Things to watch out for 👀
- Condition of the trullo: What needs to be restored, and what are the costs?
- Accessibility: You want a peaceful location, but it should still be accessible by road. Also for construction traffic if necessary.
- Phone reception: In many rural areas, reception can be poor. It's essential to have good phone reception not only for convenience and safety but also because internet services often rely on GSM signals.
- Land area and building rights: How much land comes with the trullo and how much can you build? This is crucial and varies by municipality, so hire a local 'geometra' to investigate. A real estate agent can provide an estimate, but make sure to confirm it.
- Building permissions: Are you allowed to extend the existing structures, or can you also build separate buildings on the property?
- Electricity: Check if there's electricity available or if it can be installed. Look at houses in the neighborhood and check for power lines. Ask the neighbours!
- Water supply: It's unlikely that there's connection to the main water supply; so is there a cistern? Check its condition and capacity to see if it's suitable for modern needs.
- Cesspool presence: Is there an existing cesspool / 'fossa imhoff'?
- Inspect the trees: Examine the olive and almond trees for any signs of dead branches, which could indicate the presence of Xylella, a bacteria that slowly kills trees. Check the lands of neighbours as well, since this disease can spread uncontrollably once it is in the area.
- Take photos: During viewings, take plenty of pictures since all trulli may start to look alike after seeing a few.
And… don’t forget to have fun and dream of your beautiful property and land in Puglia ❤️