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
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:-
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
“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.
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
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