Ciao, benvenuti —
From Dream to Reality:
Building a New Life in Italy
I bought and renovated a house in Le Marche, Italy. Years of sharing this on YouTube has led me to meet hundreds of like‑minded people with the same dream — your own version of this sweet Italian lifestyle. This is how I did it, and how my two channels can support you.
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Hi, I am
Richard
A few years ago I bought an abandoned farmhouse in Le Marche with no real plan beyond stubbornness. I've since renovated it, made every mistake in the book, and met hundreds of people chasing the same dream.
I built this site to be the honest, practical friend I wish I'd had at the start.
7
YEARS IN ITALY
2
YOUTUBE CHANNELS
1
HONEST GUIDE
The reality
Why trust me before you even say hello
Underneath the beautiful photos and the romance of it all, there are real decisions to get right — and plenty of ways to get talked into the wrong ones. I've made the mistakes, asked the awkward questions, and learned who to trust and who to be wary of. I want to pass that on.
The path I'll walk you down
01
Sanity Check
Is this really the life you want?
02
Where to Look
Regions that actually fit you.
03
Who to Trust
Agents, geometras, notaries.
04
What to Ask
The questions before you sign.
05
Pitfalls to Avoid
Mistakes I made so you don't.
Two ways I can help
Choose what fits your stage
THE GUIDE
The Italy Property Insider's Handbook
The questions to ask yourself at every stage — the emotional ones, not just the legal ones.
€25 · instant download
THE CALL
1:1 Video Call with Richard
Someone in your corner, looking at your actual situation — the town, the budget, the paperwork, the gut feeling.
60 minutes, on Zoom
Recorded, so you can rewatch
Follow‑up notes by email
Fresh from the channels
In these videos you will find top tips gained from my personal experience in Italy. There are many more on my YouTube channel under the playlist section.
On the channels
Say hello
Book a 1:1 video call, or just send a note. I read every message myself — usually with an espresso in hand.
Let's talk about your Italian move.
Corinaldo, Le Marche, Italy
What people say after working with me
From the journal
Latest thinking, honest as ever
Before you ask
Frequently asked
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Elena from ABITOCase was very helpful and has some fantastic properties in Le Marche showcased on her website.
https://www.abitocase.com/en/home-english/
Properties like mine are not always shown online and property agents are not typically property finders to do the hunting for you. I am sure there would be people who can provide this service to you for a fee.
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I opened a bank in my local town (you will need a codice fiscale - free to obtain and can be done online) with Intesa Sanpaolo. The mobile app and website are fantastic and easy to use. All bills are paid from that account to the utility companies. I go onto the utility company websites when they email me the bill reminder and pay. Simple. All on line. All transparent on fees and rates etc.
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As I am still working full time I am looking into the digital nomad visa. I have contacted my local Italian consulate and been given links and application forms to start the process. I will journal and vlog this also as I go. I am starting the process from scratch in June 2024.
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It is big but the beauty of Italy is that I have found that most people are patient and respect that you are trying. I have struggled to be honest but am trying a new ‘immersive’ approach while I am not in Italy for a month to see how that works. Apps, books, YouTube, Movies, Podcasts, Italian Radio…I will vlog it as I go.
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The shape, style, location of my little house is quite unique to this area. There are not many single story houses in Le Marche. Trawling the property sites and being really ready to buy will help the agents take you seriously and then they will help find that gem. They get swamped with window shoppers so bear that in mind.
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