The right estate agent in Italy can make or break your property journey. Here’s how to find a professional you can trust and work with easily, plus what to expect in terms of fees and services.
Buying property in Italy is a rewarding adventure, but it can also be complex, especially if you don’t have the right professionals on your side.
Choosing the right estate agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The good news? With a little preparation – and support from Your Overseas Home – you’ll be well placed to find someone experienced, responsive, and fully aligned with your goals.
Read experty buying tips in Your Viewing Trip Guide
Contents
- Why the right agent matters
- How to find a reliable estate agent in Italy
- Overcoming communication barriers
- What an estate agent does for you
- How much do Italian estate agents charge?
- Key questions to ask
Why the right agent matters
A skilled estate agent in Italy can do much more than open doors for property viewings. The best agents will offer local insights, advise on pricing, help navigate language differences and guide you through the negotiation and sales process. They can even steer you away from properties that may pose legal or renovation risks. In short: the right agent protects your investment.
How to find a reliable estate agent in Italy
1. Use reputable portals
Stick with trusted platforms like Your Overseas Home which list verified agents with experience working with international buyers. Schedule a consultation with a viewing trip expert at Your Overseas Home.
2. Attend webinars and online events
Platforms like Your Overseas Home regularly host online sessions where buyers can meet experts and recommended agents in key areas such as Tuscany, Puglia or Sicily. Check out Your Overseas Home events and webinars – you may well find an agent you like.
3. Check for professional memberships
While estate agents in Italy don’t need a formal licence, those registered with bodies like FIAIP (Federazione Italiana Agenti Immobiliari Professionali) or FIMAA are held to higher ethical and professional standards. Use their directories to search locally.
4. Ask for recommendations
Buyers who’ve already purchased in your area of interest – perhaps in our Facebook group or through our webinars – can often point you towards an agent who truly delivered.
Overcoming communication barriers
One common frustration for foreign buyers is getting agents to respond to emails. Italian business culture can be slower-paced, and language differences often play a part.
Tips to boost your chances:
- Pick up the phone – Italians generally prefer speaking to emailing.
- Demonstrate commitment – Let agents know you’re financially ready and legally informed (mentioning a lawyer helps).
- Use a property finder – If you’re short on time or hitting a wall, consider hiring a property finder who’ll liaise with agents on your behalf and vet suitable properties.
What an estate agent does for you
A good agent acts as your eyes and ears on the ground. Once you’ve identified properties of interest, they’ll arrange a viewing itinerary; typically lasting a few days to a week. After that, they’ll help you make an offer, negotiate terms and liaise with the seller.
But remember: they work for the seller as well. It’s wise to engage an independent lawyer early on to ensure all paperwork is sound.
For sale in Rome ( BalkansCat / Shutterstock.com)Bear in mind that agents in Italy earn considerably more commission (totalling around 6-8% of the purchase price) than in the UK or USA, and you can expect, and should expect, excellent service. A good estate agent in Italy will often help international buyers in particular with such things as connecting utilities, finding tradespeople for any work that needs doing and generally helping them settle in.
How much do Italian estate agents charge?
Estate agent fees – known as provvigione – are typically split between buyer and seller, though this can vary. Expect a combined fee of between 3% and 8% of the property’s sale price, plus VAT.
| Fee type | Who pays | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Buyer’s commission | You (the buyer) | 3%–5% of sale price |
| Seller’s commission | Seller | 3%–5% of sale price |
| Extras (viewings, surveys) | Varies by agent | Ask for confirmation upfront |
Always confirm:
- How fees are calculated, and whether VAT is included
- When they’re due
- Whether extras like surveys or admin charges are included
Questions early in the process
Italy can be a long way to come just to reject a property – or indeed an estate agent – on first sight. So it’s better to ask searching questions early in the process. Questions to ask your estate agent in Italy before commiting to a viewing might include:
- Are there any restrictions on what I can do with this property?
- Who is the vendor?
- Why are they selling?
- Are there any potential noise or pollution issues?
- How close is the nearest supermarket/post office/school/town?
- Are there rental restrictions or income potential?
- Are there ongoing costs like communal charges?
- What did comparable properties nearby sell for?
These questions help separate the helpful agents from the pushy ones, while showing that you are a serious buyer. If the answers seem vague it may be that the agent doesn’t know the answer. If evasive, that may be a warning sign.
It’s relatively easy to check many aspects online, such as traveling distance from local airports. You can also take a virtual ‘drive’ around the neighbourhood on Google Earth.
Questions to ask onsite
Once viewing the property, it’s worth asking the same questions again, just in case anything was forgotten or has changed. Good questions to ask now might include:
- What renovations have been done to the property?
- How long has the property been listed?
- Has the price changed recently?
- If you were buying, what would you do with this property?
In summary
Finding an estate agent in Italy isn’t about choosing the first one who replies. It’s about finding someone experienced, communicative, and professional, ideally with experience working with buyers from your home country.
Use all the tools available to you, from online events to trusted platforms, and never feel pressured to make fast decisions. With the right support, your Italian property dream is well within reach.
