How to Ensure Value from your Investment
 
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There are many factors that affect the value of a property. The things that are important to you may, or may not, be important to others – and it is vital to distinguish which is which.

Apart from picking an airport that is serviced cheaply (and the likelihood of that continuing in the future) also look at roads from the airport to your chosen region to ensure your journey (and those of the any friends who will want to visit) is a pleasurable one – it is a route you will drive many times – and will affect the re-sell value of the property.

Other factors (apart from loving the region which tends to come first – and the practical details later) which you may find important to take into account include:-
Knowing someone who could manage the refurbishment and look after the property in the future;
   
Local places of interest for yourselves and your visitors / paying clients to see;
   
You may want somewhere that is central to Italy and so easier to travel to other Italian regions (North and South) for short visits; perhaps with good road and rail links (North and South) within easy access – though, perhaps, not too close;
   
The altitude of the region above sea-level may be important; Being higher this makes a place slightly cooler in the summer and, if above about 300, there are no mosquitoes;
   
Do you want to stay in a tourist or non-tourist region (though, perhaps, within one hour’s drive of these for visitors to see)?
   
In a region that is likely to increase in value over time.
 
Having chosen a region, the next problem is how to find a house.

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One of the first things to decide on regarding cost and resaleability is the size of building. There are many large, deserted farm houses in central Italy and they are often very tempting – but the costs of renovation and maintenance (not to mention heating in the winter) can be much higher.

Then you should decide how remote you wish to be, in the country or in a town, for example. Country views are tempting, but you will be more isolated (particularly in the winter) and there may well then be land and trees that need to be maintained.

Being in a town suits many as well. Apart from the convenience of having shops and restaurants close by – as well as perhaps railway and bus stations and so reducing reliance on a car – it can be very enjoyable (except perhaps after an evening of too much wine and Lemoncina) to waken to the sound of local church bells and Italian ‘chatter’.

The view is of course important. If going for a rural view, it is advisable to make sure that it is of good, ‘Italian-type’, views (i.e. not just of hills or land which could be seen in other countries too). As well as being more pleasurable for you to look at, this will increase the value of the property and make it easier to sell if or when that time comes.

Other aspects you may wish to take into account (the proprieties will depend on your personal choices) are:-
 
A choice of good local (food) shops and restaurants;
   
A larger town within 20 minutes drive – for larger shopping requirements, cinemas, etc. In our case, Viterbo fits this requirement;
   
In a region likely to increase in value over time;
   
Good road and rail links (North and South) within easy access – though not too close;
   
Principle amenities available (electricity, telephone, water), preferably with Broadband available (not so in our case);
   
Climate – temperatures vary a lot between the north and south of the country and depending on altitude. If you like to sit in the sun, then a south-facing aspect is important – and in a location that is not prone to lots of early morning or autumnal fogs (such as in some of the northern regions, for example). Ask the agent or locals if this is important to you.
 
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