Tips to prepare you to buy your dream home in Italy 

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity,” said ancient Roman philosopher Seneca, and for homebuyers in Italy, his words remain highly relevant. A successful Italian home purchase starts with careful consideration of the best location and property for your lifestyle and an understanding of the country’s buying process. These pointers will help ease your route.

When considering locations, it’s easy to be swayed by any number of picture-perfect towns or villages, but factor in how you’ll use your home. Proximity to an international airport might not be crucial for those planning lengthy stays, but it will be for regular commuters or anyone coming for frequent weekend visits. Think also about how close you want to be to other people and to the amenities you plan to use, a favourite beach, good sports facilities or quality shops, for example, and think too about where local residents live and work to avoid regular commuting traffic. For splendid isolation, Tuscany’s Chianti region is a good place to start.  

Turning to the property, whether you plan a full renovation or a minor update, accept that most work will require some sort of planning permission. Don’t be deterred by Italy’s strict regulations, though: in general they are no more severe than the UK’s rules on heritage homes. Plan for three to six months for minor alterations and 18 months for completion of a full renovation, and factor in renovation costs, currently between €2,000 and €5,000 per square metre for a quality build. If you do make changes, and most people plan to alter at least the bathrooms or kitchens, try to avoid buying a home that’s already been ‘done’. It might seem obvious, but I see it happen often. 

Finally, read up on the buying process. It has become significantly easier over my many years in Italy, with clear and transparent steps from initial offer to signing the final contract before the notary. Purchasing costs are generally around 10-12% of the purchase price.

Many clients purchase outright, but for those seeking financing solutions, Traverse International Finance (Knight Frank Finance) can help. To streamline the process, I recommend buyers borrow in the jurisdiction where their money is earned.

Most of all, I advise clients to have fun finding a home. Exploring the variety of places and lifestyles Italy offers, its food, culture and natural beauty, should be a thrilling journey. Take time to enjoy it.