According to FIAIP, the oldest association of property mediators in Italy, 2008 saw a 7-7.5% fall in prices with a reduction in sales volumes of 14%.  This trend is expected to continue in 2009, with Nomisma, a respected market watcher, predicting a further drop of 5% for this year.  2009 is very much a buyer's market, where price reductions of as much as 10-20% can be expected once negotiations begin.

It's in this setting that the EXPO Real Estate & Tourism property show is being held in Bergamo, close to Milan, and conveniently close to the Milan-Bergamo airport, from where shuttle buses will be running during the event (a journey of about 10 minutes).

The property show will showcase Italian property, including the options available for foreign buyers.  In view of the Expo 2015 to be hosted in Milan, it could also be a useful occasion for investors to network with players from the industry.  Constructors, property agents and developers, as well as property managment providers will be there along with exhibitors from the tourism and finance sectors.

The Property Finders will be running free workshops in English for foreign buyers wishing to know more about the current state of the market, areas to buy in as well as the buying process.

The Expo will run from 13th to 15th March 2009, 10am to 7pm at the Bergamo Fiera Nuova, Bergamo.  The nearest airports are Milan-Bergamo and Milan-Linate.

Contact Alessandro Pagnoni, alessandro.pagnoni@promoberg.it or phone +39 035 3230904 for information about the event and how to attend.

If you would like to make an appointment and/or attend one of the workshops for foreign buyers, contact Paul Hudson of The Property Finders, italy@thepropertyfinders.com or phone +39 338 9414596.