The Italian property market offers a very wide range of bargains, it has been stated.

Various regions of the country offer low-priced prospects, including normally expensive regions such as Umbria and Tuscany, the Times reports.

An example quoted by the paper was a three-bedroom cottage in the village of Castiglione del Lago, which is in Umbria but near the border with Tuscany, costing GBP 149,000.

Prices across the country have dipped by ten per cent, director of Cluttons Estate Agency Linda Travella commented, but noted that "the bargains take some hunting down".

The Castiglione del Lago area may be particularly interesting for some buyers, as it hosts the Painting the Skies kite festival around the end of April and start of May.

In addition to the kites, visitors to the area can enjoy hot air balloons, exhibitions, films and food tasting.