Positive expectations for italian property next year

"2014 has been a good year for the Italian property market and to buy Italian property, with bargains still to be found in many areas," says Linda Travella of Casa Travella.

Indeed, recent figures reported b Ansa show that sales of Italian proeprty in cities jumped in the third quarter of 2014: by 19 per cent in Rome year-on-year and 23 per cent in Florence.

In total, the country's market saw buying and selling rise 3.6 per cent year-on-year.

"If the 1st quarter of 2015 is as busy as the 1st quarter of 2014 then this will be a very positive sign indeed and I can see no reason why not," adds Travella.

She notes the favourable exchange rate between the pound and euro, which is encouraging interest from British buyers, while highlighting the bargain prices available in those areas that suffered post-recession.

"The Tuscan market was hit the worst in the 2008 crash and that means that the possibility of finding a good buy in Tuscany is still excellent. If clients want to  puts their property on the market at an inflated value will not sell as there are too many sellers prepared to negotiate to obtain a sale from a buyer who has the 'cash in hand'."

As well as Tuscany, other popular areas for foreign buyers include Puglia, Lake Como and Tuscany.

Travella forecasts that Russian buyers will decline in the Lake Como market and be replaced by returning Brits.

"We are seeing more interest from the UK market than in the past 5 years with the Europeans still also very interested buyers. The US market seems to be also showing some interest compared to the past years with some clients already talking of viewing in the 1st and 2nd quarters."