Italy Proves a Hit with Online Property Buyers

Internet searches for property for sale in Italy have increased significantly, according to recent research by the leading online competitive intelligence service, Hitwise UK.

Earlier this year, the company revealed that a comparative study between online searches carried out in the four weeks leading up to the 4th of August 2007, and the same period in 2006, showed a 24% increase in UK internet searches for property overseas.

While France and Spain were still found to be favoured by Britons browsing online with a view to purchasing property abroad, interest in Italy, Cyprus and Portugal was found to have risen considerably.

"Our properties in Italy’s southeastern region of Puglia have certainly proven popular with UK buyers," explains Angelo Zazzera, managing director of Sweet Homes, experts in real estate solutions and holiday properties in Puglia.

"We believe that this is because, not only are property prices affordable in Puglia, but it’s also such an enchanting area, with something to offer all year round. The natural beauty, history, ancient traditions, culture and spirituality of this beautiful region certainly seem to be capturing the hearts of an increasing number of British buyers looking for property for sale in Italy."

Puglia’s diverse landscapes range from long coastlines and level plains, to wild mountainside covered with thick forest. Fields of wheat and olive groves combine with orchards and rolling hills to provide the perfect contrast to dramatic cliffs and rocky slopes. These same contrasts also apply to the history and culture.

"Puglia is divided into Capitanata, Gargano, Terra di Bari, Murge, Valle d'Itria and Salento; each one is a distinct area with a very different feel, and each has its own unique history, culture and local cuisine," says Mr. Zazzera. "Those seeking a seaside holiday with unspoiled beaches and plenty of sunshine will never be disappointed."

The region’s choice of destinations includes Vieste, Peschici, Manfredonia, Rodi di Gargano, Salento, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto and the Tremiti Islands. The coastline to the south of Bari also has splendid sandy beaches, particularly Monopoli.

Natural beauty of another kind can be found at the spectacular Grotte di Castellana - Italy’s fascinating underground caves in Bari, and at the Zoo Safari di Fasano, the largest safari park in Italy.

"We’re pleased to be able to give people the opportunity to buy or rent property in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions," explains Mr. Zazzera.

"However, we are far more than just an estate agency; we have extensive knowledge of the local property market and experience in meeting the requirements of international clients and the tourism industry. We pride ourselves on offering an innovative service which meets the needs of both sectors."

Sweet Homes offer a wide variety of services including property valuations and estimates; help with legal, financial and tax issues ; mortgage and loan advice; the sale and purchase of residential, commercial and agricultural properties; the rental of residential and commercial properties; technical assistance for restoration and building works including ‘green’ projects; consultancy for the décor and furnishing of holiday properties; assistance with finding tenants for rental properties; holiday property management ; key-holder services including ongoing property maintenance; and consultancy for the start up of tourism-based projects, such as B&Bs.

"Not only do we deliver a comprehensive selection of property-related services, but we also aim to be as flexible as possible in accordance with each client’s individual needs," says Mr. Zazzera. "One of our main goals is to obtain excellent returns on our clients’ investments, with our hands-on approach enabling buyers to invest with complete peace of mind."

Sweet Homes specialise in offering real estate solutions and holiday properties in Puglia.

Click here to read more about the business.

Browse the company’s range of properties in Puglia, Italy now.

© PropertyIndex.com 2007 | Last Updated: 28 November 2007