Sun-kissed Sicily is fast becoming a destination of choice for people seeking houses and villas abroad. Combining an idyllic climate, rich cultural heritage and spectacular scenery, the island promises Italy’s signature leisurely and laidback lifestyle for a fraction of the cost of more established real estate markets, such as Tuscany and Lake Como. The island’s property market came under the global spotlight with the sale of hundreds of €1 properties a couple of years ago, and since then demand for houses and villas in Sicily has boomed.
Towns like Cefalù promise sea, sun and rich history ((Photo: Tony Stevens via Flickr/ CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
The whole island boasts year-round sunshine making it a popular option for northern Europeans seeking to escape frostier climes. Ragusa and Siracusa are two of Sicily’s most popular regions, with foreign investors accounting for 70% of property sales. Prices in destinations such as Taormina, positioned between the Peloritani Mountains and the Ionian Sea, have skyrocketed in recent years but it is still possible to bag a bargain elsewhere. Those looking for a property on the east side of the island are now looking further inland for the best bargains. While prices in coastal destinations tend to be more expensive, Trapani – in the west – is still one of the cheapest regions to purchase property in Sicily.
As with the rest of Italy, purchasing property in Sicily can be a complex and frustrating process frequently held up by local bureaucracy. However, working with a reputable real estate agency can speed up the process considerably and save a lot of unexpected costs – and headaches. Anyone can purchase property in Sicily, providing they have an Italian fiscal code and either an EU passport or citizenship to nations that are part of the reciprocity agreement. Getting a mortgage in Sicily is difficult, but not impossible – the best realty agencies will be able to recommend a trustworthy mortgage broker. With property investments reaching double-digit annual growth rates and additional incentives such as tax breaks for foreigners buying property, now is an ideal time to buy. Here are three recommended companies that can help you to find houses and villas for sale in Sicily.
Property in Sicily
Based in the province of Palermo, Property in Sicily is one of the island’s leading property agencies. The multi-lingual team offers services in English, French, Russian, German and Italian. Business owners Thomas and Maria bring the added experience of having made the move from Germany to Sicily themselves three decades ago too. The business is registered with the Italian Chamber of Commerce and offers an extensive range of post-sale services, with a wide network of reputable builders, designers and engineers who can help kickstart your renovation project.
Find out more at www.property-in-sicily.estate
Sicilian Houses
With over a decade of experience, Sicilian Houses offers an extensive portfolio of properties in Palermo, Agrigento, Messina, Ragusa, Siracusa and Trapani. The small but dedicated team, headed up by Marie Wester, offers a highly personalized and comprehensive service with an extensive network of local brokers, assistants, builders, architects and engineers. Most of the properties on offer cater to budgets under €500,000, but there’s currently a handful of exceptional high-value properties over the EUR 1 million mark, such as a spectacular 13th-century palazzo in Palermo.
Find out more at www.sicilianhouses.com
Romolini Immobiliare
For those seeking a luxury property in Sicily, Romolini Immobiliare is an excellent option. Ricardo and Marta Romolini launched the business in 2004 and it has since become one of Sicily’s leading luxury property agencies. It is now one of 138 agencies across the globe that make up Christie’s Affiliate network, selected for the highest standards of service and excellence. The agency offers a range of high-spec properties and plots in the island’s most sought after locations. As well as offering assistance throughout the purchasing process, the team also offer post-sale services such as renovations and interior design.
Find out more at www.romolini.co.uk