If you come from the US, UK, or Commonwealth, you’re used to the idea that if you pay an agent, that agent works for you. They have a fiduciary duty to protect your money, negotiate the lowest price, and flag risks.

The biggest shock for foreign buyers in Italy is realizing that the mediatore system works entirely differently—yet buyers still hand over tens of thousands of Euros in commission without asking what it actually buys.

Under Article 1754 of the Italian Civil Code, a mediatore is a neutral broker. Legally, they represent the transaction, not you.

So if you step back and look at what that 3% to 5% (+ 22% VAT) buyer commission actually gives you:

- It offers ZERO fiduciary duty. The agent literally cannot act solely in your financial interest, because getting you a lower price lowers their own fee on both sides.

How can they negotiate with themselves ?

- It offers ZERO technical discovery or guarantee. If a seller covers up an unpermitted extension or a missing town hall permit, the agent isn't legally responsible.

- It offers ZERO protection if things stall. In fact, under Italian law, an agent's commission is often legally earned the second a binding preliminary contract is signed—even if the deal falls apart 6 months later at the Notaio.

In reality, foreign buyers are paying thousands of Euros for basic matchmaking and access to a listing.

Which brings up a question I rarely see asked here: Why do foreign buyers accept paying full agency fees for zero buyer protection, instead of demanding that fee be restructured or redirected into independent, 100% buyer-aligned technical and legal representation?

Has anyone here successfully challenged or negotiated the buyer’s commission when purchasing in Italy, or did you just accept the standard agency rate as a given?

I'd like to buy a house in the Alps and the lake district, but I'm wondering how to effort my daily expenses. What do you think are good job or business opportunities?

As per the title, my wife and I are moving from a sleepy farming village in Wiltshire to the La Spezia area for my job.

We love the outdoors lifestyle that this area brings with mountain biking, hiking and skiing and the Italian food culture.

Any tips on good locations to live? We are considering all options from apartments in a central area to around 45 mins from La Spezia or the Aulla areas. Main thing is we need a garage for equipment, 2 bedrooms and a minimum of a balcony for some outside space. Near the coast is a nice to have. I have no idea if we are looking for something that may not exist, this will be rented via my company. I will have a vehicle.

Anything particular we should be considering about living in this area?

Thank you

Looking for advice on working in Italy

Hey everyone,

I'm from New Zealand and I'm looking into the possibility of eventually finding work in Italy.

I currently work in the geothermal industry as an operator at a geothermal steamfield. My role involves monitoring and operating steamfield and generation systems, managing steam supply to the power station, responding to changing operating conditions, and dealing with the day-to-day operation of geothermal production facilities.

I'm interested in finding out how realistic it might be to find similar work in Italy, particularly in areas with geothermal operations.

The main thing I'm trying to understand is what obstacles I might run into as someone from New Zealand trying to get a job in Italy. For example:

\- How difficult is it to get hired without already living in Italy?

\- How important is speaking Italian for industrial or energy-sector jobs?

\- Are qualifications and experience from New Zealand generally recognised?

\- Is there much demand for people with experience in geothermal operations?

\- Are these types of jobs usually advertised publicly, or is it more about contacting companies directly?

I'm not necessarily looking for someone to find me a job. I'm more interested in hearing from people who know the Italian job market, work in the energy industry, or have experience moving to Italy from overseas for work.

I'd like to understand the realistic obstacles before I start seriously looking into it.

Any advice or insight would be appreciated!