Cut-price Seaside Apartments In Italy

This is not exactly the most famous beach location in Calabria, the south Italian area on the instep of the country’s boot-shaped landmass. Being blunt it would probably not be considered the most beautiful, not with Diamante and Paola around.

But for home purchasers trying to unearth an affordable deal, the unassuming town of Scalea is our top recommendation for 2012.

The area has all the plus points of more high profile Italian sea retreats – a irresistible sandy beach, crystal azure waters and weather that averages a mild 51 Fahrenheit even in January and that comes close to nearly an average of 78 in August. Then again the month of October sees average readings of approaching 72.5 degrees. However it is when it comes to affordably priced homes – conceivably the most profitable deals one can find across the Italian market at the moment – that it really sticks out.

Property values hover slightly under Euro 1,000 per sq m. In practice it means a 25sq m studio property barely 450 yards from the sea can start at a measly Euro 20,000. A 30sq m one-bedroom sea-view option can change hands for a measly Euro29,000 or Euro 30,000.

By no means the most spacious, however enough for a pair of vacationers – or three or four if they are ready to use the living room to sleep in at night. Throw in the fact that typically both sea and shopping will be less than a 10-minute walk and that is obviously unbeatable value.

For an option slightly more roomy but still eminently modestly priced, a 50sq m twin-bedroom holiday home can start at about Euro48,000 . One may also get one or more of a sea view, terrace and garden within that if you are lucky.

Historically, the average cost of everything away from northern Italy – everything from housing market values down to the cost of a a panino snack – is far more affordable than in regions like Rome, which draw many more foreign holidaymakers and are pricier as a result.

The pace of things in this swathe of Italy tends to be more tranquil. This is, you quickly come to appreciate, traditional Italy. Something that is slowly changing, with foreign visitors increasingly looking at resorts like Scalea in search of better value. Locals have for decades vacationed here of course – meaning that letting scope for your investment is very good.

Bear in mind there is much more to Scalea than affordable homes to purchase Scalea has more than 10,000 locals and has that number increased in July-September as Italians and increasing hordes of Britons and Americans descend on the resort. As well as the breathtaking views, the waters of the Tyrrhenian being overlooked by mountain peaks, the area boasts a rich cultural heritage.

The town rose to prominence as an ancient Byzantine sea port, attracting mercantile tradesmen from around the ancient world. A Byzantine castle and centuries-old wall dominate the old heart of the town, which sits atop the hillside looking down on the sea and the port, which is full of modern hotels and imposing villas.

Reaching to Scalea is easy too. The closest airport is Lamezia Terme, some 75 miles further south, while the airport in Naples is 140 miles by car to the north. Both airports can also be reached by rail as Scalea has a mainline train station.

The author writes about property for sale in Italy at Homes and Villas Abroad. She is also knowledgeable about real estate Puglia and Calabria real estate.