Lake Como Expert on Channel 4's A Place in The Sun

I was asked to assist with the recent filming of Channel 4's 'A Home in The Sun' on Lake Como. It was filmed last September and aired at 9pm Monday 29th June on More4.

For the area, the budget was very low at only £50,000, but they did manage to find some properties for the potential buyers, but way up North at the top end of the Lake. If you don't mind being out in the sticks and doing some serious renovation then maybe that's OK.

However, for most people Lake Como represents prime real estate and the prices reflect this. Most people aim for the western shore between Como and Menaggio or maybe even a little further to San Siro, but anything beyond that is usually seen as just too far to drive. The lake road narrows just after Argegno (at Colonno) and this makes access more difficult in high season, when the lake road gets very busy.

The eastern shore (Como to Bellagio) is also less popular because of lack of sun in the winter and the late arrival of the sun even in the summer - the steep mountains behind the lake, stop the sun reaching the lakeside villages until 11am in the summer in some places and stop it shining at all in the winter - so be careful where you buy!

Another part of the lake with sun issues is the Bellagio to Lecco leg, which suffers from similar problems to the Como to Bellagio leg. However, the opposite shore, the Lecco to Varenna leg has plenty of sun and the most amazing sun sets. Some of it is blighted by road noise, so be careful if you are looking for a lakeside property there.

If you are looking for a lakeside property, you need a serious budget - prices can be as high as €10,000 per square metre. But if you are prepared to drive only 3 minutes from the lakeside, you can pick up some lovely properties with lake views at a fraction of this cost.

For example, if you are looking for a rental income work-horse take a look at this - a unit of only 4 apartments, sharing a large pool and already with a good rental income history - they meet all the criteria for a good rental income holiday home, and can be purchased from as little as €275,000 for a 2 bedroom apartment with lake views - http://www.lakecomoproperties.com/properties-for-sale/montagna-del-sole-2-bedroom-1-bathroom-apartment-with-pool/

If you are considering buying a home on Lake Como - check out the Top Ten Tips - http://www.italytravelandlife.com/2015/07/ten-best-reasons-to-buy-property-on-lake-como/