Property in italy better value than france

Photo credit: Jukka Vuokko

Italian property is better value than French, according to experts.

With the price of property falling, the Italian housing market offers good value for buyers, especially in rural areas. Even with up the 19 per cent applicable in purchase costs, value can be found easily by overseas investors - especially compared to other European countries.

"Whilst cheap farmhouses are rare in France, you can still find them in Italy," writes The Nottingham Post.

Indeed, Knight Frank's latest house price index revealed that Italian property prices fell by 3.5 per cent in the second quarter of 2012, compared to the same period last year. That places the country above other recession-hit markets, including Greece, Cyprus and Spain, but still more affordable than France.

"The French are renowned for the good life and this, along with the varied landscape makes it attractive," adds the publication.