This article accompanies a conversation we recorded for Expats Unpacked which explains what you need to know and consider when buying a property in Italy. It explains the importance of differentiating the reality from the dream and how affordability should never be the first consideration.
Buying property in Italy is a dream many people share, there are millions of searches on Google from outside Italy relating to buying a property in Italy. Whether the dream is to own a rustic farmhouse, a sea-view villa, or a place to retire amongst the rolling hills and vineyards in Tuscany – the appeal is undeniable.
As with any dream about owning a property abroad, the process is far more complex than many expect, and ultimately different in almost every conceivable way to buying a property in either the UK or the US.
We’ve written this article to accompany an Expats Unpacked podcast we recorded with Daniel Shillito in May 2025. You can watch the candid conversation (it’s 37 minutes long) on our YouTube channel, and watch/listen to how Daniel has assisted people turn their dream into reality by holding their hand every step of the way and simplifying an extremely complex process.
After all, Daniel is an Australian who has successfully navigated the process for himself and his family too (there’s an Expats Unpacked podcast discussing Daniel’s journey to Italy as well).
Italy has millions of tourist visits every year, and the result is that huge numbers of people fall in love with Italy after a short trip.
It’s very easy to get carried away amongst the sun, food, people and culture – and at some point on their visit they’ll end up standing outside a real estate office or browsing listings online.
After all, who hasn’t sat on their holiday saying “This is amazing, I could live here, I wonder how much that apartment is?” and then going online to find out?
It’s crucial to remember that two weeks in summer simply isn’t enough to know what life would be like, and that applies to Italy as it does any location at home or abroad.
As Daniel put it: "You’ve got to get here."
That means multiple visits, spending time exploring places you’re interested in, especially at different times of year (not just when the weather is glorious, but when it’s wet, cloudy and miserable.
The first essential step is to understand what it would feel like to actually live in the location, not just visit with no outside stresses or worries.
Even for someone who is familiar with buying property in other countries, you must never assume the process is even vaguely similar. In Italy, almost everything is different, including:
While some people wish to relocate to Italy to live full-time and immerse themselves into the culture, others are looking for a holiday home for temporary breaks and holidays. Both reasons are valid, but the processes are each different.
It’s vital that you’re therefore completely honest with yourself and whoever you are moving with. So ask yourself this key question: are you trying to recreate a holiday or build a new lifestyle?
This distinction is critical, and honesty with yourself is absolutely imperative.
For example, if you're only going to visit for a holiday in the summer, you might not need to worry so much about off-season services or year-round infrastructure (although don’t ignore this because you may have to consider unforeseen factors such as flooding or snowfall affecting the property).
But if you’re relocating or retiring, those things become even more essential.
As mentioned earlier – our first question when enjoying our holiday is “I wonder how much a property is here?” and thoughts immediately turn to affordability and even mortgages. But there are more important questions that should really come first such as:
These questions cannot be answered on a single holiday or trip, they must be done after researching, multiple visits and speaking/listening to people who have made the move.
Once answered, then you are ready to thing about affordability, and maybe even Italian mortgages.
In Italy, real estate agents are legally allowed to represent both the buyer and the seller and is very common.
This dual role can be confusing and cause a conflict of interest – which means it could be very risky if you assume they’re working only in your interest.
In the podcast, Daniel emphasises the importance of seeking independent advice and representation from someone working solely for you who will:
As Daniel explains: "You want someone interested in your, and only your interests.”
Trying to bring the process together yourself in a language that is not your native tongue can work, but remember there are more people than you are used to, including agents, notaries, surveyors, maybe even mortgage brokers.
However, doing it on your own carries significant risk and stress which could end up with you making a very expensive mistake, and your dream quickly turning into a nightmare.
Therefore you should also factor in the costs of having someone on the ground who can manage the process for you.
Buying a property in itself is a complex process, but due to the age of many of the properties available in Italy, minor or major renovations are extremely common.
This additional consideration adds a whole new level of complexity into your decision making process including:
These can all impact your budget and timeline significantly. Without proper guidance, a dream project can quickly become a logistical nightmare – and before long you may be stuck with a “lemon” you can’t do anything with.
Buying property abroad is a very stressful and complex process that can rapidly get out of hand. If there’s one thing that this article is meant to convey above all other elements it would be:
Buying a residential property is possible for expats and foreigners, but have realistic expectations. If you have unrealistic expectations, such as living in Italy is like a permanent holiday, or the buying an Italian property is straightforward, you’re going to end up with a hell of a lot of stress.
Stress and disappointment ultimately come from expecting an Italian property purchase is going to be easy, when in reality, it couldn’t be further from the truth.
But, if you approach the purchase with the right mindset, realistic expectations and someone experienced at helping people buying Italian properties, you’re far more likely to avoid major pitfalls.
Here’s a quick checklist covering the key points from this article and conversation:
The dream of owning a home in Italy is achievable but only if you plan, ask the right questions, and get help where you need it.
Whether the property is worth €500,000 or €10 million, it makes sense to do it right.
As Robert put it: “You wouldn’t build a house without expert advice - so why would you buy one without it?”
If you would like to discuss buying a property in Italy with a trusted, independent expert who will work for you we can help. Request a free introduction and we will connect you with one of our trusted specialists (like Daniel) who will contact you to arrange an initial discovery call to explore your current situation.
This introduction service is perfect for someone who has already set their expectations, roughly understands what they’re looking for, has a budget and wants to take the next step to buying a property in Italy.
