That’s amore

Brits have long lusted after second homes in the land of La Dolce Vita, and Le Marche in Central Italy offers a cheaper alternative to old favourites Tuscany and the Lakes…

Two distinct Italys exist today; the prosperous North and the less developed agricultural South.

Property prices across the country have been rising slowly, especially in popular areas, but still remain relatively good value.

Italy offers investors a readily established EU economy, meaning a quality infrastructure and a stable political environment.

With new low cost international flights arriving into otherwise isolated areas of Italy, mini emerging markets are to be found in these regions.

Brits are pouring in, all seeking a piece of glorious Italian lifestyle and beauty just two hours flighttime from home.

Calabria in Southern Italy is anticipating a sharp rise in property prices, thanks to the recent introduction of direct flights from the UK to local airports at Reggio de Calabria and Kamezia.

Le Marche in the Centre of the country is true storybook Italy, with rolling hills, terracotta tiles and lemon trees.

It has a very similar look and feel to Tuscany but is far less known and therefore prices are much cheaper.

Access is easy – it is around thirty minutes from both Ancona and Rimini International Airports.

If Italy has brought out the romantic in you and you fancy snapping up a property with a romantic history, how about an apartment built from the former home of 15th Century Urbino native Serafino de' Serafini.

Driven wild with passion, Serafino became famous for conspiring to kill the Duke of Oddantonio, who he thought was trying to seduce his wife.

Now, the gated Casa Serafini, with its private olive groves and traditional Italian restaurant with stunning views over the valley, has become a popular choice for Brits looking for a holiday home.

Gated estates may sound the very antithesis of untamed Italy, with their regimented apartments and manicured lawns, but for investors and holiday home owners they are a sensible, low-fuss option.

When buying a property in Italy, a Notary must testify as to the identity of the purchaser and vendor, and guarantee that the property is located at the stated address and free from legal and fiscal problems.

Their fee is around £1,300, and property VAT is at 10 per cent, payable firstly on the deposit and secondly on the completion of title documents.

The registration of land is carried out by the notary, and is included in their fee.

Picture by patapat