Italy has been attracting people from all over the world since decades, that were both fascinated by its beautiful landscapes and its ancient history. From the north to the south, including the big and tiny islands, Italy has many different destinations to offer, each of them considered unique of its kind. This, among others, is one of the main reason why international clients and investors have always been interested in purchasing in Italy.
First of all, both visitors and resident are attracted by the various seaside locations, such as Sardinia and Costa Smeralda, with their crystal clear sea, colourful and woody nature; the Amalfi Coast and Capri, their secluded bays, and deep gorges, surrounded by a magical landscape of lush green Mediterranean flora. Apulia is also another important destinations for international customers, as it is considered an interesting region to invest in, as it offers huge landplots at a relatively lower price, where it is possible either to renovate ancient farmhouses “masseria” or to build new ones. If they are not so interested in nature and seaside, but more in history and culture, international clients would better choose Sicily, that boasts a profound history marked by great writers, such as Maupassant, Edmondo De Amicis and Elliot and historic Baroque cities such as Noto, Ragusa and Modica.
Lake Como, Lake Garda and Maggiore Lake are beautiful areas where, by tradition, northern Europeans like to owns their summer properties and then retire from work. Here the climate is definetely warmer than in the North Europe, and they can relax in the private garden of their villa, or go sailing directly from the dock of their pied-dans-l’eau house. Here the most significant feature of the Italian style is the possibility to live apart, far from chaotic cities and their stressful traffic.
This is also the kind of life, that people can experience in some areas of Tuscany, such as the Maremma, where those hide away properties, between hills and small valleys are the best place to choose as home. This region gives the possibility to choose between country and seaside living, thanks to its shoreline of sandy beaches and rocky coastline along the Tyrrhenian sea, where you can find the Elba island, that, with a number of beautiful beaches, woodlands and Medieval villages, is part of the National Reserve of Tuscan Islands. The Maremma appeals to lovers of nature, sport and wine but also to whom simply wants to enjoy the local traditions and discover the rich history.
Among the renowned locations, there are: Saturnia, a spa town that has been inhabited since the Etruscan era; Bolgheri, famous for its landscape as well as its red wines Sassicaia that are here produced with the label Bolgheri DOCG; Capalbio, an exclusive medieval town with ancient walls, Punta Ala, a seaside town known for its harbour and regattas; Porto Ercole on the Mount of Argentario and Talamone, an ancient Etruscan town. As everybody knows, Tuscany is the region where the Renaissance was born, an exciting journey through nature, history and art: a trip to discover the Chianti hills and the sinuous “Crete Senesi”, the Versilia beaches, the medieval villages and the Art Cities, like Florence, where each street and boulevard, coveys the atmosphere of the Renaissance when this city used to be an influential city for art, literature and scientific research, the birthplace of such big names as Dante, Machiavelli and Galileo.
In addition to Florence, other historical and business cities, like Rome or Milan, are still on the top of the international clients’ investment list, not only because they choose to buy a second or third home for short term rentals, but also because they could decide first to visit them before moving there, sometimes permanently, fascinated by the huge number of opportunities offered by a country like Italy.
It is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in the world, which is reflected in the Italian real estate. Taxation on property is very favourable in Italy compared to most other countries, contrary to what is at times assumed. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership in Italy. This is another reason why we expect international clients to choose Italy for purchasing properties and investment.
Article by Italy Sotheby’s International Realty