Cracking the Code to Your Dream Property in Italy.
Four Game-Changing Questions To Get You Started
Italy is renowned for its cuisine, stunning scenery, and rich culture, not to mention the Italian lifestyle that is envied around the world. And it only takes a hot minute to google “properties for sale in Italy” to see that there are some incredible deals!
I remember one client who came from Florida commenting “You mean I could buy this property for the price of a boat slip in Miami?”
Yes, I nodded.
And for him, the deal was sweet, the property perfect and he was ready. For others, the decision to buy in Italy, whether it is to move or to invest, is more challenging. This, for the most part, is because there are simply so many beautiful places to choose from.
To help make it simpler, here’s the process we go through when we help our Property Purchase Assistance clients find their dream homes in Italy, and you can ask yourself the same questions and see where you land.
Our Favorite Cafés in Florence
If you’ve ever been to Florence, or plan to soon, you’ll likely run into me and the SMI team at one of these Florence cafés. They’re our favorites! Remember that in Italy, cafés are also referred to as bars. So, no matter which neighborhood you’re exploring, you won’t have to go very far for a sweet treat.
Even though most of our team is based in Florence, that never stops us from uncovering the beauty and opportunities of this bel paese with twenty diverse regions to explore. Sophia, one of our writers and researchers, recently went to Puglia for the first time. She explored a handful of towns and even got to connect with her family there. If you haven’t been, you should go.
I’m heading down next week to film an episode for the BBC World Travel Show about why this region should be on your radar! Follow me on Insta for updates!
While chatting with her about the incredible food in Puglia, massive olive trees, and unique architecture, I couldn’t help but recall my first time in Puglia and how the first experience left both my husband and me speechless. I don’t know how I gathered up my words to share the experience with you….but give it a go.. Click here to listen!
Location Spotlight: Stunning Sardinia
Have you ever been to the beautiful island of Sardinia, known for its beaches, resorts, and high quality of life? I recently went to visit my sister-from-another-mother (who is a Sarda) and I can’t stop thinking about it ever since.
She has been bugging us to go for years, and finally, we had a few days for a quick break and surprised them. Flights from Florence are super cheap, 9 euros each way to be exact, so there was really nothing stopping us but laziness. I will be posting a new podcast episode on our visit that gives you a deeper insight into what it’s like to live on the island, so keep an ear out for it. For now, let me just say, it should be on your bucket list, to at least visit for vacation - if not a lifetime.
Living on an island has its drawbacks, but Sardinia is big with three large port cities so you won’t feel too caged in. Cagliari is the capital, and largest city of the region, which attracts many newcomers. With cobblestone streets, panoramic views, and all of the services you’d expect from a metropolitan city, it’s definitely a place worth considering to live.
Other bases are Alghero to the northwest and Olbia in the northeast corner which is attached to the ritzy Costa Smeralda. Property prices are quite high along the coast, but very affordable in the interior. If you plan to move to Sardinia, you should be prepared to buy here, because, for the most part, it’s very challenging to find a long-term rental.
But, there are some towns like Ollolai, that are trying to attract new residents by offering rent for only 1 euro a month. There have also been some 1 euro home promotions in the interior, but living in these remote places can be quite challenging and not for everyone.
If I had to summarize the local cuisine, (because food must always be part of the conversation when talking about Italy), in two words, it’d be fresh and unexpected.
Of course, you eat what is local and in season, so you can’t go wrong with fresh seafood here, but many people are surprised that there is more meat than fish in Sardinia. This is because it is an island of shepherds, so meat and pecorino cheese is much more a staple than fish. In fact, Sardinia is the home of the infamous (and very gross) Casu martzu which is a sheep milk cheese with live insect larvae.
Yes, maggots.
It is considered an aphrodisiac to old Sardinians but is completely illegal to sell for obvious health reasons. But it is an example of some of the very entrenched cultures and traditions that Sardi’s hold tight.
And don’t forget about Pana Carause. This is a wafer-thin bread that you eat either on its own or quickly dunked in water and used as a tortilla of sorts. We are hooked and always have a box on the kitchen shelf.
Sardinia is a land that is rough and rural combined with ritz and glamor - and with some of the most breathtaking beaches imaginable. It is safe, slow-paced, warm, and rich in historical treasures
For the right person, Sardinia offers endless possibilities and I highly recommend it. We will be back many, many more times.
AMA (Ask me anything)
Submit your question here!
Dear Samantha: How soon can I book an appointment at a Consulate to apply for my Elective Residency Visa? - Ron
Dear Ron: You cannot make an appointment earlier than 3 weeks and no later than 3 months from your anticipated departure date.
You should start to prepare your application approx 6 months from your appointment date. This includes gathering the required documents, sending them for apostille (if needed), securing a rental in Italy etc. You will need to make the appointment through the PrenotaME system that you can find on the website of the Italian consulate in your jurisdiction.
Are you ready to turn your Italian adventure into a reality? Well, hold onto your passports because we have something incredible in store for you! Follow us @anewlifeinitaly Instagram for an exclusive sneak peek into the world of planning your move to Italy!
The Inside Track …
Citizenship
For those of you that have pasta sauce running through your veins, but are not quite sure if you qualify for your Italian Citizenship, there is a quick and easy way to find out. Even if your last living Italian ancestor dates back multiple generations… with a proper search and documentation, it is possible that you could be holding up the coveted Red Passport too! If you’re not sure, take our little 2-minute quiz to find out »
Where do you dream of living?
If you’re a property junky like me, I know that you can spend hours scouring the property rental and sales ads, apps, and social groups, dreaming of finding your forever home in Italy. It’s not always easy though, as Italy doesn’t have a MLS. Instead, you have to peck away at different websites to find the diamond you’re seeking.
If you are already subscribed to Vendita, you know that we love to dig around and find some incredible properties for you to drool over each Sunday morning. But did you know that we have just added a new section for luxury properties? Lux properties in Italy tend to start at 1 mil, but our finds will start lower, at around 750k. Our real estate connections have been sending us their special projects non-stop and we can’t wait to share them.
If you’re not yet subscribed - it’s FREE so get on the list now and start dreaming. If you prefer no email, jump on our Telegram channel.
Planning to Retire to Italy?
If your plans are to sit back, sip an espresso and watch the days go by in your favorite Piazza, and are not Italian or European, then your focus needs to be on obtaining an Elective Residency Visa (ERV), which these days, can be quite TRICKY!
Consulates are becoming more selective and scrutinizing every application. They are asking for additional documents (not listed on their site) plus credit checks and debt declarations. What used to be a fairly straightforward visa to get, is becoming one of the most difficult out there.
So if your plans are to move and retire in Italy, and you need the ERV, do not take it lightly. Regardless if you need just a little or a lot of help, we have a few ways to help increase your chances of success. You can learn more here »
Tell me what you need…
As the name suggests, this newsletter is per te, for you. So I want to hear from you! What’s something you can’t quite find the answer to? Is there a town you’ve fallen for and want to learn more about? What are you most looking forward to in your new life in Italy? What’s holding you back from taking the leap? Whatever it is, I hope to explore it together in the coming issues!
Ciao for now! Samantha