Following the Beckhams in search of La Dolce Vita as David signs for AC Milan
It has been announced that David Beckham is to move to Italy after signing an agreement to play for AC Milan. On loan from current team LA Galaxy, Beckham is to play for the seven times European champions during the US ‘off-season’, from January.
With rumours rife that the Beckham family could make a more permanent move to Italy, and David having reportedly bought a house in the country, he has been keen to set the record straight, stating on Football365.com that “it´s more about me not having so much time off” and that it is simply a move to keep up fitness levels. The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is hoping for a more permanent residence, however, with news of him reportedly wanting Victoria to front a documentary following the family’s move to Milan, a move that would make Victoria Beckham the highest paid television presenter in Italian history and one not dissimilar to the 2007 American programme ‘Victoria Beckham: Coming to America’ that followed the Beckham’s move to LA.
David’s move to AC Milan is certain to heighten the appeal of a nation that is not only the most successful footballing nation in Europe, but is also well known for its glamour, fashion designers and celebrities. With Cater Allen Private Bank (part of the Santander Group) finding that over a third of people in the UK travel to ‘celebrity hotspots’ for their holidays and 46% thinking that their choice of holiday destination reflects on them as individuals, Beckham’s move to Italy is sure to have many Brits clambering after a second home in the country.
When looking for a home in Italy, there are many hidden areas for investment that could appeal to a savvy buyer for both a holiday home and an investment property. The Calabria region is one such – up and coming for foreign buyers yet a traditional holiday destination for Italians – this southern region has all the benefits of the stunning dramatic Italian coastline, warm climate, wealth of history, vast national parks and beautiful scenery but without the hefty price tag of regions such as Tuscany.
Steve Worboys, MD of property investment experts Experience International agrees, “Italy has long since been a popular place for Brits to buy abroad and also has a thriving rental market, as you would expect from a country that has been ranked the fifth major tourism destination in the world. But British celebrities like the Beckhams buying in the country is set to heighten the appeal further still. When looking for a region in which to invest, I would suggest Calabria to be a firm choice. Not only is it a spectacular destination for a holiday, it is also an emerging property market where the government are investing a huge amount of money in the coming years and prices are expected to rise some 15-20%.”
To take full advantage of the stunning Calabrian scenery, invest in Le Terrazza di Pizzo, situated on the scenic rugged coast of Vibo Valentia. Close to long, white sandy beaches, these 1 and 2 bedroom apartments boast either spacious gardens or rooftop terraces. Designed to reflect local architecture, prices start from £56,063/ €71,800. For more information contact Experience International on +44 (0)207 321 5858or visit www.experience-international.com.