How to scout locations?

How to get medium-term accommodation for scouting purposes. To avoid rushing into buying a property without first trialing the location.

white concrete building
white concrete building

Secure accommodation for scouting purposes

You can try the following methods to find a short-to-medium term rentals.

Apply to listings on websites / apps:

  • AirBnB, or VRBO: when searching places note any monthly stay discounts but still write to the AirBnB host regardless as they may still offer a reduced rate. Note that in some locations, stays over 30 days are prohibited for such tourist accommodation.

  • Booking.com: more expensive, but if it is off-season and you are able to speak with them, discounted stays are possible via "Contratto per Finalita' Turistica".

  • Idealista.it, immobiliare.it, housinganywhere.com, spotahome.com (for larger cities): check listings that mention fixed periods (eg. January to May); scroll first to the more expensive listings. Ensure you get a type of transitorio contract. Note, Housinganywhere has its own setup with extra costs.

  • Homeexchange is another option but you need to also do an exchange or have built up points.

  • For larger cities, google "short term rentals Rome" (for example)

Network to reach home owners:

  • On social media platforms, like Facebook expat groups: submit a post and advertise what you want. Also search the group for current offerings by home owners. Often expats who own a home in Italy are not there all year round but would welcome a reliable tenant (for anti-squat and burglary-deterrent reasons also)

  • Contact Real estate agents in the location, particularly those who are expats or English-speakers as they are probably connected to expat home owners to whom they have sold a house. They might also have other suggestions.

Off-season is always much easier to get any type of accommodation, particularly medium-term rentals.

Take precautions against not being scammed, and always make a plan for a backup if there are last minute changes.

Fortunately, finding a medium-term rental as an expat is easier than finding a long-term rental as an expat. Long-term rental accommodation is difficult to find for all, both expats and locals, due to the accommodation pressures arisen from tourism eg. AirBnB's. Unfortunately, expats are seen to not stay a long time compared to locals, but finding one is not impossible though! (reason: risk to the landlord if the rental contracts is terminated early by an expat tenant, which is legal if the notice period is abided by)