Buying a house in north-west Italy

Bordering France and Switzerland in the very north-west, Piedmont has obvious appeal for Britons and Americans looking to buy property in Italy. It’s great farming and wine growing country — an appealing move might be to buy a farmhouse with vineyards as an immediate going concern.

Valle d’Aosta is a mystery to many visitors, being the smallest and least populous region in Italy. But bordering Switzerland and France, and being entirely mountainous, this little region has a lot going for it. Cheaper than neighbouring Piedmont, you may be able to buy a mountain home in Valle d’Aosta or buy a medieval (or even Roman) property in Aosta itself. And this region is at the heart of Italy’s best skiing.

Buying a home in Lombardy could mean a chic city centre apartment in Milan or a holiday flat on Lake Como. This is the financial and fashion centre of Italy and prices are correspondingly high, but hunt in less obvious places, such as Brescia, and you will find bargains.

Liguria lies just over the border from the French Riviera, this slim strip of Italy between mountain and sea sharing its French neighbour’s coastline and style, but not its horrendously high prices. Holiday homes in Liguria are very popular, and you’ll find a great infrastructure, many excellent places to eat and lots to do.