However, the path to becoming a homeowner in the Bel Paese often involves complex notarial procedures, long timelines and a fragmented and sometimes opaque bureaucracy that can discourage those unfamiliar with the dynamics of the Italian real estate market.
In this context, professionals capable of bridging the gap between international demand and local supply have emerged. One such example is Nikki Taylor.
Born and raised in Sydney, the entrepreneur left behind a career in banking to build a new life in Italy, where she now works as a real estate consultant specialising in helping foreign clients purchase homes.
After years spent between London and Australia working for institutions like Deutsche Bank, Taylor experienced a period of burnout that led her to reflect on her life.
“I was working a lot, the days were very long and at a certain point I started to ask myself if that was really what I wanted for my future,” she shared.
“I was single, with no children and I felt it was time for a change. So, I decided to leave Sydney.”
The decision to move to Italy, made in 2013, was fuelled by a longstanding emotional connection to the country. “The first time I visited Italy was in 2001, during a trip to Florence, and there I felt a very strong sensation, as if I were finally home,” she recalled.
“Coming from a young country like Australia, where there isn’t that kind of cultural depth, I was fascinated by the art, architecture and history.”
After preparing for the move for about a year by studying Italian and getting her personal affairs in order, she moved to Bolzano in 2014, where she started working for a major international luxury real estate agency.
A few years later, Taylor created Italy Property Consulting, a consultancy that guides non-Italian citizens, particularly English speakers, through the complex process of buying property in Italy.
Today, she lives in Martina Franca, in Puglia, one of the most sought-after regions by her clients.
“I mostly work with American clients, but also Australians and Brits,” she explained. “In many cases, they’re people who have Italian citizenship or heritage and want to buy a second home in Italy, either for holidays or as an investment to rent out when they’re not using it.”
Taylor’s job is to guide them through a process that, if tackled alone, can prove to be complicated. “The bureaucracy in Italy can be hard to understand, especially for those who don’t know the language or the system,” Taylor said, “Even after eleven years, there are still things that don’t make much sense to me.”
“Puglia is by far the most in-demand at the moment,” she revealed, “Then comes Tuscany, followed by Sicily.
“These are authentic areas, still relatively affordable, but full of charm.”
The types of properties sought vary greatly. “Some want a home by the sea, others are looking for a masseria, a countryside villa ... there really isn’t a single formula.”
Many clients are drawn to Italy with the dream of a quieter life, far from the rigidity and pressure of large Anglo-Saxon cities.
“I myself wanted a less chaotic life. Puglia is like paradise to me,” she shared. However, the Italian real estate sector still has some challenges, especially compared to other markets.
“In Australia, when you buy a house, the deal is usually closed in about 28 days. In Italy, it can take much longer, because there are many checks to be done and the process is less straightforward,” said Taylor.
In addition to her real estate consultancy, Taylor has also developed a strong digital presence. Her popular Instagram profile shares the everyday life of living in Italy and offers practical advice on places to visit, authentic experiences and bureaucratic aspects of buying property.
“I started sharing my life here about four years ago,” she recalled, “I was getting a lot of questions from people curious about what it’s like to live in Italy and I thought it could be helpful to tell it honestly, without filters.”
The way Taylor communicates is authentic and she offers a concrete point of reference for those dreaming of relocating.
The birth of her two children has further solidified her decision to stay in Italy. “At the moment, I have no intention of moving,” she said.
“Going back to Australia? It’s not even something I consider. There are too many rules there. Here, especially in the south, life is more relaxed, more human.”
