- Rent before you buy. A trial period can help you decide if an area suits you, especially in winter! Are all the amenities you want close by?
- If your health is poor, consider distance to nearest medical facilities
- Comprehensive medical insurance - check what state health cover is available, what additional cover may be offered for EU citizens and take out insurance to cover the rest
- Investigate your pension situation - inform the benefits agency in your home country before you leave. UK citizens can call the International Pensions Centre on 0191 218 7777
- Learn the language - Italians will welcome your efforts and you will integrate better into the community

- Seek professional advice on expat tax and pension issues
- Italian mortgages must be paid off by your 70th birthday
- If buying property, you will need between 10 and 30% as deposit
- Make a will to dispose of your assets, possibly a second one for assets in Italy
- Research is key - Age Concern has produced a fact sheet on retirement abroad. See http://www.ace.org.uk

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