Episode 44

How To Plan A Property Buying Trip To Italy

Alright, let’s get real about buying property in Italy. In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m breaking down exactly how to plan a successful property viewing trip—because trust me, just showing up and hoping for the best? That’s a recipe for frustration.

Buying a home in Italy is exciting, but it’s also full of twists and turns that can trip you up if you’re not prepared. I’m sharing what I’ve seen work (and what doesn’t) when it comes to house-hunting here, so you can avoid the classic mistakes that leave buyers feeling overwhelmed and empty-handed.

First things first—before you even book your flight, you need to pre-screen your properties. I’ll walk you through how to create a short list of homes that actually fit your needs and budget, instead of wasting time on places that look great online but fall apart in person. I’ll also share the critical questions you need to ask agents before scheduling a viewing—because not every listing is what it seems, and you don’t want to spend your trip chasing dead ends.

Then, once you’re in Italy, I’ll help you maximize your time on the ground. The key? Quality over quantity. I know it’s tempting to cram 10+ house viewings into a single day, but after the third or fourth, they all start to blur together. I’ll explain how to structure your schedule, take the right notes and photos, and keep track of what really matters so you’re making informed decisions—not just picking a house because it’s the only one you can still remember.

And let’s talk about what happens when you actually find the one. You’ll need to move fast—but not recklessly. I’ll share why having a property lawyer and a geometra lined up before you fall in love with a house is a game-changer. Plus, I’ll break down how to navigate the negotiation process in Italy, because let’s be honest—this isn’t the US or UK, and the way deals are made here is different.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to plan your trip like a pro, avoid the common mistakes, and set yourself up for success in the Italian property market. So, if buying a home in Italy is on your radar, grab your notebook, and let’s get into it!

And hey—if you have questions about your own property search, send them my way! I might just answer them in an upcoming episode. Ciao for now!

Resources:

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If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! 

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

About the Podcast

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A New Life in Italy
Live longer. Spend less. Smile more.

About your hosts

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Samantha Wilson

For those who know me and those whom I have had the honor to help move to Italy, you know that I am obsessed with taking complex things and boiling them down into small, actionable, easy-to-do steps.

I am a bit of a freak about it and can’t remember when I wasn’t the “problem solver – solution seeker” in the confused crowd.

My dad used to say I was just stubborn or unwilling to accept “you can’t do that” for an answer. Still, I always believed that if you can look at a problem from every angle, break it down, and have the support and knowledge to move through and over the barriers, anything is possible.

Now, in my new life in Italy, I use my obsession with planning and finding solutions to help people from all over the world successfully move to Italy, whether to live part-time or full-time, with less stress and mistakes.

I am considered one of the top relocation experts in Italy and am the founder and Chief Dream Maker at Smart Move Italy (www.smartmoveitaly.com) where my team of experts and I work tirelessly to help smooth the pathway to a new life in Italy- and I hope that we can help you too.
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London Niro

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Ali Frothingham