How to take care of your second house in Italy?

A second home in Italy is a dream but what happens when you’re not there?

Whether your property is a cozy apartment in the hills of Piemonte or a villa in the countryside of Tuscany, proper care and maintenance are essential to avoid unpleasant surprises… and to enjoy every return with a light heart.

Here’s how to manage your home while you’re abroad; the essentials, the recommendations, and how a local property manager can make all the difference.

Why does your Italian home need care?

Italian homes, especially older ones, are beautiful but sensitive. Leaving them closed and unattended for months can lead to issues like:

Moisture buildup and mold
Frozen or burst pipes (especially in Northern regions)
Electrical problems or outages
Uncertainty about the status of the home at your return
Missed bills or taxes
Garden overgrowth or storm damage
In worst cases, burglary or vandalism

Regular care and monthly checks are not a luxury they’re a necessity.

What to do before you leave

Whether you leave for two months or an entire season, here’s what you should always do before locking up:

Close the water supply

Especially in Northern Italy where temperatures can drop below freezing, turn off the main water valve to prevent frozen or burst pipes. In older homes, drain the pipes completely if you’ll be gone all winter.

Unplug unecessary appliances

Avoid electrical risks and save on phantom energy consumption. Leave fridge/freezer running if stocked — otherwise, empty and unplug.

Secura windows and shutters

Strong wind or storms are not uncommon. Close and lock all shutters to prevent broken glass or water infiltration.

Check for leaks, damp, or cracks

Moisture is a silent enemy in many Italian homes. Check ceilings, basements, and bathrooms before leaving.

Air the house

If you’re returning soon, leave one window partly open. If you’re gone for months, better to seal and monitor humidity remotely.

Ongoing maintenance

You may not be there physically, but your home still needs love.

Monthly checks

A local caretaker or property manager should visit regularly to:

Air out the home to prevent mold
Check heating systems and thermostats
Look for signs of humidity or storm damage
Collect mail and official documents
Check the general status of the house

Seasonal maintenance

Winter (especially in Northern Italy):
- Drain external taps and irrigation systems
- Check insulation, pipes, and roof for frost damage
- Maintenance of the boiled “caldaia”
Spring/Summer Prep:
- Restart utilities
- Deep cleaning
- Garden and pool preparation
- Coordinate seasonal maintenance (gutter cleaning, pruning)

Don’t forget bureaucracy

While you’re away, life (and paperwork) continues in Italy.

A property manager can:

Monitor and pay utility bills
Handle local taxes (IMU, TARI)
Coordinate with municipalities
Represent you for postal or legal notifications
Check that all the appliances work

Why call a property manager?

Hiring a trusted property manager (PM) means more than just home checks. It means having someone who treats your home as if it were their own and knows exactly how to handle the quirks of Italian houses, Italian bureaucracy, and Italian workers.

Here’s what a good PM brings:

Local expertise and a network of reliable professionals
Detailed monthly reports with photos
Fast intervention in case of issues (storm, leak, break-in)
Communication in your language
Full coordination of cleanings, arrivals, and maintenance
Trusted presence — your eyes, ears, and hands in Italy

Peace of mind

You bought a home in Italy to enjoy life, not to worry about pipes, paperwork, or problems.
With the right preparation — and the support of a local property manager — you can enjoy every visit with peace of mind and a warm welcome.

Looking for a trusted property manager in Italy?

We connect second-home owners with reliable local professionals across Italy who handle inspections, maintenance, mail, and much more.