Announcing Italy's Best Kept Secret

But keep a close eye on Italy today and you will find fresh horizons opening up to those with the foresight to see what has and what will happen in this country.  Today's steady exodus of young Italians from the provinces into the cities is leaving behind some idyllic rural retreats that are now going for a song.  Those seeking peace and an opportunity to enjoy Italy's glorious authentic rural charms at affordable prices are looking southwards, well away from the more traditional jet-set haunts.  Lovely regions lie simply waiting to be discovered, such as Calabria in the toe of Italy’s boot, that are not nearly as hyped or as costly as other locations further north.  

Take, for example Jewel of the Sea, Calabria's superb 5 star resort development going up from June this year in the heart of an area of unadulterated coastal beauty.  Italian legislation ensures that low density, low rise construction is the only permitted form of development in rural Italy, avoiding the concrete invasions to be seen in many other Mediterranean locations.   Covering a total area of 320,000m2 including a golf course and packed with amenities such as restaurants, bars, shopping mall, tennis club, fitness centre and luxury spa, this resort is set to be fully satisfy every requirement of savvy investors and sun seekers while retaining the much sought after Italian character.  With prices starting at an incredible 85,500 euros, 100% mortgages available and simply no such thing as capital gains or inheritance tax in Italy, investors are enjoying huge savings and solid investment potential. 

A distinct lack of international flights to Calabria has previously hampered tourists but, as home to some of the most spectacular of Italy’s beaches and the cheapest places to stay, Calabria is set to become popular due to the long awaited launch of direct flights to the region.  From 18 February Ryanair now offers direct flights three times a week from Stansted to Lamezia and Thomson will also shortly be introducing weekly Gatwick and Manchester flights to Calabria. 

Already a firm favourite amongst many Italians as a holiday getaway, new developments here will not only serve the growing demand from city slickers for luxury holidays or second homes in the country, but also open up new horizons for international investors gleefully watchful of this mini emerging market.

Italy is not essentially an emerging market but with a readily improved infrastructure in the south and luxury new developments now going up in Calabria at an astounding one third of prices in Spain and Portugal, many purchasers are treating this area as such.  The main reason for the low prices has of course been limited accessibility which all shrewd investors see as a blessing in disguise:  they have been buying up southern properties at rock bottom prices, safe in the knowledge that the new air services are on their way, bringing with them a necessary influx of tourists to serve their investments. 

Located in an Italian paradise, investment properties in Calabria are still the best value for money in Italy, while breathtaking sights and perfect sun drenched sandy beaches are sure to be firm favourites with future visitors and investors alike.

So if you missed the boat on the Costa del Sol back in the ‘70s when property prices were at emerging price levels, perhaps a closer look at beautiful Calabria is now in order – after all, it would be a shame to say "what if….." yet again!

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