For many international buyers, the idea of owning a second home in Italy is a dream: the countryside, the slower pace of life, long summers and the possibility of having a place to return to year after year, with family and friends.
There is although a practical question behind that dream: what happens to the house when you are not there?
For someone living abroad, managing a property from a distance can seem complicated. Who checks the house? What happens if there is a problem with the heating? Who looks after the garden or pool? And how do you know that everything is ready before you arrive?
The good news is that you do not necessarily need to be in Italy all year round to look after your home. There are several ways to organise its management, depending on the property and on how much involvement you would like to have.
- Use technology to keep an eye on things
Technology can make a second home much easier to manage from a distance: smart heating systems, security systems, water-leak sensors and temperature or humidity monitors can allow you to check certain aspects of the property remotely, often directly from your phone.
You do not need to turn your Italian home into a fully automated house. Investing in well-chosen systems can simply give you an additional layer of reassurance, particularly during the months when the property is empty.
- Have someone you trust locally
Technology can tell you that something is wrong, but cannot always fix it.
Having a trusted person nearby can therefore make a significant difference. This could be someone who visits the property periodically, like a neighbour or a friend, who will check that everything is in order, opens the house after a long period of closure, notices any issues and arranges for a professional to intervene when necessary. For an international owner, having someone who knows the property and can act quickly can be invaluable.
- Plan maintenance throughout the year
A second home does not stop needing attention simply because you are away. In fact, some maintenance can be planned according to the seasons, rather than dealt with only when you return.
Before winter, for example, it may be worth checking the roof and tiles, gutters, fireplaces and heating systems. Properties with a septic tank, LPG system, olive groves, a pool or extensive gardens will have their own additional requirements. As spring approaches, attention may shift towards the garden, irrigation systems, swimming pool and outdoor spaces, while other checks can be scheduled before the property is used more frequently in summer.
- Come back in the quieter months
Some owners choose to use a winter or early-spring visit to take care of several things at once. A week in Italy can become an opportunity to inspect the house, meet local professionals, review maintenance work and prepare the property for the year ahead.
This can work particularly well when the different tasks are coordinated in advance. Rather than spending your time trying to find a plumber, gardener, electrician or technician once you arrive, the relevant people can already be scheduled.
For international owners, having someone locally coordinate these professionals can make the process considerably easier.
- Consider property management
For those who prefer to be less involved, professional property management is another option. This can include regular inspections, maintenance coordination, garden and pool care, opening and closing the property, dealing with emergencies and preparing the house before the owner’s arrival.
The level of support can be adapted to the property and to the owner’s needs. Some people want someone to manage everything, while others simply need a reliable local point of contact.
- Rent the property to let it work while you are away
There is another possibility for owners who do not use their home throughout the year: renting it out during periods of absence.
A property that is regularly occupied is also being regularly used and checked, while rental income can contribute towards its ongoing costs and maintenance.
Of course, this involves a different type of management and should be considered carefully in relation to the property’s characteristics, the owner’s personal use and the applicable rules. For some second-home owners, it can be a practical way of combining enjoyment of the property with a more active approach to its management..
Your home does not have to be a full-time responsibility
Owning a second home abroad inevitably comes with responsibilities, but it does not have to mean being constantly available or worrying about what might be happening at the property.
With the right combination of technology, regular maintenance, trusted local professionals and, where appropriate, property management, an Italian home can be looked after even when you are hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.
At Italian Luxury Asset, we understand that buying the property is only one part of the relationship our clients have with their Italian home. From finding the right professionals to coordinating practical matters locally, we can help our clients create a network of trusted support around their property.
Remember: your Italian home should be something you look forward to returning to and not something you have to worry about while you are away.
