Tuscany still popular with Brits buying property in Italy

Owning a farmhouse in the beautiful rolling landscape of Tuscany is a dream for many Brits.  Whilst large farmhouses may be out of the reach of many British buyers, it is still possible to pick up affordable property in Tuscany.  And, with property prices in Italy not suffering in the same way as in other countries over recent years, the potential for capital growth is good.

Property price in Italy will stabilise over the long term

Karen Ross of Casa Tuscany recently gave readers of the Daily Mail the benefit of her advice.  She said: “Consider a house or an apartment in a village, not a city.  Tuscany is expensive in most areas, but for more affordable prices, look to the north of Lucca.

“It is beautiful, reasonably close to both the sea and the mountains and only an hour from Florence.”

And, if you are considering investing in Italian property, the potential for capital growth is good.  Rupert Fawcett of agents Knight Frank said: “The second-homes market has fared relatively well compared with some other European destinations.  Prices dipped during the recession but will stabilise over the long term.”

Small apartments can offer good value

The Daily Mail highlights the value available in some smaller property in Italy.  The newspaper reports that ‘the seven one-bedroom apartments and other properties that remain of the 40 faux-medieval homes built in the hamlet of Guardistallo match the architectural splendour of Tuscany’s ancient buildings.’

Properties such as these generally come with a communal swimming pool and are available for around £125,000.  And, there is potential to generate an income from letting out your property when you are not using it yourself.  Linda Travella of Casa Travella said: “You can expect to make £500 a week in summer with active marketing.

“‘Don’t stick to the British market. The Germans like to go there at Easter and the Italians themselves like the area in the summer.”