How successful you are in finding suitable Italian accommodation or rental property depends on various factors. At the very least, the type of accommodation that you are searching for can scupper your choices right from the start, with rental prices and the surrounding area dictating which type of accommodation you can choose from.
Finding Italian Accommodation
There are various methods to finding Italian accommodation for rent in Italy. Firstly, word of mouth can be quick to spread the message, with your friends, work colleagues, acquaintances and family able to assist in finding you lodging, especially if it is within an area they have lived or currently reside; particularly in major cities where you need connections to find somewhere with a reasonable rent amount.
You can also check for advertisements in local papers or magazines, but you will need to be quick as by the time you notice one, it could already be snapped up. Furthermore, if you notice an ‘affittasi’ or ‘da affitare’ (to rent) sign up in a window, then simply enquire about that particular Italian accommodation!
You can take a look with Italian accommodation and letting agents. The majorities of large towns and all cities have agenize immobiliari (estate agents), who all act as letting agents for property owners. The majority of letting agents can be found in the Italian version of the yellow pages, with the circumstances often meaning that it is easier to deal with letting agents over the owners – mainly in regards to legal matters and contracts. Bulletin boards, shop front windows, supermarkets, colleges, company offices, universities and shopping centres can all display adverts for flats or housing to rent. Finally, check publications from clubs, expatriate organisations and churches alongside their notice boards.
All major newspapers and magazines have websites and web presences, where properties are often displayed. Expatriate publications, such as ‘Wanted in Rome’ and small newspapers: ‘Porta Portese’ on Wednesdays and Saturdays in Rome, ‘La Pulce’ in Florence and ‘Secondamano’ in Milan.
Viewing Italian Accommodation
It is important that you are available to view or inspect properties at very little notice. Even if you phone or contact the letting agent as soon as they open, there will still be a waiting list for flat or house viewings; especially in Milan or Rome. Fridays and Saturdays are the best days to find fresh advertisements with advertisers perhaps being private owners, letting agencies or real-estate managers. The most difficult time to find accommodation is during September and October, as Italians return from summer vacations and students look for accommodation.
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