Sam Risby – “Buying a Property in Italy Changed my Life”
Sam Risby from Kent was just a normal 22 year old in a reasonably well-paid job as a mortgage adviser when he decided it was high time he got on the property ladder. But of course with UK property prices falling from an over-inflated high, now was not a good time to get involved on home soil. Sam started his househunt overseas and within a few short months his life had completely changed…
 Sam explains, “The initial aim was to quite simply get on the property ladder and make an investment for my future. With the UK ruled out I paid a visit to Turkey attracted by the climate and low prices, but found the lack of EU membership to be a little disconcerting and the political and legal infrastructure perhaps slightly unstable, so I resumed my Googling. GEM Estates and Italy’s southern region of Calabria emerged as front runners so I arranged an inspection trip with them in May this year to take a look. The weather, food, culture, beaches and the fact that Italy is a founding member of the EU all strengthened my resolve and I bought a one bedroom apartment in Jewel of the Sea II.”
Jewel of the Sea II set close to the ancient town of Brancaleone appealed to Sam on several fronts beginning with price. His one bedroom apartment set him back just 59,900 euros and with the average UK house price around £200,000 this was a true bargain. Additionally the developers are going to provide on-site rental management giving Sam the chance to get a regular income from his investment. Also, as a sports enthusiast he could take advantage of the on-site swimming pools, fitness centre and tennis courts with the beach also within reach. So far so good, then it all got even better…
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 Sam continues, “During my inspection trip I got to know several members of the developers’ sales team quite well and we talked about what it was like living and working in Calabria. I’d always fancied a career abroad so was intrigued to hear that there could be vacancies. Back home in the UK I thought about the opportunity quite seriously and within a few weeks I’d secured a job offer, packed my suitcase and moved over. Certainly not part of the initial game plan but what better way to keep an eye on the progress of your investment than from the inside. I’ve now been here five months living in the town of Vibo Valentia and although work keeps me very busy, time off in the sunshine on the beach beats mortgages in London any day.”
And Sam’s future plans? “Jewel of the Sea II will be complete around October 2010 and from that point I plan to hang on to my apartment for five or ten years and soak up the rental returns. I have little doubt that the value of my property will rise, despite the global economic situation. Prices are so low in Calabria that the only way is up and they have not and will not be artificially inflated as it’s impossible to borrow cheap money here. New job aside, I would really recommend an investment into Calabria as it covers off both investment and lifestyle criteria – and the purchase process is secure, straightforward and reassuringly European.”
Prices at Jewel of the Sea II now start from 65,890 euros for a one bedroom apartment and bank guarantees are in place to protect 100% of payments made. Payment terms are 50% on preliminary contract and then 50% on completion scheduled for October 2010.
Contact GEM Estates on info@gem-estates.com, visit www.gem-estates.com or call
UK Freephone 0800 036 0068, Irish Freephone 1800 211 462 or call the Spanish office on 00 34 952 799 286.
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Date: 12/2/2008 | 
UK Freephone: 0800 036 0068
