With so many beautiful regions to choose from, finding the right home in Italy can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to refine your Italian property search, use the right tools and plan your viewing trip.
Whether your dream home lies in the green hills of Umbria, the vineyards of Tuscany or along the coast of Puglia, narrowing your Italian property search is a challenge many buyers face.
Even if you’ve fallen in love with a particular area, such as Tuscany, which is roughly the size of Wales, there’s still a wide variety of towns, landscapes and property types to explore.
Giving it some thought, in northern Italy
To make the process more manageable, start by being clear on two things: your budget and your priorities. Are you after a rural escape, a lock-up-and-leave city flat or a seaside rental opportunity? Once you know what you want, you can use online tools and local experts to help you home in.
Use our Viewing Trip Guide, with its checklists and tools to keep you on track and in control
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Using online property portals in Italy
The best way to get a feel for what’s on the market is to browse properties online. Property portals give you a snapshot of what’s available in different regions and allow you to refine your search by price, location and key features such as sea views, outdoor space or renovation potential.
Use the filters to narrow your results by location, price, and property type. You can also save favourites or set up alerts for when new homes hit the market.
Attending overseas property events
If you’re serious about buying, property events are a smart way to meet developers, agents, legal experts and other buyers in one go. These exhibitions often include Q&As, presentations, and one-to-one chats with Italian estate agents, all from the comfort of your own home if you attend virtually.
These events can help you understand the market, gather essential contacts, and even find exclusive opportunities not listed online.
Viewing and selecting properties
Once you’ve shortlisted a few properties, it’s time to take the next step, speaking to the listing agent and planning your viewing trip. Always use the portal’s enquiry form to contact the agent, as these platforms typically vet their agents for quality and reliability.
Will you find your perfect Italian property in Pienza above?
Before you book flights, talk to your agent about the best time to visit. Spring and autumn are popular, but properties are available to view year-round; just confirm in advance.
There are two main ways to approach your viewing trip: with an estate agent’s help or independently.
Estate agent and developer-led viewing trips
Arranged viewings through agents or developers are often the simplest choice. These are typically structured around your preferences and may even include subsidised accommodation or help with transport.
Expect to speak with the agent beforehand to clarify what you’re after. Many agents are British or US expats themselves, offering helpful insights about relocating or owning a second home in Italy.
If you’re considering a new-build or off-plan property, developers may invite you on a dedicated inspection trip. These are often well-organised, though you’ll have less freedom to explore on your own.
Remember: don’t feel pressured to make a decision during your trip. It’s normal to return home and continue the purchase remotely if you’re not ready to commit straight away.
Independent viewing trips
Confident buyers may prefer to organise everything themselves. This gives you full control over your schedule, allows you to explore neighbourhoods at your own pace, and offers more time to reflect.
You can still arrange appointments with local estate agents. Many will be happy to pick you up from your accommodation and show you suitable properties. Just be sure to give them plenty of notice, especially for resale homes that may still be occupied.
If you spot a town or village you like during your travels, don’t hesitate to drop into a local agency for a spontaneous chat.
Using a buyer’s agent in Italy
If you’re struggling to find what you’re looking for online, a buyer’s agent (also known as a property finder) can help. They work for you – not the seller – and have extensive local contacts. That means they may uncover properties not listed publicly, arrange access to the best deals, and negotiate on your behalf.
A buyer’s agent is particularly useful if you have very specific requirements, limited time to view, or are purchasing remotely.
