FAQ About Our Fractional Offerings
Have questions about how Italy Perfect Shared ownership works? Find out more about our fractional co-ownership program and the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions below.
Have questions about how Italy Perfect Shared ownership works? Find out more about our fractional co-ownership program and the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions below.
A: Co-ownership, also known as shared or fractional ownership, offers the benefits of owning a second home at a fraction of the cost and effort. Unlike timeshares, which only guarantee you the right to stay at a property without actual ownership, co-ownership provides a deeded share of a specific property. This means you truly own part of the home, can sell your share, or pass it on to loved ones. Initially popularized in the 1980s in U.S. ski areas, co-ownership has expanded into luxury properties worldwide.
A: It is a natural extension of our Italy Perfect vacation rental business and the success of Paris Perfect Shared. Our co-ownership program started in Paris because our guests asked for the chance to own an apartment in Paris that we manage in the same trusted, high-quality way. They wanted to visit up to a month each year, and instead of renting from us, they wanted a piece of a beautiful apartment, without the cost and hassles of 100% ownership. This was how Paris Perfect Shared began.
Our owners have been thrilled with the experience and immediately began asking if we were going to offer the same opportunities in other European cities, with Italy being at the top of the list. Thanks to more than 20 years of experience in the Italian vacation rental market with Italy Perfect, we were uniquely positioned to offer the same co-ownership experience in Italy.
Take a deeper dive into fractional co-ownership and our start in Paris on our Paris Perfect Shared blog answering some of our most frequently asked questions. You can also find out more by watching our short video about our fractional apartments.
A: Trust is at the heart of what makes Italy Perfect and parent company Vacation Perfect the largest and most respected provider of fractional ownership in Europe. With two decades of expertise in luxury vacation rentals, we’ve built a reputation for delivering exceptional homes and experiences. Our success is driven by:
What truly sets us apart is the benefit of working with a trusted local company that, for nearly two decades, has handled every aspect of cleaning, maintenance, and fractional administration. This ensures each property is cared for with the highest attention to detail, giving owners peace of mind. Our hands-on approach sets us apart, making us the most trusted and successful fractional provider in Europe.
A: All the costs to maintain the apartment—including building charges, utilities, property taxes, cleaning, supplies, management and a five-to-ten-year depreciation cycle for appliances—are covered by an annual fee paid by each owner. This all-inclusive fee is designed to make ownership straightforward and affordable. A portion is also set aside for long-term maintenance of the apartment and building. Our properties benefit from low operating costs due to our scale and commitment to providing excellent value. We encourage you to compare Italy Perfect Co-Ownership’s fees with any shared ownership offering in the U.S. or Europe.
A: No, you will not need an Italian bank account nor will you have to personally file Italian taxes. The fees can be paid in US dollars to the US companies set up to own the apartment through a Italian SRL (like an LLC). The US companies will pay the taxes to the Italian SRL, which will file an annual tax return. These ongoing expenses are already factored into the annual fee detailed above.
A: No, dues do not automatically increase each year. They are tied directly to actual operating expenses, covering utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, condo fees, and administration. A portion of the dues goes into a reserve fund for future repairs or renovations, and this fund has grown significantly over time. Owners have full control and can vote to reduce reserve contributions, which would lower dues. Our conservative approach ensures financial stability, giving co-owners peace of mind while keeping annual dues well below comparable offerings.
A: No, material changes require an ownership vote. We have extremely limited authority to make non-material changes on behalf of the owners.
A: Yes, if owners feel that Italy Perfect Shared is not providing adequate service, they may vote to replace with another manager of their choice at the end of the contract period.
A: No you cannot rent the apartment; this is not legal in Italy. However, as with any owned property, you can lend it to family and friends.
A: Yes, there is a defined process, and we can act as agent to sell your share. You are also welcome to use another agency to do so. Other shareholders will have the first priority to purchase your share. Although no one can guarantee it, the prices of all apartment shares have increased for the shares that have been resold. Importantly, our large following of over 35,000 readers, 175,000 Instagram followers and over 175,000 unique visitors to our websites per month mean a large buyer marketplace to make it easier and faster for ItalyPerfectShared owners to sell their ownership.
A: There are no restrictions on who can own a share of a Italian property. Individuals, LLCs, and corporations can all hold a share. Although France prefers ownership directly in your name, there are no legal limitations on this.
A: Owners must follow a code of conduct, which includes not renting the apartment, not hosting disruptive events and getting approval before changing furniture or hanging personal art.
A: If an owner defaults or doesn’t pay their dues, we work with them to resolve payment. If it is not resolved within 90 days, we will manage the resale of that individual share and reimburse unpaid dues then return the remainder to the seller.
In terms of respecting your apartment, we find that owners take great pride in their homes and leave them in fantastic condition. Nonetheless, we conduct thorough inspections after each visit. Should there be any damages exceeding normal wear and tear, these are charged to the responsible owner.
A: The choice of weeks is done on a rotation basis of two weeks each, similar to professional sports draft. If you are in position one for the first round then you have first choice of your first two weeks and last choice of the second two weeks. The first-round pick moves down by one each year, and the second-round pick moves up by one each year. That way everyone has an excellent choice of favorite weeks, either in round one or two.
There are no “bad” weeks or seasons in Italy! Every season is special, from balmy spring days, cozy winter stays, languid summer evenings or mild fall weather, each season has much to offer with a large variety of museum exhibits, seasonal foods, concerts, educational lectures on art and history, language or cooking classes.
Spring
Giuseppe Verdi said, “You may have the universe if I may have Italy.” We think he meant Italy in the springtime – a time when everyone should experience Italy. Spring blossoms begin early, often in February or March, and the lovely weather is perfect for strolling and shopping in Rome or enjoying the historic gardens in Florence. Catch the wisteria blooming in the Bardini gardens and savor those moments dining al fresco on your terrace. Easter is a major holiday in Italy that is full of traditions, seasonal fare and events like the exciting Scoppio del Carro in Florence, a local tradition of exploding a cart in front of the Duomo on Easter Sunday.
Summer
The summer months are a popular time to visit Italy, and for a very good reason. There’s just something about that Tuscan sun! June in Florence is the time for the Calcio Storico and citywide celebration for the Feast of San Giovanni. July and August are undoubtedly busy months in Rome and Florence, but you’ll be set to enjoy peak season in Italy without peak season travel rates. Enjoy the perks of being a local by hitting popular spots during the quieter moments or join in the Italian tradition of going on holiday in August to explore more of Italy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy Rome’s beautiful parks and gardens, take a day trip to the beach or explore the Italian countryside. Being the most popular time of the year does have its advantages, especially the many cultural events, concerts and festivals that add to the summer fun.
Fall
When harvest season arrives and the grape vines are tinged in warm hues, you’ll quickly see why autumn is one of the best seasons in Tuscany. Temperatures remain quite mild in September and October, especially in Rome, and the seasonal fare is one of the biggest draws. Shop at the local markets for fresh ingredients or check out the autumn fare on the local restaurant menus. This is sagra time of year when have the chance to savor Italy’s food festivals big and small. Enjoy strolling along the cobblestone streets, visit your favorite museums or take advantage of the fine weather to take a scenic walk in Florence or explore the countryside on a day trip from Florence. Autumn is a prime season to visit Europe, so it’s the perfect time to extend your stay with a visit to other Italian cities or a quick flight to Paris or London.
Winter
Winter is the best kept secret in Italy, and we think you’ll soon see why. While it is the coolest time of the year, it is still fairly mild and perfectly suitable for exploring. Just take a page from Italians and wrap up in a lovely scarf! The Christmas holidays are especially festive in Rome and Florence and they extend well into January until the Epiphany holiday. Shop at the Christmas Market in Florence, enjoy holiday shopping in Rome and don’t miss those traditional Christmas desserts. Winter is the season for great food as everyone focuses on family and eating together. So try those restaurants out when it’s easier to get reservations and explore all the culture Rome and Florence have to offer during the most peaceful time of the year.
A. With the success of Paris Perfect Shared we have expanded our offering to Italy Perfect Shared with the launch of our first Florence, Italy fractional, the Maestro apartment, our owners are delighted we look to continue to expand in other Vacation Perfect key markets. Stay tuned for more upcoming fractional news!
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A: Just let us know if you’d like to secure a share and we’ll provide you with the information package and contract – and also schedule a showing plus answer all your questions. Please email us for more information and with any questions you may have: [email protected].