An overseas property guide for anyone interested in buying a property in Southern Italy. Plus, find a home in Italy.

The southern region of Italy has recently emerged as a major spot for people looking for investment properties and second homes.

In particular, the regions of Puglia and Calabria - the heel and toe of Italy's 'boot', respectively - have emerged as excellent destinations for investors.

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

Calabria is located south of Naples and is bounded to the north by the region of Basilicata, to the south-west by the region of Sicily, to the west by the Tyrrhenian Sea, and to the east by the Ionian Sea.

It has an area of 15,080 square kilometres and a population in the region of two million.

The regional capital is Catanzaro and other major towns and cities include Reggio Calabria, Cosenza and Lamezia Terme.

Reggio Calabria is the largest and oldest city in Calabria, and is famed for its panoramic seaside with botanical gardens and the art nouveau buildings and the beautiful beaches.

Several resorts in the region, including Scilla, Tropea and Capo Vaticano are popular with Italians and foreigners alike.

In contrast, Puglia boarders the Adriatic Sea and the Gulf of Taranto. The region comprises 19,345 square kilometres and has a population of over four million.

Puglia is mostly a plain, known as the Tavoliere delle Puglie. Its coastline is low in general, but becomes mountainous in the north.

The capital of the region is Bari, a city of 653,028 people. While something of an industrial city, it does boast some interesting attractions. These include the Basilica di San Nicola, the church of St Sabinus and the Petruzzelli theatre.

Pros to Buying Property In Southern Italy

Recently, Mark Slaviero, director of Homes in Italy, tipped the regions of Puglia and Calabria as spots where people should consider buying holiday and second homes.

He cited a report from the Italian Federation of professional estate agents which showed that there have been "marked" increases in property prices in Calabria and Puglia across 2007.

For example, prices range from 750 to 2000 euros per square metre in Puglia now.

Mr Slaviero explained that the south of Italy had been "very popular" in 2007, adding: "The two regions which probably stand out the most are Calabria and Puglia. Puglia this year has probably had more media interest this year than even Calabria - but there's still a lot of people interested in buying in Calabria.

"The main reason that they're attracting people is the prices. 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."

According to a report from the website italia-magazine.com, Calabria is "the place to buy if you want the best of Italy's beaches alongside a warm and sunny climate".

The document noted that a three-storey terraced house in need of cosmetic restoration near Santa Maria Del Cedro costs in the region of 20,000 euros.

For 260,000 euros, a buyer could purchase "a detached villa in the beautiful village of San Nicola Arcella" or a large property in the village of Scalea.

In Puglia, puglia-property.com suggested the houses could be purchased for close to 120,000 euros. It cited the villages of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni as good spots.

For properties close to the sea, the site said that prices were higher - in the region of 200,000 euros. Villas on the beach are more expensive still, starting at around 400,000 euros.

Mr Slaviero added that investments in the two regions were very safe as Italy boasts a stable economy. He concluded: "I think 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."

Cons to Buying Property In Southern Italy

However, Channel 4 has warned people thinking of buying cheap but derelict rural properties in the regions that planning laws make it very hard to modernise homes and generate impressive returns.

The guide explained: "Planning laws basically dictate that a ravina [the Italian term for a run-down rural property] or other ruined rural building has to be restored to the state that it was in before it fell into disrepair.

"If modernisation and contemporary design is on your mind, you'd better not invest here. Even adding new windows, building a small and discreet extension or an out-of-sight swimming pool are off the cards apart from in the most exceptional of circumstances."

What you Need to Know Before Buying Property in Italy

What's more, buying a property in Italy is quite complex as the process is 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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