Real Estate & Investment News in Italy from Propertyshowrooms.com

Property investment opportunities 'exist in Italy'

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Investors who know where to look will still be able to find favourable opportunities to put their money into Italian real estate.

Speaking to Financial News, head of property fund management at Schroders Neil Turner highlighted retail assets in the north of the country as one area to watch, adding his firm is "very happy" to consider investing in Italy's property sector at present.

"I think there has been a little bit of re-pricing of real estate, perhaps not as much as everyone on the buyside would have liked, but Italy is a really interesting one," he told the publication.

Mr Turner and his colleague at Schroders Mark Callendar recently came up with some advice for those considering investing in European property markets.

The experts acknowledged caution is necessary when putting money into peripheral economies, like Italy, but the pair stressed certain sectors - like northern Italy's retail industry - are worth looking into due to their "fundamental attractions". A lack of supply of modern retail premises and wealthy households were cited as two reasons why this region of the country offers opportunities.

Some Italian destinations 'likely to grow in popularity'

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian islands of Sicily and Sardinia are developing into popular locations for overseas buyers looking for property.

Liz Rowlinson, editor of A Place in the Sun magazine, predicted these are two destinations for anyone buying real estate in Italy to keep an eye on.

"Micro-markets, such as Sicily and Sardinia, are slowly establishing themselves to compete with the more well-known Italian regions," she asserted.

Ms Rowlinson added it is important for buyers to constantly think of property fundamentals when looking for an investment and to be "extra careful not to be swept up by silly prices".

Earlier this month, Linda Travella, of Casa Travella, pointed out there are increasingly opportunities for purchasers to pick up a home in Italy at below market value.

She explained sellers in the country have been slow to drop their asking prices, but noted many are now prepared to accept less in order to complete the transaction. The favourable exchange rate between sterling and the euro also makes this a particularly good time for British buyers, Ms Travella concluded.

Italy property buyers 'need to be patient'

Thu, 5 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Investors seeking property in Italy should be patient when it comes to identifying the perfect residence to purchase.

This is according to Crown Relocations senior move manager Kimberley Millhouse, who said Italian properties are generally compact in size, depending on where they are situated.

"Apartments don't usually have many bedrooms and villas often have small gardens," she remarked, adding: "In addition, most apartments won't come with a car park, so it may be necessary to rent a space nearby."

Now may be a good time for buyers to invest in Italian real estate as prices remain stagnant.

Figures released by Nomisma last year showed house sales fell by 6.6 per cent in the 12 months to the second quarter of 2011, with values dropping by 0.6 per cent on a nominal basis in 13 large cities, Global Property Guide reported.

Nomisma said it expects property prices to continue to decrease in the near future.

Italian lakes 'prove popular with house buyers'

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of people are looking into the possibility of owning a property in Italy alongside either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore.

This is according to Linda Travella, from local estate agency Casa Travella, who has noticed enquiries about homes in these areas are rising.

"There is something relaxing and romantic about being close to water and that is why more and more clients are choosing to buy property in Italy on either Lake Como or Lake Maggiore," she stated.

In addition to the stunning landscapes, Ms Travella pointed out that their proximity to Milan and its airport is another reason for the popularity of these lakeside locations.

Furthermore, investors who purchase real estate in this part of Italy can be confident that prices will not fluctuate very much, she added, commenting that properties near the bodies of water are always in demand and values therefore remain stable.

Due to the sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone and continued fears over the extent of its impact on Italy's economy, this price consistency could make real estate in such locations all the more appealing to potential buyers.

Investors showing more interest in distressed Italian property

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

An increasing number of investors are looking to take advantage of the distressed property available in Italy and elsewhere in Europe, a new survey has shown.

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) Global Distressed Property Monitor revealed that demand for this kind of real estate increased in the nation during the second quarter of the year, compared to the previous three-month period.

According to the organisation, supply of such assets is still expected to exceed demand in Italy, where foreclosures are predicted to rise between July and September to reach a net balance of over 50 per cent.

Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at Rics, commented: "The dramatic rise in investor appetite for distressed assets may be reflecting a measure of confidence in the outlook for the real estate sector despite the volatile economic context."

Earlier this month, director of Savills' international department Charles Weston Baker told The National that investors looking for property in Italy can expect to find assets are approximately 20 to 30 per cent cheaper than they were in 2007.

'Bargains can be found' in Italian property sector

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Investors looking for a good deal on an Italian property should be able to find an asset at a reasonable price, it has been claimed.

Director of the international department at Savills Charles Weston Baker told the National buyers can now find houses in the country for 20 to 30 per cent less than their value in 2007.

He explained that stricter planning laws in Italy have resulted in less oversupply than in other Mediterranean nations, such as Spain, but that the weak market has still pulled prices lower.

Meanwhile, Harrison D'Onofrio, Italy sales manager for Hamptons, recommended that potential buyers look at regions such as Puglia and Calabria.

Significant investment has been put into improving the local airports in these parts of the country, he explained.

According to the Knight Frank Prime International Residential Index, several popular areas in Italy saw house prices fall throughout 2010.

The firm revealed that Cortina, Tuscany, Venice, Florence and Sardinia all saw property values drop by five per cent during 2010, with Rome being the only Italian destination to register an increase last year.

Indian buyers targeting Italian property market

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Wealthy Indians are increasingly purchasing properties in Italy, it has been revealed.

Vice-president of credit risk management at Deutsche Bank Gulzar Malhotra told Business Standard that locations such as Sicily and Tuscany are proving popular among Indian investors.

He explained that the decline in property prices experienced across Europe is attracting more foreign buyers to the marketplace, with perennial favourites like Italy among the top locations for those seeking second homes or investment opportunities.

However, Indians are restricted in terms of what they can purchase because the Reserve Bank of India has capped the amount that can be spent on foreign property annually to $200,000 (£125,517) per person.

In May, DTZ published its Money into Property Europe 2011 report, which noted that transaction volumes across the continent increased by 64 per cent in 2010 compared with the previous year.

The organisation went on to predict this to rise by a further 20 per cent by the end of 2011.

Passenger flights increase globally

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New figures have revealed that the number of passenger flights around the world increased 8.2 per cent in January, compared to the same period in 2010.

Data released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that the total volume of traffic was also up nearly three per cent month-on-month.

The news could lead to a surge in demand for property in Italy, with European airlines reporting a 7.9 per cent rise in passenger traffic and an 8.8 per cent increase in capacity.

"So, we begin the year with some good news," IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani told Overseas Property Professional.

"With most major indices pointing to strengthening world trade and economic growth, this is positive for the industry's prospects."

The organisation added that in January air travel volumes climbed by 18 per cent in comparison to the low point of the market seen in early 2009 and six per cent above the pre-recession peak of early 2008.

Italy is 'full of opportunities' for canny investors

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

International property investors may be "missing a trick" when it comes to Italian real estate, it has been claimed.

Analysing the country's property market, Henderson Global Investors has highlighted a number of positive aspects, often overlooked by buyers.

For example, Italy boasts the seventh biggest global economy and was a founding member of the European Union, which offers it a large degree of stability.

Furthermore, public and private debt remains low and there is a real shortage of distressed property on the market, which is keeping values reasonably stable.

However, views of the Italian property market can often vary depending on who is looking says Stefan Wundrak, European research manager at Henderson.

"Foreign players mainly see risks, whereas locals praise the achievement of relative market stability," he said.

"Investors who stick to the caricature of the Italian economy and property market are quite likely to miss a trick."

The news is sure to interest individuals looking to buy real estate in Apulia, with the southern destination a popular spot for tourists.

Italian property sector 'worth investment'

Thu, 9 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian property market offers good opportunities for investment, despite its reputation of being risky, according to a report from Henderson Global Investors.

While the nation has been hampered by slow economic growth, the company suggests that there is more to the country than meets the eye, people interested in Regione Abruzzo property or property in Sicily will be pleased to hear.

The analysts' report points to the fact that Italy has the seventh biggest global economy and is a member of the European Union as well as having a stable level of public debt and a resilient banking system, reports Property Wire.

"It becomes obvious that a closer look at the Italian economy reveals a rather more differentiated picture often missed by international observers. As far as the property market is concerned, inside and outside views on Italy can be widely divergent. Foreign players mainly see risks, whereas locals praise the achievement of relative market stability," said Stefan Wundrak, European research manager at Henderson Global Investors.

He added that investors who ignore the Italian property market could be "missing a trick".

Last week, it was reported that gross domestic product (GDP) rose by one per cent across the eurozone during the second quarter of 2010, which is good news for anyone thinking of investing in Italy.

Italy proving to be popular among British investors

Mon, 17 May 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Italian destinations are proving to be the biggest draw for British-based property investors, it has been revealed.

According to Overseas Property Professional (OPP), real estate portal Rightmove has reported that the European country has seen enquiries jump 20 per cent in April, compared to last year.

Italy benefited the most from a rapid increase in interest that the website witnessed, with the total overseas searches up 73 per cent.

"There's no doubt absolute traffic volumes are down on the bubble peaks of 2007-08," Robin Wilson, Rightmove's head of overseas, told OPP.

"But there's a ground swell of consumer confidence and resolve amongst serious lifestyle buyers to put into practice the purchase plans they put on hold last year."

Among the Italian regions that saw the biggest increase in interest were Sicily, with 115 per cent growth, followed by Sardinia, Lazio and Campania, which saw rises of between 20 per cent and 30 per cent.

Furthermore, TripAdvisor recently named four of Italy's cities in its top ten Traveller's Choice Destination Awards, with Florence, Venice, Siena and Rome all included.

Reductions fuelling recovery in Italy

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian property market is set for a recovery as agents begin to report an increase in sales, Overseas Property Professional (OPP) has reported.

According to the online news directory, sales in the European destination only fell by 0.4 per cent year-on-year - compared to the 18.6 per cent during the first quarter of 2009, Italy's land registry, the Agenzia del Territorio, has revealed.

Travel and property expert Linda Travella told the news provider that the decision of many expats to sell their property at lower prices was helping the market.

"I'm pleased that we're seeing reductions because clients were coming over expecting price drops and they weren't getting them. There are now properties selling that people couldn't afford before."

She continued, stating that the biggest falls had been seen at the top end of the market.

The Italian property market was predicted to be one of the most popular destinations for real estate investment in 2010 by A Place in the Sun.

Bottom of Italy's property market attracting new investors

Thu, 8 Apr 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian property market is experiencing an influx of new buyers who are taking advantage of the country's low house prices, it has been claimed.

Prices in the country mean that individuals are paying a fraction of the cost for property compared with 18 months ago and as such the European destination has become more affordable for new potential buyers.

Linda Travella of Casa Travella, an expert on Italian property, explained that there has been a significant rise in the number of individuals purchasing property right at the bottom of the marketplace.

She continued: "Primarily the cash rich investors, who maintained their 'cash is king' ethos during the recession, are the biggest investors, opting now to purchase whilst prices remain favourable."

In addition to these traditional investors, a new breed of property buyers have emerged, capitalising on the ability to invest in homes which before would have been unaffordable.

Italy was predicted to be one of the top destinations for property investment during 2010 by A Place in the Sun, with the country capitalising on its relatively stable economic climate.

Russian investors filling gap left by Brits in the Italian property market

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Potential European property investors may want to follow the example set by an increasing number of Russian tycoons and head back to the Italian property market, it has been suggested.

Overseas Property Professional (OPP) has reported that, while British investors have been shying away from the housing market in the country, more Russian and other European buyers have begun to fill that void.

Speaking at a property exhibition, the chief executive officer of L'Architrave Lois Allan said: "The number of UK buyers we sell to has gone right down and buyers from Russia, Scandinavia and the Benelux countries are more important now.

"But it's good to have a presence in the UK … because the market is starting to pick up and we want to network."

At the St Petersburg and Moscow International Property Show last year Italy was the fifth most popular destination for potential investors.

Earlier this year, A Place in the Sun predicted that Italy would be an investment hotspot in 2010, bolstered by the fact that it is the fifth most visited country in the world.

Less 'risky' markets hold potential in 2010

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Investment in safer markets such as Italy hold good potential for individuals in the coming year, it has been claimed.

Linda Travella of Casa Travella believes that in 2010 interest will rise in property markets which carry less risk.

Ms Travella stated that Italy's property market had suffered a lot less than others as a result of the economic downturn.

This led to increased sales and interest in the market during the last quarter of 2009, with the country considered a 'safe' place to invest.

"There is talk that in Italy, a well established country, property prices could increase by three to five per cent in late spring," she said.

"I would suggest looking at Tuscany, Le Marche and the lakes of Maggiore & Garda, where good deals can be found if you buy sensibly."

Hollywood star Dustin Hoffman recently praised the Italian region of Le Marche, stating that it possessed numerous attractions and was good value in comparison with neighbouring Tuscany.

UK property investors 'still gaining' from Italian homes

Fri, 4 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British property investors who bought in Italy in recent years have seen the sterling value of their assets increasing despite the economic situation, new research has indicated.

A study by the foreign exchange team at investment firm Close Treasury found that those who acquired homes in the country using euro in June 2005 would still be better off in sterling terms by 65 per cent now.

This has been caused by a 30 per cent jump in property prices over that period and a 27 per cent appreciation in the value of the euro against the pound.

According to the researchers, a property bought a year ago would be worth ten per cent more due largely to the strength of the multinational currency, despite values rising only three per cent in this time.

Such a situation may prompt investors to consider buying in Italy, not least as the prospects for prices there may be enhanced by the fact that its economy is performing better than Britain's at present.

While the third-quarter figures for gross domestic product showed that the UK is still in recession, data from Eurostat revealed that Italy started seeing growth again in the third quarter.

Italy tipped as 'stable' market

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Italy represents a much more stable market for property buyers than places like the UK, it has been suggested.

Overseas lifestyle portal Shelter Offshore stated that the country has a much less active and therefore less volatile market than others, with the average Italian only moving once every 20 years.

Those who like to invest for the long term will do well, it stated, noting that the country has "everything any property purchaser, expat retiree, holidaymaker or aspiring expatriate could want."

Such attributes included its language, culture, viniculture, beaches and scenery, the website said.

Investors looking at Rome will find that prices have fallen by as much as 20 per cent across the city in the current downturn, estate agency Gabetti told the Times.

However, according to spokesman for the firm Giuseppe Rescigno, the Travestre disitrict is an exception to this, due to its "character", leading to prices holding up well.

Property found in remote Tuscany

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A novelist has explained how she and her husband found the ideal overseas home in northern Tuscany.

Writing in the Times, Roma Tearne explained that they had come to the remote far north of the region for a holiday, although she was keener on finding a home.

She noted that the area differs from the tourist-orientated parts of Tuscany by being much calmer and retaining a peaceful, rural atmosphere.

"Unlike the great tourist towns of Italy, where in summer the temper of the locals rises with the heat, these undiscovered towns radiate friendliness," Ms Tearne explained.

She also noted the area offers its own local variants on Italian cuisine, while the valleys are planted heavily with vineyards and olive groves.

Those looking to buy Italian property may also look to another area that is off the beaten track, it has been suggested.

Last week the Independent noted that the Italian Riviera in the Liguria region is geographically close to the Mediterranean coast of France, but with lower house prices.

Tourism investment in potential property boost

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Italy is to offer extra funding for its tourist industry, something that could benefit those investing in holiday rental property.

Prime minister Silvio Berlusconi announced a plan whereby some of the country's largest banks will offer loans with favourable interest rates to developers of tourism facilities, with the total of funding standing at EUR1.6 billion (GBP1.38 billion).

He said the idea is to double the amount the industry contributes to gross domestic product to 20 per cent, noting that tourism in countries like Spain currently contributes more to national income.

Those buying tourist rental property in Italy may find demand for this is boosted by improvements in the infrastructure and facilities on offer to visitors.

British property buyers in Italy have become increasingly involved in Sicily in the past couple of years, Country Life recently reported.

The magazine noted that the eastern side of the island is the most favoured part for UK investors.

Tuscany wine property hailed

Tue, 5 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Those keen to buy property in Italy can choose from a number of homes on wine-growing estates, it has been reported.

In a feature on the subject, the Daily Mail noted that this includes the chance to pick up an apartment on a Tuscan estate for GBP268,120, property agency Luca Santoro of House & Loft stated.

Such residences will offer those who buy them a chance to become involved in the viniculture process.

The paper also noted that such possibilities also exist in other parts of Italy, such as the south of the country, where deals for stone cottages in Basilicata or Puglia also include being supplied with 50 to 100 bottles each year.

Tuscany may particularly appeal due to its well-known products such as Chianti.

Other elements of the region that could aid its popularity include some unusual traditional events, such as the Barchini Boat Race, in which four boats on wheels - each representing a different part of the town - are wheeled round a circuit.

Tuscany 'outstanding for food, fun and culture'

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tuscany is an outstanding place to visit for its food, festivals and cultural attractions, the Press and Journal has stated.

Travel writer Bess Mason commented that the culinary memories of the region were the best aspect of a visit there, while events such as the Castel del Piano Palio horse race provided hours of entertainment, with the event being "no less passionate" than the larger version held in Siena.

And Ms Mason said a trip to Siena was worth undertaking over an entire week, due to its wide range of architectural and artistic treasures.

Such attractions may tempt many people thinking of buying property in Italy to choose the Tuscany region.

Another city in Tuscany that has been spoken of highly by a travel correspondent is Florence.

Earlier this month Tom Buckely wrote in the Independent that a whole fortnight would not be enough to see all its cultural offerings.

Tuscany hailed as outstanding tourist destination

Tue, 3 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Tuscany has been hailed as a place where a two-week visit would not be enough to see all the treasures of even its most famous city.

Adam Buckley, the Independent's travel writer, said Florence alone had more to see than a normal trip could allow for.

He commented: "You could spend a fortnight here and still not see every one of the masterpieces to be found in Florence's museums and churches."

In addition to this, he suggested, the Italian region offers other outstanding attractions in the cities of Siena and Pisa, at beach resorts such as Elba and in the walking available in the southern Alps.

Such features may attract property investors interested in tourist lettings to the region, which recent research has shown is the most popular in Italy.

A recent study of the number of adverts for properties by Italymag.co.uk found that there were more for Tuscany than any other part of the country, Country Life reported.

Italy remains 'resilient'

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian economy looks well placed to weather the recession, despite depreciations in other European countries, it has been claimed.

According to Reuters, the nation's economy as a whole has been largely unaffected by the global economic downturn and forecasters are ruling out a property bust.

The trend to fully pay for houses at the time of purchase rather than take out a mortgage is one explanation for the steady market.

In addition, the European Commission has predicted Italy's economy will contract just two per cent this year while the likes of Britain, Ireland and Germany are steeling themselves for much higher losses.

The country's economy minister, Giulio Tremonti, told reporters last month: "You'll see that we improve our position in this crisis, even if it's because others nations are going backwards faster."

Meanwhile, according to Elisabeth Dobson of currency exchange broker World First, there had been a "drop-off" in the number of UK-based buyers investing in foreign homes over the last few months, but the situation is now changing.

Calabria 'rich in history and culture'

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The southern Italian region of Calabria presents a wealth of opportunities for people looking for property in the country, according to one firm. Calabria Property said the region...

Italy still good value for holidaymakers

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

British people visiting Italy can still enjoy an affordable holiday, despite the current exchange rate.

This is according to the Telegraph, which explains that although the falling value of the pound has made holidaying in the eurozone more expensive, Italy still has much to offer budget-conscious visitors.

"Some things remain good value, including train travel, wines direct from vintners, organic groceries and village trattorie off the main tourist trail," the newspaper states.

Italy was named best European country by Telegraph readers in the publication's annual travel awards, indicating that the nation's appeal has not been diminished by the economic downturn.

Getting to Italy is now more straightforward than ever before, with direct flights to 26 destinations available from UK airports.

Earlier this month, low-cost carrier easyJet announced plans to launch a new route between Liverpool and Naples from June 1st.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Italy in golf tourism promotion

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Golf tourism is the subject of a new initiative by tourist chiefs in Italy, in news that may interest property investors.

The "Golf & More" campaign has been aimed at promoting the sport to visitors in the regions of Liguria, Bolzano, Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily and Friuli Venezia Giulia, reports Golf News North East.

In a feature on the courses being promoted, the publication said the Friuli Venezia Giulia area is well suited to small parties, while the courses at Lignano and Grado are notable for their challenging holes.

Many of these areas also have attractive scenery, from mountains to beaches, plus good tourist facilities, it stated.

The development of golf in Italy could open up a new market for property investors looking to rent out holiday properties.

Investors seeking to enter the tourist property market in Italy were given another possible boost in November when the Daily Telegraph Travel Awards 2008 listed it as the reader's most popular European destination.

Italian ski resorts accessible by train

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Improvements to European rail networks mean that more people could use the train to visit Italy's skiing destinations this winter, it has emerged.

The Observer's Daniel Elkan has described his recent experience of travelling by train to the Italian resort of Sauze d'Oulx, thereby avoiding the hassle of airport queues and significantly reducing the carbon emissions of his journey.

Challenging a friend to make the same journey - London to Sauze - by plane, Mr Elkan took a Eurostar to Paris before changing on to a train bound for the Italian peaks.

Although the flyer's trip turned out to be "20% quicker" than that of the Observer writer, he believes that his train "trounced the plane" in terms of "convenience and quality".

"The flight times, as with many ski charters, were grim, whereas the train trip started at a reasonable hour but still arrived in perfect time," Mr Elkan explained.

Last month, the Telegraph praised the "stunning" scenery of Italian ski resorts such as Madonna di Campiglio.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Italian economy boosted by strong wine sales

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian economy has received a timely boost with the news that the country's winemakers are on course to become the world's top producers of wine.

According to Coldiretti, the representative body of Italian farmers, 4.7 billion litres of wine will have been produced by the end of the year, which is an eight per cent increase on last year's levels.

With France, the world leaders last year, seeing production fall by five per cent in the last 12 months, Italy is expected to seize the top spot.

This will be good news for Italy's economy and it may serve to entice more property investors to expand their portfolios in the Mediterranean country.

"Italy now is the world's biggest exporter by volume, although France remains number one in terms of value, thanks to sales of champagne," Coldiretti spokesperson Domenico Bosco told the Guardian.

"It is not just production that is booming, but also demand, led by amarone, brunello di montalcino, barolo, chianti and also prosecco, which is priced lower than champagne and gets more attractive in times of crisis."

Coldiretti is a front for more than 568,000 farms and was established in 1944.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page

Italy popularity increases as investors "play it safe"

Thu, 4 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Italy is becoming an increasingly popular destination among buyers looking to purchase property overseas, one property portal has claimed.

Liam Bailey, chief market analyst at Property Abroad, noted that the country is now the sixth most popular destination for buyers, having climbed two places in the website's top ten list over the last two weeks.

He explained that while areas such as Ukraine and Bulgaria were popular among investors a few years ago when finance was easy to obtain, the opposite is now true as consumer confidence is falling in the wake of the credit crunch.

"As consumer confidence drops, established markets like … Italy … are regaining their positions as most popular for overseas property purchasers," he explained, noting that investors are choosing to "play it safe" and buy in a country such as Italy, which has a "secure and stable" property market.

Property firm Chesterton recently opened an office in Como, helping buyers to find homes in the Lake Como area.

Italian ski resorts offer stunning scenery

Wed, 3 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The beautiful scenery and relative affordability of Italy's ski resorts is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the country this winter.

According to the Telegraph, winter sports destinations such as Madonna di Campiglio in the Dolomites offer excellent skiing facilities at competitive prices for family holidays.

Recommended as a money-saving alternative to the 'A-list' resorts of the Swiss and Austrian Alps, Campiglio benefits from the additional attraction of its "stunning" mountain vistas.

"The Brenta Dolomites come to a sudden stop just to the west of town, ending in a stupendous series of cliff walls - you'll be skiing with your mouth open," the newspaper promises.

Ski resorts across Europe opened ahead of schedule last week after early snowfalls proved to be unexpectedly heavy, causing many experts to predict a bumper season for the ski industry.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Beautiful landscape of Italy explored

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A writer visiting Italy has discussed the beautiful landscape available to property owners in the country.

The Guardian's Bob Maddams recently took a holiday in the Marche region of Italy, where he was captivated by scenes of rural beauty and an abundance of delicious food and drink.

Speaking to an English resident, who left his life in London to convert one of the area's ruined farmhouses into holiday flats, the writer was told it was the views which first inspired the expatriate to leave his home country behind.

"Next morning I saw why. I stepped out of my flat and straight into a landscape by a Renaissance painter," Mr Maddams explained.

The correspondent compared the Marche region to Tuscany, describing it as "more rural and in its own way just as beautiful" as the better-known area, as well as being less expensive for property owners.

Recent research from the Italian Touring Club Study Centre found that Italy contains two of the best three ski resorts in Europe, snowbrainer.co.uk reported.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Property owners reach paradise with Italian home

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A British couple have explained their reasons for buying a farmhouse property in Italy.

Jill Connick and Edward Harbour set up a renovation business after buying the home in the Italian region of La Marche, which they described as "a small piece of paradise".

Now happily settled in the property, Ms Connick told Homes Worldwide that they both feel "calmer and healthier" after moving from north London to live permanently in their Italian home.

"We really enjoy the difference - the peace and quiet and beauty everywhere we look," she explained.

Ms Connick said that learning to speak the language was the "main challenge" facing the couple after the move, although they are gradually making progress in that area.

Italian property firms are expecting an increase in demand over the next few months following confirmation of David Beckham's loan move to AC Milan.

The sports star will join the Serie A club in January, with wife Victoria believed to be hunting for a home near Milan at the moment.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Sicily can offer renovation investment

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The island of Sicily has a number of buildings in need of renovation, according to an industry expert.In news which may interest people looking for property in the area, Luca Santoro,...

Italy offers best ski resorts

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The best ski resort in Europe can be found in Italy, according to the results of a recent survey.

Overseas property investors with homes in the country could benefit from the news that Alta Badia has been named Europe's number one skiing destination by the Italian Touring Club Study Centre.

According to snowbrainer.co.uk, the survey examined every major winter sports station in the Alps and found the Italian resort to be the best in terms of 'quality'.

The report praised Alta Badia's spectacular "geographical situation and mountain setting", while also commenting favourably on its accommodation, ski lifts and other facilities.

Another Italian destination, Val Gardena, was rated as Europe's second best ski resort alongside Zermatt in Switzerland.

Many Alpine resorts have already experienced heavy snowfalls this month, leading travel experts to predict a bumper season for skiing operators in Europe.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page.

Le Marche 'offers cheaper property than Tuscany or Umbria'

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Italian resort of Le Marche offers better value than the more popular areas of Tuscany and Umbria, according to homesoverseas.com.It described Le Marche as unspoilt and offering...

Property firm opens Italy office

Thu, 6 Nov 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A property firm has opened a new office in Italy, a move that may indicate that the market remains strong in the country.

Chesterton has said it is to start a new office in Como in the Lombardy region, serving buyers in the Lake Como area as well as around the other Italian lakes.

Speaking about the venture, Chesterton Como director Cheryl Lorenzo-Penn hailed the area as highly accessible (via Milan airport) yet largely unspoilt due to the low concentration of industry.

She said of investing in the region: "In general, a property bought here will be a lifetime investment, as prices of quality properties remain relatively constant, appreciating over the years."

Ms Lorenzo-Penn stated that one reason for this market stability was the prudence of Italian banks in rarely lending mortgages of over 80 per cent loan-to-value.

Italian property may be the focus of more attention soon as footballing icon David Beckham is about to move to Milan.

The former England captain is joining AC Milan on loan from LA Galaxy.

Investors advised to consider southern Italy

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Those who want to find something different in the Italian property scene may wish to look to the south, it has been suggested.

Overseas property magazine Buy Association has said that while regions like Abruzzo and Tuscany are well established among Britons, the south has plenty of comparatively untapped opportunities.

These include some of the highest levels of new building in the country, which includes a large amount of seaside property suitable for the rental market in Calabria.

It also stated that the south offers plenty of older stone properties and is often cheaper, with a one-bedroom apartment being available for under £100,000.

Another part of Italy recently tipped as a likely area of growth is Sicily, thanks to its golf tourism potential.

Earlier this month the Daily Telegraph reported that four new resorts are either being built or are planned to add to the one already in existence on the island.

South of Tuscany tipped as new property hotspot

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Southern Tuscany may be about to rise up as a property hotspot for those investing in Italy, it has been suggested.

Bill Thompson of international property firm Knight Frank's Florence office told Country Life: "It is an emerging area, especially if the airport opens up in Siena."

Describing other locations in the region with this potential, he added: "Maremma, Castiglione della Pescaia and Punta Ala are already established with Italians and the Argentario has always been popular."

Siena airport has been undergoing extensive development in recent years, its website states.

Such measures include being open 24 hours a day since 2000, the introduction of new safety measures such as extra space at the end of the runway and the lengthening of its runway from 1393 metres to 1498 metres.

The city of Siena itself is described by Discovery Tuscany as being probably the loveliest medieval city in the whole country.

Sicilian property may be boosted by golf tourism growth

Wed, 8 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Those investing in property on the Italian island of Sicily may find that that golf tourism provides a boost to the value of their investment in the next few years.

Until recently the Il Picciolo course at the Palmerston Etna Resort was the only golf centre on the island, the Daily Telegraph reports.

However, the paper notes, a second one has now been opened near the cathedral town of Cefalu and three more are planned, including a 36-hole Gary Player resort.

Should Sicily grow as a golf tourism destination, those with property investments on the island may see an increase in value in their properties.

Those keen on sport may also be attracted to Sicily by different activities, such as sailing.

Today sees the start of the 505 class World Sailing Championships, starting at Palermo, Sail World reports.

Fans of sailing will be able to see 124 boats from 12 different countries in action.

Italy and UAE. Pershing Luxury Beach Residence to be part of Marine Legends real estate project

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Pershing, the famous Italian yachting brand, presents its “Pershing Luxury Beach Residence”, a luxury twin-tower residential complex on the Dubai Waterfront. As announced at the beginning of 2008, the Pershing mother company, the Ferretti Group, a worldwide leader in...

Value of Sicily hailed

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The value of property on the Italian island of Sicily is very good, it has been stated...

Sicilian property hailed as good value

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property on the Italian island of Sicily is very good value, it has been stated.

Finance Daily has quoted a recent report by propertyshowrooms.com, which stated: "Apartments and villas in Sicily comprise some of the best value real estate to be found in Italy, making the island a highly popular property location for overseas buyers."

It added that this point has been backed up by other experts on property in Italy, such as the director of Homes in Italy, Mark Slaviero.

Mr Slaviero said an investment in Sicily would be a good move because the price of homes in the southern half of Italy will "definitely" rise in the next three years.

In a recent article about the island, the Daily Telegraph said Sicily is a major tourist hotspot and has a very strong rental market.

Although there is not yet a bridge to mainland Italy, British visitors can reach the island easily by flying to any of the three airports at Palermo, Catania or Trapani, the paper noted.

Topend investors look to foreign markets

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Affluent property investors in the UK are increasingly snapping up second homes overseas, it has been revealed.

According to Investec Private Bank, the slowdown in the British housing market has dented the appeal of the country among many top-end buyers.

Therefore, a growing number are turning their attentions toward prime areas in countries such as Italy and France.

Andrew Arnott, spokesperson for Investec, commented: "They see them as representing a better investment opportunity."

He added that while many foreign property buyers are looking to purchase a second home for personal use, some are also considering the investment potential of the residence.

According to research by Savills and Holiday-Rentals, there are currently about 425,000 foreign residences owned by people in the UK.

Figures showed that this is 55% up on the amount recorded in 2003 and an increase of 35,000 units on this time last year.

Italian property stays stable

Thu, 4 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Property prices in Italy have continued to rise at the same level as a year ago, new research has found.

Knight Frank's Global House Price Survey figures for the second quarter of 2008 found that annual Italian property price inflation stood at 5.4 per cent in this period.

This was unchanged from a year earlier, indicating that while other markets had moved up or down, Italian property had stayed at the same level of value appreciation.

Such a trend may appeal to those who like stable investments in overseas property.

One location where some may wish to invest is by the banks of Lake Tramasemo in Umbria.

Situated only 30 minutes away from Perugia Airport, properties can be acquired with a lake view from around EUR310,000 (GBP252,000), Homes Worldwide reported last month.

The portal reports that the area has outstanding scenery, clean lake water and many vineyards.

Mayor sells houses in Sicily for €1 each

Tue, 2 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A mayor in Sicily is selling off historic houses for €1 each. Salemi's "eccentric" new mayor feels that selling the houses for €1 could be the best way to save Salemi's historic old quarter.

The €1 houses in Salemi, a town south of Palermo in Sicily, will need a lot of work done to them, reports The Guardian. Following an earthquake in 1968, Salemi's ancient centre has become depopulated, but the town's new mayor, the former art-critic Vittorio Sgarbi, now wants to turn this around.

"There are 3,700 houses owned by the council, almost all in the old town, that are in danger of falling down, of crumbling and dying," Sgarbi told the Corriere della Sera.

"We're thinking of people who have the sensibility and economic resources to embark on this adventure. In exchange for a token payment of one euro, we will offer them one of these houses and ask that they undertake to restore them within two years while respecting their original characteristics."

Sgarbi originally offered the houses for free to anyone from Salemi who was willing to do the renovations, according to The Guardian. The mayor is today expected to hand the first of the houses to Massimo Moratti, the chairman of Inter Milan. As well as offering the houses for €1, Sgarbi has also appointed a prince in charge of heritage and town planning.

Sgarbi is described by the paper as being a former anarchist who later became a fan of Silvio Berlusconi, going on to gain a post in the government in 2001. He was removed a year later and went on to found his own "Beauty Party" before rejoining mainstream politics.

This story was brought to you by holidaylettings.co.uk, the UK's No.1 holiday home website.

Milan No Longer The Trendy Place to Buy

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Milan's property market could be impacted by fashion industry scandals as investors go elsewhere...

Italian Port City Attracts Foreign Investors

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mafia-hotspot Palermo in Sicily has been transformed, increasing its appeal for tourists and investors...

European homeowners remain optimistic-220708

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Homeowners across Europe have expressed confidence in the future performance of their domestic housing market.

According to a study by the Financial Times, people across the continent are largely hopeful that house prices will keep going up over the next five years.

This is despite the fact that many believe property values will either fall or remain on hold during the next 12 months.

Confidence was found to be especially high in Italy, as nearly two-thirds of respondents predicted a long-term increase in prices.

However, the positive outlook was not enough to prevent homeowners for calling for greater government assistance, either by subsidising mortgages or cutting property taxes.

Only 6% of respondents in Italy were against the idea of the government making these changes to the current system.

According to a survey by A Place in the Sun magazine, Italy is currently one of the top five locations for British property investors.

Visit our off-plan property Italy page

Venice emerges as a long term but less risky property investment

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

High rental yields are just one of the attractions of buy-to-let investments in Venice according to a leading estate agent...

LaSalle opens for business in Milan

Wed, 9 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

LaSalle Investment Management has opened an office in Milan as it looks to expand its presence in Italy...