Passion’s running high as Appassionata fights local Italian artisans’s corner

by Georgina Italy

Italy has a reputation for high quality local crafts, but the country’s artigianos – traditional artisans – have struggled to compete with the increasing commercialisation of their country in recent years. Indeed The Guardian reported that Italian artisans were turning increasingly to the internet and the convenience of supermarkets in order to try and make a living. It seems that the traditional crafts of Italy are in danger of being lost to mass production, with the demise of uniqueness and quality that such a move usually entails.

One local businesswoman is determined to fight for the country’s artigianos, though. From her home in Le Marche, bordering the Adriatic Sea in central Italy, Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, founder of family-run company Appassionata, is supporting and working alongside local artisans. The individuals that Dawn works with are often the third or fourth generation of their family to carry out the specialist local crafts. Their workshops range from tiny warehouses to ramshackle wooden huts.

Dawn explains,

“I feel privileged to have had the chance to meet and support so many talented individuals in Le Marche. Appassionata’s ethos is to support small local businesses and to help the region’s economy wherever possible. Many of the artisans we work with have tiny facilities at their disposal but what they produce is incredible.”

Dawn is showcasing the items she has bought in the two unique homes that she and husband Michael Hobbs have restored on the beautiful Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche. Both properties are fractional ownership homes, whereby individuals are able to own these delightful holiday homes for just a fraction of the cost. Four-bedroom Casa Giacomo is already sold out, but shares are still available in the stunning five-bedroom Casa Leopardi for £175,000.

Casa Leopardi is bursting with traditional Italian character. The lamps and light fittings are made by self-taught artisan Alfio Giuffrida, who developed his passion as a child while sitting at his mother and grandmother’s knees while they made lampshades.  The Brinci family, who have been running a blacksmith business in their current location since Eugino Brinci set up there over 200 years ago, have worked alongside Dawn to design and manufacture terrace railings and gates, fireplace doors and stair rails. Casa Leopardi also features bespoke pottery created by brother and sister team Annamaria and Emanule Bozzi, who keep traditional craftsmanship alive while Grandfather Mario sits at the pottery wheel teaching his grandchildren to follow in his footsteps.

Not content with just being stunning on the inside, Casa Leopardi sits at the heart of the beautiful estate, surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, a truffle orchard and a lavender plantation. The owners share the local gourmet produce from the grounds, as well as five full weeks’ use of the house, its swimming pool, the all-weather tennis court and the carefully landscaped gardens.

With spectacular views over the crystal waters of the Adriatic and the distant Sibillini Mountains, Casa Leopardi is the perfect picture of rural Italian living. Interior designer Dawn has worked hard to ensure that the interior of the house matches its magnificent setting. The unique pieces sourced from the local artisans with whom Dawn works are subtly complemented by her highly individualised antique collection. The result is a house that encapsulates all of the historic charm and local tradition that Italy has to offer. Dawn continues,

“Our passion for Italy has allowed Appassionata to create something truly wonderful in our properties. We are delighted that by offering our fractional properties we are able to share this genuine slice of the Italian dream with more than one lucky individual.”

For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

 

Forget the politics – you CAN own your dream home in Italy and at only a fraction of the cost!

by Georgina Italy

It’s been a tumultuous time for Italy of late. With political deadlock resulting from the recent elections, the shock resignation of Pope Benedict XVI and the National Statistic Institute’s confirmation that the economy shrank by 2.4% in 2012, Italian citizens have been left battered and bruised by their country’s latest series of crises.

Yet despite their government’s political turmoil and high level of debt, Italians have a history of saving that is helping them through the turbulent times. A recent study by Unicredit and Pioneer Investments reported that Italian savings actually total €8.5 trillion – over four times the country’s public debt. In addition, according to the Italian Banking Association, Italy had higher household financial assets than both Germany and France in 2011. But with the overall tax burden continuing to increase, the average Italian’s financial situation is very much on the turn.

One particularly unpopular tax change has been to Italy’s unified property tax (IMU). The tax had been abolished in 2008 under Silvio Berlusconi’s government, but reintroduced in 2012 by Mario Monti in his efforts to save the country from a bail-out. The change was desperately unpopular, with Italy’s largest trade union (CGIL) claiming that IMU’s reintroduction had pushed Italian families’ property costs up to more than 30% of their total expenditure. Electoral candidates promised to revisit the situation and either lower or abolish the tax. Silvio Berlusconi went so far as to promise repayments to those who had paid it. With the muddled outcome of the election process, though, no clear plan has yet been agreed for revising or phasing out the detested IMU.

For foreigners looking to invest in Italy’s property market, all this uncertainty could be understandably off-putting but thankfully, family-run, UK-based company Appassionata has come up with the ideal solution. Based in the beautiful Le Marche area of central Italy, the company’s Estate Giacomo Leopardi offers fractional ownership of two stunningly renovated houses: Casa Giacomo, of which all fractions have been sold, and neighbouring Casa Leopardi. Fractional ownership offers those wanting to retreat to the Italian countryside everything they could desire at a fraction of the cost.

Appassionata’s founder Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs explains,“We wanted to give people the opportunity to share in the wonders of Italy, without the hassle and expense of managing a fulltime property. Our owners are able to enjoy the estate, share in the produce from its vineyards, olive groves and truffle orchard, and relax in the sunshine. We have removed all the usual hassles of having a holiday home abroad, so instead of having to deal with gardening and maintenance issues the moment they arrive, our owners can just drop their cases and begin relaxing by the pool.”

Each owner enjoys five full weeks’ use of Casa Leopardi per year. Interior designer Dawn has blended local artefacts with carefully selected antiques to create a traditionally elegant Italian vibe within the property. Outdoors, breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea and the distant Sibillini Mountains complete the idyllic picture.

Only a few fractions of Casa Leopardi remain and at the current special price of just £175,000 they are expected to sell fast. For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Hey big spender! Brits part with 1.46 billion euros in Spain during 2012

by Georgina Italy

“Recession, what recession?” some may say as Brits proved the biggest spenders in 2012, parting with a total of 1.46 billion euros, up 12% from 2011, according to data provided by the Spanish Government. The French came in second at 515 million euros, up 16.6%, whilst spending from Scandinavian tourists grew by 17.5% and the Irish by 32%.

Data further revealed that the average daily expenditure reached 76.3 euros during 2012, up 8.9%, with an average stay of 12 days per visitor.

Indeed the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism’s latest report (Jan 2013) on spending by foreign tourists last year reveals that throughout the Valencia Community (home to the Alicante province which generated 70% of turnover), spending by foreign tourists amounted to 4.84 billion euros in total, 9.4% more than last year.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Manager for leading Spanish homes builder Taylor Wimpey España comments,

“Spain has indeed been through a challenging period but seeing the continual rise of tourists and associated spend to the country as a whole and the Costa Blanca specifically is immensely reassuring for both current and prospective property owners.

“Improved personal finances and a decrease in holiday prices have contributed to rising tourist levels, helping to alleviate some of the stresses on the Spanish economy. And of course, with the continued ease of access to Spain, particularly the Costa Blanca with new flights scheduled from the UK to Alicante starting this spring, we fully expect Spain remain a top tourist as well as holiday home destination in 2013.”

A case in point
Taylor Wimpey Espana’s client, Penelope Askew, 65, from Essex spent a lifetime being sensible and saving her hard earned pennies but finally saw an opportunity to fulfil her dream of owning a home abroad. She wanted a property within easy reach of the UK and fell in love with the Lagunas del Sol development on the Costa Blanca, only a 2 hour flight away.

She says:
“I recently retired and have been careful with money all of my adult life. I saw the opportunity to buy a 2 bedroom holiday home in a brilliant location for a competitive price and jumped at the chance to spend more time in warmer climes in a home away from home in Spain.

“There’s always something to do… whether on the beautifully manicured golf courses or enjoying the sunshine on the stunning beaches. Lagunas del Sol has lovely swimming pools with plenty of room for relaxing or if I fancy going further afield slightly inland, the Costa Blanca has caves with resident artisans and in many of the towns there are weekday markets with local traders selling their goods.

“Taylor Wimpey España made my Spanish holiday home dream a reality. From start to finish I found the process of owning my own piece of the Costa Blanca hassle free. My queries were dealt with immediately and a friendly contact in Spain was always available to provide detail to assist with purchasing my home.”

With award winning beaches, easy access to Alicante and San Javier airport in Murcia, Benidorm an hour away and Cartegena half an hour, the Costa Blanca is a well-known tourist destination with a gorgeous sea port. It’s easy to see why people come here time and again!

And if like Penelope you want to make that holiday more permanent then Lagunas del Sol is the perfect choice for a holiday home. Set in a charming rural area and located close to the heart of Rojales, the development comprises townhouses designed in a natural setting and very close to the beautiful beaches that this area is famous for.

All the properties are being built to excellent specifications boasting 3 bedrooms, a garden, private parking and enjoy outstanding views towards the swimming pools and gardens, available now from just €139.840.

For more information contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com . If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244 .

Enjoy your Golden Years for a fraction of the cost in Italy – ranked top retirement destination

by Georgina Italy

Italy has long been renowned as a popular holiday destination. Steeped in history and culture, with a delightful climate, stunning architecture and fine food and wine, it seems that it has something to offer everyone. Recent reports have also shown that Italy’s popularity as a retirement destination is on the rise, with both The Huffington Post and AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) recently ranking Italy as one of the top destinations for those looking to retire abroad.

With people living longer and technology making the world ever smaller, more and more retirees are seeking out sun-drenched destinations in which to spend their golden years. With its temperate Mediterranean climate, healthy diet and robust healthcare system, Italy is an obvious choice.
The World Health Organisation, in its World Health Report 2000 (the last year in which rankings were published), ranked Italy as second in the world for healthcare, topped only by France. More recently, the American Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook ranked Italy as tenth in the world for life expectancy (at 81.86 years according to the 2012 figures).
Indeed for those of retirement age, Le Marche has been tipped by the AARP as the best Italian region to retire to and with the area boasting both stunning coastline and the raw beauty of the Apennine Mountains, it is easy to see why.
Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, Founder of family-run company Appassionata, which offers fractional ownership of two unique homes on the    Estate Giacomo Leopardi in Le Marche, explains what makes the area so attractive,
“Bordering five other Italian regions as well as the Adriatic Sea, Le Marche is said to showcase all of Italy within one region. Unspoilt countryside, fantastic seafood and glorious sunshine abound – who could resist falling in love with such a place?”
Dawn and husband Michael Hobbs have spent years developing Estate Giacomo Leopardi in order to share this wonderful region with other aficionados of the Italian lifestyle. As well as the two carefully restored and tastefully appointed homes, the estate features vineyards, olive groves, a truffle orchard and a lavender plantation. Owners of the fractional shares in the houses also benefit from the treats that these extensive grounds produce. As Michael explains,
“Fractional ownership means that we can offer our owners so much more – their share in the house comes with a swimming pool, all weather tennis court, spectacular landscaped gardens and breath-taking views, as well as a share in the estate’s produce. We have just completed our first wine production from the Estate and our inaugural batch of lavender oil which was distilled locally is now available.”
One tenth shares in Appassionata’s five bedroom/five bathroom Casa Leopardi are currently available for the special price of £175,000. Buyers enjoy exclusive access to the property and grounds for five full weeks per year, enabling them to own their own slice of Le Marche for a fraction of the cost. Fractional ownership is the ideal way to own property abroad for those who are not yet of an age to retire – buyers enjoy superior properties, which are beautifully maintained in their absence and about which they don’t have to worry. It’s the stress-free way of owning a holiday home in the perfect location.
For more information contact Appassionata on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Indulge your passion for Italy for a fraction of the cost with Appassionata’s fractional ownership offer

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Whether you are looking for fine food and wine, historic surroundings, bright sunshine or incredible scenery, Italy has something to offer everyone. According to a recent survey from Fly.com, Italy has topped the list of countries that travellers from the US most want to visit, far outstripping traditional destinations such as the UK and France.

It seems that Italy is transforming into the exclusive European holiday destination. Recent figures from the Bank of Italy show that whilst the country received fewer visitors in 2012 than in the previous year, international tourists spent almost 3% more while there – a strong indication that Italy is fast becoming the destination of choice for wealthier travellers.

And indeed smart tourists are making the most of the unspoilt essence of Italy by visiting regions like Le Marche. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea and the Sibillini Mountains in central Italy, this undulating landscape is dotted with picturesque villages offering a true taste of rural Italy – the perfect antidote to the stresses of modern living.

The Hobbs were one such family quick to recognise Le Marche’s potential. In 2004 they purchased the stunning Estate Giacomo Leopardi and a short time later founded their company, Appassionata, as a means of sharing their love of the Italian lifestyle with a select few individuals. Appassionata now offers fractional ownership of the two properties on Estate Giacomo Leopardi, as well as a share of the organic produce from its extensive olive groves, vineyards, lavender plantation and truffle orchard.

The five acre estate is home to these two exceptional properties, lovingly restored by this family-owned and family-run company. Casa Giacomo is a newly built four bedroom, three bathroom property, which has already sold out, while Casa Leopardi has been sympathetically restored to create a stunning five bedroom, five bathroom ´home away from home.’ As a qualified interior designer, owner Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs has ensured that the properties have a luxurious, boutique feel, while remaining in keeping with their tranquil surroundings. Dawn explains:

“With a setting this stunning, we wanted to ensure that the homes were as beautiful as their environment, with unique features and indulgent décor. We offer people the chance to own a luxury property and share in the wonderful lifestyle ventures made possible by the breadth of the estate. Fractional ownership means that buyers can enjoy the dream Italian lifestyle at only a fraction of the cost.”

A one tenth share of Casa Leopardi is currently available for the special price of just £175,000. For this, buyers can enjoy exclusive use of the property for five weeks per year, including the estate’s landscaped gardens, swimming pool, all weather tennis court and spectacular panoramic views. Within the house, spacious, light-filled rooms combine with outside terraces and unique touches to create an elegant, relaxed vibe.

The rise of Italy as an exclusive destination combined with the benefits of fractional ownership make Appassionata’s Casa Leopardi a truly exceptional lifestyle investment for smart purchasers seeking to indulge their passion for Italy and possess their own slice of the Italian dream. For more information contact Appassionata today on 0039 073 465 8775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Love for “la dolce vita” is in the air as Appassionata appoints AB Property Marketing Ltd

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it seems perfect timing for husband and wife team, Dawn and Michael Cavanagh-Hobbs of Fractional Ownership company Appassionata to appoint leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd to spread the word about their passion for Italy.

 

Dawn and Michael first fell in love with Le Marche on their travels to the region back in 2004 and soon decided that the alluring combination of unspoilt countryside, sea, mountains and an incredible quality of life was where they wanted to call home.

 

After acquiring the Estate Giacomo Leopardi, Michael, an entrepreneur and Dawn, a qualified interior designer with over 20 years’ experience, selected the Fractional Ownership route for their two properties, Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, enabling more than one single owner to fall in love with these unique homes located near the gorgeous medieval town of Montefiore dell’Aso.

 

Dawn and Michael have spent years lovingly restoring the stunning properties on the Estate Giacomo Leopardi, successfully selling all fractions of Casa Giacomo and now offering one tenth fractions of the 420m2 Casa Leopardi for £175,000.

 

Now, almost a decade after first setting foot in Le Marche, known as “Italy all in one region” which borders Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Abruzzo, Lazio and the Adriatic Sea, Appassionata have appointed leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd to share their passion for “la dolce vita” with the world.

 

Commenting on the appointment, Dawn Cavanagh -Hobbs says,

 

“We have worked very hard as a family over the years to sympathetically restore Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi to their former glory. Michael and I are proud of what we have achieved and simply want to share our experience and what the Estate has to offer, via the experts at AB Property Marketing, with other like-minded people who are passionate about Italy and Italian property.”

 

With a superb personal story, hundreds of high resolution images of the properties (before, during and after the renovations) and the five acre Estate complete with vineyards, olive groves and a truffle orchard, access to a number of international owners as well as first-hand knowledge of both the Fractional Ownership and Italian property market and interior design expertise, Appassionata has a wealth of information to offer the media.

 

As Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, explains,

 

“It is rare that you come across such a unique property company such as Appassionata. What Michael and Dawn have created over the last decade is something really special and the sheer number of delighted Fractional Owners is testament to this. I personally have always had a soft spot for Italy and so it is wonderful to be able to blend business with pleasure and promote Appassionata and their properties.”

 

For more information about Appassionata and media requests please contact the team at AB Property Marketing on +44 845 054 7524, email Charlotte at charlotte@abpropertymarketing.co.uk, visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk or www.appassionata.com. 

Getting to know… Michael & Dawn Cavanagh- Hobbs from Appassionata

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 

How would you describe your business title?  
 
Michael Hobbs – Entrepreneur, Adventurer and Truffle Grower! I am also the owner and founder of Appassionata, the boutique fractional ownership business in the heart of the Le Marche region of Italy. 
 
What made you decide that Italy was the best country to set up a new business?
 
Italy is one of the most iconic countries in the world. The landscape, people, food, wine, history and culture all create the rich tapestry that is Italy…………“la dolce vita”. It is also one of the top countries in the world that people would like to visit on holiday.
 
What was the vision behind Appassionata?
 
To create something magical, reflecting our life experiences and incorporating our strong family values.
Appassionata was born from the hearts and minds of my wife Dawn, a successful interior designer and I. We wanted a way of sharing our love of Italy with a discerning and select group of people.
 
The business is boutique in nature and style, family run and aimed at like-minded people who want to experience the real Italy and a luxurious lifestyle. We are not a large faceless corporation; our philosophy is to exceed owner’s expectations.
 
Why do you think Le Marche makes the ideal location to spend time?
 
Le Marche is one of Italy´s best kept secrets.The area still remains relatively undiscovered by mass tourism and retains a taste of authentic Italy. Close to the Adriatic Sea and Sibillini Mountains it has something for everyone. It’s Italy in one region.
 
Is it still safe to buy in Italy?
 
Of course, Italy operates a very effective land registry system with strong legal controls. It is an integral part of Europe and has great appeal to international property buyers especially Americans who love to holiday here.
 
As part of our operating model we have created a simple and straightforward ownership structure, based in the UK. The property is owned by a non-trading, UK registered company which has been established to operate the estate on behalf of all its owners.  Title to the estate is held in perpetuity by the UK based company, fully protecting the owners.
 
As with other real estate, ownership may be sold, willed, transferred or placed in a trust at any time. Transfer of ownership is straightforward and Appassionata has handled all of the complexities and substantial costs involved in purchasing an Italian property, on behalf of its owners. 
 
What has been Appassionata’s biggest success so far?
 
Selling out of our first phase of the development (Casa Leopardi) in just over a year, selling two shares in our second phase (Casa Giacomo) before we had finished the property and the number of very positive testimonials we continue to receive from our owners and their guests.
 
The UK press indicate that the Italy is in decline, what is it like for you living much of the year there and what would you say to prospective clients to allay any fears?
 
What the press say and what we experience are two different things. There is no doubt that Italy, like the rest of Europe has economic challenges to deal with. What you experience when staying in the area though is quite different.
 
The Italians have such a zest for life and make the most of their environment and culture. On a day to day basis we really don’t see many changes and the local Italians, with their strong family values, keep their community together and enjoy their lives with the same pace and passion. Come and visit us and decide for yourselves how wonderful Le Marche is and experience its sweet life.
 
Who is buying in Italy? Has there been a change in demographics?
 
A mixture of nationalities and demographic types but it depends on the type and location of property. At Appassionata we have a cross section of European, Scandinavian and American owners and generally high net worth individuals buying without finance.
 
With the fall in the euro, what advantage does this offer British buyers?
 
Your pound certainly goes further, especially in Le Marche where a glass of wine is between €1 and €2.50.
An excellent, six course Italian meal, including wine, water and coffee for £20.00, need I say more?!
 
Why do you feel fractional ownership is a better option for people considering buying in Italy?
Fractional ownership is fast becoming the smartest way to enjoy the benefits of owning a luxurious holiday home in Italy at a fraction of the cost of buying a holiday home outright. Fractional Ownership allows you to increase your buying power and significantly reduce the annual running costs.
Our fractional ownership opportunity also offers exclusive occupancy of your chosen property and access to shared grounds for each of your residency weeks, a share of wine, olive oil, lavender oil and truffles/truffle oil produced from the estate as well as the opportunity to generate income from rentals.
 
For more information about Michael and Dawn Cavanagh- Hobbs and the opportunities available through Appassionata contact them today on 0039 0734 658 775 or visit www.appassionata.com.

Infographic – Italy: At a Glance

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Abruzzo is Italy’s most popular region for property, according to TheMoveChannel.com’s At a Glance infographic.

The infographic, which displays buyer activity on the overseas property portal from the last 12 months, shows that Abruzzo attracted the most attention, receiving 24.09 per cent of enquiries for Italian real estate in the last year.

Lombardy came in a close second, taking 17.42 per cent of enquiries, while traditional favourite Tuscany attracted 10.40 per cent, earning it third place. The map reveals a wide range of demand for homes in Italy but together, the top three regions accounted for over half of all Italian property enquiries on the site since April 2011.

The least popular area was Friuli Venezia Giulia, accounting for just 0.05 per cent of enquiries, narrowly beaten by Aosta Valley (0.13 per cent), Trentino-Alto Adige (0.18 per cent) and Emilia-Romagna (0.18 per cent).

While Abruzzo’s ascension above the more typical tourist destinations may come as a surprise, its absence from Italy’s top 10 destinations is even more unexpected. In the last 12 months, Portofino was the most-searched for location, with 5.52 per cent of house hunters looking to Liguria for the Italian Riviera lifestyle after Wayne Rooney was married there in 2008.

Coastal towns, such as Bari and Tropea, also attracted attention and Tuscany’s share of the Riviera brought buyers to Viareggio. But not even Wayne Rooney’s wedding could compare to the allure of Lombardy’s Lake Como, where George Clooney famously owns a holiday home. Lombardy may have lost out to Abruzzo in overall enquiries, but thanks to Como’s charm, the region accounts for three of the Italy’s most popular locations.

The infographic also analyses Google search behaviour over the last year. Buyers tend to search generally for “property for sale in Italy” or “property in Italy”, with activity peaking in July, when the phrases were used in 2,400 and 880 searches respectively. As with previous European infographics, “houses for sale in italy” are the most popular type of real estate. Conversely, “apartments for sale in Italy” and “land for sale in Italy” were used in almost no searches at all.

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “Italy: At a Glance shows some intriguing trends in one of Europe’s most familiar property markets. Unlike Portugal or Spain, there is no clear winner on the property map and Abruzzo’s slight authority remains surprising, especially given the comparative level of interest in close rival Lombardy. The popularity of destinations outside of Abruzzo suggests that many investors already know where they want to buy in Italy, with that crucial extra 7 per cent attracted to property in Abruzzo for other reasons, such as price. “

Click here to view the full infographic.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.themovechannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.
 

Booming Italian tourism creates plentiful investment opportunities for British buyers

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Italy has it all. From beautiful art to delicious food, stunning and varied countryside to flamboyant fashion, it is hardly surprising that the love of la dolce vita is not waning with the Italian tourism market booming, welcoming more than 43.2 million visitors a year. So, if you are looking to buy second property you will be pleased to know that there are large profits to made and plentiful investment opportunities to be had.
 

Italy’s focus on attracting tourists from emerging markets in 2010 saw visitor numbers increase by 2.2% compared to the rest of Europe’s overall 2.5% increase according to The Travel Industry Global Overview by Euromonitor International resulting in Italy outperforming the rest of the wider travel and tourism Eurozone industry.
 

With Italian tourism finding its feet again combined with stabilising property prices and a 1.3% GDP growth in 2010, not to mention the abolition of inheritance tax, membership of the EU and bank guarantee on property purchases, potential property buyers along with holiday home investors who predominantly drive the market, will now be on the lookout for their perfect Italian property to reap the rewards.
 

A particularly popular tourist destination, Calabria located on the tip of the southern Italian peninsula, with its fine cuisine, spectacular natural scenery and friendly local hospitality has emerged as the destination of choice for many people and along with Ryanair and Monarch Airlines providing flights from London to Lamezia Terme International, Calabria offers great potential to anyone looking to invest in a property abroad.
 

Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the Calabria property experts, explains,
 

“Calabria was Italy’s best kept secret for many years but now the region has been discovered and is charming not only British holiday makers and property buyers but also Germans, Russians, Polish and Scandinavian nationals seeking stunning scenery, a Mediterranean climate and affordable living within a few hours flight.”
 

For potential buyers looking for their perfect Italian property, Experience International has two amazing developments based in the stunning Calabria province.
 

Le Palme, located in Santa Domenica is a high specification development starting at €200,000 and has 4 two bedroom apartments of which only two remain available. Situated near a stretch of beautiful coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea this area is hugely admired by those in the know as one of Italy´s finest holiday destinations. Surrounded by a number of restaurants, it is a 2 minute walk from Capo Vaticano and a 5 minute walk to the dazzling sandy beach.
 

Nestled in the heart of Calabria’s agricultural landscape, the stunning Giardino Mediterraneo development is situated amongst strawberry fields and olive groves and has 3 two bed two bath villettas available along a gorgeous coast line starting at €229,000. Located 15 minutes from the airport by car, 10 minutes to Pizzo and only a 3 minute walk to the beach, Giardino Mediteranio is perfect  for a  relaxing holiday or as an attractive investment property.
 

For more information on these opportunities please contact Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 

Calabria – Firmly Back on Overseas Property Buyers’ Radars in 2011

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 The land of wine, the City of Bronze; the Coast of the Gods; Calabria has been known by many names throughout the centuries, it is now is had firmly established itself as a property investment hot-spot. One of Italy’s best kept secrets, Calabria has emerged as the destination of choice for many people looking to invest in a property abroad with great potential.

 

Located on the tip of the southern Italian peninsula, the province has much to offer in the way of fine cuisine, stunning natural scenery and friendly local hospitality. Not only do the cities have a rich heritage which includes both Greek and Roman influences, the region also boasts some of Italy’s most noted vineyards.

 

An all-year round tourist resort, Calabria offers a warm Mediterranean climate that caters to both sun-aficionados and winter sports enthusiasts. The EU has committed funds to improve the areas infrastructure and transport networks as part of the 2007-13 EU cohesion plan. 

 

Italy’s abolition of inheritance tax, its full membership of the EU and bank guarantee on property, meaning that should a developer default on the build the client’s funds will be protected, all make the nation a favourable investment environment. In addition, there is no capital gains tax on a property that is resold after 5 years.

 

Those who already own property in Calabria will be pleased to hear that low-cost airline Ryanair will be re-introducing the very much in demand route from London to Lemezia Terme International in April this year. Monarch airlines will also be commencing routes this summer, reflecting the popularity of Calabria as both a tourist and second-home destination.

 

One development in particular in Calabria which has been attracting a lot of attention is the Zambrone Beach resort which offers luxury apartments with amazing sea views from only 229,000 Euros. There is direct access to a private beach, a roof top Jacuzzi and BBQ area. 60% finance is available and properties can be reserved with a mere 3000 Euros.

 

For investors who are looking for their perfect Italian villa, the Baia Verde resort is an excellent option. A detached 3 bedroom fully furnished villa can be purchased from 325,000 Euros. This low-density development offers investors their own pocket of Italian rural charm yet is located only 10 minutes away from the nearest beach.

 

Experience International, the Italian property experts, is offering prospective buyers the chance to inspect a range of apartments and villas in Calabria with their tailored discovery tours for only £99 per person including accommodation and flights.

 

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International comments,

 

“Calabria was Italy’s best kept secret for many years but now the region has been discovered and is charming not only British holiday makers and property buyers but also Germans, Russians, Polish and Scandinavian nationals seeking stunning scenery, a Mediterranean climate and affordable living within a few hours flight.”

 

If you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 for an overview and further information, or visit www.experience-international.com.