Strike now while your currency is hot .....

Over the last few months the €uro has suffered heavy losses against most of the world’s major currencies. 

For example the US$ and £GBP have enjoyed gains against the €uro since 2008. Comparing the exchange rate for these two currencies against the €uro just a year ago, if you are thinking of buying here in Italy, you would be saving 1,000’s. 

Look at these comparisons:- 

FEBRUARY 2014                     $ to €uro = $1.38                         £ to €uro = £0.84 

APRIL 2015                              $ to €uro = $1.08                         £ to €uro = £0.73 

On a budget of €50,000 in just over one year you’d save $12,500 or £6,000 that’s a massive saving. 

Now as it happens I have several bargains for sale, so if you can get yourselves over to Calabria in the next couple of months I’ll help turn those dreams of owning a property in a beautiful sun kissed country into a reality. Now I can’t be fairer than that, can I?

Here’s one of the many bargains below. 

Click on the link for more details :- Two Bed Apartment with Gardens and Stunning Views

A Busy January

12 January 2015 on the beach at Lido da Pietro, Scalea

January is usually quiet with most people recovering from Christmas and New Year celebrations. Notoriously a slow month for business and new clients, it gives me a chance to catch up on administration duties and such like. The part of the job I don’t like.

Throughout the year I have many emails from people who dream about owning a property abroad. Many of these emails will ask for more photos/information and although I always respond on an individual basis, I’m disappointed that many do not even reply. Even if it’s just to thank me for my time.

So, what a refreshing change this January has been. Only 2 weeks into the new year and I’ve already had three different clients visit. Clients from Los Angeles, Yorkshire and Scotland, none of whom had ever been to Calabria before. Not only were they impressed with the property viewing, but they’ve all committed to a return, having fallen in love with the area. Once they tasted the friendliness, food, wine and mild  Calabrian winter weather, it was a done deal. January isn’t finished just yet and I have Canadians and Brits out before the end of the month.

Scouring the internet looking for property is the first step on the way to owning a property. However if you’re really serious about buying a property abroad, then you must go and see the area. Check out what’s on offer and not only the property.

There’s so much more to a viewing trip than just viewing property.  

Centro Storico, Scalea 12/01/2015

Christmas in Scalea?

Try as I might I’m really struggling to get into the Christmas spirit this year.

Yes we have Christmas decorations, trees, inflatable santas and shops decked out with their Christmas offers. But there’s still something lacking.

 I’ve been searching these last few days for what that missing ingredient is and must admit I’m at a loss. OK it’s December 13^th with just 12 days to go until the big fella in the red suit comes a calling. However Calabria in December just doesn’t feel like Christmas.

Maybe I need to travel North to see what it is we seem to be lacking for the festive period. The locals may be dressed in their puffa jackets, scarves and hats, but they do that in September!

Perhaps one of you will spot what it is? 

If so please post a response to put me out of my misery.

I have Irish friends arrived today. I was hoping to ask them to help unravel my problem. Unfortunately they’re on the beach basking in the beautiful sunshine.

No doubt they will be happy to find that tomorrow will be warmer. So much for the dolce vita.

Il Corsaro

Over the coming months I am going to share the vast fountain of knowledge I have amassed over the last 10 years or so, living here in Scalea.

I know,I know, it’s just the sort of bloke I am. Forever giving and sharing. 
Has there ever been a Saint Tony?

First on my list is one of the most popular restaurants in Scalea, Il Corsaro. 
A family run eatery with both a pizza and restaurant menu. 

Owner and head pizza chef Gianluca, head waiter Cesare and the team will
ensure you’ll have a pleasant experience in typical Calabrese fashion. The food is 
consistently good quality for a great price. 

The table wine (red or white) is local and inexpensive and goes down well …. Too well sometimes. If beer is your poison, then either Peroni/Nastro bottled or draught beer is available. 

This restaurant is not only popular with tourists, but very popular among the locals as well. 

My personal favourites here include tuna pizza, penne pasta with pancetta and a creamy sauce (my mouth is watering just writing that) and chicken in breadcrumbs covered with a cheese and tomato sauce. 

The finishing touch can be added by a lemon sponge cake. You will thank me after, believe me.

You can find Il Corsaro on Corso Mediterraneo as you enter Scalea from San Nicola just before the traffic lights on the left. You’ll find me here most Sunday evenings, but don't let that put you off.

Il Corsaro Map

Parking charges are back in Scalea

Parking charges had been suspended up until recently.
If you're visiting Scalea this year please be aware that parking charges apply where there is a blue marked bay.

Bill Paying Service

Since 2013 Calabria Property Consultants have been offering a bill paying service. Prior to this agencies in town have offered this service but problems with communication and "the system" had created some misunderstanding. Continually being asked to help out, I decided it was time to get stuck in to the problem and offer a bill paying service myself. The continual changes in comune policy makes managing bill payments challenging. The latest change is TARSU (waste). This is now called TARES with changes to the way waste is collected and how charges are made. We issue accounts regularly and are on hand to answer any questions you may have regarding bill payments/charges. If you would like to use Calabria Property Consultants bill paying service please contact Tony using the contact form on the right.

We are HAPPY from SCALEA

In March 2014, Scalea took the "We are happy from...." challenge. The idea was to make a video set to Pharrell Williams' song "Happy". Videos have been shot in 668 cities over some 87 countries. Many of the residents and business owners of Scalea took part in the video and have shown the world just how happy they really are.

Watch the video and be inspired - maybe you'll see some people and places that you recognise!

Our advice would be to come and see for yourself, the Italian dream is available at a reasonable price...

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