Moving to Italy

"I would say to find someone of your same socio-economical level in the area and ask them. We all have diverse expectations but this way you would know what is considered 'good' and what is considered 'bad' areas, prices, etc. by someone with whom you can relate. Remember, your expectations have no bearing. People native to a place often see foreigners as walking idiots (rightfully so as it took the natives years to sort it all out and they live there). They might try to take you for a ride so to speak. So making yourself more informed will only help you. Then, I recommend renting a place near where you would like to buy or live for a few months (without signing a year's contract) while you look and get used to the place and the diversity of the areas. The things to watch out for: cracks, mold, humidity, neighbours, graffitti. Be sure that your assesor is not related to your seller or anyone that your seller might know. They could be helping out a friend and they will do that before giving you a fair assessment. Here, omission is not considered dishonest and nepotism is a way of life-seriously. Check the roads and their conditions in all seasons...ask the local cafe people about stuff if you can...ask a lot of questions..ask the local planning counsel about future projects in your area (expropriation still goes on frequently)they will understand why you are asking, don't worry. They know the games better than you do. If you live near a school, your place will have or will soon get graffitti on it before any others. If you live near a place without street parking, be warned, people double or triple park thus blocking-in your car with no care at all. And..you must not honk or yell, you must wait patiently for them to come to move their cars. So if you live in the city, sort that out right away. Invasiveness is relative. Neighbours wanting to spend time with you could come by for hours a day and not feel invasive at all. You will have to ask their permission for most things you do to your home (on the outside and the property) and if they do not give it to you, don't do it. They will call the police and report you and you will have huge problems getting permits and these things. If building, pay a 'local and recommended' project manager. Keep him motivated though. Go onsite frequently and sporatically. If you do any restructuring or work on a property, we advise going with one 'dita' or company. If you choose to save a bit here and there hiring others, you will lose in the end as when a problem arises, you will be in the middle of the blame game. We always asked for three estimates for all jobs to be done (restorations, doors, windows, plowing land, everything) and informed those wanting to do the job of our policy. That way, they gave us more honest bids and did not cut themselves out of the running. Get it in writing as well and NEVER, EVER, EVER, pay everything upfront. Take care and be nice when you turn away a person if you live in a small area (they all know each other). Always pay in pieces....leaving an incentive to finish the work. Many people where we live, did not really care about the price of the job as much as they cared about how much they were looking to make that month. Doing so at times they reason that the job should pay 1000 Euro for the day because he needs it-not that the cost of the job was that, but the worker needed that money. So you want to be sure of the cost ahead of time...and not give the money until you are happy and in agreement. Add 6 to 9 months on top of the dates they give you. If you do not get what you want, ask nicely for what you do want. If that does not work, whine, call, complain until you do...and then pay. The build time speeds up when someone wants money. That is why you do not ever, ever pay before the job-be careful even when asked to buy loads of materials paying up front. If you have a countryside property, it is probably zoned as 'agricola', if that is the case, the owner first had to offer it to the bordering neighbours. ASK THE NEIGHBOURS THE OFFERING PRICE. If they did not know it was for sale, it probably is not. If it is different from that being offered to you, you will possibly need to consult a lawyer as someone is not dealing completely within legal limits. Although dealing outside legal limits is often happening in Italy, being complacent to this makes you an accomplice and it will not end there...as you were once an accomplice, you will be seen as one who will be expected to always be one and keep quiet and be obliging-always. You will live in fear of the law and of threats if you accept this deal. Better to be totally legal and let them know you are and that you expect them to be as well. If you buy a piece of land and inside its boundaries there is another owner's land, be aware. That internal owner must have access at all times to his property-even at YOUR expense. There will be a whole separate agreement and legal document for that 'diritto di passaggio'. Again be honest and straightforward in your dealings. Don't think of ruining it for others. An Italian would choose to support his worst enemy from his local area over a foregner any day. Everything done here is done through a local NOTARY (Notaio). You will pay this person no small fees so try to negotiate these fees with the seller BEFORE going to the Notaio's office. It is his job to read over everything (after your lawyer did) and make sure it is all on the up and up. Don't be sacred off...once you are there and they know you are intelligent, and honest, they will value you and trust you. You will be welcomed. You will soon find yourself living happily ever after, attending dinners, bbq's giving a hand to your neighbour, lending tools to each other and sharing recipes too... Be a good guest (or newcomer), give first, then ask. In everything you can! Even when stating your name and from where you came. Give information, then ask. Then people do not see you as a risk but as an asset," said one expat who made the move to Catanzaro.

"We used a realtor selected by the company. After looking at around 50 apartments (one deal fell through and we had to start all over again) we were lucky enough to find an apartment in the exclusive old city. We were very fortunate," said one expat in Bergamo.

"When looking for a place to live in Italy, it is important to research the cities and towns that are most suitable for your lifestyle. Consider factors such as climate, cost of living, access to necessary amenities, and commuting times. Websites such as Easy Stanza and Immobiliare provide listings of available apartments, houses and other forms of accommodation, while real estate agencies like Engel & Völkers can provide customized housing searches to match individual preferences and needs. Reading local news sources and exploring the region can also help in finding a place to live that is ideal for you," remarked one expat who made the move to Italy.

"Let's say this answer depends A LOT on your budget and where you decide to live in the city. And if you can find something. Bolognesi have found a cash cow with Airbnb," replied a member in Bologna.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Italy is usually situated in a cosmopolitan area with easy access to local attractions and amenities. Expat homes and apartments typically offer welcoming open-spaced layouts with modern appliances and amenities that enhance the traditional Italian lifestyle. Although the interiors may need some updating, wooden flooring and high ceilings are often a feature of expat homes and apartments in Italy. Most expat residences feature balconies overlooking views of the surrounding city or countryside," commented one expat who made the move to Italy.

"It really depends where you look. I bought a delightful old stone row house type of home, 4 bed, 2 bath with a large terrace and glorious view in a 500 yr old building for $54,000. It's definitely livable but could use upgrades. I also bought a penthouse 1 bedroom apt, tiny but with a great view and wrap around balcony on three sides one block outside of the old town in Vicenza with elevator and a garage parking spot for $110,000," said one expat who made the move to Italy.

"The average cost of housing in Italy varies depending on the size, location, and type of property; however, generally speaking, prices tend to be more expensive in cities such as Rome and Milan than in rural areas. Additionally, prices can vary significantly depending on whether one wishes to buy or rent," explained one expat living in Italy.

"Well, property taxes here are incredibly low. At least compared to my native California. Houses and even apartments can be very expensive here though. There are places here in Catanzaro, apartments, overlooking a parking lot asking over 400,000 EURO! We bought our beautiful property (just outside of Catanzaro and about 15 minutes to the Mediterranean sea) with a lot of land and producing orchards and rebuilt the home spending around 600,000Euro. However, going outside the city into a rural community, even 10km outside of town, you can pay half of that. Here, neighbours are an issue and there are many lawsuits when they cannot get things sorted out (especially in our area where there are many lawyers who are unemployed). We got lucky and have a large piece of property with no problems. Here, in the country you can get a good deal. If my property were in California, we would be paying well over 1,000,000 dollars easily! We enjoy our life in the country here and wich those thinking of coming here the same good fortune," said one in Catanzaro.

"Our housing costs are higher here only because of the higher rate of electricity. Electricity is very expensive here. I don't know the average rate of housing here," explained one expat who made the move to Bergamo.

"If you are looking to experience the Italian lifestyle, buying a home in Italy may be the best option. Not only can you enjoy the beauty and cultural atmosphere of Italy, but buying a home can also be a great investment in your future. However, if you are planning to stay in Italy for a short period of time, renting a home might be the better option for you. Renting allows you to explore the country without making a long-term financial commitment, giving you the flexibility to move around if needed," commented one expat who made the move to Italy.

"We paid an attorney in Rome to ensure that the process was easy. He was expensive, but well worth the money. Without good language skills one is at the mercy of the system. Our attorney stood the ground for us when necessary," remarked one expat in Minturno, Italy.

"I wish I had brought: Spices I love and that are hard to find here (if its not oregano or basilico or chili, its a bit difficult to find where I am). More flashy clothing (I was under the impression that there were poor people here and felt no need to be austentatious) but I was wrong, here they seem to generally like austentatious people. More family photos (postal service is not to be trusted with unreplaceable things like photos). Things I wish I had left: Summer clothes that would be used with a mild climate. Here, summers are extremely hot and it is difficult to use more than a swimming suit and a sarong in summer. My precious things. I had a drycleaner specializing in leather ruin (butcher really) my 1000euro suede bag and still charge me 30euro for it after having it at his shop for two months. My expectations. I should have left those home. Where I live is another planet not another country," replied a member in Catanzaro.

"It is important to be respectful when visiting Italy. Some cultural faux pas you should try to avoid making include not speaking too loudly in public places, as it is considered rude; being punctual when invited to someone's home; avoiding being too familiar or friendly with strangers; not being loud or disrespectful in places of worship; not eating or drinking while walking the streets; and not increasingly gesticulating when speaking," said one expat who made the move to Italy.

"All the time, probably... I walk around barefoot in my house, without slippers on. I asked if I could "Sweep the Floor" for someone. Oh...that's right...I mixed my spinach contorno (side dish) into my spaghetti. I was audibly gasped at," explained one expat living in Southern Tuscany, Italy.

"Numerous, but I don't care because I am the perpetual outsider - the American. I live my life around diversity, being multiracial. I am different and if I am living here, I not only want to absorb but also share. Had people not shared in the past, the Jewish community would have kept that awesome coffee to themselves," said one in Tuscany.

"My husband and I went to Italy together in 2016 and returned 2017 with our children and their significant others for Christmas then in 2018 we decided we would retire there. The cities are magnificent and Uniquely different from each other. We are from NY and have an apartment in Manhattan. I am of Italian decent and felt a natural pull to be in Italy more than just to vacation. Italy has it all and most regions are a reasonable distance of you settle in the center of the country. We looked for 2 years, going back two or three times a year to find our house. We looked in Tuscany because even though it is top of the mind and quintessential Italy to Americans, there is good reason. It is BREATHTAKING. So is Umbria. We settled in an area that is not tourist driven. We have over 200 olive trees and had our first harvest this past fall. We found excellent tradesmen to help us renovate. They and their families became our friends. We shared our garden tomatoes, garlic and olive oils with each other. We are learning Italian through them because they do not speak English. It has been an amazing first year. We are an hour to Florence by car. And 2 1/2 hours to Rome. We are 2+ hours to the Adriatic or the Mediterranean. We have not only Florence but Perugia and Arezzo supper close as well as the wine regions of Chianti, Montepulciano and Montecino. Do you love sunrises and sunsets? Do you love looking over a valley with the fog draping the hills? Do you love food, wine and clean air? Do you love time standing still? We do. This is a very short list why we chose to live in Italy. ," offered one expat living in Italy.

"Health care is a benefit to tax residents. The quality of care for public health ranges wildly depending on where you live. It is also difficult to get an appointment with a specialist. My sister is waiting 6 mos. to see a neurologist- and she lives in Tuscany. Also keep in mind that if you are hospitalized there are no aides. The assumption is that a family member will be there to wash/groom/dress you. Or feed you, if necessary. You are also responsible for bringing provisions like water and linens with you. If you don’t have family/friends to assist you, you must hire private care. Let’s face it, when it comes to health care, no country is a panacea," replied one expat when asked about moving to Palermo Sicily.

"Use public healthcare system which is adequate and kept my federal employee insurance if I need it. Have used the insurance only a few times in ten years," stated one expat who made the move to Pineto.