Property in Puglia: the Italian hotspot continues its ascent

June 26th 2007

Homes in Italy includes Puglia in its property portfolio with an extensive range of Trulli, Masserie, Lamie and villas for sale from 40,000 eur...

The region

Puglia is a diverse region with a perfect blend of rustic landscapes and kilometres of pristine coastline; it boasts some of the cleanest beaches in Italy and it is rare to see overcrowding like in the northern beach resorts.

In the north of Puglia, there are sandy beaches and forests and in the South, the arid landscape is more reminiscent of Greece than Italy. Around Torre Canne (near Fasano), you will see the largest lido style beaches with facilities that you would expect in Italy. However a short drive away, you can find your own private cove and swim from the rocks!

Puglia is steeped in history; over the centuries, the region has been invaded by the Greeks, Romans and Moors and each has left their mark on Puglia’s art and architecture. The region offers a raft of whitewashed towns and villages such as Ostuni (also known as the ‘White City’) and one of southern Italy’s most beautiful small towns. Situated on three hills, it is characterised by pretty white houses, small piazzas with bars, restaurants (many excellent) and exceptional views.

Smaller and more serene Cisternino is also a delightful hill town surrounded by expanses of vineyards, almond and olive groves. It is now known as one of the most beautiful in Italy (I Borghi piu belli d’Italia) and there is a maze of sun-bleached cobbled streets and alleyways.

Alberobello is another gem of a town; an upmarket town which is home to more than 1,000 Trulli properties (now part of UNESCO World Heritage) and a great range of restaurants and boutique shops.

The City of Lecce with its unique Baroque architecture is now being quoted as the ‘Florence of the South’ and has been featured in many leading travel magazines as the place to visit in 2007.

Puglian cuisine will not disappoint, with a fusion of Italian, Greek and Spanish flavours it is one of tastiest in Italy. Expect to eat plenty of fresh fruit, olives, grilled meat and fish, exquisite bread and copious amounts of wine. The region accounts a large percentage of Italy’s oil and also rivals Sicily as one of Italy’s largest wine producers (over 100 wines).

The property market

Property prices have risen sharply in Puglia since the introduction of low cost routes back in 2005 but it is still possible to find a bargain. The region has been quoted as ‘up and coming’ for some time but unlike others which have disappeared off the radar, Puglia shows no signs of slowing down and is now becoming a hot destination for holidays.

Puglia is a magnet for Italians and they continue to be the predominant purchasers in the market (especially second home buyers from the north) but they are now being joined by British and Scandinavian buyers. A couple of years ago, there were huge increases in prices but this has now slowed down but it is still possible to purchase at the lower end of the market, renovate and see an appreciation of up to 20%.

Well known personalities such as Helen Mirren and ‘A Place in The Sun’ presenter Amanda Lamb have both purchased in the region in the past year, so expect more to follow!

What is available

The property hotspot is undoubtedly the Itria valley, which offers an unspoilt landscape close to the Adriatic and boasts towns such as Cisternino and Alberobello. Further south in the countryside south of Ostuni, property prices are more reasonable especially around the towns of Ceglie Messapica and San Vito dei Normanni.

Overseas buyers are finding the Trullo houses strangely attractive. These cone roofed building date to the middle ages and can be converted at a reasonable cost to provide an excellent holiday home. There is no shortage of these properties available and many are undergoing high end conversions into guest houses or cooking schools. Prices for a Trullo requiring renovation start from 40,000 eur and expect to pay from 150,000 eur for a renovated project.

http://www.homesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/1913/ Trullo requiring renovation

http://www.homesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/1907/ Renovated Trullo

Some may find the Trullo limited on space, so it may be worthwhile looking at the Lammia, another typically traditional rural architecture (meaning “country house with barrel vaulted roofs”). Prices for a Lammia requiring renovation start from 50.000 eur.

http://www.homesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/1943/ Lammia

Those looking for a larger project or a character property, a rustic Masseria couuld satisfy at a fraction of the price you would pay in Tuscany. Once large agricultural centres for farming the land, many are now being converted into either private accommodation or hotels (many of which have been renovated to a very high standard and are receiving worldwide recognition!).

http://www.homesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/1914/ Maseria

There are also a great range of modern new build villas. It is difficult to find prices as good as this in Italy, where you can pick up a completed villa for as little as 150,000 eur.

For a greater selection of properties, please visit: http://www.homesinitaly.co.uk/smx/home/index/

Holiday Rentals

The rental market is healthy in Puglia, the region is extremely popular with Italian holidaymakers in July and August and is now featured as a holiday destination in many UK and other leading press. Prices vary depending on the size of property and time of year but expect to pay from £500 - £800 per week for a 2 bed apartment in high season.

Summary

All in all, there is little to dislike about Puglia; set against a backdrop of blue seas and white sandy beaches, a mediterranean climate that boasts long hot summers and mild winters, eating and drinking costs half the price in Puglia than many other Italian resorts and property prices are still reasonable. If you haven’t considered the South of Italy before, you will be pleasantly surprised by Puglia. Don’t expect everyone to speak English but you will find the Pugliese warm and friendly. It is more simple, informal and rustic than its northern counterparts but this is where it appeals. Once you have visited, you will find it difficult not to return!

Additional info

Getting to Puglia has never been easier; you can fly to Bari and Brindisi from Stansted and it is also possible to reach the area from Naples.

Puglia has plenty of reasonably priced excellent accommodation. Here are a couple of our favourites for when you are visiting:

Masseria Conversano: Excellently resorted farmhouse offering luxury accommodation from as little as £50 a night. Choose from B&B and self-catering: http://www.holidayhomesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/976/1_bedroom_masseria_puglia.html

Ostuni Trullo: http://www.holidayhomesinitaly.co.uk/smx/search/property/466/trullo_ostuni_puglia.html Located only a few minutes from the ‘white City’, with amazing sea views from the terrace.