Lost in Translation
Why Buying Property in Small-Town Italy Can Feel Like a Trap
No centralized listings, no reliable pricing, and too many agents chasing commissions. For foreign buyers, Italy’s real estate market can be a confusing—and costly—adventure.
If you're used to the American real estate model, where MLS protocols ensure that listings are centralized, prices are trackable, and agents work with shared information, buying a home in rural Italy might feel like stepping into the past—or worse, into a fog.
As highlighted in Business Insider, even real estate professionals were left in the dark when trying to buy in Tuscany. No single portal, inconsistent pricing, and listings that may already be sold. Worse still, multiple agents compete for the same property, creating a race for commissions rather than clarity. For many foreign buyers, especially from Anglo-American markets, it’s a disorienting—and at times disheartening—experience.
At ITS ITALY, we’ve seen too many people fall into this trap: buying cheap, only to discover structural issues, unclear permits, or unreal expectations. That’s why we flipped the script. We don’t just sell houses—we build investable, livable projects.
Our model pairs realistic pricing, pre-approved works, and full transparency. Every property is assessed not just for its aesthetic appeal, but for what it will cost and take to bring it to life—whether as a home, a rental, or a hybrid.
In a market where there are no transparent agencies and no real competition, what we offer isn’t just support—it’s protection. Especially for buyers used to the order of MLS, it might just be the only reliable option.