A property guide for anyone looking to invest in Sicily. Plus, search for properties in the rest of Italy.

Sicily is an island off the 'boot' of Italy and has recently emerged as a popular destination for people looking to purchase second and holiday homes.

Currently, around five million people live on the island, which is one of the largest in the Mediterranean. Throughout much of its history, Sicily has been considered an important strategic location.

As a result, the island boasts a strong and unique culture, especially in regards to the arts, cuisine, architecture and even language.

To find property in Sicily and more Italian property, visit: www.justoverseas.co.uk/propertyinitaly

The island is one of the country's 20 autonomous regions and covers an area of 25,708 square kilometres. It is divided into nine provinces; Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Messina, Palermo, Ragusa, Syracuse and Trapani. It has several rivers, including the Salso.

Major towns on the island include Agrigento on the southern coast, Caltanissetta and Enna in the centre of the island, Siracusa in the south-east and Catania in the east.

The island's capital, Palermo, is found in the north and boasts a number of important attractions, such as the Cathedral of Palermo, the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Teatro Massimo.

Pros and Cons to Buying Property In Sicily

A recent report from propertyshowrooms.com noted that the island is currently attracting people who are looking for both investment and second homes.

The report said: "A favourite destination for sun seekers and gourmands, Sicily is equally popular amongst lovers of Italian culture and architecture.

"Apartments and villas in Sicily comprise some of the best value real estate to be found in Italy, making the island a highly popular property location for overseas buyers."

In particular, the report noted that extra low-cost flights from the UK would increase the popularity of the island and therefore increase the value of property in Sicily.

What's more, Mark Slaviero, the director of Homes in Italy, said that house prices in the south of Italy were set to rise, but added that bargains are still available for people prepared to search.

He explained: "Italy isn't the most reasonable market, but you will find very, very reasonable prices in the south.

"I wouldn't say that they're untapped regions, but they're very much new regions on the radar for overseas property buyers - so the prices are very reasonable."

In addition, Mr Slaviero said that investment in the south of Italy was relatively safe and prices were likely to continue to rise.

"In the next three years you're definitely going to see an increase in prices, so people investing in these areas should see a good return," he concluded.

The website investsicilyproperty.co.uk picked out three locations on the island which it said represented good places for people interested in purchasing in Sicily to start looking.

It noted that Catania is close to beaches and the famous Mount Etna, boasts a beautiful town square and is well linked with local airports. Taormina is one of the "most exclusive tourist locations in Italy", making it a good option for people with extra money to spend.

Finally, the capital of Palermo offers buyers a "historical city full of interesting building in a unique Arab-Norman style".

Ian MacPhail, director of Buyinitaly, recently tipped the eastern portion of the island as an investment hotspot. He noted: "We bought in eastern Sicily late last year, and the prices in the village we invested in - when judged per square metre - have practically doubled in ten months."

Channel 4's website said that Sicily is "opening up to foreign buyers" but added that "that the hitherto laissez faire attitude to officialdom in Sicily and Italy is changing".

What you Need to Know Before Buying Property in Italy

Buying a property in Italy is already quite a complex process, as it is heavily regulated. Someone who has found a home and secured a mortgage deal needs to make an offer through the selling agent.

Anyone with financial dealings within the country needs a Codice Fiscale - or tax code. This is obtained from the local tax office.

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