Where are you based?
Our team operates across both the U.S. and Italy, giving you the benefit of true on-the-ground support in both countries.
Having a team spanning time zones means we’re able to offer around-the-clock progress on your transaction. Our U.S. team is available to meet with you during your normal schedule, answer questions, and guide you through each step. Meanwhile, our Italy-based team focuses on your future property’s legal and physical due diligence. The two teams work seamlessly together to move your purchase forward.
While we specialize in serving U.S. buyers, we also assist clients from Europe and around the world who are looking to purchase property in Italy.
How much are your services?
Our service fee is a percentage of the property’s purchase price, with a minimum of €8,000. Our services include full buyer representation; property search and market analysis; legal review and power of attorney; and physical/technical due diligence. We also source trusted, local professionals such as notaios, architects, interpreters, property managers, and more.
You can read more about our services here.
Will I have to pay other fees on top of this?
Additional purchase-related costs include the notaio (notary in Italy – hybrid between a lawyer and a public official) fee, deed registration fees, and applicable taxes. These costs can vary depending on the property type, location, and your individual circumstances. We walk through these fees during our consultation call and provide support throughout the purchase process.
Before you begin working with us, we prepare a comprehensive budget for you which outlines all anticipated costs related to the property purchase. This budget gives you a clear, accurate understanding of the full financial picture, allowing you to make informed decisions as you move forward.
Why should I work with you instead of a realtor in Italy?
Buying a home in Italy from abroad comes with genuine challenges: language barriers, unfamiliar processes, and slower communication than many buyers expect. Our goal is to eliminate these obstacles for you. Our U.S.-based team is available during your working hours to walk you through each step and provide timely updates on the process, while our Italy-based team manages all on-the-ground coordination with local agents, notaios, and other professionals.
Additionally, unlike in the U.S., most real estate agents in Italy represent both the seller and the buyer, which creates an inherent conflict of interest. They may also only show properties from their own portfolios. We work exclusively for you. We are not compensated by sellers or other parties, so we search across all listings, all relevant areas, and all agencies to bring you the homes that fit your goals.
Italian business and cultural practices can differ from what many international buyers are used to. We guide you through those nuances, ensure clarity at every step, and provide the transparency and accountability you expect. Our role is to protect your interests so you feel informed, confident, and well-represented throughout your purchase.
We’ve just started our search. Can you help me now, or is it better to wait until I’ve seen properties?
We can absolutely help at the very beginning of your search. In fact, most clients come to us when they’re planning to purchase within the next 6 to 18 months. Starting early allows us to conduct a thorough market analysis, begin an initial property search, and help you understand what’s realistic for your budget and preferred areas. It also puts you in a stronger position when the right home appears, because you’ll already have the groundwork and strategy in place.
Depending on how competitive the market is in your chosen region, your search may require more than one visit to Italy. Beginning the process now ensures those trips are efficient and well-planned, with vetted properties scheduled in advance so you can make the most of your time on the ground. We work to reduce the need for multiple trips and multiple offers.
Will you accompany me on my property visits?
While we do not physically accompany you on property visits, we handle all the coordination to ensure your time in Italy is efficient and productive. We schedule visits directly with local realtors and/or interpreters, confirm availability, and organize the itinerary so each agent is prepared for your arrival and ready to show the property in full detail. Our goal is to remove the logistical burden so you can focus entirely on evaluating the homes and not manage the back-and-forth scheduling.
I have already connected with realtors in Italy. Can I still work with you?
Yes. We can support you even if you’ve already been in touch with Italian agents. However, it’s important to know that real estate agents in Italy typically charge a fee to both the buyer and the seller. If you’ve already established a relationship with a local agent, they will expect to be paid a fee. Many clients in this situation still choose to work with Dolce Living for unbiased guidance, legal support, and peace of mind throughout the process. If we begin working together before you contact local realtors, we can act as your sole point of communication.
Can you help me to pay taxes in Italy?
I’m interested in a 1-Euro home. Can you help me?
We do not specialize in 1-Euro homes. These properties are typically in remote locations and often require extensive renovations, permits, and ongoing maintenance, which can be a significant investment of time and money. While we can provide general guidance, our expertise is focused on helping clients purchase fully habitable homes that meet their lifestyle and investment goals.
