‘affordable italy’ rules the med

Prospective property investors are choosing Italy over Spain and France, claims one analyst…

Edward Crompton, managing director of Real Point Property explained: “Today, Italy represents a more affordable option to the discerning buyer than properties in the better established markets of France and Spain.

“Slow uptake means that bargains can still be found across the country. As investment properties however, things are now starting to look up especially in the more favoured areas of Florence and central Tuscany.

”Within Italy, new developments are substantially limited by planning constraints which means that despite there currently being a good stock within the market as foreign buyers continue to make purchases there will be increasing scarcity and consequentially an upturn in the market.

”Availability is one of the main reasons why property prices go up. Indeed, we've seen that in central Tuscany and in Florence over the past 20 years, they have gone up enormously.'

”International transport, including the new Viterbo airport into Tuscany are likely to further fuel demand in the region both through a growth in the already-booming tourist industry and the ease of access demanded by second home purchasers".