We have bought a house in Tuscany and it was

We have bought a house in Tuscany and it was a complete renovation job.

It is not yet habitable and we are paying Enel bills every two months.

it will be a year at least before we can move in but they now want to meet as the house is empty.

Can they charge more?

Helen

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Not sure what happens with a house not yet habitable but eventually, if not now, you will be on a second home tariff if not main residence. It is essentially a tax via a high standing charge so low usage makes little impact.  Same with gas so I use bottle gas to avoid another high gas tariff. I am sure others will be along to advise on inhabitable homes. Finally you will automatically be charged for TV license on your electric do you might want not do a disdetta to avoid the charge until you have a TV.

if there is no electricity consumption, you can request the suspension of the supply, you will still pay the fixed minimum -

If, on the other hand, you ask for the termination of the contract, you will have the deposit returned. When you do the new one, you will have to pay the deposit again and 100 euros for the activation.

 I am sure others will be along to advise on inhabitable vidmate homes. Finally you will automatically be charged for TV license on your electric do you might want not do a disdetta to avoid the charge until you have a TV.

We are hoping to buy an Italian Apartment through a private sale (no estate agent).  We are finding it difficult to get answers to questions.  Also, we are being told information that doesn't sound correct but we don't know.  We have been told by the Seller that they don't pay any costs to sell.  The Buyer pays all the costs.  Is this correct?  So we would have to pay the Notary at the Deed of Sale signing?  We thought the Notary was impartial so assumed that the cost would be 50/50.  Please can anybody help.  We have lots of other questions and any advice would be gratefully received.  Thank you/Grazie

Yes the sellers are correct.  You are buying and therefore pay the notary and the taxes, as well as translation/interpreters costs.   The seller must obviously pay for the necessary documentation to sell the property.   The seller must declare that he is up to date with the costs inherent tothe property, such as the condominium charges for an apartment and let you know if there are expenses in the offing.  

Thank you for this.  The Seller has implied that we would pay ALL of his costs.  I can't see what they might be but would assume that there are some legal fees similar to in the UK?  Much lower than the Buyer pays but some costs.  I have read that the Seller needs a 'Certificate of Habitability' & an 'Energy Performance Certificate'.  Is this correct?  Does the Seller pay for these?  Can these be issued if the Property doesn't have the Gas & Electricity connected?  Thank you.

There are no legal fees for the seller if the house is in order.  Yes he must provide the energy certifiation.  The Agibilita or Habitability is not obligatory in all cases, depending on the age of the property, and what works have been done in the last 20 or so years.   The seller is not obliged to provide it if he has no obligation to have it.  

Someone such as Ugo will be better but as a starter, you pay your purchase tax and the notary but as the latter usually acts for both parties then it should be a shared cost. If you were using an agent then that is a shared cost. You are not liable for any capital gains unless the seller wants you to pay that for them so they get a clear amount rather than them having to pay it out of proceeds of the sale. I've seen that done as an informal arrangement but I'm not sure it's a great idea. The seller also needs to settle up any taxes and utilities to date of transfer.

Tony , 

in Italy, there is no discount on gas rates for residents with a first home - just as there is no increase for all those who have a second home - Gas is priced the same for everyone. The only relief on gas tariffs, which is common with electricity, is for those homes that are located at heights higher than 500 meters above sea level - this, because being the more rigid climate, it is easy to have consumption. elevated - Tony, you can write whatever you want, this is a comunity - but maybe, if before mentioning my name to support what you write, you documented .. it would not be bad - Who makes a bad impression, shooting blanks, it is you ...

My thanks to Ugo for clarifications which is all I wanted from anyone with greater knowledge than myself prepared to contribute rather than any endorsement.