Can You Buy A House In Sicily Without Speaking Italian?

Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, effortlessly intertwines natural beauty and ancient history. From its towering mountains and lush vineyards to its pristine beaches, the island boasts an unparalleled landscape that captures the essence of Mediterranean charm. Its rich history, shaped by Greek, Roman, Arab, and Norman influences, is evident in every corner, creating a unique destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in culture, art, and history.

But what if you’ve fallen in love with this beautiful island and want to buy a house there? Can you do so without speaking Italian?

In this blog, Jo and Ari, two nomads who decided to make Sicily their home, share their experience of navigating the complexities of the Sicily real estate market—despite not being fluent in Italian.

Join us as we uncover their journey and glean valuable insights for anyone considering a move to this enchanting island.

Living as a Nomad in Sicily: Jo and Ari’s Journey

Jo and Ari, two nomads who have traveled the world, recently decided to make Sicily their permanent home. After spending years living in Australia and traveling extensively, they decided to settle down in Sicily. As part of their journey, they wanted to share their experience of buying a house in Sicily, specifically in the town of Carini. Their story offers valuable insights into navigating the Sicilian real estate market as a foreigner, especially if you’re concerned about the language barrier.

Overcoming the Language Barrier

When Jo and Ari decided to buy a house in Sicily, they faced the challenge of not speaking Italian fluently. While they were committed to learning the language, their proficiency was still in the early stages. As Jo mentioned, “We’re trying to practice with every local we meet, but we’re a long way from fluency.” Despite the language gap, Jo and Ari were determined to make their dream of owning a home in Sicily a reality.

In their experience, language was not an insurmountable barrier. Communication with real estate agents was often facilitated through Google Translate, which helped them navigate WhatsApp conversations and emails. “Google Translate is our friend,” said Jo, explaining how they used the app to translate messages and ensure they understood the details of the properties they were interested in. While it may not be perfect Italian, it was sufficient to communicate their needs and questions effectively.

Dealing with Sicilian Bureaucracy

While buying a property in Sicily as a foreigner without speaking Italian may seem challenging, Jo and Ari quickly realized that the locals were incredibly helpful. In fact, they found that the people of Sicily were more than willing to offer assistance, even when language differences made communication difficult. Ari’s first experience with the Italian bureaucracy, however, was a culture shock.

To buy a property, foreigners need to obtain a Codice Fiscale—an Italian tax code similar to a social security number. Ari’s attempt to get his Codice Fiscale without a translator resulted in a slightly stressful experience. He walked into the office without an appointment and was met with some resistance. “The guy yelled at me for asking too many questions,” Ari recalled. Nevertheless, after a series of challenges and misunderstandings, he finally obtained the Codice Fiscale—a necessary step in the property-buying process.

Despite the occasional frustration, Jo and Ari found that many locals were understanding and willing to help them through the process. Jo shared, “A guy gave me his phone number on the first day, offering to help with any further questions. People here are very kind and willing to assist, even with language barriers.”

Is It Possible to Buy Property Without Speaking Italian?

In short, yes, it is possible to own property in Italy without speaking Italian fluently. However, there are a few key steps you must take to make the process smoother:

• Google Translate Is Your Friend: As Jo and Ari demonstrated, using translation apps like Google Translate can make communication with real estate agents and officials much easier.
• Work with English-speaking Realtors: Many Sicilian real estate agents speak at least some English, especially in areas like Carini. If you’re working with an agent who doesn’t speak English fluently, they may be willing to use translation tools or bring in someone who can help with communication.
• Patience and Preparation: Bureaucracy in Italy can be slow and frustrating. Be prepared to navigate through paperwork and appointments, and make sure you have a Codice Fiscale before you start the buying process.
• Helpful Locals: Sicilians are known for their hospitality. Jo and Ari’s experience proves that locals will often go out of their way to help foreigners, especially when they see you are making an effort to settle in their community.

Highlights of Living in Sicily

Despite the challenges, Jo and Ari quickly fell in love with Sicily’s laid-back lifestyle and breathtaking scenery. They describe driving along the coastline with dramatic ocean views and towering mountains, a sight that never failed to take their breath away. “Every corner has this incredible ocean view, and these dramatic mountains just take our breath away,” Jo says.

Their love for Sicily is also reflected in their appreciation for the local cuisine. From the fresh cherry tomatoes at the market to the delicious olives and arancini (stuffed rice balls), they have developed a deep appreciation for the food that makes Sicily a true paradise for food lovers.

While it certainly helps to speak Italian when buying a house in Sicily, it is by no means a requirement. Jo and Ari’s story shows that with the right tools, a little patience, and the help of friendly locals, it is very much possible to navigate the process. 

If you’re drawn to Sicily for its natural beauty, history, and food—and you’re willing to put in the effort to understand the local culture—you too can make the dream of owning property on this enchanting island a reality.

Sicily is a place where, despite the language barrier and bureaucratic hurdles, dreams of owning a home can come true with a bit of perseverance and the help of kind locals. The journey may not be easy, but for many, the rewards of living in this Mediterranean paradise are more than worth the effort.