About
Independent Legal Advisory for International Investors
Based in Rome, FrankVest provides legal advisory services exclusively for international investors acquiring assets in Italy.
Our Mission
FrankVest was founded with a precise mission: to simplify and elevate the investment experience in Italy for international clients. Italy offers exceptional potential — world-class industries, valuable assets, and strong cultural appeal — yet entering the market requires deep local knowledge and a partner who operates according to international standards.
We provide a fully independent legal advisory service shaped around your investment thesis. Whether your goal is portfolio diversification, asset preservation, or long-term capital appreciation, we design a tailored approach aligned to global standards of due diligence, compliance, and risk management.
What Makes Us Different
FrankVest is not a real estate agency, a brokerage, or a property finder. We are a legal advisory that represents solely the interests of the investor. This distinction matters: we do not earn commissions from sellers, we do not have listings to promote, and we have no incentive to push any particular transaction.
Our advisory model is designed for investors who want rigorous legal and fiscal analysis before committing capital in a foreign jurisdiction. We operate with full independence, structuring each engagement around the client's objectives — not around a transaction fee.
Who We Serve
Our clients are typically U.S.-based investors and European investors acquiring real estate, hospitality assets, or agricultural operations in Italy. Engagements range from individual property acquisitions to multi-asset portfolio strategies, and from straightforward residential purchases to complex commercial transactions requiring cross-border structuring.
We work with individuals, family offices, and institutional investors who value thoroughness, confidentiality, and a partner with direct knowledge of both Italian law and international investment standards.
The Founder
FrankVest is led by its founder, Avv. Francesco L. Costi, an Italian attorney (avvocato) admitted to the Italian Bar and registered with the Ordine degli Avvocati di Cassino. His practice is dedicated exclusively to cross-border investment transactions in Italy — real estate, hospitality, and agricultural assets — on behalf of U.S., U.K., and European clients.
Clients work directly with the attorney, in English or Italian, from the first consultation through the notarial deed. The firm operates from Rome under the professional practice Cdc Law (P.IVA 18210921005).
- — Member of the Italian Bar — Ordine degli Avvocati di Cassino
- — Languages: English, Italian
- — LinkedIn profile
- — [email protected] · +39 320 530 3351
“You talk to the lawyer, not a sales team. No brokerage commissions, no conflicts of interest.”
Avv. Francesco L. Costi
Member of the Italian Bar — Ordine degli Avvocati di Cassino
Work With Us
Discuss Your Investment Goals
We act as your legal advocate — independent, transparent, and aligned to your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FrankVest do?
FrankVest is an independent legal advisory firm based in Rome that guides international investors through the acquisition of real estate, hospitality businesses, and agricultural assets in Italy. We provide legal due diligence, contract negotiation, fiscal structuring, and closing coordination. We are not a real estate agency — we represent only the investor's interests.
Does FrankVest earn commissions on property sales?
No. FrankVest operates on a fee-for-service basis and does not earn commissions, referral fees, or any form of compensation from sellers, real estate agents, or property developers. This independence eliminates conflicts of interest and ensures our advice serves only our client's interests.
Which investors does FrankVest work with?
FrankVest primarily serves U.S. and European high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors acquiring Italian assets. We work on real estate acquisitions, boutique hotel purchases, vineyard and farmland transactions, and cross-border investment structuring.
Is FrankVest a real estate agency?
No. FrankVest is a legal advisory firm. We do not sell properties, maintain listings, or earn sales commissions. We provide independent legal counsel to investors — our only obligation is to our clients, not to any counterparty.
Do I need to be in Italy to work with FrankVest?
No. Most of our advisory work — consultations, due diligence review, structuring, and contract negotiation — can be conducted remotely. For the notarial closing, we can arrange for a power of attorney so that physical presence in Italy is not required.
What languages does FrankVest operate in?
Our team works in English and Italian. All documentation, contracts, and advisory communications can be provided in either language. For transactions involving other jurisdictions, we coordinate with local counsel as needed.
How long does a typical transaction take?
A straightforward residential property acquisition typically takes 2-4 months from initial consultation to closing. More complex transactions — commercial assets, hospitality operations, or agricultural estates — may take 4-6 months depending on due diligence requirements and structuring complexity.