Why invest in Italy

There are a number of factors that make investing in the Italian property market a particularly attractive proposition to property investors. Among the most important are it’s stable economy, with low inflation and low interest rates, and the fact that it’s domestic ‘holiday homes’ market is so strong.

In fact, Italy probably enjoys the strongest domestic market in second homes in Europe, a factor which has created increased stability in the market, and seems to have protected it from the effects of the US sub-prime mortgages downturn. Indeed, Italy has been virtually unaffected by the affair.

This coupled with the Italian Government’s positive approach to encouraging tourism development in underdeveloped regions, whilst strictly controlling property development and zoning in sought-after areas, has led to a marked undersupply of quality holiday property.

Consequently, property prices nationwide are currently rising at around 7%. However, prices in the less developed southern region, particularly those close to budget airline routes, are reported to be increasing at a rate of 15% to 25% per annum.

 
Why Calabria?
 
In keeping with our philosophy of market research and due diligence, we have selected Borgo Novo in Calabria because we believe it is the best lifestyle and investment opportunity currently available in the exciting new Calabrian property market. And we have chosen this part of Calabria because it offers the most advantageous combination of investment potential and genuine Italian lifestyle benefits.

Calabria has been referred to as Italy’s best-kept property secret. We want to share that secret with you, plus a few of our own. Here are seven key reasons why Pizzo in Calabria stands out as the most promising investment location in Italy.

Low Property Prices: Property prices in Calabria are currently around 50% to 70% cheaper than comparable properties in Tuscany and Umbria. However, investment money is pouring into the region and budget airlines are making it much more accessible. As a result prices are set to escalate rapidly over the next year.

Capital Appreciation: Calabria has enjoyed a reputation as the “Undiscovered Italy”, but the secret is now out and the region is being heavily promoted to both tourists and property investors. Currently demand for property exceeds supply, thanks to the Italian Government’s controls on development, which makes for a very investor friendly market. Buy now, ahead of the anticipated surge, and you’re quid’s in.

Strategic Location: If property is all about location, then Calabria has it all. 500 miles of stunning beaches, crystal blue seas, towering mountains, verdant forests and lush green valleys. Plus, one of the key reasons we picked Pizzo is because it’s just 20 minutes from Lamezia Terme International Airport and Ryan Air’s regular flight service from Stanstead, Milan and Pisa. That means it’s easily accessible to investors, and in a prime location to attract tourists.

Rental Market: Italy is the world’s fourth most popular tourist destination, and Calabria is carving out an increasing slice of the market. And it’s already extremely popular with Northern Italians, who flock here for their summer holidays. In fact, Calabria is known as the “Real Italian Riviera.” The net result for property owners is a captive market ripe for the plucking.

Government Investment: The south of Italy is booming thanks to Government investment and support, and Calabria is now benefiting from €1.2billion in EU and Italian Government funding to improve infrastructure and facilities in resort towns.

The Real Italy: Calabria is quite unlike anywhere else in Italy: fantastic weather, beautiful clean beaches, exquisite sapphire seas, warm, friendly people and that quintessentially relaxed Italian atmosphere synonymous with the Italy of old. Yes, the pace of life is slower, but that’s why people come here. The wine, the gastronomy, the culture, and to watch the rest of the world pass by. Mind you, there’s also a wealth of activities on offer from walking, cycling and sailing, to riding, scuba diving and yes, even skiing.

Low cost of living: As you can imagine, the cost of living in Italy is well below that of Ireland. Last year Dublin was ranked the 8th most expensive city in the world, while the Italian capital came in at an encouraging 27th. In fact, according to the latest Pricerunner reports, retail goods in Italy are 25% below the EU average. In Calabria the cost of living is even cheaper with a Latte in a local café setting you back 90c, a bottle of wine from the local supermarket around €2.50 and pizza for two and a bottle of wine in a local pizzeria coming in at around €10.
 

 

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