"Under the Tuscan Sun" - The Movie That Spurs Investment

The 2003 movie, "Under the Tuscan Sun" was allyears for real estate worldwide. Many global real
about a San Francisco writer, Frances Mayes, whoseestate market analysts are predicting a great 2010 for
marriage ends, and she decides to tour Tuscany toItalian real estate.
get out of her writer's block. She falls in love withResidential Properties
Tuscany, and buys a falling-down villa, hiring locals toBuyers of single family residential homes in Italy have
rehabilitate it to its former glory. It's a great story, onebeen on a buying spree in the rural areas outside
you should watch if you haven't already, or if you'remajor cities. If questioned, they cite the easy going and
considering doing rehab investing in Italy.laid back lifestyle in these areas, with easy access to
While UK investors have been less involved in the realthe hustle and bustle of the cities when they want it. In
estate markets of Italy lately, it seems that the Russianfact, that movie was mentioned many times as
investors and vacationers are giving it a thorough look.stimulating their interest in rural Italian homes.
It seems that Italy's real estate hasn't suffered theApartments in Italy
volatility of real estate in Spain and France, soThe limited amount of living space coupled with
European investors have gravitated to those areaspopulation growth have propelled apartment properties
where deeper discounts can be realized. Those deepto the point of being the most often conveyed
discounts aren't prevalent in Italy's market, that is unlessresidential property type in the major cities. Many of
you have romantic movie notions about rundownthese purchasers are investors who then offer the
property opportunities. Russians have heavily investedapartments for rent to longer term business residents
in the Black Sea area and Bulgaria. It's logical that, withfrom outside the country, or to local residents who do
Italy just around the corner, that their attention wouldnot wish to own, or can't in today's economy.
turn to Italy for fun and investment returns.Whether it's vacation property, retirement, or
With Italy declared one of the top five most visitedinvestment that draws one to buy property in Italy,
destinations in the world, it's clear that this popularitythere is ample evidence that the real estate markets
with visitors would translate into real estate investmentthere will continue to flourish into the future.
and a less volatile market during the last few difficult