My top places and events in Italy

We purchased our property in Apulia, Italy, 11 years ago this month, and have lived here permanently ever since. Our Italian home, that we lovingly renovated ourselves, is our most favourite place to be. Sitting in our large walled courtyard and surrounded by 8 acres of land, it is our haven away from the craziness going on in the world. History and culture are a big thing here in Italy, so when I was asked what my favourite places and events are, I quickly realised that these elements are actually a big part of what makes Italy my favourite country. 
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Italy #1 dream holiday destination; ‘good living’ survey ranks Italy’s best cities

There’s a lot to celebrate about Italy this week, as we top the world rankings of dream destinations – beating the likes of Bali – and a new ‘Good Living’ index reveals the best spots to live in the Bel Paese. Plus, we have a look at what the government’s recent decree means for Brexit, including reciprocal access to healthcare.
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Yes, you can buy this Italian property for one euro!

We’ve all heard the stories, gorgeous Italian properties for one euro, but is it true? Well, it is for this property in Emilia-Romagna, about an hour’s drive from Bologna. Of course there are strings attached. About 1.5 million strings, in fact. But it still represents an awesome opportunity to create anything from a stately home to a hotel or apartment complex, all to your own personal taste. And all for the price of an average family home in London.
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Property guide to Tuscany

It’s long been a favourite destination for holidaymakers and culture vultures, but Tuscany has always attracted international property buyers too. Why do they come and what can they buy for their money? Explore this beautiful landscape and discover the farming communities in charming hill top villages. See why so many people choose to live here, in our property guide to Tuscany. 
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How do you get a building survey in Italy?

As soon as you walk through the door you may know in your heart that this is your dream home. But, just pause a minute and take off those rose-tinted glasses. Consider its condition and the cost of bringing it up to standard. Could you do it? What will it cost? How do you get a building survey in Italy? You find a Geometra.
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How to exchange your driving licence before Brexit in Italy

We have our Italian residency and have now been advised by the UK government to also exchange our UK driving licence for an Italian one before Brexit. Concerned that, after Brexit, it could involve an Italian driving test we have got ours exchanged now. Find out how we did it, how the process works and what you need to bring with you.
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News update: James Bond filming in Italy; overseas buyers not worried by Brexit as numbers increase

‘Sono Bond; James Bond’: Daniel Craig has hopefully been brushing up on his Italian, as filming for the 25th Bond film returns to Italy, this time in Basilicata. He’s not the only one heading to Italy, as the number of British buyers here grows by almost 20% year-on-year. Oh, and did we mention that they’re looking to launch spaceships from Puglia?
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Italian homes to ski AND swim?

You know about the art, history, bucolic beauty, glorious shopping and scrumptious food. But did you know that Italy has some pretty great ski resorts too? And not just in the Alps. From top to toe, there are Italian ski homes just a short drive from the beach and countryside. Best of both worlds? We think so. Here are our favourites.
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What’s it like moving to Italy as a single person?

Some people buying property are moving to Italy as a single person, others unexpectedly become single further down the line. Could you live alone in Italy? How easy is it to  fit in, make friends and learn the culture? And go on, what about finding romance in il bel paese? I spoke to fellow expat Valerie about her experiences.
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Italy property market update: overseas buyers snap up rural homes

I’ve often said that Italians think we’re a bit crazy with our love of buying old, rural homes in need of restoration. Well, the figures bear it out, with Italians largely preferring to purchase in cities and rural homes attracting overseas buyers. So what’s next for the Italian property market in 2019? What are prices like and what trends are there?
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