If you are thinking about purchasing a property in Italy, then ideally your research should begin before you jump on a plane to head out there – the more information you have already accumulated, the less likely you are to fall into the classic emotional impulse buy; often a grave mistake to be repented at leisure.

Start by making contact with people who have already purchased in the area you are interested in. Just by talking to friends and acquaintances, you will almost certainly be redirected to those in the know; it's a very small world! Other people's experiences are vital to helping you form a picture of the reality of purchasing in Italy.

Read up about the country, its cultures and customs but also its property market. There are plenty of magazines and books that will provide you with up to date information; but vary your reading as no one publication can offer all the necessary advice.

Start reading through the overseas property sections of your local papers to get an idea of what is out there, and at what price.

Attend the overseas property trade shows and free information seminars that are regularly held in hotels and conference centres across the country.

The internet also provides numerous websites focused on providing resources to overseas buyers. Just by typing in “Properties for sale in Italy” you should be presented with a huge selection of informative sites.

There are also an increasing number of UK estate agents who specialise in selling property in Italy, or who can provide you with experienced real estate contacts in that country.

Make sure that when gathering information, you do not just focus on the positive, but that you also pay attention to any negatives. Rose-coloured spectacles are the last thing you need when taking such a big step; weighing up the pros as well as the cons is the only sensible way to proceed.

Once you have acquired some more in depth knowledge, then it is the time to fine tune your purchasing objectives and begin talking seriously to the professionals. For example: how realistic is your projected budget for the area/type of property you are interested in? If you are considering an investment property, what sort of return can you expect for that area/type of property?

The professionals you will want to contact should be as follows:

Agents: to source properties that appear to fit your objectives before you set off to Italy, thus avoiding wasting time viewing unsuitable properties.

Lawyers: to protect your interests and deal professionally with all aspects of the purchasing contract.

IFAs: This is also highly advisable, as depending on your particular circumstances, there may be many ways to save on taxes.

Criteria used to decide which estate agents to view with can be the following:

The properties they have available (as seen on their website, brochure or flyers)

The price range of the properties they have available

Your area of interest

Your viewing trip itinerary

The usefulness of the correspondence provided before the trip

Your gut feeling

Estate agents in Italy are hardly ever exclusive – a vendor will put their house on sale with as many agents as possible. Your only obligation is to purchase through the the agent that first introduced you to the property.

You can book viewing days with agents and then determine how you get to Italy, where you stay and how to get around. Or you can book an inspection trip where the agent organises everything for you.

With either of these methods, it is vital to always keep and open mind, and to leave yourself lots of time for changes/lunches/thinking time. Try not to be too rigid, and to instead take a long, considered view of everything you see and are told. Do not ever feel that you should give in to pressure – finding the right property for you is a fundamental part of your new relationship with Italy and should not be rushed.