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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to be stumped here?

12 replies

ShellyRay · 07/05/2019 10:05

This should maybe have been under a different topic - I've never posted before but have lurked for many years now.
My mum retired to Sardinia, Italy a few years back, investing all her money in a big house there. All seemed well but she couldn't learn the language - I thought that was because most of her friends were expats but it turns out to have been the first symptom of neurological illness. In short, she has had to come home and I have to somehow sell her house (she is living with me at the moment, and I've already moved her stuff). I'm absolutely stumped: I talked to three agents there but they don't seem to be doing anything - I've been doing so for months now but they don't seem to be getting anywhere. I talked to the main London based estate agents that sell Italian property here, the problem is that they would only accept properties valued at 1 million Euros or more (it's a seven bedroom house with tons of garden in a great location, but no pool - when she first moved there her neighbour tried to buy it off her offering 700,000 euros so that's a rough indication to me of what it should be worth). I'm stumped and exhausted, I have three young children and Mum is not well. Is there something I should be doing that I simply haven't thought of? I would really appreciate any advice.

OP posts:
TottWriter · 07/05/2019 10:27

I'm afraid I don't have any helpful advice for you as it's not a situation I've ever been in, but are any of the expat friends your mum made in the area still around/willing to help out a bit? Even if it's just finding other reputable estate agents?

Reaah · 07/05/2019 10:52

Can you contact the neighbor and ask if they would still be interested in buying?

ShellyRay · 07/05/2019 10:59

Yes, I tried that but they are not, they've got something else now. Thank you for the suggestion!

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ShellyRay · 07/05/2019 11:00

I have spoken to some of Mum's friends there - they recommended the estate agents to me that I have tried/am trying without success, or told me that they are all useless!

OP posts:
HomeMadeMadness · 07/05/2019 11:06

Do you know anyone well enough out of your mum's expat friends to ask for local advice?

BollocksToBrexit · 07/05/2019 11:07

You could try asking on this forum (brits living in Italy):

britishexpats.com/forum/italy-77/

ShellyRay · 07/05/2019 11:24

Thank you BollocksToBrexit (great name!) - I will try that!

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Judashascomeintosomemoney · 07/05/2019 11:28

Do you have to sell it or could you start renting it out as a holiday villa?

ShellyRay · 07/05/2019 14:18

I worry about holiday letting - it has a large garden with lots of natural features - what if someone tripped and sued me etc? Also, I wouldn't know where to begin filing tax returns in Italy - I just need to be able to finance future care and as I said I have three young kids (1, 3 and 6) to look after as well as helping mum now (and a part time job). Otherwise I would consider it!

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madrush · 07/05/2019 21:46

Maybe try idealists.it to see who is selling properties near hers/similar type? Choose an agent who is member of the appropriate bodies and registered at the town hall. I imagine feed are split between buyer and seller so pay attention to those costs when you choose as well. Realistically, it sounds as though the property might be a slow sell - large size and high price reduces group of likely purchasers. Best wishes

madrush · 07/05/2019 21:47

Idealista.it - sorry

bridgetreilly · 07/05/2019 22:07

Where did your mother buy it? That could be a good place to try selling it.

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