Casa Travella
01322 660988

Press Releases

 

 

PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 2008


VENICE – A UNIQUE CITY LOCATION

 

Photo caption
Dorsduro, Santa Croce, Venice. 1st floor, three bedroom, two bathroom apartment. (Some internal work required).
View of the canal. Unusual advantage of shared garden, courtyard and roof terrace.
€530.000
Casa Travella www.casatravella.com
01322 660988

PRESS- This photo can be e mailed immediately upon request to linda@nightingalespr.co.uk
 

It is difficult to find any words to describe the beauty and fascination of Venice. Before buying a property there you should be aware that you will need to do lots of walking and spend time on the ‘vaporetto, (water bus). If the idea of leaving the car at home appeals then this is the perfect location! If you do wish to sight-see then take a train which is cheap and efficient to the beautiful university city of Padova or go and visit the fascinating walled town of Montagnana. Venice is a beautiful destination surrounded by some of the most beautiful unexplored countryside in Italy.

Properties do not come cheaply and you can expect to pay upwards of €300.000 for a two bedroom property to be restored, but oh what a fabulous location! Venice is a unique cultural city and is absolutely breathtaking. Steeped in history and with an exciting, totally unrivalled, atmosphere, it lures visitors and home owners from around the world. There are art galleries, the Guggenheim museum, Dogi’s Palace and of course St Marks Square.

Travelling to Venice from the UK is easy with a choice of airlines. Including Ryanair, Easy Jet and British Airways to either Trevio or Venice Marco Polo.

Linda Travella of Casa Travella, experts in the sale of property in Italy since 1987, has just travelled to Trevisio. ‘I was amazed at how easy it was. I arrived on time and bought a ticket for the bus to Venice, which cost just €6.00. As I stepped outside the airport and a guy said, Venezia? After 10 minutes we were on our way in an air conditioned bus and arrived 50 minutes later.”

Types of property vary and in general properties are in the ‘old palazzi’ where they can be either ready to move into or for restoration. Casa Travella does also have some new build properties on the Guidecca where the famous hotel Cipriana is located.

Linda adds ‘In Venice a property to restore can be a good option but be aware that it will take longer than normal to obtain permissions as buildings are mostly listed. As a company we have some very good architects and surveyors to project manage restoration and refurbishment but I always advise clients to make personal regular trips to see how work is progressing.”

Venice is split into to various areas; to mention just a few there is –
San Marco, which is a favourite tourist area.
Castello, a delightful area which is quiet and where many Venetians choose to live and where a 10 minute ride on the “vaporetta” (water bus), takes you to Venice Lido where you can relax on a sandy beach.
Dorsdoro, is quite centrally located and leads down to Guidecca Canal and a five minute water bus will take you to Guidecca island.
Visit the opera at La Fenice, or go to the market at Rialto, famed for its fresh produce.

Venice is a town and a resort so there is something for everyone. The most expensive homes of course are along the Grande Canal and surrounding streets. Venice is well serviced by public water taxis and a train station provides access to the city within a few minutes walk.

Concluded Linda, “Trying to find a three bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment in the centre of Venice is almost impossible so we are delighted to offer a property in Dorsduro, Santa Croce which is only 10 minutes walk from Piazzale Roma for bus, trains etc. The property is on the 1st floor and has a view of the canal. There is some internal work that needs completing, (2 bathrooms need installing and a new kitchen). Accommodation is as follows: 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, living room and 2 storage areas on the ground floor. The property has the rare advantage of a shared garden, courtyard and roof terrace. The property is on the market for 530,000 euros.”

Another property currently being marketed by Casa Travella in Venice is a luxury top floor, two level, apartment with a spectacular roof terraced located in the St Marks area of Venice close to the Grande Canal. This fabulous apartment has been recently totally restored with the best quality materials and comprises living room (with exposed beams and a fireplace), kitchenette, bathroom, bedroom and master bedroom with direct access to wonderful roof terrace with breathtaking views across in this magical city. 670,000 euros.


Casa Travella
01322 660988
www.casatravella.com


EDITOR’S NOTES
Linda Travella has recently finished filming with Amanda Lamb for the new series of A Place in the Sun, where they were on Lake Como looking at beautiful villas belonging to George Clooney, Richard Branson and Berlusconi, ex Italian Prime Minister.

Linda Travella was chairman for four years of FOPDAC, the Federation of Overseas Property Developer, Agents and Consultants and is now Media Spokesperson and committee member of NAEA International, National Association of Estate Agents, and is a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UK.

END
PRESS- For further information together with quality property photos contact
Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk
Same day service
 


 

PRESS RELEASE
JUNE 2008

RENTAL RETURNS IN ITALY RISE BY OVER 50% !

PHOTO CAPTION
Paul McDonnell seen here at his beautiful two bedroom villa apartment in Italy which is now on the market for 365,000 euros
2 bedrooms, 1reception room, 1bathroom, conservatory, terrace and workshop.
Swimming pool. Landscaped gardens. Spectacular sea view.
1 hour from Nice airport.
Casa Travella www.casatravella.com
PRESS- This photo and many photos of the property can be obtained by request to linda@nightingalespr.co.uk

 

Paul McDonnell bought a property in Italy in 2002. His first year brought in a rental of £6,625 and it rose steadily from then.

“Not only has there been excellent capital growth I have also secured exceptional rental returns on my two bedroom, converted, ground floor apartment in a villa in Western Liguiria, just 1 hour from Nice”.


His portfolio of rental makes exceptional reading:-

2003 - £6,625
2004 - £8,025
2005 - £11,550
2006 - £15,330
2007 - £13,540
2008 – already up to £9,500!

Continued Paul, “I wanted to invest abroad and chose Italy, not only because it is easily accessible but because of the wonderful food and culture. There is also a shortage of high quality rental properties in the area. However, it was the professionalism of Casa Travella and their knowledge of the country that helped me choose the right property in the right area”.

Casa Travella introduced Paul to Liguria, an area of exceptional beauty with the added benefit of easy access over the border to the French Riviera.

Linda Travella of Casa Travella, took the time to introduce Paul to properties that would produce a good capital return and rental income. The property itself has in the last 5 years averaged a capital growth of around 10%/12% p.a.

Now Paul has decided to sell and invest in a larger property with a view to an equally successful result.

The property now on sale through Casa Travella, offers panoramic sea views and is in a beautiful setting near the old fishing village of Porto Maurizio which forms part of the Imperia. The two bedroom, ground floor apartment sits on a hilltop in the small village of Poggi where there is a local bar/restaurant and village shop. The property is 2 km from the sea and at the bottom of the hill there are beaches with over 20 bars and restaurants.

The property, is essentially set on three levels, comprises on road level, a work shop and car parking space. The next level has a sun terrace with an above ground swimming pool and the upper level is where the terrace and villa is located. The other half of the villa, is now also a beautifully maintained apartment but the approach to the adjoining property is via a different road access so in essence, ownership brings with it seclusion and privacy.

Accessibility is an important factor when buying a property, especially as a rental opportunity. The villa is just one hour from Nice and Genoa airports with around 20 flights a day possible from the South of England, with fares as low as £30 return.

The property is on the market for 365,000 euros.

“This was always an exceptional property because of its prime location, character, easy access and clever conversion into two distinct and spacious units”, says Linda Travella.

Other properties currently available through Casa Travella where one could expect a healthy rental return are –

Restored, two bedroom, two bathroom mill with garden and pool, 20minutes from San Remo. 360,000 euros

Boro Marinaro, Imperia. Three bedroom apartment with balcony and sea view. Just 100 metres from the sea. 450,000 euros.

Casa Travella
01322 660988
www.casatravella.com

EDITOR’S NOTES
Linda Travella has recently finished filming with Amanda Lamb for the new series of A Place in the Sun, where they were on Lake Como looking at beautiful villas belonging to George Clooney, Richard Branson and Berlusconi, ex Italian Prime Minister.

Linda Travella was chairman for four years of FOPDAC, the Federation of Overseas Property Developer, Agents and Consultants and is now Media Spokesperson and committee member of NAEA International, National Association of Estate Agents, and is a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UK.

END
PRESS- For further information together with quality property photos contact
Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk
Same day service
 


PRESS RELEASE
APRIL 2008

 

ITALIAN TAX PLANNING BENEFITS FOR HOME OWNERS

PHOTO CAPTION
Golfo Aranci,Sardinia.
Recently constructed complex located in the Golfo Aranci region on the North Eastern coast of Sardinia. 10mins from airport at Olbia.
Close to Porto Rotondo, one of the most famous areas on the Costa Smeralda, 50 metres from sea, 200 metres from Marina at Golfo Aranci.
Price guide - 2 bedroom apartments with spacious veranda 285,000 euros
Prices from 207,000/325,000 euros/£150,000/250,000
Casa Travella Ltd
01322 660988
www.casatravella.com

PRESS- This photo can be e mailed upon request to linda@nightingalespr.co.uk
 

“There are excellent ways of making your money go further if you invest in Italy”, says Linda Travella of Casa Travella, experts in selling homes in Italy for over 20 years.

“When people look to buy abroad they very rarely take into consideration such matters as Capital Gains Tax and Inheritance Tax, but they should, as it can make an enormous difference to the end value of their investment”.

Take Capital Gains Tax in Italy; after five years there isn’t any! This is a fact not widely known, yet if you are investing in a property for your future, this can have a radical impact on the monies you receive at the end of your term of property investment.

Inheritance Tax is another area where many people are unaware that Italy, offers much better financial benefits that many other countries. If you compare Italy to France, in Italy there is no Inheritance Tax if left to a close relation, such as spouse, children or direct relation. In France however, each child only receives 150,000 euros tax free and then they pay Inheritance Tax on a sliding scale up to 40%.

“As well as the huge benefit of buying in Italy where these two taxes are concerned, there is also the need to understand that when the day comes to realise your investment, you are in a position to do so” continues Linda.

Certainly Italy is a stable market place with a gentle, year on year rise in most regions. There are no apparent drops in values of property despite the recent world “credit crunch”.
Concluded Linda, “As long as buyers seek the advice of professionals, they should be safe with Italy. Taking into account the tax advantages it is an astute move”.

To obtain a better selection of properties Linda suggests buyers deal with a company, like her own, that specialises in Italy and has the expertise and reputation to supply a broad selection of properties, many of which other companies cannot offer.

A number of agents are currently “specialising” in a wide variety of countries in an endeavour to secure a slice of the overseas market place. A company that gives 100% attention to a specific country is in a better position to advise clients through years of knowledge of the country and its market place.

Currently available through Casa Travella is Golfo Aranci in Sardinia. This is a recently constructed complex located in the Golfo Aranci region on the North Eastern coast of Sardinia. The properties are superbly located being close to Porto Rotondo, one of the most famous areas on the Costa Smeralda, The homes are also just 10mins from airport at Olbia, 50 metres from the sea and 200 metres from Marina at Golfo Aranci.
Price guide - 2 bedroom apartments with spacious veranda 284,000 euros/£221,115 approx.

Prices from £207,000/325,000 eueros/£150,000/250,000

Also available through Casa Travella is a lovely apartment located in the beautiful mediaeval town of Poggi, Western Liguria and is 3 kilometres from the beach, and offers magnificent views over both the sea mountains. Just over the border is the easily reached Cote d’Azur.

The property which has only recently been renovated and comprises: large living room with fully fitted corner kitchen; 2 bedrooms; bathroom; utility and cloakroom with toilet, bidet and washbasin and boiler.
The well maintained property also boasts a lovely loggia leading from the living room with magnificent sea.
Price €280.000. £215.000

Casa Travella 01322 660988 www.casatravella.com
EDITOR’S NOTES
Linda Travella has recently finished filming with Amanda Lamb for the new series of A Place in the Sun, where they were on Lake Como looking at beautiful villas belonging to George Clooney, Richard Branson and Berlusconi, ex Italian Prime Minister.

Linda Travella was chairman for four years of FOPDAC, the Federation of Overseas Property Developer, Agents and Consultants and is now Media Spokesperson and committee member of NAEA International, National Association of Estate Agents, and is a member of the Italian Chamber of Commerce, UK.
END
PRESS- For further information contact
Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk

 


 

PRESS RELEASE
FEB 2008


WE KNEW THE HOME WE WANTED TO BUY FOR OUR RETIREMENT IN ITALY NEEDED TO BE FAIRLY MODERN AND EASY TO MOVE INTO –
SO WE BOUGHT A 700 YEAR OLD FARMHOUSE IN NEED OF TOTAL RESTORATION!

PHOTO CAPTION
Keith Robson (53 yrs)
Proud owner of a superb restoration property in Tuscany, Italy.

PRESS- This photo and others of the property and the couple together, can be e mailed upon request to linda@nightingalespr.co.uk


“We knew that we wanted a home for our retirement to be in Italy”, says Penny Robson, “we also knew it had to be something that was fairly modern and ready to move into. However, we finished up buying a major renovation work on a 700 year old farmhouse and we are absolutely thrilled!”

Penny and Keith Robson live in Northampton, in the UK. Their family has now grown up and it was time for them to fulfil their dream of buying a home in Italy where they can enjoy their retirement.

“We have always loved Italy, and have had many wonderful holidays there over the years”, continued Penny.

They began their search in Northern Tuscany, a part of Italy which is famed for its beauty, but a little bit away from the main tourist attractions. The couple were looking for a “ready to use” style home and on the first day in Italy with Casa Travella, a company which specialises in property in Italy, they looked at several homes.

“The problem was, we English do have a certain level of expectation and we were trying to find a quality home in a rural location and that to a certain extent was an impossible requirement, particularly in our price range. Therefore, although these homes were “modern” we felt that the kitchens and bathrooms needed up dating and of course that is an added cost. Also, we hope to spend several months a year out there, so wanted a higher level of facilities than one would look for in a holiday home”.

However the couple were introduced, by Casa Travella, to a local surveyor, Giancarlo, who specialises in restorations. Within 24 hours he took them to see a stone built farmhouse together with stone built barn sitting in about one acre with commanding views. They fell in love with it immediately.

“The land has 75 olive trees and vines and although only 500 yards from the village, from the house it looks as though we are the only ones there. The peace and tranquillity is spellbinding”.

The original one storey property is thought to have been built over 700 years ago. It has been extended and additional floors added to provides a three storey home. When completed, it will boast four bedrooms, a fully fitted kitchen, three bathrooms and a spacious living room with fabulous beams and an open fireplace.

The property was first seen in May 2006. By December Penny and Keith were the proud owners. Planning permission has taken about 12 months but now they are well on their way with restoration work expected to be fully completed by Jan 2009.

The couple paid 200,000 euros and anticipate renovation costs at around 400,000 euros. However, when completed the home should be worth considerably more, not that they have any intention of selling.

“Our family are delighted with our purchase and all looking forward to visiting us once we have moved in”, added Penny.

The property the Robson’s bought is in a hamlet called Cerreto in Borgo a Mozzano, North of Lucca.

Linda Travella of Casa Travella says, “ We have been selling homes in Italy for over 20 years and have a wide variety of properties to suit everyone’s needs. We realised that what Penny and Keith were viewing wasn’t quite what they expected so we spent quite some time talking through the possibility of a restoration property. We explained that the project, if approached in a professional way, could result in a remarkable home but initially they were quite sceptical and a little nervous.

A restoration can be hard work in terms of patience and time but the results can be magnificent. The locations of older style properties are often amazing and anyone prepared to take on the task will certainly enjoy the benefits for years to come”.

Currently available through Casa Travella are two intriguing restoration properties.

In Lucca, Tuscany
Borgo a Mozzano


This is an old stone house providing more than 200 sq metres of accommodation and surrounded by .25 acres of land.
This spacious property on two floors has 11 rooms!
Most of them with original terracotta floors and chestnut beams.
The property is located just 15 km north of Lucca on the road that leads to Abetone and the ski slopes.
70,000 euros/£48,000

In Volterra, Tuscany
Volterra


This is an old mill located just 5 km from Volterra and sits in the “Valley of the Mills”.
The property is built over two floors and would provide 3 bedrooms, two bathrooms, lounge, dining room and kitchen.
The property sits in nearly 4 acres of land, mainly wooded with a river running close by.
210,000 euros/£144,000

Casa Travella Ltd
01322 660988
www.casatravella.com

EDITOR’S NOTES
Casa Travella was founded in 1987.Linda speaks fluent Italian.
Linda spent 4 years as chairman of the Federation of Overseas property Developers, Agents and Consultants (FOPDAC) from 2000 to 2004.
Linda is currently a member of the International committee of the NAEA.
(National Association of Estate Agents incorporating FOPDAC)

Linda has frequently appeared on national radio and television including BBC Breakfast TV, ‘I Want That House’, ‘Selling Houses Abroad’ for Channel 4 and ‘A Place in the Sun’ with Amanda Lamb.


PRESS For further information contact Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk

 


 

PRESS RELEASE
JANUARY 2008


ITALY CHASES SPAIN AS THE FAVOURITE COUNTRY FOR INVESTMENT

 


PROPERTY CAPTION
Stresa, Lake Maggiore


This lovely detached villa benefits from magnificent lake views and sits in 1,600m2 of gardens. The property over 3 floors consists of the following:
Basement: Garage; boiler room; storage rooms.
Ground floor: Entrance hall; living room with stone fireplace; kitchen; bedroom and bathroom.
First floor: 3 bedrooms; bathroom; storage room.
Price €600.000 £413,000
Casa Travella Ltd. www.casatravella.com 01322-660988

PRESS- For further info or photos contact linda@nightingalespr.co.uk

Linda Travella of Casa Travella, experts in selling properties in Italy for over 20 years reports a record number of sales of homes in Italy to UK citizens in October of this year.

“It is quite incredible”, says Linda “particularly bearing in mind that clients have contacted me initially with a view to discount saying that with a strong euro etc the property market must be weak and with the advent of winter, people are probably not purchasing. On the contrary, our figures show the market to be the opposite of their perception”.

Recent figures from Foreign Currency Direct property portal, show that overall enquiries from November for Italy were 19% of the total market with only Spain more at 27%.

Continued Linda,” There has been an initial surge of interest in the emerging markets of Eastern Europe but this tends to lead to speculation buying and with it comes inherent risks. Interestingly, figures show that the market has now turned on its head and reverted back to investors looking for established countries such as Italy where there is a track record of capital growth and rental returns. Italy has fine wines, superb cuisine and an excellent infrastructure plus a great many Italians speak some English. All of which makes owning a home in Italy a far better option than taking a chance on an emerging country. Within 2/3 years of these new countries coming onto the market, buying figures show that the tide has turned and that established countries are where investors choose to put their money”.

One of the most popular areas of Italy with buyers is the Lakes. These are a popular destination both in the winter for the skiing and the summer. With an approximate rental return of 5/9% and very few void periods they make excellent investments. The other area to look at is Western Liguria where buying closer to the sea will make a better investment even if initially more expensive.

The average property sale price in Italy is around £200,000. Recent information also suggests that there is a 12% increase in buying property abroad compared to last year all of which points to a stable overseas market in 2008.

Mr and Mrs Hough recently bought in Lake Como a two bedroom, two bathroom apartment with lake views and private balcony for £173,000 where they can expect a return of around £400/£800 per week.

Currently available through Casa Travella is :
A lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with loggia and beautiful sea view in the mediaeval town of Poggi ( Imperia) just 3kms from the sea for €310.000 £213.000

On Lake Maggiore a wonderful detached villa with 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and beautiful lake views and almost half an acre of garden is on sale at €600.00 £413.000

Casa Travella Ltd
www.casatravella.com
01322 660988

END

PRESS- For further information contact
Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk


 


JANUARY 2008

COUNTRY- ITALY
APARTMENTS OPPOSITE THE PISTE –
IDEAL FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS


Skiing Apartments, Aprica, Italy. Brand new and ready for immediate occupation.
Each with garden or balcony. Opposite the piste. Perfect for families.
Just 45 minutes from Bormio and just 90 minutes drive from all three Milan Airports.60% mortgages available from Italian Bank
Free night in an hotel for those on viewing trip through Casa Travella.
Studio Apartments £71,000/103,000 euros Two bed apartments £132,000/192,000 euros Three bed apartments £244,000/325,000 euros
Garages £11,700/17,000 euros.
Casa Travella
01322 660988 www.casatravella.com

PRESS – For further photographs please contact linda@nightingalespr.co.uk
Casa Travella is proud to announce the marketing of a fine range of brand new build, skiing apartments in the pretty town of Aprica in Valtellina in Italy.
Just 45 minutes from Bormio and 90 minutes drive from any of the three Milan airports of Linate, Bergamo and Malpensa, they are very easy to access and perfect for a long weekend get away.
“These are superb apartments in a very easy to reach location” says Linda Travella of Casa Travella. There are bus services linking the airports with Aprica and you do not even need to take a car to the slopes as the apartments are situated opposite the piste. They are ideal if you are looking for family holidays as the kids can ski too. There is also a bus service to other parts of Aprica providing skiing for all levels but is ideally suited to families and mid level skiers”.
All the properties have a garden or balcony with breathtaking views which are glorious, whether in the winter snow or summer sunshine. The whole area has lots to offer whatever the season with all the various ski sports in the winter and wonderful opportunities for riding, cycling and walking in the summer months. Within 40 minutes you can be on the shores of glamorous Lake Como or take a short train journey to the equally beautiful St. Moritz in Switzerland.
Added Linda,” From Aprica you can drive to Bormio in 45 minutes where the Ski World Cup 2006 was held and I can also recommend a trip to the thermal Roman baths which are just at the bottom of the Stelvio Pass. Swimming outdoors, in hot water, whilst looking at snow covered mountains is an amazing and unforgettable experience”.
Properties are ready for occupation. There is also the possibility of a 60% mortgage with an Italian bank (subject to certain criteria).
Casa Travella is currently offering a free night in an hotel for those interested in taking up the option of a viewing trip.

Prices –
Studio apartments £71,000/103,000 euros
Two bed apartments from £132,000/192,000 euros
Three bedroom apartments £224,000/324,000 euros
Garages £11,700/17,000 euros.

Casa Travella
01322 660988
www.casatravella.com

END
PRESS- For further information contact
Nightingales PR
01825 744091 linda@nightingalespr.co.uk