Our Story
Why an apartment by the sea?
The desire to have my own place in the south had been growing in me for a long time. It wasn’t just about investment or a second home, but about fulfilling a dream – to have a place to escape the winter, relax by the sea, and offer my child a different environment.
In winter, when my heat pump froze at home, Calabria had a pleasant 19°C. At that moment it was clear – I want a place where frost won’t catch me off guard, but where the sun and sea welcome me. A place that would serve as both a refuge and a new beginning.
I love warmth, the sea, and freedom. I have a diving license and Calabria has enchanted me. I compared Bulgaria, Portugal, Spain… but Scalea had a charm that others lacked – Mediterranean calm, authentic atmosphere, and accessibility.
A factor in my decision was also the uncertainty caused by the ongoing armed conflict near our borders. I wanted to find a place offering peace, stability, and shared values – where one can truly rest. A place where the sea whispers, cedar groves scent the air, and life flows differently – slower, more genuinely.
And in all this, the active Czech community directly in Scalea helped me feel less alone – and today I can help others.
The connection is surprisingly easy – by plane to Naples or Lamezia Terme, and from there conveniently by train directly to the heart of Scalea. The whole journey from the Czech Republic takes about 5 hours. Plus, if you use low-cost airlines and look beyond Prague, you can fly to the sea for just a few dozen euros – often cheaper than a train to the countryside.
A real estate agency or a solo journey?
At the beginning, like many others, I contacted dozens of real estate agencies. I called every contact that seemed even slightly promising. I went through hundreds of listings, wrote emails, made calls… and hoped for a fair offer.
Instead, I gradually discovered that:
- most apartments listed on Czech portals were no longer actually available,
- I often got the response: “Come here, we’ll find something for you...” – which reminded me of used car lot tactics: “Since you are here, you’ll drive away with something.”
I also encountered a Czech real estate agency that, in cooperation with a reputable Italian agency, offered complete intermediation. But what they presented as a contract was more of a trap than help:
- it included two commissions – one for each party, with the first "broker" not actually brokering anything,
- it wasn’t clear what exactly I was paying for,
- the commission had to be paid upon reservation, nearly 30% of the property price,
- the contract offered no guarantee for me as a buyer – just that they would get their commission, and I would lose my deposit if I changed my mind.
I found the property on my own – on an Italian listing portal where both agencies and private owners advertise. When I showed this contract to my friend Honza – a lawyer – his reaction was clear:
“If you sign this, never ask me for legal advice again. This is not a contract, it’s a dictate.”
But it wasn’t an isolated case. People – often well-meaning – sent me links to apartments that looked like good deals. But when I checked the same properties on Italian portals, I found they were sold for up to €9,000 less. Identical apartments – just with a different price tag for the Czech client.
Many people simply don’t realize what the real market is. Even those living in Italy consider higher prices standard – because those are the offers they receive. Yet those markups often have no justification. And it’s precisely due to lack of knowledge and transparency that people are willing to overpay.
The problem is that Czech buyers often don’t know the real prices. The real estate market in Italy is opaque, varying greatly by region, and full of half-truths, middlemen, and traps. In this chaos, there is room for markups, pressure, and disproportionate "services."
That’s not the path I wanted to take.
A solo path – challenging but free
I decided to go solo. It was tough – the embassy told me to go to Italy for a tax number, some phone calls were unpleasant, and many people tried to discourage me. But I didn’t give up.
Thanks to friends, lawyers, and those who had already gone through it, I made it. And since I documented the whole process, a guide slowly began to form.
A map that connects
When I decided on Scalea, I created an interactive map of the town. Not just with points of interest, but also with opening hours, categories, and constant updates. MyScalea.it has become a navigation point for other interested people – and today we connect both projects: the map and assistance with buying.
Why Right Done was founded
Thanks to repeated conversations and shared belief that there is another way, the company Right Done s.r.o. was born. Together with my friend Honza, who I consulted from the very beginning, we put together everything we learned – and offered others the chance to go through it without stress, scams, or overpriced services.
- We help choose the property – no pressure, no middlemen.
- We film video tours remotely, verify technical condition, advise on transfer and utilities.
- We help with accounting, taxes, and first steps in Italy.
Personal motivation
My daughter went through a serious injury that left permanent consequences and many surgeries still await her. I believe that contact with a different environment, language, and the sea can be a path to healing – both physical and mental.
And it’s not just about her – even I personally benefit greatly from staying by the sea. Chronic issues subside, allergies calm down, joints hurt less, and skin problems vanish. You feel freer, breathe differently – and life has a new flavor again.
That’s why I did it – and I believe the sea can help you too.
We want others to have the chance to go their own way – without unnecessary losses or disappointment. And we’re happy to help them on that journey.