Written from real experience
Someone else's forgotten house became my home
When I started looking at property in Sicily, I found a house on the sea in Carini, twelve minutes from Palermo airport. Nobody had lived in it for more than six decades. Most people saw a house beyond saving. I saw the location, the direct beach access and the view of the sea and the mountains.
I bought it, renovated it from the ground up, and shared every stage on Instagram. The same questions kept arriving, so I answered all of them in one guide.
- Bought
- 2024
- Left empty for
- 65+ years
- Where
- Carini, Sicily
- Renovation
- 2 years
Questions
What exactly do I get?
A 41-page PDF guide with 18 chapters: the buying steps, the costs to plan for, the renovation roadmap and permits, my timeline, a moving-in checklist and before-and-after photos, plus the two buyer-only bonuses. It reads well on a phone, tablet or computer.
How do I receive it?
Straight after payment you can download it, and you'll also get an email with the download link. Download it as often as you like and keep it.
How do the bonuses work?
The early-bird property bonus is a PDF you can download straight after payment, together with the guide, and it's also in your welcome email. For Villa Marevento, you'll get an email with your discount and direct booking access as soon as the house opens for rentals, before it's listed anywhere else.
Is the property bonus included for everyone?
No. It's an early-bird bonus, only included with purchases made while the launch price lasts, until 2 November. If you buy now, it's yours to keep. The houses are on the open market, so they can sell at any time, and I can't guarantee their price or availability.
Will the price go up?
Yes. $14.99 is the launch price. The launch price ends on 2 November, then the guide goes back to $24.99. If you buy now, you get the guide and both bonuses at the launch price, including the early-bird property bonus.
What if I'm not sure Sicily is right for me?
That's exactly who it's for. The guide shows you the real process, costs and timeline, so you can decide before you commit to anything. Finding out it isn't for you is the cheapest way to avoid an expensive mistake.
I'm looking outside Sicily. Is it still useful?
Yes. The story is set in Sicily, but most of the process is the same across Italy: the codice fiscale, the notary, due diligence, building permits and the protected-landscape rules near the coast. It works especially well for Sardinia, Puglia, Calabria, Campania and the rest of southern Italy, where buyers face the same kinds of older properties and the same surprises. The location chapter compares Sicilian towns, so use it as a model for comparing your own region.
Can foreigners buy property in Italy?
Yes. You don't need Italian residency, but you do need a codice fiscale (Italian tax code), and every purchase goes through a notary. You can even buy remotely using a power of attorney. Chapter 4 covers it all.
I'm only just starting to look. Is it too early?
No, it's the best time. Knowing the costs, the steps and the common mistakes before you make an offer is what saves you money.
Is this legal or financial advice?
No. It's my personal experience. Always confirm your situation with a notary, a geometra or architect, and a tax advisor.
Can I get a refund?
Because it's an instant digital download, sales are final once the file has been delivered. If something's wrong with your file, email support@sicily.house and I'll sort it out.
