Sophie Bouali and her tradesman husband Adam are preparing to live what they call the 'Great Australian Dream,' but their version will unfold thousands of miles from Australian shores. The couple, who bought their first property together near Brisbane's central business district in late 2021, found themselves increasingly squeezed by Australia's escalating cost of living.
The Financial Pinch That Sparked a Radical Change
'Australia has been a wonderful place to build our lives, but like countless other Australians, we've felt the relentless pressure of rising expenses over recent years,' explained Sophie, who works in corporate administration. 'A substantial portion of our income was consumed by everyday costs and mortgage payments, prompting us to consider alternative lifestyles for our long-term future.'
This financial strain led them to look beyond Australia's borders. After extensive international trips to view numerous properties, Sophie, 31, and Adam, 35, discovered their ideal home: a two-bedroom property near Tuscany, Italy, purchased for just $90,000 (approximately €55,000).
A Property for the Price of a Vehicle
'We acquired a house in Italy for what it costs to buy a utility vehicle in Australia,' Sophie revealed. 'Initially, I was astonished by how affordable Italian properties appeared compared to Australian prices. It dawned on us that owning a home outright and living without a mortgage could become our reality.'
The Italian residence spans three floors, providing ample space. 'It's a semi-detached independent house. The top floor features two bedrooms, one with a powder room and toilet, the other with a balcony,' she described. 'The main level boasts an open-plan kitchen and a large, renovated bathroom. The ground floor contains a full garage and cellar, with a laundry room at the rear.'
The house requires no renovation, having been updated around a decade ago. It includes traditional terrazzo floors, beautiful exposed timber beam roofing, and integrated kitchen appliances.
Navigating the Complexities of Italian Property Purchase
Located in a Lazio region town approximately two hours from Rome and close to Tuscany's southern border, their new home sits in a charming community of about 6,000 residents. 'The town is delightful, with abundant local tourism, gelato shops, and cafes all within walking distance,' Sophie noted.
However, purchasing property in Italy proved more complex than anticipated. 'It definitely wasn't as straightforward as buying in Australia,' Sophie admitted. 'We were advised the process might take six months, but we completed everything in about three. Several properties we were interested in fell through, which is common in Italy, but this ultimately helped us find the right place. Having a knowledgeable property agent guide us through each step was invaluable.'
Additional costs included purchase taxes, notary fees, property inspections, and agent fees, totaling approximately €11,000 (around A$18,000), though these expenses can vary based on property value.
Embracing La Dolce Vita
The couple chose Italy, drawn by its lifestyle, balance, and affordable living costs. 'We adore the slower pace, the language, the cuisine, and the strong community spirit,' Sophie explained. 'Realizing we could potentially buy property outright without a massive mortgage presented an opportunity to build a life with more time to enjoy these aspects.'
From their calculations, general living costs in smaller Italian towns can be about 30 percent cheaper than in Australia, though larger cities like Rome may be more expensive.
Building a New Life and Business Venture
After multiple visits, the couple committed to building their new life in Tuscany, renowned for its stunning landscapes, food, wine, and rich culture. 'The nearby Tuscan hills and surrounding areas are breathtakingly beautiful, and people outside major cities are genuinely lovely,' Sophie said. Cultural adjustments included shops closing in the afternoon and reopening later, plus the tradition of late dinners and 'fare una passeggiata'—taking a walk after meals.
Sophie, who has Italian heritage, always wanted to immerse herself in another language daily. 'Italy made sense for rediscovering language and culture deeply. I've been learning Italian for years and recognized that living in the country is the best way to truly master it.'
Previously, Adam worked as an electrician and later started his own electrical business. After selling it in May 2025, the couple explored new income streams while Sophie continues her corporate role. They have taken over her family's business, Languages Made Easy, which sells language learning resources for teachers and digital products for adults learning Italian.
'As an online business, we can run it remotely from anywhere, using the income to fund our life abroad,' Sophie explained. They purchased their Italian home outright with proceeds from Adam's business sale.
Planning the Permanent Move
Discovering her eligibility for Italian citizenship through heritage, Sophie is finalizing this process while applying for a study visa to continue learning Italian upon settlement. After three years of preparation, they plan to make the permanent move by year's end with their two dogs.
'We've been preparing for over three years and finally feel ready to take the plunge,' Sophie said. Their Australian home will be sold. 'For us, being mortgage-free and simplifying our life feels right.'
Currently setting up their Italian property on Airbnb until they move, the couple hopes to eventually invest in more properties, potentially buying and renovating a fixer-upper in Tuscany as a holiday rental.
Advice for Aspiring Expatriates
For Australians considering similar moves, Sophie advises thorough research and finding a good property agent familiar with local processes. 'One challenging part is choosing an area among so many beautiful places. Determine your non-negotiables, like distance to airports, shops, and train stations.'
She emphasizes that even without Italian heritage, Australians can purchase property and apply for visas. 'It might not be the easiest process, but if it's something you truly want, it's absolutely possible.'
