Ben Iveson and his partner Tayler Iveson, both in their late twenties, have encountered significant challenges in their quest to relocate to their dream home in Sambuca, Sicily. After purchasing the property for €55,000 (£48,000) in 2021 and investing an additional €120,000 in renovations, the couple is now facing visa complications that have severely impacted their plans to move permanently to Italy.
Visa Complications Disrupt Relocation Plans
The Ivesons, originally from Halifax, intended to establish a new life in their picturesque farmhouse, which boasts views of a nearby lake and is surrounded by vineyards and historical Saracen tower ruins. Their aspirations were thwarted when they applied for Italy’s Elective Residency Visa, designed for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient passive income without needing to work in the country. Despite having adequate savings, their application was rejected on the grounds that their income did not meet the necessary criteria.
Initially confident in their financial stability, the couple faced a requirement of €32,000 annually for two applicants, which has since increased to €38,000. Mr. Iveson remarked, “When we bought the house, we weren’t aware yet of the full impact of Brexit and the challenges it would pose to us being able to move out there.”
The couple’s experience highlights the difficulties many face in navigating the visa process, particularly since there is no official data available regarding acceptance rates for these applications. Each consulate has discretion over how to apply income thresholds, which can vary significantly. Some may even require double the stated income, creating additional barriers for applicants like the Ivesons.
Adapting to New Realities
Despite the setbacks, the Ivesons have chosen to adapt their plans. They now intend to spend only a few months each year in Sambuca, renting out their renovated farmhouse to holidaymakers to generate income. Mr. Iveson expressed hope that, in the future, they might be able to relocate permanently based on the revenue generated from their property.
The couple’s journey began when they acquired a run-down farmhouse with three acres of olive trees and an additional acre of land. They undertook extensive renovations, including replacing the roof and adding modern facilities. “When we found the lakefront farmhouse, it felt too good to be true,” Mr. Iveson said, reflecting on their initial excitement.
As they adapt to their current situation, the Ivesons continue to cherish their connection to Sambuca. They appreciate the local charm and history of the town, which boasts a vibrant mix of residents and expats. “Most things are within a 15- to 20-minute drive, so we’ve got the perfect balance between tranquillity and practicality,” Mr. Iveson noted.
While they grapple with the implications of Brexit and the restrictive visa policies that have emerged, the couple remains determined not to abandon their dream. “We’re not going to stop trying and hoping,” Mr. Iveson stated. They advocate for more accessible options for young people and property owners seeking to establish lives in the European Union.
As the Ivesons navigate their future, their experience serves as a poignant reminder of the broader challenges faced by many in the wake of changing immigration policies.
