I was originally going to write a piece about properties I had seen which I thought were really good buys, most around the 300,000 euro mark and a couple at around 150,000. These were all properties where I have an existing relationship with the agencies so that they waive their fee to the buyer meaning that I can help the buyer (better!) at no extra cost to them.

In the week leading up to me writing this three of them sold – that is the problem with really good deals they do go quickly!

All of the properties worked well as straight investment properties, the more expensive ones as a large dream home for someone, or with the scope to live in part of the property and rent out the rest.

For a moment I thought that my favourite of these had sold too, but that offer fell through, so it is still on the market, probably not for long.

A historic palazzo in the centro storico of Galatina, this one covers almost 500m2 and would very easily convert into a 1-2 bedroomed apartment and 2, 2-3 bed apartments each with its own garage (very hard to find in historic centres). One, on the mezzanine level, would have been the servants’ quarters and is already separate, but the piano Nobile or first floor would also very easily divide into two distinct apartments, each with its own outside space. There is a terrace on the first floor and a roof terrace with great views of the historic centre. From the columns holding up the vaults, I would date the property to maybe the early 17th century and it has lots of character, though it feels lived in (in a good way) rather than grand. It is structurally sound but needs rewiring and replumbing and a conservative restoration. Priced at 350,000 for a quick sale this is very significantly cheaper than other similar properties on the market and apparently the price is negotiable!

I also saw another property in the historic centre in Galatina which dates from a similar period and has beautiful, vaulted ceilings, cementine floors and a little courtyard, first floor terrace and roof terrace. It has been rewired and replumbed but, at the moment, the ground, mezzanine and first floors are only connected by an outside staircase – the internal staircase is challenging to say the least. Not a problem if you wanted to create two separate, one bedroomed apartments, each with outside space but I think it has far more potential as a single, 3 bedroomed house – in which case you would need to improve the internal staircase and/or put in a lift. The outside areas could do with a coat of paint. You would also want to add aircon and heating, but the property is habitable as is. The property covers 185m2, excluding external spaces, and is priced at 300,000. I think it should be a bit less than this, but again, in this case, I imagine the price is negotiable.

I am going to start posting regular videos for interesting properties on my YouTube channel @buyandrestorepropertyinpuglia and on the perfect property in Puglia face book page so follow those to see more or get in touch by email personalpuglia@gmail.com or WhatsApp +39 3917982054 if you would like help finding/vetting a property.