If you look at the latest figures released by the Agenzia del Territorio—the Italian equivalent of the Land Registry—€150,000 should buy you a flat of just under 100 square metres (the national average price being €1,536 per square metre - see also this story). But of course there is no such thing as a national average property. If in the South prices are usually cheaper, in the North and Centre nearly half the comuni see higher values than the national average. And sought-after locations, even in the South, command hefty premiums—Capri, for example, is about nine times more expensive than average. So what can you really buy with up to €150,000? We have selected three interesting properties on the market today—one in the North, one in the Centre and one in the South.
Studio, Roja Valley apartments, Airole, Liguria
An old customs house stands in luxuriant gardens in Airole, an ancient village in the Mercantour National Park in Western Liguria. Probably dating from the late 19th century, it was strategically situated to intercept the dues of the trade between Liguria and the French Riviera. Today, it intercepts something very different—property buyers who want a place at the crossroads between cerulean sea and rugged mountains, generous Italy and sophisticated France.
The stuccoed stone house has been converted into ten apartments of different sizes and design. Each has views over the river valley. The studio flat, which is priced at €149,000, has a living, dining and kitchen area, one bedroom and one bathroom. Three two-bedroom apartments are also available starting from €219,000.
Owners will have access to a communal swimming pool and two sandy beach areas for relaxation, but the sea—part of the National Maritime Park stretching from Nice to Genoa and home to dolphins, porpoises and super-yachts—is only 8 miles down the road. The flower-strewn streets of San Remo, the snowy slopes of Limone Piemonte, the glitzy life of Montecarlo and the ancient houses and airport of Nice are all less than an hour’s drive away.
But the countryside around Airole—a wild stretch of woodland, rivers, ravines, lakes and mountains—is a draw in its own right, as are the local olives, truffles, mushrooms and cheeses. For further information, contact Riviera Apartments on +44 (0)1327 261262, www.rivierahomes.net.
Giacomo, Todi, Umbria
In the heart of historic Todi, in an ancient cream-white building, a heavy wooden door opens and leads to Giacomo. Which, despite having a man’s name, is a tastefully renovated apartment on the mezzanine floor.
The spacious interiors (the flat is about 70 square metres) blend traditional materials—original rovere oak floorings, terracotta tiles, wooden doors and gently arching doorways—with a contemporary layout that sees a large open-plan room split into living, dining and sleeping areas, with separate kitchenette and bathroom. This, together with white walls and large windows, makes the room bright and airy. However, it is large enough to be divided in half for buyers who prefer to have a separate bedroom. The living area gives access to a south-facing terrace.
Giacomo is on the market for €150,000 with Welcome Service (+39 075 89 44 531, www.welcomeservice.it).
Villa, near Cassano, Basilicata
Go South and €150,000 will buy you a villa and leave you with some spare cash. This one, near the Calabrian town of Cassano allo Jonio, costs just €135,000. It is a brick red two-bedroom house sheltered by tall trees and set in 700 square metres of lovely lawned gardens.
Inside, details such as exposed stones and a fireplace give it a rustic charm, while outside, a patio just by the front door is perfect to dine alfresco or simply make the most of the toasty Mediterranean weather.
The villa, which also has private car spaces, is part of a residence complex and owners have access to a communal swimming pool and tennis court. It is on the market with Casa Travella (+44 01322 660988, www.casatravella.com).
