first time post

You have no choice - it seems a bit unfair but thats the way it is. It is a long term plan to a) change the way fabbricati rurali are registerd as enti urbani and b) make some money for the state. As an ente urbano the house will be liable for ICI and other taxes that you could have avoided having a mere FR. Slowly all of Italy is making the changeover, and there are fines if you dont do it in the time prescribed by the region. I am surprised that you can do it yourself - usually it must be done by a 'professional' - ie an architect, geometra, tecnico - and they charge according to the size of the building and so on - so when you say agent what do you mean? IF its an 'agent', they are just being the middleman and will cream off some money for the privilege.

Hi Ram, many thanks for your full and helpful reply, by agent I meant architect/geometra. we have in fact had two quotes from 2 different architects, one for 600 euros plus taxes and one for 500 euros plus taxes.If as you say this is unavoidable and everyone is having to do it, it looks like we will just have to bite the bullet and get on with it. thanks for your help ciao Dougal

Get a couple of quotes, from your architect and a geometra, for filling the form in and submitting it

Hi Alan, thanks very much for that. This seems to be unavoidable. weve had two quotes now but might try another just for good measure and then get on with it. Ciao Dougal

Just saying "Welcome" from Sicily, Dougal. I have no experience of buying property here so I can't help with your query but I see you have received some excellent advice above.

Hi Patz thankyou very much for your warm welcome and its nice to meet you. We havent been to Sicily yet (our place is in Abruzzo) but is on our tick list. By the way been away from the computer for a while hence the delayed reply Ciao Dougal

Hi Dougal and welcome. As you have seen the "recatastamento" is unavoidable. We also had to submit new plans showing some very minor internal reforms made by the previous owner. I think that the fees are pretty much what we ended up paying, even if my husband - a retired architect - had already drawn up all the new plans reflecting those slight changes.

Hi Gala Placidia thankyou for your welcome and very helpful comments. Looks like we must bite the bullet and get on with it! As I have just told Patz apologies for the delayed reply but have had to be away from the computer for a while. Ciao Dougal

'Accastamento' is required for the intial plans and any subsequent variations to the property.

Buongiorno, Dougal. I hope you make it to Sicily soon! It's lovely down here.

Hi Patz Yes hope to make it there soon - In fact it might be our next holiday away from Abruzzo. Will keep you posted on that one Ciao Dougal

We have purchased a property in Abruzzo, and like yourself have found charges and extra costs very high. However I dont think these can be avoided, sorry. Maureen