fixed price service, covering the initial aspects of  your property search, including:

• identification of property
• instructing survey with geometra (surveyor)
• preparation of offer and submission
• registration of preliminary contract.

Please contact us for details.