Sunday, February 28, 2021

Dear Your Overseas Dream Home Reader,

Over the millennia, Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, was ruled by Greeks, Romans, Phoenicians, the Spanish, the Vandals…just to name a few.

Thanks to its strategic location, it was the ideal hub for trade all over the Med. And to this day, the island feels somehow apart and distinct from mainland Italy. This history has given it a different way of life…different attitude…even different cuisine.

Today, expats from colder parts of European also find a lot to like in Sicily. Like sunshine and warm weather, a slower pace of life, and good value real estate.

Sicily is a place with stunning beaches on every shore…historic cities…ancient temples…and quaint little villages.

As I’ve written here before, some municipalities in Sicily are offering up homes at just €1. The idea being to revitalize rapidly depopulating towns and villages.

However, my position is that when you take renovation costs into account—which can be significant with these old, long-abandoned homes—you’re better off spending a little more and buying something already renovated. You’ll still find silly cheap deals, but the work will be done for you…

Here are some move-in-ready properties in Sicily that you can own right now…

Mascali, Sicily
Listing Price: €69,000 ($84,856)

You’ll be able to walk to everything from this townhome in the heart of historic hamlet of Mascali on the eastern coast. The market, the local sidewalk café, the restaurant serving up Sicilian favorites like pasta alla Norma (macaroni, basil, fried eggplant, ricotta, and tomatoes, which actually originated in this region of Catania)…

It’s all within steps. Be sure to check out the annual food and wine festival in June.

The home is fully renovated, with two bedrooms and one bathroom. There is a courtyard set up for alfresco dining, and a terrace on the roof, shaded, perfect for evening cocktails.

Trabia, Sicily
Listing Price: €115,000 ($139,770)

This country home offers views of the bucolic pasture and forest surrounding it from its expansive balcony. This two-bedroom, two-bathroom house comes furnished in a cozy country style.

It’s in a quiet natural area, on the site of a small resort, with gardens, swimming pools, and tennis courts—even a bowling alley.

Plus, you’re close to multiple Mediterranean beaches and the drive (or train ride) to Palermo, Sicily’s capital, to the west is about 30 minutes. That means if you need big-city shopping or to catch a flight out, you’re golden. And 30 minutes east is the stunning seaside town of Cefalù.

Noto, Sicily
Listing Price: €195,000 ($236,594)

This three-bedroom home, a mix of classic and contemporary styles, with vaulted ceilings, is located in the historic town center of Noto, close to the Corso Vittorio Emanuele. That’s the main drag that takes you past all the sights of the town, which was founded in the 1700s.

You’re within walking distance of all your essentials and can easily enjoy all the amenities of this thriving city, as well as explore the narrow alleys, wide avenues, Baroque churches, and noble palazzos this town is noted for. You also have a beach just a 10-minute drive away.

And the rooftop terrace of the property offers views over the surrounding grand architecture of the city.

Wishing you good real estate investing,

Ronan McMahon, Real Estate Trend Alert

P.S. If you’re interested in any of these listings you should hire an attorney and do your own due diligence. I haven’t visited these properties in person or done any due diligence on them.