Italy is a low risk for property investors says Linda Travella of Casa Travella.

“Italy is a low risk investment says Linda Travella of Casa Travella, a company specialising in selling homes in Italy since 1987”.

“So much has been written about the overseas property market and tales of woe are coming from Dubai and other new markets that did tremendously well a few years ago. Investors and speculators were buying up properties and turning them round for profit, which inevitably led to an excess of properties and no buyers. The result has been a collapse in the value of the said properties”, continues Linda.

“Italy did not succumb to the frantic speculation by banks. They held firm, offering around 70% maximum mortgage on an Italian property.  The Italian bank's conservative policy has proved a very sensible approach. Due to this, Italy has a lot fewer problems with its' housing market than many other countries, including the UK.

The Italian banks certainly did not go for the seriously dangerous approach of self certification and high loan values on properties. Whilst some said they were too conservative, in retrospect, they were prudent. The Italian market felt far less of the fallout than the majority of countries worldwide.

Clients are not looking for high risk investments at this time. With prices in Italy holding firm especially if you purchase at the right price, rather than obtain around 2% on savings in the bank, why not invest in Italy? If you purchase in Italy now, you could make an exceptional investment.

It is possible to make an offer on a property, lower than at any other time in the last 20 years. This is because the world recession has inevitably resulted in a lower number of buyers which is why prices are so good at present. Having said that, prices in general are holding, but a buyer can secure a bargain, depending on the area and the situation of the current property owner.

If you are looking for new build then the change of law means companies have to provide an insurance guarantee on new build properties which makes them safer than buying a new build property in many other countries.

Italians too are more cautious with building regulations. If a property is “Listed” then normally it is not possible to change anything externally. Whilst the paper work for listed buildings is tedious it means that the heritage of the country is preserved.

“Rental in Italy has remained strong, despite the world recession,” says  Barrie Webb of Italian Property Rentals. “In 2009 the market was less than 15% below that of 2008 in terms of properties rented and we have no reason to believe that 2010 will not see the market returning to pre crash figures.

The key to maintaining good rental returns is firstly to choose the right property in a  good location preferably with outside space, and for this you need an agent with a good knowledge of the region and a varied selection of properties”.

Concluded Linda, “The Italian property market has remained stable despite the economic downturn, and prices have dropped less than in other world markets, so investors will feel safer.”

Casa Travella is currently marketing a delightful, two bedroom apartment situated less than 1 km from the sea at Lido di Metaponto in Basilicata, just one hours drive from Bari airport. This is an exceptionally pretty, residential complex of new homes enhanced with muted Mediterranean colours of pastel blues, terracotta, pinks and lemons, with lush green gardens of tropical plants.
There is a central swimming pool and the apartment has a huge amount of outside space with a 35 sq m covered veranda and an even larger private roof terrace with views of the surrounding countryside. The property is being sold fully furnished and comprises two double bedrooms, spacious living room with French doors onto the veranda and a separate fitted kitchen. There is a private parking space also included.
The complex has shops, restaurants and even its own amphitheatre which makes this a perfect property for rental and investment purposes.

PRICE 160,000 euros/£139,570 approx.

Casa Travella www.casatravella.com 01322 660988