«Still, this is no ordinary olive farm, and Umbria — a region in Italy’s heartland — is no ordinary place. My little band of agriculturally challenged cohorts and I have come to this estate for a literal taste of “agriturismo,” or farm tourism, in a part of Italy that some derisively dub the poor man’s Tuscany.
– The Washington Post
And let them keep calling it that. In the meantime, they’ll find me enjoying La Dolce Vita country-style at the dining table of an Umbrian vineyard, eating white truffle pasta washed down with a nicely aged Sagrantino for half the price of the same in Florence.»
Umbria, a hilly region located in the heart of Italy, emerges as the most pleasant destination for home buyers wishing to enjoy the dream-like serenity of the Italian countryside: “the green heart of Italy.” The region presents La Dolce Vita especially for residents seeking to get involved in active aspects of rural life. Property prices in Umbria are also remarkably affordable compared to other regions such as Tuscany. As such, it presents the best promises of beautiful life at affordable rates for small and medium income earners from around the world wishing to acquire residential property within Italy.
Superb Attractions and Sceneries
One of Italy’s magnificent Gothic attractions, the Palazzo Dei Priori, which is home to the Galleria Nazionale dell’Umbria, is in Perugia (its main town). Other tourist attraction sites within Umbria are the captivating medieval hill towns of Spello, Spoleto, Gubbio, Perugia, Assisi, Amelia, Narni and Orvieto among others. Most of these attractions are treasure troves of Renaissance art and architecture. They are also intimately positioned making it possible for one to tour them without incurring ridiculous costs.
The region also boasts a fantastic hilly terrain and a variety of splendid olive estates, farms, dense forests and vineyards. Together, these features create awesome flowery sceneries and a welcoming climate for all wishing to indulge in “Agriturismo” or farm tourism. Life is also less crowded in Umbria as the entire region has a population of less than a million. As such, its grants the privilege of unmatched tranquility and space to its inhabitants. A unique opportunity for property owners seeking to enjoy an active lifestyle in a rural setting.
Perugia, which is the major city in the region, complements the experience of property owners by integrating aspects of city life with the wonderful cultural experience of the countryside. The city is one of the integral cultural and artistic centres in Italy. Positioned on a hilltop, Perugia grants its residents an exquisite view of the surrounding areas. Those who prefer to live in an urban setting at very affordable rates can opt for this area and still enjoy the unique experience presented by other parts of the region.
Affordable Lifestyle and Property Market
Umbria has been attracting foreign property hunters for a long time. While the 2008 global economic crisis had an effect on the real estate industry in most European countries, the property market here remained largely unchanged. However, some of its saw property prices drop significantly.
So how much does it cost to own a home in Umbria?
Interestingly, a house in Perugia’s town centre can cost between €1,400/m² and €2,900/m² for a completely renovated property. The budget cannot provide a safe house even in the “poor” neighbourhoods of nearby Tuscany.
With a budget of between €950/m² and €1,400/m², a buyer can acquire property that requires restoration.
In the countryside, a budget of between €900/m² and €1,300/m² can attain a fully refurbished house in most parts of Umbria. Or from € 400/m2 to € 750/m2 for a property to be restored.
Since Perugia is Umbria’s main hub, it is also one of the most expensive areas of the region. Heading south prices start to decrease, including in the nearby and famous town of Assisi.
What are you still looking for? Browse Gate-Away.com to find the perfect home for you in ‘the green lung of Italy’!
[Featured image by Aiko Konishi]
