Calabria property investment is starting to hit the spotlight as an increasing number of overseas property investors and second home buyers are heading to this untouched and beautiful southern most region of Italy.

One would expect the property prices in Italy to be high and they are in the North and traditional destinations like Tuscany. This is because Italy does have a lot of wealth and cultural treasures especially in many of the traditional cities like Rome, Venice, and Milan for example where property prices are quite expensive.

However there is quite an inequality or difference with regard to the wealth of the north of Italy and the more traditional destinations than that of the southern most regions and especially Calabria which has traditionally relied on farming and agricultural sources of income.

And because of the lack of wealth and built up infrastructure in Calabria the price of properties is a lot lower. This of course is changing as the region is gaining more investment and exposure which is leading to Tourism growth and interest from foreign property investors, the market is now growing rapidly.

Calabria is now establishing itself as one of the newest and exciting emerging property markets in the Europe if not the world.

As one of the leading property developers recently stated; 

‘Calabria is the last coastal region on the north of the Mediterranean that can offer such affordable property characteristic of an emerging market – i.e. a lot lower price than similar properties in similar European destinations like Spain, France and other parts of Italy’

We tend to agree as all the facts are clear; Calabria is an emerging market with massive potential.

Here is a quick list of some of the reasons why Calabria property investment is becoming the investment choice of 2008.

Let’s start with the natural attractions;

• 800km of some of Italy’s most scenic coastlines
• inspiringly dramatic awe-inspiring cliffs where the mountains plunge into the sea
• secluded coves, picturesque and quaint seaside towns and villages
• white sand beaches with crystal clear warm waters
• To the north you will find stunning high mountains and alpine ranges that offer superb skiing and snowboarding locations.

These facts also highlight the excellent tourist Potential:
Calabria has always been one of the popular destinations with Italians looking for sun, sea, sand and cuisine, relaxation, and peace & quiet.

Although if you like more active leisure pastimes then you will be happy to know that Calabria also offers more active pursuits like water sports, hiking, sightseeing, exploring and during the winter season you can enjoy excellent skiing and snow boarding in the beautiful alpine mountains.

Calabria tourist numbers are on the increase and as such new international property developers have moved into the area and are building many new tourist resorts in and around the traditional towns and villages such as Tropea, Pizzo, Mareta, and Crotone for example.

Tropea was given the number 1 beach holiday spot in The Sunday Times Top 20 Beach Holiday report published January 2007.

Most of the new Calabria property developments are being built with world-class facilities including golf, spa, horse riding, dining and many others superb activities including children’s activities all wrapped up in the dramatic scenery, pristine white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise warm waters and historical sites and attractions.

Add to this the sunny weather, fantastic local cuisines and traditional Italian way of life that Calabria offers then it is no surprise that the region is now appearing on many tour operators and holiday companies’ brochures so more and more people from both Italy and other European countries are visiting Calabria.

The statistics for tourism visitor numbers to Calabria are steadily increasing as the area is gaining exposure, investment and development.

Here are a few of the economic and financial points;
The regional authorities and government have now identified the massive tourism potential that Calabria offers and as such are now encouraging tourism to the region. The Italian government has pledged 100 billion Euros of national and European Union investment funds into a 2007 – 2013 cohesion plan of developing the South Coast of Italy which of course includes Calabria.

Being a young property market the property prices are still relatively low although prices have been increasing year on year experts have still predicted that property prices should increase by 15% - 20%+ a year for the new few years at least.

You can purchase a luxury apartment for £35.000 and the cost of living with regard to food, dining out, and entertainment is a fraction of that in the UK.

Add this capital growth prediction to the very positive rental potential because of the increasing tourist demand for quality residential accommodation then it is clear to see why Calabria property investment is growing in popularity

To summarise;
Thanks to the magnificently beautiful coastline and beaches with crystal clear warm waters and the spectacular mountain landscapes that Calabria offers along with the

The low cost of living with current low property prices and world-class resorts and facilities it is clear to see why Calabria property is emerging as one of the main hot spots for 2008.

To learn more about Calabria then visit our site www.calabria-property-investment.co.uk to download your copy of the Calabria region and property buyers’ guide.