½ûÂþÌìÌÃ

This is a really good site, with a lively forum and loads of US people who have good and up to date knowledge of the hurdles faced by non EU: I'm sure there are plenty of 'mixed marriages' there too.

This is not my field at all, but I was alerted to the information (after the fact) that Crown Currency, although 'recognised' by the FSA (a UK based consumer protection agency in the financial sector) was not 'approved' by the FSA. This, it appears, is quite an important distinction - but who would have thought it! Sad for the guys who got caught out by the failure of Crown Currency.

If you wish to prevent hunters from accessing your land (which they have the right to do) then you must apply (probably to the comune, though it is a provincial matter) to declare the land a 'fondo chiuso' and then you must fence it with a 2m high fence. However, it depends on how large your landholding is (if it is a 'garden' sized area you can fence it without applying (and paying the tax, annually) for a fondo chiuso). If you are fencing it because you are growing crops, then you are in the clear. If you have a large landholding, and the provincia grant you (at a cost, and depending on whether the provincia have still land available to be taken out of hunting rights) you can fence it (2m) , although you must still allow access to any neighbour who has a right of way (un servitù). Codice civile articolo 842 covers it. I agree with Angie and Robert that 'la caccia' is reducing every year, and the hunters are (legally) not allowed to shoot towards your house from a position closer than 200m, and they have to be 100m distant to shoot away from your house. For sure they don't obey these laws, and I understand that they can be a pain, but because 'free roaming' is inherent in ½ûÂþÌìÌà land law, to protect yourself completely from birdshot you have got to pay! If a hunter is being particularly pesty you have every right to insist on seeing their licence, and you can then report them to the relevant authority (I think the provincia) - if they can't show you a current licence then they can be asked for their carta d'identità....I'm not sure I'd be brave enough to pursue this one with an armed adversary!

It's definitely worth using these 'comparison' sites. Another one is which I religiously connect to, and it always comes up with  as my 'best buy'. The historic snag of ½ûÂþÌìÌà insurance companies 'tying you in' to a ten year period is truly historic these days. I don't know of any online site which imposes this 'tacito rinnovo' condition. It's something which a 'friendly insurance agent' might try to wedge you into - just refuse. I think it is even illegal nowadays. 

I'm not clear about what you want to cover. The only thing I would be concerned about (you renting out to someone else) would be to cover any claim the renter might bring against you because of some fault with the building. This sort of cover comes as 'standard' with any (reasonably) low cost buildings cover from a bank or an insurance company, and I can see no reason why this should need to be split into two policies. If, however, you want to insure the "contents" - then it is reasonable that any insurance company would insist on two policies. It isn't common in Italy to take out "contents" insurance on the same basis as it is flogged in the UK (new for old, accidental damage and all that stuff), and perhaps you could write into the rental contract something which would oblige the tenants to cover themselves, or guarantee to reimburse you for any damage to "contents". Maybe you should consider whether furnishing a rental property with relatively low priced "contents" which you don't really care about would be a better option! Fire risks in a traditionally constructed and furnished ½ûÂþÌìÌà house are almost negligible, flooding (from natural causes) is usually enirely predictable, accidental damage you should be able to blame on the tenants. Just my opinion! Go with whatever keeps you happy, but IMO "insurance" is a very British mindset!

Certainly both the buyer and the seller, along with the notaio, would have to be in agreement to transact in a currency other than Euro, and I completely agree that most ½ûÂþÌìÌà vendors wouldn't entertain the idea! I just threw it in for information, because sometimes American or British people are buying an ½ûÂþÌìÌà property which is owned by a fellow countryman, and there are savings to be made on currency exchange costs etc. if they can settle the deal in their home currency and country.

Just don't do it! I have a nightmare scenario where I know that a bill didn't arrive, the regular postwoman was off sick, nothing arrived anywhere, so the bill sender was contacted to ascertain the sum due - but because the pre-printed bolletino had not arrived there was ZERO option to pay this bill without letting it get out of date..... If you have to pay Fedex just do it. (Actually they are evil, too, UPS are better). Carrier pigeons are your best bet.

I don't usually disagree with Ram, but the payment from buyer to seller (depending on previous agreement with the notaio) must be denominated in Euro, but DOES NOT have to be paid in Euro, and does not have to be paid through an ½ûÂþÌìÌà account. The notaio will need to have proof that a sum of money corresponding to the declared sale price has been transferred from the buyers account to the seller (this is antiriciclaggio aka moneylaundering international stuff), but  the transaction can be done in dollars or yen, (and nobody is going to be that particular about 'today's' exchange rate).

IF all that is needed is an up to date planimetria (bascially a drawn survey of the building) then this shouldn't hold up the deal for a huge amount of time - I'd suggest a max of six months, maybe less. However, there may be other snags involving tracing successioni (how the house has come into the ownership of the presumed seller) and this can drag on for a long time! It sounds as if you have a notaio who is concerned about your interests, and wants to get it right, and this is a good thing. In whichever circumstance, the costs of sorting out the planimetria, or the proof of ownership, fall on the seller. Unless the seller sorts it out he cannot sell the property. Under no circumstances should you be bullied into signing a deal on the basis that you are being a fussy foreigner. If your notaio doesn't feel confident about concluding the deal you MUST trust the notaio. Good luck. 

Various things about your post flag up mis understandings. With any luck sagraisolar will cover the solar/legal/"free power" issues, and badger will attempt to convince you on the geothermal options. There are funding options from the ½ûÂþÌìÌà state - maybe they'll work for you - but think any offer through in your own mind, and remember that financial advantage (as in free money) is only one part of the equation. It's a holistic thing (also, perhaps a sort of your own philosophy thing) but you have asked your question in a good place, and with any luck you'll get some seriously expert answers.