Irresistibly exciting and tantalisingly beautiful, Italy has it all. The country has a wonderful reputation as a holiday destination, with gorgeous beaches, stunning countryside, world renowned works of art and music, magnificent architecture, as well as the finest in fashion and food.
The country is the seventh biggest global economy with a broad based economy and an export industry almost on par with France and well ahead of the UK.
Italy is also one of the most sought-after destinations for property investors. The Italian property market has remained stable compared to other European destinations, mainly due to Italy’s small mortgage market, which at 20% of GDP is well below the EU average of 50% of GDP. Nor has it suffered the effects of the over-development of property experienced by many other destinations. The country also benefits from equity rich domestic investors.
Italy offers great diversity; from the ancient cities of Rome and Venice to fashionable Milan to lovely Mediterranean beaches and from thrilling ski resorts in the snow-capped mountains of the north to pretty lakeside towns to fishing villages perched precariously above the sea.
Tuscany is still the most popular region with both Italian and foreign second home investors and vacation home purchasers. Many dream of owning a Tuscan villa with views of the rolling olive, vine and cypress covered hills. This fertile land is widely regarded as the birthplace of Renaissance art and architecture. Florence is the unmissable jewel in its crown and Lucca, Pisa and Siena are other marvellous gems.
Neighbouring Umbria, the green heart of Italy, is another region that remains popular with property buyers. The lush countryside, local delicacies and unspoilt hilltop towns and villages with their traces of Roman settlements, make it a charming and fascinating area.
The inspiration of Leonardo Da Vinci’s greatest paintings as well as many poets and writers since, the spectacular backdrop of the Italian Lakes features highly among the most outstanding of Italy’s scenic attractions. Their breathtaking vista has captivated visitors for centuries.
Italy’s most celebrated coastline, the Amalfi Coast is where the rich and famous holiday. With its cascades of brightly coloured houses, picturesque villages and legendary towns clinging to jagged cliffs high above an aquamarine sea, it is the perfect hideaway.
Puglia – hailed as the next Tuscany – is an emerging market for international property buyers. The captivating region dramatically combines fairytale cottages, Baroque churches and Pagan dances.
In uncertain times, property buyers and property investors are sticking to countries they know and trust, and Italy is never far from people’s minds when they’re thinking of buying a home overseas. It is widely considered a good long-term investment.
Explore properties for sale in Italy on International Luxury Real Estate – ilre.com.
