Italy Property Guide #004

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

Author

Matteo Bruschi
June 06, 2025

DISCOVER ITALY’S TOP 10 HIDDEN GEMS FOR HOLIDAY HOMES & INVESTMENT

If you’ve been dreaming about owning a home in Italy—whether for holidays, investment, or relocation—this guide is for you.

I’m excited to share our latest resource:
📖 “Top 10 Hidden Gems in Italy to Buy Property”

This beautifully curated guide uncovers ten of Italy’s most charming and lesser-known towns—places that combine natural beauty, authentic culture, and strong rental potential. You’ll find:

✅ Region and town profiles
✅ Proximity to airports & transport
✅ Lifestyle, expat life, and cultural insights
✅ Local cuisine, outdoor activities & more
✅ Rental and investment analysis

Whether you're planning a move, a second home, or a profitable short-term rental, this is the perfect place to start your search.

🖼️ Plus, we’ve included stunning images to help you visualize each location.

If you’d like help narrowing down your options or discussing your goals, feel free to reply directly or book a call with me

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

PRIMARY RESIDENCE STATUS CAN SLASH YOUR TAX BILL—IF YOU PLAN AHEAD

If you declare the home as your prima casa (primary residence) within 18 months of purchase and meet the requirements, you’ll benefit from huge tax breaks:

Registration tax drops from 9% to 2%

THE CADASTRAL MAP ISN’T JUST PAPERWORK

The visura catastale (land registry map) shows the legal boundaries, land use, and ownership of a property. But it’s often inaccurate or outdated—especially in rural areas. A geometra (surveyor) should always check that what’s on the ground matches what’s on paper before you sign anything.

RENOVATION BUDGETS IN RURAL AREAS CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE

Labor and materials can be cheaper in the countryside, but delays, surprises, and red tape are more common too. Always add 15–20% cushion to rural renovation estimates, and confirm that materials (like tiles or windows) are actually available before starting.

NOT ALL PROPERTIES CAN BE USED AS RENTALS

Some municipalities—especially in tourist-heavy regions—have started restricting short-term rental licenses (locazioni turistiche). Others limit how many days per year you can rent. Always check local zoning and rental rules before buying with income in mind

Quick Links

NEED HELP? START HERE

Strategic Support to Help You Discover and Secure the Right Property in Italy

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 🇮🇹