Time To Skedaddle

Move to Italy, where the cost of living is better, food is healthier, stress levels are lower, and daily grind refers to your espresso.

ABOUT
Time to skedaddle is designed to help customers locate their dream home in Italy. Imagine owning a home where life feels like a postcard--fresh air, stunning views, beautiful piazzas with cafes. Moving to Italy is more than a physical journey, it's a transformation. Ready to take the leap? We will guide you step-by-step through the property selection process and ultimately help welcome you to your new home. Let us be your (Italian leather) boots on the ground to help you find your own slice of "La dolce vita!"
For many Americans, life in Italy is the ultimate dream--a slower pace, healthier food, and a focus on family and wellness. It's a vibrant tapestry of art, culture and gastronomy that can transform your life.  Our relocation service is dedicated to helping you find your perfect Italian home, whether its a countryside villa, coastal retreat or a cozy apartment in the heart of a city. Italy can be surprisingly affordable, with many properties priced under $50,000! Add to that Italy's very low cost of living with fresh, inexpensive produce and $2 cappucinos. Do you prefer city, village, rural, seaside, or mountainous environments? What is your budget? We find properties meeting your criteria and send photos or videos. We can set up optional viewing trips for you if wanted.
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Affordable homes

Many homes in Italy can be bought for $50,000 or less. Italy’s famous one-euro homes are great for those willing to pull up their sleeves, but they can also require substantial work. But small village homes or one bedroom apartments can be easily found at great prices practically unheard of in the US. Coastal villas with stunning seaside views at higher budgets still offer considerable value compared to the US and other developed countries.

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Lower cost of living

It is typically much cheaper to live in Italy than in the US. In financial analysis, Italy came out as cheaper to live in than its European neighbors, France, Portugal or Greece. It’s particularly budget-friendly for home maintenance, leisure and travel, and cups of coffee that are known for their superior quality. Public transportation supported with a large network of reliable train and bus services keep your cost of transportation very low.

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Weather

Italy receives more than 2500 hours of sunshine per year. Warm weather helps arthritis and respiratory conditions, improves our mood, and increases our vitamin D levels. It also helps to ripen the copious amounts of fresh produce grown in Italy that are part of the healthy Mediterranean diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are available nearly year-round. Italy grows most of Europe’s tomatoes, especially the succulent cherry tomatoes.

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Cuisine

Italy is rightfully known for its outstanding and delicious cuisine, and luckily it is also very affordable. From the classics like risotto, pizza, and gelato to all the regional specialties, Italy represents a smorgasbord of gastronomical delights. The Mediterranean diet with its heavy emphasis on whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables helps promote longevity. Many places in Italy called Blue Zones have residents routinely living past 100 years old!

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Healthy lifestyles

Lack of stress, sunshine, clean air, Mediterranean diets, and plenty of exercise are all parts of the lifestyle enjoyed by many Italians. The Mediterranean diet reduces heart disease and cancer and a strong commitment to family ties and community keeps Alzheimer levels low. The lack of political division is often mentioned as a favorite aspect of Italian life by American expats living in Italy.

REAL ESTATE CONSULTING

We guide you through the process of finding, visiting, and purchasing your new home. We find properties within your budget that meet your criteria. If you are interested in income-generating properties such as for Airbnb rental, we can help you to identify places with high demand. As an interior designer, I can help decorate and furnish your property (for an additional fee). I’ve helped people buy in Italy, so can advise on steps after agreeing to a purchase, such as obtaining an Italian bank account and getting utilities and internet established. Let us do the legwork and you can start dreaming of your new life!

PRICING

This introductory pricing is based on the number of properties we visit matching your criteria. We visit Italy every 8-10 weeks and clients for whom we are looking will be capped at ten per trip so as to give more individualized attention. The first 2025 viewing trip is late March 2025 and will focus on Tuscany and Umbria. Other areas planned for 2025 include Liguria and Sicily. Initial intake session: $39 5 property listings with photos: $199 10 property listings with photos: $299 20 property listings with photos: $499

Can’t I just do this on my own?

Yes you can and we strongly encourage you to visit Italy! But while you may locate property on your own, our expertise allows us save you valuable time and effort. Multiple realtors and phone calls may be necessary just in order to see all the offerings in one single village. Also, we have found that as many as half the properties are found by word-of-mouth (for example, the friend of a friend’s cousin). These properties don’t appear on any list, but are often better-priced and more negotiable. We’ve established relationships with realtors there who can streamline the property hunt with their inside knowledge. 

How soon can I realistically expect to purchase my new property?

Once you have selected a property and want to proceed with a purchase, anticipate up to 6 months to actually obtain ownership. During this time, you must set up an Italian bank account, select a real estate attorney, and we would encourage you to also consult with an immigration attorney on Italian law regarding your ability to stay in Italy long-term. The closing will take place in Italy and they will require you to pay for an interpreter to be present. Any liens on the property must be settled that day, often delaying the procedure.

Doesn’t property hunting work just like in the United States?

Not exactly! The biggest (and most frustrating) part of property search in Italy is that they have no equivalent to the MLS (multiple listing service) that Americans enjoy. Instead of a single agent able to show you all properties in one town, each agent shows you only 1-2 properties and then a different agent shows you 1-2 properties, etc. You must contact multiple Italian-speaking agents just to see all the properties in a single location. It’s highly inefficient and time-consuming.

What exactly am I receiving for my payment?

When we find properties matching your criteria, we will take photos of the property both inside and out. We will also take photos or a video of the village itself. Are there restaurants or coffee shops, bars or a grocery store? Is there bus or train service? We’ll provide everything you need to know in determining if a property is right for you.

What are the costs associated with purchasing property in Italy?

Taxes and professional fees will be additional to the purchase price. Four main taxes you will pay are: stamp duty, cadastral tax, land registry tax and VAT tax and other fees. Typically, the additional costs can add anywhere between 10-15% of the original purchase price. In addition, professional fees will be added and these include the notary fees for checking if there are any liens on the property, the estate agent who usually charges 3% of the price, but this is split between the buyer and seller, and fees for a translator (must be present for any language interpretation). They charge between 250-350 euros. If you choose to hire an estate attorney, these fees are negotiable and we recommend you interview several before choosing one. Their fees will vary depending on their experience and level of services required.

Is Airbnb still a good investment strategy?

Yes, Airbnb can be very profitable in Italy, particularly in the right location. Listings can be optimized with professional photos and properties that focus on unique experiences such as Tuscan views or traditional villas. Targeting digital nomads and retirees with monthly discounts can increase occupancy, as can hiring a property manager. If you’re interested in finding Airbnb-friendly properties, we can assist you by recommending the best areas in which to invest.

How much time can I spend without a visa?

Americans are allowed to stay 90 days out of any 180 day stretch without needing a visa within the Schengen Area. This refers to the 29 countries, including Italy, that have abolished their border controls at their mutual borders. After 90 days, they must return to a non-Schengen country for 90 days before being allowed to return. This requirement makes buying a property in Italy the perfect thing to do with a sibling or friend! That way when your 90 day visit ends, their 90 day visit starts so that the place is in continual use. In this manner, you can buy a place in Italy and only pay half the purchase price while your partner pays the other half!

What are the best areas in Italy in which to purchase property?

Italy is one of those countries that offers culture, beauty and affordability! Its beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and rich history make it an excellent place to consider having a second home or even a permanent residence. There’s alpine skiing in the north, sun-drenched beaches along its nearly 5000 miles of coastline, kayaking and diving on one of its roughly 450 islands, and good eating everywhere often dictated by the geography of the region.

Below are some of our favorite places in Italy, but trust us when we say this barely scratches the surface of your choices!

Lucca, Tuscany
Lucca is just a 20 minute train ride from Pisa and enjoys a historic center with a Roman amphitheater, surrounded by a 2.5 mile town wall that encircles the city. People stroll, exercise, and bicycle on the walking path on top of the wall at all times of day, but especially at sunset. Its relative flatness (compared to hillier areas of Tuscany abutting it) makes for bicycling treks into the countryside to visit wineries and local farms. Florence is just over an hour away and makes a great day trip, as does the Cinqe Terre coastal region on the other side of Lucca.

Italian Lakes, Lombardy
For breathtaking views and excellent outdoor activities, head to Lombardy where the main four lakes are Lake Como, Lake Maggiore, Lake Garda, and Lake Iseo. Historic mansions and palaces dot these islands which can all be visited by ferries that regularly ply the alpine waters. Weekly markets are held in area town’s that are well worth a visit for the designer fashion that comes from nearby Milan. Flying into one of the three airports that Milan offers makes it easy to visit. See why George Clooney and other A-listers have chosen to have homes here!

Olbia, Sardinia
Sardinia is Italy’s second-largest island after Sicily (just slightly larger). Jet-setters flock to the beaches of Costa Smeralda, a gorgeous stretch of coastline located between Olbia and Palau. The turquoise clear water has beaches that are backed by granite, lush foliage, and marinas that accommodate the luxury yachts that ply this stretch of fine sand and emerald color water bordered by trendy clubs, bars and restaurants.

Florence, Tuscany
Florence is considered the crown jewel of Italy’s Renaissance masterpieces. With museums housed in spectacular historical residences such as the Uffizi gallery or the Pitti Palace, the cultural relevance of Florence’s art collections is unmatched! Beautiful red rooftops can be seen from balconies that dot the cityscape, with romantic small restaurants down every winding straight. Market stalls selling leather, exquisite paper products, trendy clothing, famous cheeses and cured meats can be encountered all over the city located on the Arno River.  Because Florence is so centrally located, day trips are easy and transportation choices plentiful.



Where do expats go that want a healthy lifestyle?

Italy isn’t just a destination-it’s a lifestyle. Walkable cities, a Mediterranean diet, and numerous outdoor activities make Italy a place to really amp up a healthy lifestyle.

Tuscany
Known for vineyards, rolling hills and olive groves, Tuscany boasts a mild climate with plenty of access to outdoor sports such as hiking and cycling. It has a diet rich in fresh produce and locally sourced foods and also offers a slower pace of life.

Umbria
Umbria is often called Italy’s “green heart.” It’s less touristy than nearby Tuscany and offers a more secluded lifestyle. Farm-to-table restaurants abound here, especially those featuring its celebrated truffle. Property prices are also lower than in Tuscany.

Liguria
Liguria is home to the Italian Riviera and Cinque Terre, the five villages nestled in the heart if its coastline. An easy train offers the ability to get off at one or all of these charming villages. Fresh seafood is on every menu and swimming, diving and kayaking are favorite pastimes in this delightful area.

Sardinia
Home to one of five areas in the world called the Blue Zone, where people routinely live to the age of 100, this island boasts stunning beaches, mountainous villages, along with clean air, solitude and fresh seafood and produce. Its off-the-beaten path lifestyle allows for plenty of non-crowded environments in which to enjoy a host of healthy activities, such as swimming, boating and diving. Marine parks have been created in areas around the island that help Mother Nature to protect the sea mammals and fish teeming around the island.

Puglia
This southern region boasts whitewashed villages and unspoilt seaside resorts. The area is known for its heart-healthy olive oils and fresh produce. Ostuni, Lecce and Bari (a gateway for ferries to Greece) are a few of its must-see towns. The region is famous for its cone-shaped houses, called trulli, that dot the landscape and nearby beaches are wonderful for swimming and relaxation.

Lombardy
For a mixture of luxury with nature, this northern lakes region offers alpine hiking, boating, kayaking and swimming. The clean air makes hiking a pleasure with stunning lakeside views the reward. It’s proximity to Milan’s healthcare institutions makes any necessary medical care easy and close.

Le Marche
This hidden gem of an area boasts stunning beaches, a vibrant cultural scene and great local wines, making for an affordable, healthy lifestyle. Prices here are some of the lowest in Italy and yet it’s central location makes it easy to access the rest of Italy.
  • 7 S Main St, Yardley, PA, USA
  • We meet at area coffee shops or conduct virtual meetings. Location can be modified at your request.

Please determine your criteria regarding size and budget. We will set up a meeting for an intake interview and then on our next property-hunting visit, generally ever 8-10 weeks, we will send you a list of homes with photos that meet your criteria. It really is that simple!