Puglia versus Tuscany - which one is best for you?

These 2 regions of Italy are always popular with buyer and it is interesting to look at the difference in prices of the properties with one area being in the North and the other in the South.

We asked AIPP member Linda Travella of Casa Travella, who has been selling property for over 25 years in Italy, to talk us through the difference in the areas.

Tuscany is the best-known region of Italy. Brits has been buying there since the 1950’s and it is famous all over the world. It is a very large region and offers a fantastic and diverse selection of properties starting as low as €50.000! The more traditional areas are in central Tuscany around Castellina in Chianti , Volterra, Siena and the surrounding areas. You will have views of the rolling hills, the sunflower and the vineyards, whether you decide to buy a property or rent a property for your holiday. it is easy to get here as well with regular flights to and from Pisa from many counties worldwide.

If you are looking for something less traditional but would still like to be in Tuscany try the area North of Lucca , around Bagni di Lucca , Pescagliaor, Barga. The scenery is more rugged and mountainous and you can ski at Abetone . Prices are lower here and this is where you can find a property with work to do at €50,000 and a property ready to move into from €100,000.

Hill top Tuscan village

The style of properties is endless from the rustic one to restore with a piece of land to a chic apartment in the centre of Florence. Here are some of the most popular choices:

• A small house detached or village style in the Bagni di Lucca area, the area North of Lucca. The Tuscan coast is just 45 minutes away.
• An apartment in a restored complex in typical Tuscan style (or newly built to look older) with a pool. Built in the stone of the areas, these are very popular and normally have a shared pool and outside space with stunning viewing over the Tuscany countryside. Areas here can include Palaia, Volterra, Peccoli and others.
• A detached house or villa with some land for those would want peace and tranquillity. These properties are normally set on their own with no close neighbours and a pool to ensure the amazing weather and the views!
• An apartment or villa by the sea in the Tuscan coast is an expensive option and the market here is mainly Italian or the ‘Ultra wealthy’
• Some clients want to be in town so prefer an apartment in the centre of Florence , this is affordable but you should not expect any outside space and if you do have any it is likely to be a small balcony. These properties however are very good for rental.

Wherever you choose and with whatever budget we feel sure you will be pleased with your Tuscan retreat.

View of Volterra

Puglia is in the South of Italy and has only become better known over the recent years.

This is an ideal region if you are looking for a detached affordable property and also want to be within half an hour of the sea. This is where the famous trulli come from, cone shaped structures that can only be found in Puglia. These were once used for living and animals and many have now been made into quirky homes. Alberobello is the most well-known village for Trulli but they can be seen all over Puglia.

Panoramic view of famous Alberobello town with trulli houses and their conical roofs

The ‘White City ‘of Ostuni is a joy and not to be missed on any trip to Puglia. It offers indoor and outdoor dining with or without sea views! Not far from the town you can find detached properties with 2 plus acres of land and wonderful age-old olive trees. If you are not keen on the olive picking you can employ the locals to do so. However, we are sure you will want some bottles of your very own olive oil!

You may wish to opt for an apartment in the centre of Ostuni a lively town, you will not be bored here! It is hard to find a town apartment with outside space but if you are lucky it may have a roof terrace and sea view.

View of Ostuni

There are 2 main style of property in Puglia, the traditional style truly, Lamie o masseria (a very large old-style farmhouse) Some of these have been made into luxury hotels or the modern style low rise villas with a style that you may consider more akin to Spain than Italy.

Travelling to the area is convenient with flights to either Bari or Brindisi from with scheduled and budget airlines.  Have a look at the villages of Carovigno, San Vito dei Normandi or Selva di Fasano to name but a few.

Whether you prefer the culture of Tuscany or the olive groves of Puglia we are sure you will not be disappointed by the areas regardless as to whether you go for a holiday or want to buy a second home or relocate there!

Our thanks to Linda Travella – scroll down for more details about Linda.