Independent strategy
A search and purchase plan shaped around your budget, lifestyle, timing and risk—not around an agent’s listings.
A different kind of property advice
Your interests.
Only yours.
I am an Italian-licensed property professional, but I do not operate as an estate agency. I work exclusively for you—the buyer—so my advice is independent and my negotiations are free from seller-side commission.
From the first conversation to the keys in your hand, I translate the Italian system into plain English, coordinate trusted specialists and help you make informed decisions at every stage.
Maria Grazia Vendone
About Maria
Coming back
to my first love.
“Real estate was never simply a career. It was the work that brought together everything I value: people, place, trust and possibility.”
I was born and raised in Sardinia and later spent several years living in Rome before moving to London. After a few years in the United Kingdom, I returned to Sardinia, obtained my Italian real estate licence and founded my own estate agency.
There, I helped international clients find and purchase homes, guiding them through property searches, negotiations, contracts, banking, taxation, renovation and the many cultural details that can make an Italian transaction feel unfamiliar.
I subsequently relocated to London again because of my husband’s work. My career then took me further into finance, commercial negotiation and business operations—experience that strengthened the skills that matter when a client is making a significant investment: clear analysis, disciplined decision-making, transparency and the confidence to ask difficult questions.
Living and working between Sardinia, Rome and London has given me more than bilingual fluency. I understand Italy from the inside, while also understanding the expectations and concerns of international buyers approaching the Italian property market from abroad.
Now I am returning to my first love—Italian real estate—with a model shaped by everything I have learned. I am not here to sell you a listing. I am here to represent you, explain what others may leave unsaid and help you buy well.
Italian licensedReal estate qualification, Camera di Commercio
Truly bilingualNative Italian, professionally fluent English
Buyer experiencedInternational purchases from search to completion
Commercially rigorousFinance, contracts and negotiation expertise
I know Italy from the inside—and the questions international buyers need answered from the outside.
What you gain
One advocate.
Every detail.
Property purchases in Italy bring together agents, surveyors, lawyers and a public notary. I keep the whole journey connected, legible and moving forward.
Local coordination
Clear communication with Italian agents, technicians, lawyers and the notaio, with one reliable point of contact throughout.
Beyond completion
Access to a trusted partner network for utilities, furniture and renovation support, with preferential rates where available.
The Italian buying process
Four steps.
One calm journey.
The typical purchase takes around two to four months. Complex due diligence or financing can extend the timeline.
01
Purchase offer
We assess the opportunity, clarify conditions and shape the proposta d’acquisto so you understand the commitment before signing.
02
Preliminary contract
The compromesso sets the transaction terms, usually with a 10–30% deposit. I coordinate the advice you need around it.
03
Due diligence
Legal, cadastral, planning and technical checks are coordinated with independent specialists before you move to completion.
04
Final deed
The rogito is signed before the notaio, who verifies the transaction, collects taxes and registers your ownership.
Buying from abroad
American focus.
Worldwide welcome.
I specialise in the questions that arise when your home, finances and professional advisers are thousands of miles from the property you want to buy.
For buyers in the United States
Italy, translated for the American buyer.
American citizens can generally purchase property in Italy, subject to the routine reciprocity verification carried out for non-EU buyers. You do not need Italian residency simply to own a home.
- Understand the first signature. An Italian purchase offer can become binding much earlier than many Americans expect.
- Build the full euro budget. I help coordinate a clear picture of taxes, professional fees and ongoing property costs before you commit.
- Handle the process from abroad. A Codice Fiscale is required, and many stages—including completion by Power of Attorney—can often be coordinated remotely.
- Separate ownership from residency. Buying a home does not grant the right to live in Italy long-term; immigration and tax-residency advice should be obtained separately.
UK and Irish buyers
British and Irish clients remain very welcome. Irish citizens buy as EU citizens; UK citizens can generally purchase under the applicable UK–Italy reciprocity framework.
- A Codice Fiscale is required.
- Property ownership does not confer residency rights.
- Non-resident taxes and ongoing costs should be budgeted early.
- Remote completion can often be arranged by Power of Attorney.
Buyers worldwide
EU and EEA citizens generally buy on the same basis as Italian citizens. For other nationalities, the notaio verifies whether reciprocity or a qualifying residence permit applies.
- Nationality-specific status should be confirmed early.
- Independent legal and technical checks remain essential.
- I work in English and Italian across the professional team.
- Your advice is tailored to your own plans and circumstances.
Important: Rules, reciprocity status and taxes can change. This website is general guidance, not legal, tax or immigration advice; your circumstances should be checked with the appropriate qualified professional.
Clear, fixed fees
Paid for the work.
Nothing hidden.
My fees are fixed and agreed before we begin. Each package includes a clearly defined scope and an agreed allowance of professional hours.
Strategy Session
€250 / fixed fee
A focused 60-minute session before you commit.
- Goals, budget and preferred areas
- Process and likely costs
- Personal risk and challenge review
- Clear next-step action plan
Deal Review & Support
€3,950 / fixed fee
For buyers who have already found a property.
- Property and deal review
- Due diligence coordination
- Negotiation and professional liaison
- Support within the agreed scope
- Hours confirmed before we begin
Full Buyer Representation
€6,950 / fixed fee
Complete buyer-side guidance from search to completion, within an agreed scope and hour allowance.
- Personal property search strategy
- Off-market access where available
- Legal and technical coordination
- Price and terms negotiation
- English communication throughout
- No commission or success fee
How the hour allowance works: Your proposal will state the professional hours included in the fixed fee. I will keep you informed as the work progresses. If the agreed hours are likely to be reached, I pause and we discuss the remaining work, priorities and a new fixed fee together before I do anything further. There are no surprise invoices.
Travel and expenses: Fixed fees do not include travel, accommodation or other location-related expenses. If an in-person visit is requested, all anticipated costs will be agreed with you in advance and charged separately.
I do not need a success fee to care about your outcome. You pay me for my work—and when you complete, I will be delighted to celebrate with you over a glass of wine.
Common questions
Before we
begin.
Can an American buy property in Italy?
Generally, yes, subject to the reciprocity verification that applies to non-EU citizens. You do not need to be an Italian resident simply to purchase, but ownership does not grant residency or override immigration rules.
Can I buy in Italy without being resident?
Yes, in many cases. EU/EEA citizens may buy freely; UK and other non-EU citizens are subject to the applicable reciprocity rules. The notaio confirms your position before completion.
Do I still need my own lawyer?
The notaio is a neutral public official, not your personal advocate. Independent legal advice is strongly recommended to review contracts and protect your interests.
Can the purchase be completed remotely?
Often, yes. A properly notarised and apostilled Power of Attorney can allow your representative to complete without repeated travel to Italy.
Do you receive commission from sellers?
No. I never take seller commission. My fee is paid by you, which keeps my advice and negotiation aligned solely with your outcome.
What costs should I budget beyond the price?
Depending on the purchase, allow for registration tax, notaio, estate-agent commission, legal and technical checks, plus annual IMU and TARI. I help you build a realistic cost picture early.
Your first step
Let’s talk about
your Italy.
Begin with a free 30-minute introductory call, or send me a message about where you are in your Italian property journey.
Book a free 30-minute call →Direct contact+44 (0)7590 983 332WhatsApp callmgvendone.com
Maria Grazia Vendone
Independent Property Consultant
Italy · Supporting clients worldwide
Independent Property Consultant
Italy · Supporting clients worldwide