Even if you’re a long way off from actually buying, there is a lot you can do to start getting ready for when you’re ready. Once you find the right home and start the buying process, things can seem like a bit of a whirlwind – and also a pretty big learning curve. So, the more of these things you have accomplished or in place, the easier things are going to be. I promise.
Most of it is pretty self-explanatory but here are some more details:
Become Fluent in Google Translate: We don’t speak Italian and bought our house sight-unseen while not in Italy, so we used Google Translate for ALL communications except the final document signing at the notary’s office in Cagliari where we were required by Italian law to have a translator present. This can be a real asset, especially when making initial contact with realtors. If possible, you should be sending inquiries in Italian.
Get an Air Miles Credit or Debit Card: It always amazes me that people who travel internationally don’t have one of these (but I’m not judgy!) There are also some well-known miles experts online who take this to the extreme (which can be pretty mind-boggling and off-putting!) But for an average much like me, they have been amazing! For about $99 a year I get one or two free checked bags and miles for everything I purchase.
These can really rack up, especially with bigger purchases such as flights, hotels, rental cars and of course, miles flown. I use one Hawaiian Airlines (now linked to Alaskan/One World) and one American Airlines (also One World) cards and in 2025/26 used/will use 30-42k each air miles on four one-way flights from Athens to Seattle, Seattle to Rome, Rome to Austin and Honolulu to Rome. The Athens flight was even upgraded to Premium, which was pretty sweet. You still have to pay taxes/fees, but all of these flights cost me less than $50 each. One bit of advice is to avoid London if possible – the taxes for flying through there are extortionate!
Create a Dream Home Vision Board: I didn’t do this for Italy, but I have done it in the past, and it really works!
Create an Italy Bucket List: All the planning and prep for buying a place in Italy can be a bit much, so maybe stop and take some time to create a bucket list of what you actually want to do and see once it finally happens. I’m still working on mine and have about a million screenshots on my phone of places I want to go!
Get an International Driver’s License: If you plan to drive or rent a car in Italy you may or may not need this but it’s handy to have just in case! I have seen tourists at the airport get turned away from rental car counters for not having one.
Have Access to Your Health Records: Especially if you have any known medical conditions! The last thing you want to have to do while in discomfort or during an emergency is to try to figure this out -especially with a doctor’s office halfway around the world on a different time zone.
There will also be a new 2026 Italian Home Buying Guide coming out very soon with LOTS of UPDATED & IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Italian Homes Under 150k 