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/

Argegno, 2 bedroom apartments with pools & lake view from €275,000

Montagne del sole - the sunny mountain where the sun shines from sunrise to sunset!

Lake Como Properties - www.lakecomoproperties.com - tel: 0039 348 4108544

In the small village of Muronico, just minutes above the popular town of Argegno on the well-known western shore of Lake Como. It is 15 minutes from Como town and 60 minutes from Milan Malpensa.  The development consists of only 4 apartments: • 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom • open plan living space with large windows • spacious 65 sq metres + outside space • garden & portico or terrace • beautiful lake and mountain views * includes kitchen and all furniture • 12 x 6 metre pool, shared between only 4 apartments • free parking or garages available to purchase They are being sold, fully furnished and equipped for rental. Everything is included - fully fitted kitchen, dishwasher, washing machine, wifi, satellite TV - even  the bedding and the cutlery! Solar panels provide hot water and keep running costs low. For RENTAL INFORMATION and MORE IMAGES, follow the link to our rental web site for this property Montagne del Sole apartments. The apartments have been rented very  successfully for the last 4 summers and provide around €25,000 per annum each in rental income. Details of the apartments €275,000 - Top floor by pool with large wrap-around balcony to front, rear patio/garden, lake and mountain views plus 32 sq metres of garden and 44 sq metres of terrace. €283,000 - Top floor by woods with wrap-around balcony to front, small side garden and  rear patio, lake and woodland views plus 48 sq metres of garden and 43 sq metres of terrace  €292,000 - Ground floor by pool with spacious garden to front and side, lake and  mountain views plus 208 sq metres of garden and 15 sq metres of terrace €296,000 - Ground floor by woods with spacious gardens to front and side, lake and woodland views plus 208 sq metres of garden and 15 sq metres of terrace Garages are available at an extra €25,000 – there is also ample free parking.    Swimming pool The properties share a large 12 x 6 metre pool with ample sunbathing space. It is furnished with sun beds and umbrellas. The pool is set to the side of the building making the most of both the lake and mountain views. Maintenance costs are shared between four apartments and at just €900 per apartment and covers all communal gardens and pool maintenance and general lighting costs.  Floor Plans Our services We are independent Property Finders and have lived here for 17 years. We have contacts with all the local agents as well as direct contacts with owners and builders, so that we can ensure that you have the most complete list of properties from one single source, thereby saving you a lot of time and effort researching on line. We can do all the groundwork for you here. We offer a comprehensive service which includes setting up your tax code, arranging your bank account, putting you in touch with a local lawyer and even helping you furnish your home. The aim is to make the process as straightforward and simple as possible for you. We can also put you in touch with previous purchasers who would be more than happy to provide references should you require them.  Lake Como Properties - www.lakecomoproperties.com - tel: 0039 348 4108544