Subject: Where to Buy?
Author: teachick
Date Posted: 04 May 2004
Message:
Hi again,

I am wondering if it is better to buy an apartment in a good-sized town, or a house on the outskirts of one. I love the country, but do not want to be too isolated. Also, it needs to be in an area that is appealing to prospective renters for when I am not there.

I love Florence, the Amalfi Coast, and Tuscany. But, I am truly open to your ideas. Is there an area that I should be investigating that is still very affordable? I just want charm, warmth, and a slice of the good life!
Thank you - TC
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Subject:
Author: decobabe
Date Posted: 05 May 2004
Message:
I think it depends enormously on your resources. If I had it to do again, I would look in le Marches, because real estate prices here have tripled and I couldn't afford it here. I would choose Corinaldo, which is so pretty I drive over there just to look at it. It must be said that you have to ask locals to keep their ears open for a house being sold because they are rarely listed with agents, but I would find it worth it.
Others here would recommend other towns, but many would recommend le Marches. Puglia is coming along, but the problem for me is that so few renters know Puglia or Abruzzo.
Of course if you have lots of money to spend, both Umbria and Tuscany have good recognition factors.
I bought a country place. It is one third of an old villa. It is also 6 km from the city line and 9 km from Piazza Matteotti, our gathering place. It doesn't seem far to me until fog settles in. I have walked it, but couldn't do my weekly shopping on foot. My house is now worth more than 4 times what I paid for it, and double the cost plus the renovations.
My friends who have asked me to find them rentals nearby all asked for pools. For that you need countryside and land. I don't have the land for a pool. It depends on the market you aim for, and how booked up you need to be.
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Subject:
Author: Conner
Date Posted: 07 May 2004
Message:
Hi,

My wife and I just bought an apartment in a medieval village in the Sabina Valley. The village is called Casperia.

You can purchase apartments in many old old village for a relatively low price. The key for us was having some Italian friends we had met while on vacation help us through the process.

There are oh so many old delipated buildings for sale, but it's important to find someone who you can trust to do the reconstructive work.

If you end up looking in the Sabina valley, we know a wonderful Italian who rebuilds old buildings. His work in very good.

You can check this site http://www.caseinsabina.com for listings.

Ciao