Property Prices in Calabria

January 27, 2012
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Property Prices in Calabria

World renowned countries will always attract many visitors, and beautiful countries with unique culture and lifestyle like Italy have many reasons to make visitors want to visit or even stay there permanently. However, buying a property in countries especially in European continent may not be easy for some because most properties in there are generally very expensive. However Calabria in Southern Italy could be one of the last opportunities in Europe!

Properties and cost of living in Europe could be a bit more costly compared to other countries such as the countries in the Asian continent. In Italy, some of the properties in its Northern regions have already increased their values significantly. Perhaps it is because the Northern part of Italy is composed of the most popular and most visited places in this peninsula. However, property prices in Calabria are still the cheapest in Italy although this is likely to change.

Calabria is a region at the southern part of Italy and it is not that popular compared to the other regions in the northern part. Even if it not that very famous, it is one of the best regions in Italy that would give you the taste of true Italian experience. It is highly recommended for property buyers to take their buying opportunity in this small yet great Italian region.

Even if the property prices in Calabria are low, the quality of life and the way of living that you get from this region is like many other of Italy’s famous regions. Aside from the simple procedure of purchasing a property up to the No-Restriction Foreign Ownership policy, Calabria property is a very wise investment in a beautiful unspoilt part of the country.

For as little as 45,000 euros, you can get yourself good beach located apartment in Calabria. Living in this region is some of the most relaxing because Calabrians know the true meaning of Le Dolce Vita. Not only are the property prices in Calabria affordable but this region also offers the chance to live in a wonderful and unexploited place which doubles as a unique investment opportunity – but for how long?

Off Plan Calabria Property Perfect for Investors and Lifestyle Buyers

January 26, 2012
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Off plan Calabria property presents a perfect opportunity for investors and lifestyle buyers because of its affordability.

For investors, off plan property is perfect, because it is discounted because of the fact that it is seen as a risk to buy property off the plan. This means the properties are being purchased for below their actual value, giving them instant equity.

It is also perfect for investors, because by the time the properties are completed, the international recovery will be underway, and occupancy will be up on Calabria property.

For lifestyle buyers it is also perfect. Lifestyle buyers would usually opt for resale property that they can use straight away. But as it is currently pretty well into the holiday season, most people have already made their holiday plans for this year.

They can therefore buy their Calabrian holiday home off plan, making the most of the off plan discount, and have the property ready for their holiday plans next year.

We currently have off plan Calabria property priced from as little as 62,000 Euros, which, because of the strengthening Pound is currently an even bigger bargain for British buyers at £52,947.

Lifestyle and People in Calabria

January 25, 2012
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Lifestyle and People in Calabria

Being of one the least industrialized provinces in Italy, the lifestyle and people in Calabria are characterized by a slow-developing warm friendly nature that preserves its very typical and charming Italian life. The absence of mass tourism in the area made it possible for the Italians to preserve their culture, as well as their nature.

So here are some of the things that very much define the lifestyle and people in Calabria. The people love the food and history. Its people usually offer authentic cuisines that range from smoked sea foods to Italian’s signature pastas and wines. Traditional foods which are very much recommended are also in most restaurants. Some cities in Calabria offer the joys of urban lifestyle, normally with close proximity to the beaches for which Calabria is well known. Castrovillari for example is a city that is full of interest. It boasts a lively but culturally-inclined ambience with shopping places, a theater, a castle and a convents. Cultural centers such as Crotone and Cosenza provide a background on the rich history of the region. Art galleries and museums are also located in many of the towns in this region.

The typical lifestyle and people in Calabria can be describe as very laidback, fun but traditional. The people are living beautifully in contrast. Surrounded by the beaches and mountains, people, especially the younger generations, are found crowding the swimming areas during weekends. This describes how fun, lively and free spirited the way of their living is. This is so much an improvement compares to the older people who live traditionally which can be seen through the way of following customs, religions and even healing practices.

For further information go to Calabria Property

Mortgages in Calabria

January 24, 2012
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Mortgages in Calabria (Italy) are secured against property and are full status just as in any other region in Italy.  Approximately 80% of the purchase price is the maximum available mortgage rate.  Lenders in Italy usually take into consideration the ability of buyers to pay monthly as well as their repayments on new mortgages, which should not go beyond 35% of a buyer’s gross monthly income.

Mortgages are available for new and old properties as long as a property is registered at the land registry and deemed habitable.  Local authorities set the criteria of a property being habitable.  As such, without the certification of the authorities, approval of mortgages is refused.  Mortgages are available in several types.  These include interest-only and repayment mortgages, which are either on a fixed rate or variable basis or a combination of both.  Terms for mortgages can be from 5 to 40 years and must be repaid upon reaching the age of 85.

After the initial process, the length of the mortgage process usually takes five working days giving an agreement in principle.  However it may take a longer period to process mortgages amounting to over €750,000.

Although life assurance is not compulsory, the lender will definitely insist that the buyer have insurance with their recommended provider.  This is because it usually covers the lender should anything happen; thus, a buyer should look into the specifics of the coverage of the insurance.

In addition, a buyer should have open an Italian bank account where the mortgage repayments are debited.

For futher details on mortgages in calabria please go to Calabrian Property

Calabrian Vineyards

January 23, 2012
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In ancient times, Calabria was known as Enotria or the land of wine.  In Ancient Greek, it was referred to as Οἰνωτρία –Oenotria.  Based on the tradition of Ancient Greek, the name Oenotria was derived from the youngest son of Lycaon, Οἴνωτρος (Oenotrus).  Thus, some Calabrian vineyards have been in existence dating back to the Ancient Greek period.

Some of the best Calabrian vineyards are found in the Province of Crotone and Cosenza.  Crotone produces the best wines like Cirò while Cosenza produces Cosenza.  Other significant grape varieties produced from these Calabrian areas include white Greco and red Gaglioppo.  At least 3% of total annual production of wines can be qualified as DOC.  Many producers come from local and ancient grape varieties that have been around dating back to 3000 years.

Cirò is home to one of the most famous Calabrian vineyards, which is located in the hills between Sibari and Crotone.  Local legend says that the athletes of Calabria drink Cirò wine in order to celebrate their success in early Olympic Games.  Nowadays, the wine of Cirò is referred to as one of the most “Greek-Italian” wines of the world.

Vineyards in Calabria cover 31,600 hectares where 3,400 hectares register as DOC plots.  The annual wine production of 1,100,000 hectoliters includes 90% red wine of the 40,000 hectoliters or 3.6 % DOC plots.  Gaglioppo in red wines and Greco in whites are two Greek grape varieties famous in Calabria.  The types of wine these varieties produce can vary depending on the region producing it.