Looking for a short-cut to life in Italy?
Also this week: the most important person in a property purchase, falling in love with island life, getting your questions answered, and selling EVERYTHING and moving to Italy.
Short-cuts to Life in Italy? ✂️
If you’ve engaged with Italy on any level, you already know that everything you do (or hope to do) is an exercise in patience. From renting a car to setting up utilities, acquiring a tax code to getting a clear answer from a government official — none of it is easy. I’d love to tell you about some shortcuts, some tricks to cut the line, shorten wait times, and generally make your Italian path smoother. But, truth be told, they don’t exist.
There are plenty of voices out there in the world, some of them saying you can just do this-or-that to get around a regulation or blur the lines between what is technically correct and what gets the job done. A word of caution about these voices: They will, more often than not, lead you astray. You see, Italy may not be the easiest country to work with, but there is a certain way of doing things and it doesn’t involve cutting the line or skirting the bureaucracy.
A classic example is the need for an Italian driver’s license. The process is notoriously difficult so it makes sense that people would want an alternative path, but there aren’t any. You need to know the Italian on the test (this is not the same as being fluent), go through the classes, and learn obscure rules of the road. Sure, there’s an argument to be made that these rules are often ridiculous and not applicable to actual driving. It doesn’t matter.
Another example is integrating into a community. Sometimes when people start a new life in Italy, they want to flip a switch so that everyone in their new town suddenly embraces them like one of the family. While Italy is a country based on relationships, it takes time and effort to develop camaraderie with your neighbors. Smiling, learning the language, and getting into a daily routine can make a huge impact on those around you but it surely won’t happen overnight. And, keep in mind, you will always be a straniero/a (Don’t look at this negatively. It’s just a fact).
Rather than look for shortcuts, the best advice is…just do the work. Italy is an amazing country full of incredible beauty and opportunities for adventure. It’s worth it to go through the process, painful as it may be. After all, the Italians have to do it too.
Perhaps the Most Important Person in Your Property Purchase
If you’re in the process of searching for a property in Italy, you’ve probably heard about needing a notaio, or notary. If you haven’t, you will. While you may be familiar with the term, notaries in Italy probably serve a different purpose than you’re used to. They are crucial to a successful sale and perform essential tasks to ensure the transaction is legally binding. In short, you cannot underestimate the importance of the notary.
It is extremely difficult to become a notary in Italy. It requires a law degree, years of specialized training, and a rigorous licensing exam As highly-trained public officials, notaries are unbiased, so their interests lie in the legality of the process and the authenticity of the documents involved.
The bottom line is… you cannot go without them (see the aforementioned article on Short-Cuts to Life in Italy👆). Sometimes buying a house in Italy means dealing with a long line of owners or people making claims to the property in one way or another. You’ll also run into unclear property lines, loans on the property, and other roadblocks that can potentially derail a sale. It’s the notary’s job to make sure all of these issues are brought to light and ironed out.
Without a notary, it’s impossible to legally transfer ownership of a property so getting the keys to your new home in Italy hinges on the work they do. While a notary's fees may seem substantial, they alone can safeguard your investment and guarantee a secure property transfer in Italy.
🚘 Italy’s New (Low Emissions) Car Bonus
It’s no secret that fuel costs and pollution are big problems, not just in Italy, but around the world. Recently, the Italian government announced a measure to address these issues in the form of a purchase incentive. The program has been funded with € 950 million and offers price cuts of up to € 13,750 on specific vehicles.
Four vehicle categories fall into the incentive program including certain electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, thermal cars, and used cars with an environmental rating of Euro 6 [you can find your car’s environmental rating here]. The amount of the discount depends on several factors including the type of car you purchase, your income, and whether or not you are scrapping another car.
Of course, keep in mind that you must be a resident to purchase a car in Italy. If you fall into that category and are in the market, be sure to speak with the dealership as the incentive will be claimed at the point of sale.
Podcast Corner - Falling in Love with Sardinia
When most people think about Italy, island life may not be top of mind, but if long stretches of powdery beaches, sun-soaked piazzas, and a vibrant culture speak to you, you may want to check out the incredibly beautiful island of Sardinia.
In a recent episode of the New Life in Italy podcast, Samantha Wilson shares her deep connection with this unique location and introduces you to one of her closest friends, who happens to call Sardinia home. The two chat about what makes Sardinian culture so incredibly unique, its deep traditions, the warmth of its people, and the logistics of moving to and moving around this Mediterranean island. They even uncover the symbolism behind Sardinia’s curious flag.
Whether you’re already in love with this magical island or still exploring its virtues, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. With its crystal clear water, charming towns, and wild landscapes, Sardinia may just be the tropical paradise you’re looking for. Ready to fall in love? Listen now. 👇
What I always like about Sardinia is that it has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped out of time and into a world where every single breath and every single moment is kind of like magic.
- Samantha Wilson
Community Success - From Australia to Abruzzo
🏠 Purchasing a property in Italy isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s also completely doable if you have the right support. If you’ve spent any time house hunting in Italy, you know the frustration of trying to communicate with agents who don’t return calls and you’re probably wondering if the prices you’re seeing are actual prices or inflated just for your foreign budget. We’ve been there, which is why we launched our property-finding services in the first place.
Our seasoned property consultants partner with prospective buyers to clear the path to success, reduce stress, and make the entire process as seamless as possible. Sound too good to be true? See what Olga and Craig have to say about their experience:
If you’re serious about owning or renting a home in Italy and want help with the process, let’s see if we’re a good fit. Visit our property👇 page and schedule a time to chat.
❓ Your Burning (Italy) Questions Answered
The path to Italy is winding and full of often unanswered questions. Clarity is evasive…unless you know where to look. With over a decade of experience helping countless people realize their Italian dreams, we probably have the answers - you just need to ask.
One of the most popular features of our podcast is the weekly Q&A with Samantha, just like the old radio call-in shows. If you want a detailed response to your burning question, this is where you’ll find it. Sending us a message couldn’t be easier! Just click the link below, record a short voicemail, and tune in for Sam’s response. Don’t be shy! This is a quick and easy way to clear up confusion, overcome a hurdle, or get some (free!) expert advice.
Location Spotlight - Trieste, Friuli Venezia Giulia
Tuscany’s rolling hills are distinct, as are Puglia’s stunning coastlines, and Piedmonte’s vineyard-covered landscapes. All of these destinations are popular, worth exploring, and probably already on your list of must-visit (or have-visited) locations. Friuli Venezia Giulia, however, is an equally stunning region of Italy that is a bit off the radar in the very best way. Its capital, Trieste, is a unique, charming town that could be the perfect spot for your property hunt.
Bordering Slovenia and tucked right at the top of Italy’s boot on the Gulf of Trieste, this city beautifully straddles two worlds: its current role as a vital Italian port town and its past as part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You will see evidence of the latter in the architecture, cuisine, and language(s) so don’t be surprised if you catch of bit of a Vienna vibe.
Trieste isn't sprawling - it's on the cozy side. The entire city area is only about 32 square miles (82 square kilometers). That's manageable enough to get around easily by foot, bike, or tram so you can definitely drive into Trieste’s beautiful blend of cultures, stunning scenery, and a relaxed pace of life. The long stretch of promenade hugging the gulf is the perfect place for a stroll and the more adventurous can find extensive hiking trails and caves to explore around the Karst Plateau.
If you’re ready to give Trieste a try, check out this👇 3-bedroom apartment centrally located in Piazza Cavana available to rent for € 980 per month.
Want to see all the details? Don’t forget to subscribe to Vendita for 30 property picks sent to you every Sunday. To subscribe via email, click here or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
Sandi Sold Everything and Moved to Italy! ✈️
Some people move to Italy and keep one foot in their home country. Others are all in. Sandi, a pharmacist from Canada, falls into the latter category. Learn about her story in the latest episode of our popular YouTube series featuring Smart Move Italy community members who have made the move to Tuscany.
Sandi shares how her love for Italy (and Tuscany in particular) came to be, why she decided to move, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. One of the most significant moments in the journey came when, on the verge of retirement, she met with her accountant to plan her next steps. The two of them came up with 3 options: do the Schengen shuffle and visit Italy for 90 days at a time, rent her place in Canada and find another rental in Italy, or sell everything and move her entire life overseas. When her accountant advocated for option 3, Sandi was thrilled. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear,” she says.
Today, her life in Arezzo is exactly what she hoped it would be…and then some. Don’t miss the rest of her inspiring story, and stay tuned for much more from others who have bravely jumped into their new lives in Italy, and haven’t looked back. Watch 👇 now!
Ask Samantha Anything (ASA)
Send your questions to sophia@smartmoveitaly.com.
Dear Sam: Island life in Italy is speaking to me. I was originally leaning towards Sicily but your podcast on Sardinia got me thinking. After listening, I realized that Sardinia checks off a lot of boxes on my wish list so now I’m torn. If you were to sum up some similarities and differences between these two locations, what would you say? Also, I’m learning Italian now but if I move to Sardinia, is it important to learn Sardinian too? Thanks!
Dear Daniel: You are not the only one who has suddenly taken a closer look at Sardinia. I am happy to give you my opinion of the differences, having spent a lot of time in both. Although both are large islands, with distinct cultures and languages, they are quite different. It is not important to learn the local language on either island, Italian will do.
Sicily, in a word, is rustic. By this, I don’t mean there are no modern services or facilities — there are. But Sicily has an “old world” feeling to it with a traditional culture that is entrenched in everyday life. It feels less affected by the mainland and stands alone. It is a place that feels like Italy, but not. Prices are lower, the island is more diverse from east to west, and similar to Sardinia, the center is very rural.
Sardinia, in comparison, is also island living, but the north and south are more diverse. The northeast is very elite where super yachts replace fishing boats and Michelin-star restaurants are dotted along the coast. The south is less glam, more real-life, everyday Sardinia. The island’s regular population is also lower, about 1 million inhabitants compared to Sicily’s 4 million. This makes Sardinia feel more open, breathable, and fresh, but it is also more expensive. Of course, the beaches and islands are beautiful like Sicily, but in my opinion, the soft sandy beaches of Sardinia are better. Sardinia also has this weird resemblance to Palm Springs, California (the north anyway) but with water.
I love both islands, and the people are equally as warm (once you break in) and you should try to spend time on both to see which fits you best. Just make sure that you spend at least a week or longer on each because they are bigger than you think.
Ready to Get Serious?
If you’ve been here for a while, you know we are all about providing the very best resources to help you create a new life in Italy. We share your deep love for this beautiful country and truly want to do what we can to help make your Italian dreams come true. While we are proud of the many free resources we offer, you may be itching to take your commitment a bit deeper.
You’re in luck! Our private community, A New Life in Italy, is open for enrollment and may be just what you’re looking for. Once you join, you’ll have access to an intimate community of people who are on the same journey you are, as well as our signature Vita Italia course, monthly expert-led events, and a comprehensive vault of resources to guide you and answer your questions.
Want a sneak peek? Our private community recently gathered for a call with Culture Therapist, Camilla Jackson, for our regular Mindset Mondays discussion. This time, we chatted about the keys to making friends in Italy, focusing on the importance of emotions over rules. Camilla is a master at speaking plainly with a balance of (sometimes harsh) truth and encouragement. Here are some takeaways from our discussion this week:
🇮🇹 Italians LOVE drama and will take every opportunity to create drama, watch drama, and experience drama. It can be overwhelming and a bit hard to get used to.
🇮🇹 It is common to experience anxiety around fitting in and finding community. You are not alone.
🇮🇹 Italians will observe you before they are comfortable with you. Don’t mistake being friendly with being a friend. Relationships take time here.
🇮🇹 It is NOT common for Italians to welcome new neighbors with a “welcome basket” or something similar so don’t expect it, and don’t take offense when it doesn’t happen.
🇮🇹 Italians pay attention to how you look so don’t plan on going to the market in your pajamas, or anything that looks like pajamas if you want to make friends.
These conversations are not one-way lectures. The entire group interacts, shares stories, asks questions and learns from one another. That’s the beauty of community…and we’re saving a spot just for you. Click the button👇 to find out more and enroll.
As always, thanks for being a part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!