This is the first property newsletter in a very long time – mainly because I have been rushed off my feet finding and restoring properties for people! I now have more help, however, and will try and make it at … Continue reading
I recently received a phone call from someone asking for my opinion about a property they were considering purchasing. I spent a long time talking to them, although they are not an existing client, or likely to become one, because, potentially they were about to make a big mistake. Almost half the property they were considering purchasing appeared as deposito or agricultural storage on the land registry. Their agent had told them this was for tax purposes and wasn’t a problem.They were also told they should be able to extend the property by 20%. It is not that simple. Continue reading
Tucked away, just behind the main piazza in Nardo’ is Palazzo La Rosa. Despite the very central location, it is in a quiet square, reachable by car and with parking outside, which is unusual in the Centro Storico. Nardo’ itself is … Continue reading
The brief was clear: Jim was looking for a three bedroomed house, with a large garden, close to shops and services and as close as possible to the sea. Maximum budget 216,000 € (160,000 pounds) including any work, which should be … Continue reading
This is slightly different from the last property newsletter in that there are very few properties in it because I haven’t been on many general property viewing trips yet this year – January has been taken up helping people on … Continue reading
Updated 4/8/18
The title is a bit tongue in cheek, but I get asked this question so often that I thought it might be useful!
With a background, first in Journalism, then in niche travel, and finding myself in Puglia, at a time when the area was relatively unknown, a lot of my work in the last twelve years has come about from a feeling of ‘someone ought to…..’ and from people approaching me. For this reason it has been extremely varied, but now the area has become better known, there are more services offered (so I don’t have to) and I have also got older and perhaps have a much clearer idea of what I want to do when I grow up!!
Now my work falls into two main categories, property and tailor made travel (more on that later), although I spent most of my time on the former. I enjoy both for the same reason, it is profoundly rewarding being able to work out exactly what people want or need and to be able to provide it. To be able to do both in a place that I love, and to share that with people, and make it more accessible to them, is also very satisfying. Continue reading
You will note that the purchase price of all these properties is under 200,000, but I have tried to factor in any necessary work or modernisation, All of them are in good structural condition, most are at least habitable as they are, but new kitchens or bathrooms may be needed, or are probably desirable, some may need rewiring and so on. See also properties under 150,000. Only two properties need no work, not because you can’t find modernised properties for this price, but because properties needing some work usually offer much better value for money. Continue reading
In early October we took a stand at the A Place in the Sun show in Birmingham – the first time I had ever actively promoted our property search/project management service. Up until now most clients have either come via word of mouth, or because they were existing holiday clients. It was slightly daunting jumping in at the deep end but the fair turned out to be busy, informative and thoroughly enjoyable.
It was encouraging to see so much interest in Puglia, and there were definite trends: by far the majority of visitors had a modest budget (under 150,000€) and people mostly wanted properties that were either in a small town, with an outdoors space, or on the outskirts of a town or village. Even those looking for a rural property wanted basic services within walking distance. Everyone wanted to be close to the sea, but in Puglia that bit is easy! Continue reading
The property market in Puglia is interesting at the moment. Due to the economic climate, Italians aren’t buying, but demand from foreign buyers is keeping prices steady in popular areas. Even in those areas you get the occasional bargain, with a vendor needing to sell quickly, but these are snapped up almost immediately.
There are still many ‘undiscovered’ areas and here prices are dramatically lower. All of the properties in this article tick all the usual boxes – amenities within walking distance, within 25 minutes drive or less, in most cases, from the sea and within an hour’s drive from an airport. They are also all near better-known towns, making them a good buy for anyone wanting to rent out to holidaymakers. Continue reading
One of the challenges of project managing the restoration of a holiday villa and then equipping it – is to keep, not only the owners, but also all future holiday makers, firmly at the forefront of your mind while making choices and decisions.
Outdoors spaces are important, and a shaded area for dining, an outdoors kitchen with gas rings, sink and barbecue and, space permitting, another shaded area for lounging, all add to the desirability of the rental. A pool is pretty much essential. Continue reading
