10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying a House in Puglia✨

If you’ve ever scrolled through photos of Puglia, those whitewashed towns, endless olive trees, turquoise water, and cute little trulli and thought, “That’s it. That’s my dream life,” … trust me, you’re not alone.

I totally get it. Puglia has that magical mix of rustic charm and sunshine that makes you want to drop everything, buy a house with a lemon tree, and start making homemade pasta.

But before you fall head over heels and sign the papers on that adorable stone farmhouse, you’ll want to know a few things. Consider this your friendly expat checklist, full of stuff I wish I’d known before diving into the Italian dream!

1. Get your Codice Fiscale early

Think of this as your Italian ID number, it’s basically your golden ticket to do anything official here. You’ll need it to buy property, open a bank account, set up utilities, and probably even to breathe Italian air (kidding… kind of).

You can get it at the local tax office (Agenzia delle Entrate) or through your nearest Italian consulate before you even arrive. Trust me, do this early, it makes everything else smoother.

2. Know your “Prima Casa” vs. “Seconda Casa” status

This is one of those bureaucratic things that sounds boring but actually matters a lot for your wallet.

If the house will be your main home (prima casa), you get some juicy tax benefits. If it’s a holiday home (seconda casa), not so much. The rules can be a little twisty (it’s Italy after all), but the main idea is: if you plan to live here full-time, the government rewards you for it.

3. Hire a Geometra (your new best friend)

A geometra is kind of like a mix between a surveyor, architect, and local superhero. They’ll check if your dream house actually matches the legal documents (because yes, sometimes it doesn’t).

They’ll also spot sneaky problems like dodgy wiring, crumbling walls, or that “charming” damp corner you were pretending not to see.

4. The real cost is more than the price tag

This one hit me hard. That cute €150,000 trullo? After taxes, notary fees, surveys, legal help, and paperwork suddenly you’re looking at €180,000 or more.

Between 10–20% extra costs is pretty standard, so plan for it. It’s not fun, but it’s better than running out of money halfway through your dolce vita dreams!

5. Get a good Notary (Notaio) and maybe a lawyer

In Italy, the notary isn’t just someone who stamps papers, they’re the big deal. They make sure your sale is legal and final. Still, having your own lawyer can be smart too, especially if your Italian is… let’s say, a work in progress.

Pro tip: always ask for an English translation of the deed before signing. “Sign here” shouldn’t feel like a leap of faith.

6. Check the boring stuff: utilities & access

Some rural homes in Puglia are beyond stunning but also beyond the reach of electricity, paved roads, or a proper sewage system. Romantic? Absolutely. Practical? Not always.

Make sure your dream home actually has water, power, and legal road access before you sign anything. You can thank me later.

7. Watch out for “creative” renovations

A lot of older houses have been… let’s say “imaginatively” extended or tweaked by previous owners. Always make sure those changes were officially approved, or you could inherit their problems (and fines).

Your geometra can check this too. Another reason to keep them close!

8. Open an Italian bank account

It just makes everything easier. Most payments (like deposits, notary fees, taxes) have to go through an Italian account, and local banks are used to working with expats now. Just bring your ID, codice fiscale, and patience because... the process isn’t fast, but hey, nothing truly Italian ever is.

9. Be ready for a slower rhythm (and fall in love with it)

Buying a house in Italy isn’t a “click and done” kind of process. Things take time. People still use paper. Offices close for lunch. Sometimes the person you need is “on holiday” for three weeks.

At first, it can make you want to scream but soon, you’ll learn to grab an espresso, take a walk, and let Italy work at its own pace. It’s part of the charm (I promise).

10. Don’t forget why you’re doing this

Yes, there will be paperwork, fees, translations, and maybe one or two mild meltdowns. But then—one day—you’ll be sipping a glass of Primitivo in your own garden, with the sun dipping behind olive trees, thinking, “Wow… I actually did it.”

And that’s the magic of Puglia. 💛

Final thoughts

Buying a house here isn’t just a transaction, it’s an adventure. The process might test your patience, but it’ll also fill your life with beauty, community, and more pasta than you ever thought possible.

If you’re dreaming about it, do it! Just do it prepared.