I have recently bought a farmhouse in Le Marche and wondered if it is compulsory to make an ICI Declaration ?  I am not living down there permanently as yet and have not applied for residency as yet but intend to move down in February 2010 and app
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I used Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena and opened the account in the UK  as they had a local branch in Le Marche (where the account was opened for me) so it was easy to facilitate and get the cheques etc  to pay the Notario.  They were extremely helpful cheque book / bancomat / online banking etc all ready for me when I went into the local branch in Fermo to sign the papers. I believe that Poste ½ûÂþÌìÌÃe is by far the cheapest in terms of charges - at least this is what most ½ûÂþÌìÌÃs tell me but my understanding is you need to get your residency to open account with them. Charges with BMP di Siena and most other banks apply higher charges to non-residents (conto estero)  ....when you eventually become a resident ...compulsory after 18 months of first home purchase .....you then switch over the account to a residents account.  I incurred a Euro 200 charge for them receiving my funds to purchase my house but all in all their transaction fees seem reasonableWith regards to buildings / contents insurance I used Intasure () - they were very helpful and efficient and very reasonable price given.  I followed advise on here and they have had  very postive feedbackNot sure where you are based but if you need any other info feel free to PM me - I have just purchased my farmhouse in le Marche at the beginning of September