Growing allure of Sicily

The island of Sicily has been tipped as the next overseas hotspot by online property portal RightMove Overseas.

Citing the improving airline connections to the island and its "stunning scenery", the site argues the Italian island will continue to grow in importance to the overseas property investment market.

"Access to Sicily is improving all the time, and several carriers now offer daily direct flights from the UK and Ireland," said Justin Figgins, director of Rightmove Overseas.

"We have seen many times before how better access to a destination pre-empts growing interest in the local property market and subsequent capital growth.

"With Sicily, flights are already in place and our statistics prove that interest in Sicilian property is increasing significantly, so I would not be surprised if prices start to rise fast."

Rightmove claims Italy is the fourth most popular overseas property destination among its users, after Spain, France and USA.

Furthermore, the site finds the most popular reason for buying property in Italy is for a holiday home, selected by 48 per cent of respondents.

Demand for relocation (18 per cent), investment (12 per cent) and retirement (11 per cent) also drew buyers to Sicily.

"Sicily offers stunning scenery, a good climate, very affordable property and a range of activities that make it a year-round holiday destination; including great beaches, skiing on Mount Etna and two golf courses (with more in the pipeline)," continued Mr Figgins.

"These are all likely to provide some very decent rental yields and, as tourist numbers continue to rise, good capital growth.

"In fact, given what Sicily has to offer, and its improved access, I would say that it’s not unreasonable to assume that property prices on the island will soon close the gap with Sardinia where, even in the less fashionable resorts, prices are up to 40 per cent higher."

Chris O'Toole