Jun 29, 2008

Retirees seek authentic Italy

Overseas retirees have been advised that Italy offers a wide choice of homes at affordable prices.

Property experts said that the country is ideal for different types of buyers, such as those purchasing a holiday home and overseas investors who wanted an investment property. Italy offers Year round Good climate, affordable costs, outstanding natural beauty and high-quality leisure attractions. Besides, Italy also recommended to city dwellers, as its major urban settlements are some of the most "sophisticated" cities in the world.

Moreover, Research by the Academy of Healthy Ageing revealed that the country offered better health care services than any other nation in Europe. The study found that people in Italy are enjoying a better-quality diet, good standards of cleanliness and plenty of outdoor space which in turn contributes to a longer life expectancy.

Italy is also easily accessible from the UK, thereby allowing expats to stay in easy reach of friends and family back home. Italy's authentic health care provisions and affordability are said to be the appealing features for the expats. ShelterOffshore suggested that with recent changes to the tax regime efficiently cutting the property prices, it could be an ideal place to make a purchase.

A recent study by NatWest found that Italy is rated very highly by Britons who have moved there on a permanent basis. According to government figures, 35,000 Britons are currently drawing their state pension in Italy.

Jun 26, 2008

Italy coming up with modern, fresh and low density developments

Apartments in Calabria
Linda Travella, broadcaster and founder of Casa Travella, stated that overseas property investors are returning to established property markets such as Italy. Italy's property market was considered unknown territory few years back and Spain was firm favourite among British holidaymakers. Twenty years ago, Italy's property market offered mostly properties which required great deal of renovation. Italian property market has changed radically, now offering many modern, fresh and low density developments compared to many other tourist destinations.

Ms. Travella also said that Italy's good infrastructure is an attraction and the country has the lifestyle requirements for the overseas investors. Foreign Property Buyer stated that many property investors are looking towards more stable economies with good infrastructures combined with heritage and culture like that of Italy rather than emerging markets because they are not guaranteed to meet these criterion.

The Calabria region is becoming increasingly trendy among foreign property buyers, while remaining affordable. Prices are quoted as being in the region of £25,000 for a furnished medieval village home while a beachfront apartment in Calabria is available from £32,000.

Eddy Crompton, director of Realpoint Property has said that Realpoint is now offering a number of new developments in Calabria which offer the best value for money around. Realpoint Property is presently marketing developments range from studio apartments to three-bedroom villas in six locations in Calabria. Property prices start from £30,000 for a studio apartment and £100,000 for a three-bedroom villa.

Jun 24, 2008

Siena in the top European holiday destinations club


Travel website TripAdvisor found that the Tuscan city of Siena with no airport and no major train route has emerged as one of the top tourism destination.

Siena came 5th in a list of 25 most popular European destinations and the popularity of the area has increased this year. The figures show that during the peak season, the occupancy rates for Siena hotels are 68.5%, in comparison to a national average of 67.1%. The figures also revealed that Siena is always above the national average throughout the peak season and the average cost of rooms is very low compared to the national average. This is likely to be highly beneficial to owners of holiday accommodation in the area.

The change of tourist trend had resulted in an "explosion of interest" in the region as vacationers seek apartments along the coast or relaxed country settings; this is an excellent result considering Siena with no international airport and no important railway line. Siena beat traditional holiday destinations like Milan, Rome and popular beach destinations like Rimini, when it comes to hotel occupation during the summer months.

With the increasing interest in the Siena region, now may be the perfect time for property investors buying in Italy to make their purchase. The area was also praised for offering a number of other attractions like lifestyle benefits, public services, housing and weather.

Jun 22, 2008

Italian delicacies and culinary circles attracts tourists

Italian delicacies are traditionally famous in culinary circles and are increasingly attracting overseas holidaymakers. Italy is also fast gaining in popularity with the 'wine-nauts'. They are practicing wine tourists and considerable amounts are commuting to Italy as the top choice destination.
Wine tourism in Italy
The official data released during the Wine and Food Tourism Fair 2008 revealed the popularity of wine tourism and the opportunities in these 2.5 billion euros industry. Experts believe that the wine tourism in Italy is still untapped and is operating at only 20% of its potential and may double in the near future. Nearly 82 of Italy's leading wine producers had a turnover of three million euros gives the impact of wine tourism in local economy.

A recent study by the social research group CENSIS established that wine and food are the second most important reason why tourists come to Italy and every 10 euros of investment in the vineyard generates 50 euros in earnings for the local economy. Moreover, Italy's 140 'wine roads' with specific schedules through wine-producing regions and annual events like Open Cellars attracts large influx of tourists to vineyards in the spring.

This come after MyHoliday.com stated that tourists are increasingly booking up holiday homes in Italy months in advance, due to the increasing attractiveness of self-catering holidays.

Jun 19, 2008

Abruzzo - the next emerging market

Abruzzo, an overlooked part of Italy has become the best emerging market in Italy, according to industry experts.

The territory of Abruzzo is with129 kilometres long coastline marked by vast sandy beaches in eastern border stretching along the Adriatic north and south of Pescara. Abruzzo less than an hour from ski slopes and Rome is a 90 minute drive away. High Abruzzo Mountains, broad valleys, beechwood forests and an age-old Italian lifestyle has attracted foreign vacationers recently.

Lief Simon of International Living has stated that Abruzzo's population moved out after Second World War. The neglected properties are now renovated and are available in the market at prices below €30,000. Property expert, Nikki di Girolamo has commented that the properties have to be entirely renovated but they are well worth the investment. She also added that Prices are 50% less than that in Tuscany.

Property prices are still comparatively low and the well-preserved nature of the region means investors have their pick of desirable locations to choose from. The conditions are also ideal for those who want a property for personal use and also it attracts lot of lifestyle emigrants in recent times.

Jun 17, 2008

Italy tops the property rankings in 2008

A leading property search portal revealed this year that overseas property investors are returning to established property markets like Italy. The Italian market is thriving because it offers a large number of benefits to investors. Italy is now the most searched for country by Brits looking to invest in property taking 8.5% of all searches on the website. Italy seized the top spot from France which is now placed third with Spain claiming second place.

Recently A Place in the Sun magazine's Top 20 Buying Destinations saw Italy in fifth spot in 2008. Last year Italy was in the eighth spot in overall rankings. The renaissance is due to the fact that overseas buyers are said to feel secure of their investment in the stability of Italian property market.

Foreign property buyer website has reported that many foreign property investors are looking towards more stable economies, good infrastructures, sensible house prices and easy accessibility. Property experts feel that the recent changes to the tax regime successfully cutting the price of property, it could be an ideal time to make a purchase in Italy.

This comes after British tabloid the Telegraph reported that the Calabria region is becoming increasingly trendy among overseas property purchasers, whilst remaining affordable.

Jun 12, 2008

Italy attracts tourists for nostalgia holiday


Many Holidaymakers are choosing to visit Italy in order to relive their youth and bring back old memories, according to experts.

Travelmole has recently reported about the research by Expedia.co.uk which found that 90 per cent of people from the UK had gone to Italy in order to relive fond memories of the past. The publication highlighted Rome and Florence as places that are attracting nostalgic Britons.

According the research, one in four people said they liked to revisit the setting comparable to an unforgettable childhood holiday whereas one in five wanted to visit places similar to the places they had once lived.

Caroline Cartellieri, managing director of Expedia has commented in response to the finding of the research that Nostalgia has become a big driver in destination choice. She further said that this is one of the reasons for the enduring popularity of established European holiday destinations like Italy.

According to MyHoliday.com, the popularity of self-catering holidays has increased considerably in the last few years in Italy.

Jun 5, 2008

Italian government announces investor-friendly changes in mortgage system


Homes Overseas has reported that changes are to be made to the Italy's mortgage system and this may be of interest to those looking for property in Italy as government has reached compliance with Italy's banks to revert mortgage payments back to lower levels, which were last recorded in 2006.

Banks will switch variable-rate mortgages to fixed-rate ones and with a fixed-rate mortgage, the rate does not change over the life of the loan. However the changes are not yet been finalized and the date of implementation is also not announced. With interest in the area increasing, now may be the ideal time for property investors buying in Italy to make their purchase.

The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's has commented that getting back to the mortgage rates of 2006 is now being worked on and the repayment period for mortgage holders will be extended. Economics minister Giulio Tremonti said that the benefit of fixed-rate mortgages is if there is any increase in average interest rates during the originally agreed mortgage, then the mortgage period will be extended. Instead, if rates have fallen, then the banks will compensate the homeowner with the difference.

Vanessa Bird of financial services company Baydonhill stated that the strength of the Italian market is due to its broad appeal and the reason for huge influx of investors is due to the vast variety available in Italy in terms of age, financial circumstances and motivation for buying.

This comes after that Foreign Property Buyer has recently highlighted Italy as a more steady and reliable investment than eastern European market.

Jun 1, 2008

Excellent healthcare system boost Italian investment

A new study has revealed that most people who have relocated to Italy feel healthier as a result of their move. The Global Property Group has said that Many Brits invest in Italy due to the wide range of activities on offer as well as the country's excellent healthcare service.

Kay Yabandith, editor of International Real Estate Magazine has said that for those looking for retiring abroad, attractions such as a lower cost of living and cheap healthcare are established to be very attractive inducements.
Italian health care system
The quality of health care services in their chosen location is another major consideration for British expatriates. The number of expatriates choosing to live in Italy is continuing to go up. The Italian healthcare system was said to be appealing to retirees due to its affordable health care services. Official statistics from the government revealed that 35,000 British people currently receive their state pension while living in Italy.

Research by NatWest found that more than two-thirds of people feel better living in Italy than they did in the UK and also felt that their lifestyle had improved their physical condition. Besides, Italy is said to offer diverse cultural attractions and vacation facilities, as well as good standards in sanitation.

Research by the Academy of Healthy Ageing showed that Italy offers a superior lifestyle and people in Italy tends to enjoy a better-quality diet than any other nation in Europe. The study established that these factors contributed to a longer life expectancy in Italy. Men have an average age of 71, while women are expected to reach 76 years.

Construction sector boosts economic growth

Overseas property investors are returning to established property markets such as Italy as Italian construction sector is playing a major role in driving economic growth.

Finance Minister Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa said that the $1.8 trillion Italian economy will expand between 1.3 percent and 1.6 percent. Roberta Talotta from EC Harris stated that the industry creates nearly a tenth of the country's GDP. She added that construction sector has been very important to the economy in the last decade.
Construction in Italy
Foreign Property Buyer has reported that Italy continues to be a popular investment location partly because of its advanced infrastructure. The booming construction sector is likely to have a positive effect on the property market and there is expected spike in real estate prices in next few months. Last year property prices in certain regions like Calabria have risen by about 40 per cent.

However, the Italian government had legislated to thwart the country becoming overdeveloped, hence preserving the factors that draw visitors and drive the property market. Irish newspaper the Mayo Advertiser highlighted the rules preventing the construction of overly large buildings making Italy an "attractive proposition” for many overseas investors.