What are your impressions of buying real estate in Italy?

Acquisition of real estate in Italy

Recently, I made a real estate purchase in the heart of Italy. I'm talking about a two-room apartment with an area of 34 square meters, located in Scalea. This property is situated in a modern residential complex, which is located near the Piano Lettieri area. It's only one and a half kilometers to the sea, and I cover that distance by bike in just five to ten minutes. The price of the apartment was30 thousand eurosthat already includes all associated costs.

Impressions from the purchase

When I reflect on my feelings about the purchase, I can identify both positive and negative aspects. This region and Scalea itself left a good impression on me. Although it is not as well-known as northern Italy, I believe that the standard of living here is much higher than in Bulgaria, which still hasn't reached the level of Western Europe. I feel a high quality of life and construction in this area. Additionally, the climate here is simply wonderful, and I am completely satisfied with my expenses. For this price, I would hardly find accommodation of similar quality in other countries. Thus, in terms of price-quality ratio, this is the perfect option for me. The only thing that slightly disappoints me is the agency through which the purchase was made.

The current situation with the apartment

As for my stay in this apartment, I have been in Scalea for six months now. This place has become my main residence, albeit temporarily. I work remotely, which allows me to combine work with relaxation. Most people come here to enjoy the sea, sun, and quality products. The summer season here feels like a real tourist boom, and everyone can sense the atmosphere of a big city. However, I will soon have to consider selling this apartment for personal reasons.

Searching for real estate abroad

Thoughts about buying foreign real estate started to arise after I studied the prices for housing in other countries. I noticed that the cost of an apartment outside of Russia is significantly lower than in Moscow or popular resorts. Initially, I wanted to have an apartment in the Czech Republic, as the language is more familiar to me. However, at that time, purchasing real estate in the country could only be done through a legal entity, which did not suit me. Other countries, such as Bulgaria, Latvia, Egypt, and Turkey, did not attract me at all, as I believe the standard of living and the quality of real estate there leave much to be desired.

The choice of Calabria

Finally, I paid attention to the Italian market, and the prices of apartments in Calabria became decisive for me. I started searching for information online, exploring various portals and companies. In the end, I found a suitable agency and went to Italy to check out the offers.

Why Skalea?

The reason for choosing Scalea was its accessibility compared to other areas of Calabria. In the 1980s, the Italian government decided to develop this region, focusing on the interests of local residents and the population of the nearby metropolis – Naples. This approach made the region quite attractive for both living and vacationing.

The attractiveness of Calabria for investors

In recent years, Calabria has seen a booming real estate sector, leading to the creation of a unique residential complex for Neapolitans. What has prompted developers to focus on this region? Despite the challenging terrain, there are many available plots of land near Scalea for construction projects, and to this day, there are still plenty of such sites. However, in recent years, the pace of construction has significantly slowed down. This raises the question: if mass construction has become less active, can we expect a rise in property prices in the future?

My investments in real estate

Initially, I planned my apartment as a profitable investment; however, unfortunately, I will have to wait some time to see a real increase in prices. Due to the current circumstances, I cannot afford to wait and am forced to put my property up for sale before the expected price increase. If waiting were within my power, I would have the opportunity to earn about€5 thousandthat amounts to more than15%from the initial costs over three years. It is important to note that recently we have been observing a rise in housing prices, which is clearly demonstrated by the offers from local developers.

Change in apartment prices

Even the most budget-friendly apartments today cost approximately€27 thousand...while a year ago their price ranged from...€24to€25 thousandIn the central part of Scalea, near the train station, apartments were priced at€30 thousandand now their price has increased to€35 thousand.

Pros and cons of living in Scalea

When discussing the pros and cons of living in Scalea from the perspective of an apartment owner, it should be noted that although this place is not perfect, there are many positive aspects for me. First of all, the excellent environmental conditions stand out — the weather is wonderful, the nature is beautiful, and the sea is clean. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below+7 degreesThe locals are very friendly, which is partly explained by the fact that tourism is an important source of income for them, as the region does not have the highest earnings.

Security in Scalea

Unlike the neighboring Campania, Calabria is considered a safer area; many tourists are unaware of the local criminal group, 'ndrangheta. In Scalea, even petty crime is virtually nonexistent.

In one of the amazing corners of Italy, in the Basilicata region, lies the picturesque town of Maratea, where a beautiful statue of Christ stands, reminiscent of the famous statue in Rio de Janeiro. The only way to reach this place is by car. However, there is one catch: while it is not difficult to find suitable transportation at a reasonable price, insurance companies do not provide auto insurance for non-residents, which complicates obtaining license plates for a car. Renting a car, on the other hand, can be quite expensive — it ranges from €30 to €100 per day. At the same time, there is an option to purchase a good car for about €1000. One could consider an alternative, such as driving their own car from another European Union country or registering the car in the name of a permanent resident of Italy.

Choosing a neighborhood for purchasing real estate

When planning to buyreal estate in the town of Scalea, it's important to pay attention to the choice of neighborhood. Personally, I have chosen the Piano Lettieri area, which is located in a convenient place for living. In contrast, the neighboring Petroza area requires having your own car to access shops and beaches, as the roads here are quite poor and steep. Additionally, the new Pontano area is considered a suburb of Scalea and is also located quite far away. In the city center, all the necessary amenities are within walking distance, but prices there are significantly higher. For example, my apartment, located very close to the sea, would have cost 50% more if it were in the very center.

Features of the Piano Lettere area

It should be noted that Piano Lettieri is not a typical residential area, as many might think. There is no dull, dense construction here, and residents live in their homes year-round. While in Petrosa and Pontano there is a complete lull in winter, these places only come to life in the summer.

Choosing a real estateagency

It is also very important to carefully choose a real estateagency. Before signing any agreements, it is advisable to talk to those who have already gone through a similar experience. It can often be difficult to predict how conscientious the realtors are. Some firms are genuinely interested in providing property management assistance, but many simply wait for the moment to get paid and then disappear, offering no necessary support.

It's important to know about housing prices.

Don't give in to the temptation of promises about unrealistically low housing prices — such offers often turn out to be scams. Finding a quality apartment for €15,000 is practically impossible (a friend of mine spent an additional €10,000 on repairs). Some agencies guarantee assistance, but over time, they remain inactive. I'm happy with my apartment, although I initially hoped for a lower price. Unfortunately, my friends are in a serious situation: their housing did not meet their expectations, and they encountered problems with electricity. One acquaintance even had to rent a hotel due to the lack of electricity.

The process of buying real estate

The process of buying real estate for foreigners is quite similar to that for Italians. Taxes remain the same for everyone, as do the costs of the paperwork. I gathered all the necessary information about purchasing an apartment from various online sources, studying specialized websites, which greatly helped me in the preparatory process.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I can say that my experience of buying an apartment in Scalea has been an important step for me, opening up numerous opportunities and emotions. During the six months I've spent here, I've realized that this region offers not only attractive real estate prices but also a high quality of life that is hard to overestimate. While Scalea may not be part of the luxurious northern Italy, its uniqueness and appeal are undeservedly overlooked.

The local residents, friendly atmosphere, and picturesque natural landscapes create an indescribable sense of comfort and safety. Undoubtedly, every coin has two sides, and the absence of large cities with their commercial offerings can sometimes create discomfort for me as a Muscovite, who is used to variety and convenience. But even in this, there is a certain charm – the time stress decreases, and it becomes easier to focus on what really matters.

I can't help but note that, despite some shortcomings, I feel comfortable here.The climate is pleasing with its stability.The quality of life is on par with more expensive regions. I believe that improving economic conditions and growing interest in this area will soon lead to an increase in real estate prices, and perhaps this is where my first investment lies.

However, first and foremost, this apartment has become a cozy place for me where I can do business and enjoy life. Even considering my personal circumstances that make me think about selling, I am confident that this decision will turn out to be the right one. I have found a truly suitable place for living and relaxing, and although I will have to part with my apartment, the memories of this period will stay with me forever.

Ultimately, my experience in Scalea is not just about buying property, but about creating a new chapter in life, about the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful climate, hospitality, and quality of life, which makes this place unique and unforgettable for me.