Show Notes
Hey there, it’s Samantha! In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead. I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to prep, not pounce.
Let’s talk Ferragosto. It’s that magical (and maddening) stretch in August when Italy basically hits pause. Offices shut down, real estate agents disappear, and even the most basic bureaucratic tasks suddenly become impossible. In the episode, I share the story of a lovely Canadian family who learned this the hard way—they tried to move in August and ran straight into a wall of closed doors (literally and figuratively). It was chaos.
So, what should you do instead?
Summer is your secret weapon for getting organized. I walk you through three essential things to focus on right now: Gather your documents Decide which visa path is right for you Set a realistic budget (because spoiler: Italy is dreamy, but it still comes with bills)
I also break down the 7 Key Decisions you’ll need to make to move to Italy successfully—things like where to live, whether to rent or buy, how to support yourself, and more. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is going to help you slow down and get strategic.
You’ll also hear me answer some great listener questions—about the timing of visa applications, whether summer scouting trips are worth it (they are!), and how to gear up for a September start when everything in Italy comes back to life.
If you’re dreaming of Italy, now’s the time to start planning—not panicking.
🎁 And don’t forget to grab your free guide:
The Seven Key Decisions to Plan Your Move to Italy
This checklist is your roadmap to turning “someday” into a real, doable plan. So pour yourself a cold spritz, take a breath, and let’s get planning.
Ciao for now! — Samantha
Resources: Download the 7 Key Decisions Free Guidebook Book a Tax Evaluation Call Listen to Episode Save Money On Your Move to Italy Numbeo Cost of Living Tool Rate, Review, & Follow If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve. Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now! If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email! Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android. Until next time! Ci vediamo! Mentioned in this episode: Listen Vivace A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/ Vivace Media Network Listen Vivace A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/ Vivace Media Network
More from A New Life in Italy
For years, we've advised foreign buyers to be prepared to pay cash when buying property in Italy. Getting a mortgage as a non-resident has historically been difficult, and even buyers with substantial assets and strong incomes have struggled to meet Italian banks' requirements. But our advice is evolving. Through ongoing conversations with Italian banks and mortgage professionals, we're learning more about financing options worth exploring for foreign buyers, including those who don't live in Italy or earn their income in euros. In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explains what's changing, who may qualify for an Italian mortgage, how much you might be able to borrow, and what banks need to see before approving an application. Sam also explores why paying cash isn't automatically the best financial decision. Keeping some of your capital available could give you more flexibility to cover relocation costs, unexpected expenses, and the life you want to build in Italy. You'll also learn why property valuations and documentation matter, what additional mortgage costs to consider, and why it's essential to understand your financing options before making an offer. Plus, Sam answers three listener questions: Will you pay Italian property taxes if you own a home here but live abroad? How long does it take to get an Italian mortgage? Could selling your home and moving into a rental affect your elective residency permit renewal?
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Finding an apartment in Italy is only the beginning. For foreigners, especially those searching from abroad or needing a rental contract for a visa, getting from an online listing to actually signing a lease and getting the keys can be much more complicated than expected. In this episode of A New Life in Italy, Samantha Wilson explains why renting in Italy works differently from what many foreigners are used to. She discusses how landlords evaluate foreign tenants, why your savings or credit score may not tell the whole story, and how to present your financial situation in a way that makes sense to an Italian landlord. She even talks about the timing of your rental search, the possibility of paying rent before you arrive, and the importance of understanding contracts, deposits, fees and other details before you commit. Samantha also explains why your first Italian rental doesn't have to be your forever home. It can simply be your starting point while you get settled and discover what kind of home and lifestyle actually work for you in Italy. Plus, she answers listener questions about rental deposits and visas, cleaning when you move into a long-term rental, and who is responsible for repairs. Planning to rent in Italy? Smart Move Italy Property offers rental assistance to help you navigate the search and secure a home. Learn more about the service and submit your rental search criteria through the following link: www.smartmoveitalyproperty.com/rent/ 👈 Mentioned in this episode: Listen Vivace A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/ Vivace Media Network Listen Vivace A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/ Vivace Media Network
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