Skip to content

Abruzzo is the next Languedoc, property experts claim

Abruzzo is less than an hour from beaches on Italy's Adriatic coast, less than an hour from ski slopes and Rome is a 90 minute drive away.

It isn't new resort type properties but a vast number of properties left derelict after the Second World War that are coming onto the market and creating a property boom in the area, according to Lief Simon of International Living.

'Abruzzo's population sought opportunities elsewhere after World War II, leaving many properties vacant. But now owners are selling these properties which means dozens of small houses and apartments are currently on the market at prices below €30,000. If you've got €50,000 to spend, your choice of properties goes into the hundreds.

Most of the properties need complete renovation but they are well worth the investment according to Nikki di Girolamo, whose company specialises in sales, renovation services, and rental management in the area.

'It is still an unknown area but very beautiful and a great location. Owning a property here costs a lot less than people realise. Prices are 50% less than in Tuscany,' she said.

'Few places in the world offer ski-ing in the morning and sailing in the afternoon. Plus there is easy access to the international airport in Rome and the regional airport at Pescara already has flights from England, Germany and Spain,' she added.

In fact Simon is so confident he claims everyone will be talking about the region soon. 'I believe that everything is in place for the Abruzzo region to take off, just like the Languedoc region took off in France. In the Languedoc, a new high speed train from Paris and low cost flights into the provincial capital drew the attention of domestic and international tourists. The French went there to buy second homes; foreigners bought for retirement. The appreciation in the Languedoc in the past five years has been strong and steady, and a good model for what will happen in Abruzzo,' he predicted.

'You should figure on holding the renovated property for five years as I'd expect steady growth early on and then perhaps bigger appreciation in three to five years. Plus, own property in Italy for five years and you pay no capital gains taxes,' he added.

Related