Italy Property Guide #003

The truth about buying a home in Italy (no one tells you this) + Insider Guide

Author

Matteo Bruschi
May 28, 2025

SPOTLIGHT ON REGIONS: WHY MARCHE IS WORTH A LOOK

If you're searching for the perfect Italian region to call home — one that offers breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and authentic living (without the tourist price tag) — then Marche deserves your attention.

Often described as “Tuscany without the crowds,” Marche is nestled between the Apennine mountains and the Adriatic Sea. It’s a place where you can sip Verdicchio wine in medieval towns, hike rolling hills, and still reach the coast in under an hour.

Marche offers the charm of Tuscany — without the Tuscan price tag

Why Marche?

Here’s why more foreign buyers are turning their gaze toward this under-the-radar region:

🟢 Affordability Without Sacrificing Beauty
You’ll find stone farmhouses, Liberty-style villas, and renovated apartments for 30–40% less than similar homes in Tuscany or Umbria.

🌊 Mountains to the Sea — in One Day
Live inland and enjoy tranquil countryside living, or pick a seaside town like Sirolo or Senigallia for coastal charm. Either way, the Adriatic is never far.

🌻 Authentic Italian Life
Marche is less internationalized, which means fewer expats and more true immersion. It’s ideal if you’re looking to slow down, connect with locals, and feel part of a community.

🧀 Food, Wine, and Festivals
From truffle-rich pastas to traditional sagre (local festivals), Marche is a paradise for food lovers. Plus, the region produces some of Italy’s best underrated wines.

Who Is Marche Right For?

✅ Buyers seeking value and long-term investment potential
✅ Remote workers who want peace and beauty without the Tuscany price tag
✅ Retirees looking for slower, richer living
✅ Families interested in safe, small-town environments with great scenery
✅ Second-Home Seekers Who Want “Under-the-Radar” Italy
✅ Adventure & Outdoor Fans Buyers drawn to hiking, biking, and exploring the Sibyllic Mountains or the Adriatic coastline
✅ Entrepreneurs Seeking Agriturismo or Hospitality Projects Buyers ready to turn a countryside farmhouse into a boutique B&B, vineyard retreat, or wellness destination.

What to Watch Out For

⚠️ Less English spoken – You’ll want a local advisor or translator to help navigate conversations and paperwork smoothly.

⚠️ Limited public transport inland – A car is essential in many areas, giving you the freedom to explore and access hidden gems.

⚠️ Some properties need work – Renovation potential can be fantastic, but a proper inspection ensures you’re making a smart investment.

⚠️ Rural bureaucracy can take time – Having the right legal team speeds things up and keeps surprises to a minimum.

⚠️ Agricultural zoning rules – Some homes come with land-use regulations, but that can open the door to agriturismo or eco-tourism opportunities.

Let’s have a quick call. I’ll walk you through the steps, the risks, and how to make sure you’re protected.

P.S. The difference between a dream home and a regret often comes down to what you do in the first 30 days. Let’s get it right, together.

About Italian Property Advisory

YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER IN ITALY

We guide you through every step of property acquisition

👋 I’m Matteo Bruschi, an Italian with a passport full of perspective — and a mission born from frustration.

After 13 incredible years living in Australia, I came home to Italy with a deep love for both places — and a burning question: Why is buying property here so unnecessarily difficult for foreigners?

I’d experienced it firsthand.
Back in Australia, I worked with buyers’ advocates who promised the world and delivered little. Then in Italy, I watched developers lure international clients with charm, only to leave them tangled in red tape, budget blowouts, and broken promises. It made my blood boil.

That’s when I knew something had to change.

I founded my advisory service to bring clarity, protection, and true advocacy to international buyers navigating the Italian property market. Not to sell homes — but to represent you, and only you, through every twist and turn.

Because I’ve seen too many buyers fall in love with Italy, only to get lost in translation — both literally and figuratively. And I believe you deserve more than that. You deserve someone in your corner, fighting for your best interests.

Here’s how I help you cut through the chaos:

✔️ Find the region, town, and home that truly fits you
✔️ Negotiate with your priorities — not the seller’s — at the center
✔️ Vet and manage trusted legal, renovation, and property partners
✔️ Handle post-sale details like utilities, taxes, and ownership setup
✔️ Be your eyes, ears, and boots on the ground — even when you’re overseas

This isn’t just about paperwork and property. It’s about making the dream of living in Italy feel possible, safe, and exciting — from your first inquiry to long after the keys are in your hand.

I’m not here to sell you a fantasy. I’m here to help you find your dream home!

Inside the Italian Market

HELPFUL TIPS - WHO IS ACTUALLY ON YOUR TEAM

TAXES AREN’T BASED ON SALE PRICE

The registration tax (imposta di registro) is usually calculated on the cadastral value, not the actual sale price. This often makes closing costs lower than buyers expect

“SANATORIA” IS ALMOST ALWAYS PART OF THE DEAL

Most older homes in Italy have had renovations or additions done without full permits. This is normal. The key is having a surveyor confirm what can be regularized (with sanatoria) and what could become a future legal or resale problem.

ASKING PRICE ≠ FINAL PRICE

In Italy, properties rarely sell at the full asking price. There’s almost always room for negotiation. Don’t be shy about counteroffers, especially if issues arise during due diligence.

THE FINAL CONTRACT IS IN ITALIAN—ALWAYS

The rogito (final deed of sale) must be signed in Italian, even if you're a foreign buyer. If you don’t speak the language, the notary will require a sworn translator or someone with power of attorney. It’s not just a formality—it’s the law.

Quick Links

NEED HELP? START HERE

The beaches of Sirolo, nestled along the Conero Riviera, are some of Italy’s best-kept secrets, where white cliffs meet turquoise waters.

Until next time,

Matteo Bruschi
Italian Property Advisory

📧 [email protected]
📞 +39 331 434 6135

Your Trusted Partner in Finding and Securing the Right Property in Italy 🇮🇹