Acquiring an affordable property in Italy turned out to be a risky adventure for digital nomads.
British couple Alex and Emma / © Travel Beans/YouTube
British couple Alex and Emma purchased a house in Sicily for just £35,000 for a holiday retreat. Subsequently, the couple realized that renovation costs could exceed £100,000 and jeopardize their main dream of owning a home in the UK.
This is reported by Express.
YouTubers Alex and Emma acquired a six-bedroom house in sunny Sicily for £35,000 (approximately 2.1 million UAH). Initially, they anticipated that renovating the property would require an additional £45,000 (2.7 million UAH). However, the couple now fears that the actual cost of repairs might be significantly higher, putting their long-held dream of owning a home in Britain at risk.
The couple, who are raising two children and run the YouTube channel Travel Beans, bought the house two years ago. Currently, they have decided to postpone the renovation work.
“Every pound we spend on the house in Sicily pushes our dream of a home in the UK further away. We are now asking ourselves where we want to invest the next £50 or £60 thousand at this stage of our lives,” explained Emma.
According to Alex, they are increasingly contemplating how to reconcile both their aspirations.
“Our main dream is to have a house in the UK. We are wondering if these two dreams are starting to compete with each other,” the husband said.
Despite their doubts, the couple has not abandoned their plans for the Italian property. They intend to restore the roof terrace with Mediterranean Sea views, install an additional bathroom, and undertake several other repair tasks.
Location of the couple’s house / © Travel Beans/YouTube
Initially, the family estimated the repair costs at £45,000. However, after speaking with friends, Sarah and Luca, who are also undertaking extensive home renovations, they concluded that the total expenses, including the purchase of the house, could exceed £100,000 (over 6 million UAH).
Alex joked, “The worst thing that could have happened is people who know more than us shattering our dreams.”
“Is this house turning into a bottomless money pit? Perhaps this money would have been better spent elsewhere? Sarah and Luca told us that the amount quoted for their renovation could even double. Since they have much more experience than us, it would be foolish not to heed their warning,” added Emma.
A room in the couple’s house / © Travel Beans/YouTube
It is noted that several regions in Italy, including Sicily, Sardinia, and Tuscany, have programs offering dilapidated houses for a symbolic price of 1 euro. Their aim is to restore old buildings and breathe new life into small communities that are gradually declining.
However, such properties almost always require expensive repairs, as Alex and Emma are discovering through their own experience.
The couple also explained why they decided to buy a house in Sicily.
“Buying a house in Sicily was not an impulsive decision for us. All our adult lives, we have sought unconventional ways of living, prioritized freedom, and proven that you don’t need vast sums of money for it. We love Sicily. Here, one can live at a more relaxed pace and create family memories while our children are still young,” explained Emma.
Alex supported his wife, noting: “In the future, this house could become a place where we spend our retirement. For us, it symbolizes freedom from the traditional way of life.”
Incidentally, the Italian island of Sardinia offers non-repayable grants of up to €15,000 for those willing to move to depopulated villages and towns with a population of up to 5,000 people, including foreigners. The program is designed to combat depopulation. The payments cover up to 50% of the costs for purchasing, repairing, or reconstructing a primary residence, which must become the main place of abode.
Comments Sort: New Old Popular Submit
Source: tsn.ua