A Short Guide To Buying Property In Italy

Image by Eustaquio Santimano via Flickr

by Anna Stenning

If there's one country which pretty much provides all the natural highs you could ever want, it's Italy. And the idea of owning property in Italy is something that has become more and more popular with people from across the United Kingdom and indeed the globe. Giving oneself the chance to spend as much time as desired in this unique nation is the main benefit of getting hold of your own property in Italy.

Imagine being woken up by bright Italian sunlight slanting through your blinds, with the distant sound of the sea in the background. If you choose to buy property in Italy located near the coast, for example in Liguria, this might be the experience greeting you in the morning. As well as the delight of blue skies (common, if not everyday) you've got the mouth watering food.

You realise you're in the real Italy when you walk out of your front door and have access to food which might be considered extra special in the UK, but which is normal in rural or urban Italy. Delicious bread and eye-popping coffee is standard. You've also got great pizza, pasta and a multitude of regional specialities that you can indulge in, depending on where you find your property. In Italy food is king.

Some people seek property in Italy as a second home - as Rome can be reached after a 3 and a half hour flight from London. Many others choose to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the Italian countryside as part of their retirement plans. Enjoying the top diet and inspiring sunshine is a great way to join a population with a very high longevity.

Of course, Italy is in the EU, so making the move to Italy is not especially difficult. Naturally, anyone considering buying some property in Italy must be aware of the national and regional laws and customs as regards buying a house. The Italians are noted for their friendliness, and so making the big move to this remarkable part of the world is likely to be considerably easier than other parts of Europe. With great weather, wonderful food and delightful countryside - it's no wonder Italians are so chirpy.

Like the UK, Italy is a long, thin stretch of mostly sea-surrounded land. Given that Italy dips its boot heel in the crystal blue waters of the Mediterranean, a golden beach is usually within reach. But for those who prefer the historic atmosphere of one of Italy's great cities - a more urban location might be desired. Think of Venice, Florence or the mesmerising Rome - and you've got some of the finest cities in the world. Of course, you're unlikely to get hold of some property in Italy overlooking the Coliseum - but there are certainly opportunities fairly close to some of these locations.

If you're thinking about moving to the Mediterranean, Italy is surely in the premier league of southern European destinations, up there with Spain and Greece. Whether you're buying property in Italy, renting or time-sharing - or just camping on a hill overlooking the sea, Italy is going to mark itself indelibly on your memory. Like most of us, you're probably wondering how you can spend as much time as possible there.

Anna Stenning is an expert in buying, renting or time sharing property in Italy, with several years experience in this busy sector. For more information visit http://www.realitalia.co.uk/