property in italy an overview
News Posted On: 20 March 2009
Italy represents the best of historical Europe wrapped in a modern garment. The history, culture, and traditionalism associated with the country acts as a catalyst in terms of property investment in Italy - add to this a tinge of fashion powerhouses based in Italy, and you have a perfect recipe for one of the best European investment destinations.
The unspoilt countryside and historically modern cities of Italy lend an unequivocal charm to the prospective property investors, both local and overseas.
What Makes Italy a Hot Investment Destination?
Italy has always been one of the top hotspots on the world property map. The formation of the European Union (EU) and the subsequent Italian membership has acted as a catalyst for potential property investors. All kinds of property – residential, commercial, industrial, and holiday resorts, have suddenly become very sought after for the foreign and domestic investors.
Italian property is particularly popular among the UK investors mainly because of the lure of the laid back continental lifestyle and easy accessibility to the country. The trend has been ideal for the past decade or so with major airlines increasing daily flights to and from the country.
Whenever there is talk of Italian property, Tuscany cannot escape a mention. This picturesque area of Italy has long been a favourite among settlers due to the beautiful rolling countryside and over-hype exposure afforded to it by the Italian authorities.
Resultantly, the Tuscany property market has increased in value and is often beyond the reach of the average property investor - Tuscany has become a victim of its own success. Recently, the area has witnessed a slowdown in property and real estate and experts are advising a cautious approach to the market.
If Tuscany remains elusive, the rest of the country beckons like never before. Italian countryside is particularly drawing huge investors’ interest and the enquiries for Italian countryside property have been flowing in from all parts of the world.
It’s not just Tuscany that is bearing the brunt of inflated property prices, in fact, all major Italian cities, including the capital city of Rome, are proving too hard for the investors to think of any kind of investment there.
The greatest demand, currently, is for villas and mansions in the Italian countryside - preferably requiring some modernisation work. The relaxing and inviting environs of this part of Italy are alluring to holiday makers as well as the second home seekers.
Hottest Investment Destinations in Italy
Italy has always been a tourist hub with some of the most picturesque and natural man-made features dotting around the countryside. The water bodies, like Lake Como and Maggiore, offer a perfect backdrop for idyllic investment opportunities around the area. The snowbound ski slopes at Madesimo and Aprica are always a great getaway for the locals as well as tourists in the country.
It is estimated that around 75% of the country is mountainous. Perhaps, this explains the craze for the natural beauty laden Italian countryside as the hottest investment destination in the country.
Southern Italy is perhaps one of the best places to invest in the country. Calabria has emerged as the next hotspot destination as far as Southern Italy is concerned. With hordes of investment coming, the fortunes of this sleepy region are poised for a major property boom.
You can look forward to both newly built and traditional Italian architecture as well as a vast unspoilt landscape dotted with a picturesque environment. If you are a little adventurous, there are lots of traditional properties in this area that can be easily converted into lavish holiday homes.
The island of Sardinia is a perfect getaway zone in Italy. Famous for the multi-million euro villas owned by Russian businessmen, the island is slowly catching the fancy of the average investors too. The island also hosts the Italian Golf Open at the picturesque Molas Resort near the capital Cagliari.
Costa Paradiso in the northwest is a fast emerging investment hotspot due to its unique rural backdrop. While in Sardinia, you can look out for the restored village houses, detached villas, and luxury villas. The attractions include new Gary Player Signature Golf Course, Five-Star Hotel and Spa and Private Beach Club.
Central Italy, constituting Le Marche and Abruzzo, are being increasingly seen as viable and good alternatives to mature Tuscan property market and offer excellent value for money. The properties in Central Italy are available at almost half the prevalent price of nearby major cities.
By far the most attractive opportunities in terms of property and real estate investment in Italy is the countryside properties that can be renovated or converted into holiday homes. These properties are available at relatively cheaper rates and can be easily converted.
Since there is no shortage of tourists in the country, the resort properties will give maximum rewards throughout the year round. The key, however, is to find the property that constitutes maximum value for money, and for this, you need to study the local property market thoroughly before investing in any region in Italy.
Property in Italy has been a popular favourite for many people as astute property investors and indeed holidaymakers have yearned after a piece of Italian countryside. A popular holiday destination and growing on an anual basis Italy has attracted property buyers for many decades and is destined to grow phenomenally over the coming 5 years.
The Italian property market caters for almost every property buyer with the attraction of the typical holiday apartments in seaside areas like Lido de Jesolo and other main tourist resorts. In addition the picturesque farmhouses in Tuscany, Trulli in Puglia and city apartments in the likes of Rome and other major Italian cities have all attracted investment from overseas buyers.
Up and coming areas of Italy include the region of Calabria where major development is underway on exclusive property developments around the coastline. Apartments in Calabria start from only £41,000 for a 1 bed apartment and go all the way up to £198,000 for a luxury 3 bed apartments.
Back to news articles for this country
Latest Related News Articles in Italy
Italy Property to be Buoyant in 2012
2011-12-15
You have to ask yourself one question... Do I feel lucky, well do ya, Italy? It is funny I was just .....
The Attractions of Sicily
2011-04-07
Sicily is becoming increasingly popular with overseas investors who are immediately charmed by the b.....
Italian Calabria Regaining Popularity With Investors
2011-03-23
Italy’s city of Calabria is experiencing more and more interest from overseas property investors lat.....
Italy Announces 24 Million Euro Austerity Measures
2010-06-02
Italy has become the latest Eurozone government to announce heavy cutbacks to bring down a huge budg.....
Italian Property Prepares for Growth after Surviving Crunch
2010-05-07
Italian property prices are down just 4.2% on last year according to the latest Knight Frank index. .....
Italian Property Rebounds in Second Half of Last Year
2010-03-30
According to the Italian version of the Land Registry Italian property prices fell just 0.7% in the .....
Italy Needs to Invest Heavily in Sustainable Economic Growth
2010-01-19
An Italian WSJ columnist has said that the government needs to invest heavily in the economic if the.....
Etihad Alitalia Deal to Have Big Impact on Italian Property Markets
2009-12-21
The deal, which will see increasing direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Italy, will benefit both proper.....
Strong Growth Forecast for Eurozone GDP in Q3
2009-11-12
Economists are forecasting at least a 0.5% growth in Eurozone combined GDP in the third quarter, fig.....
Italys Relatively Stable Real Estate Market Gets a Boost From Tax Amnesty
2009-11-10
80 billion euros were repatriated to Italy during previous tax amnesties in 2001 and 2003. At the pe.....