The search for houses in the country shows no signs of slowing down in Montferrat-the Langue and Roero. “In recent times, working from home has consolidated and driven demand yet further, especially in smaller towns. Properties in good condition and in prime locations are particularly sought-after. This increase in demand is driving prices up,” explains Marco Pusceddu, president of the Piedmont Italian Federation of Professional Estate Agents (FIAIP), to Ville&Casali. “A new focus on quality of life is one of the reasons for the trend to buy in the countryside, in the hills, far from crowded urban hubs”. And government incentives have further bolstered a buoyant property market. “The under 36 bonus with ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) under €40,000 has allowed many young people and couples to take their first step on the property ladder”, continues Pusceddu, “while the tax concessions on renovations, like the Sismabonus and the Superbonus 110%, have led to the renovation of many old and dilapidated buildings. The 110 measure, although complex to implement, has rekindled interest in old properties, which until recently were largely unappealing or had completely disappeared from the property market. This has helped to regenerate streets or entire areas and revitalise investments”. This trend is also confirmed by Maria Cristina Oggero, owner of the estate agents Verde Abitare in Mombercelli (AT). “The perfect house - one that is sold in the blink of an eye - is a renovated property with expertly-restored original features, while in recent years there has also been growing interest in energy-efficient renovated homes, such as properties boasting solar panels or highly efficient heating systems powered by renewable resources. Prices for a 300 - 700-square metre farmhouse with pool located in a tranquil rural setting start from €500,000 - €600,000 and peak at €1.5 million. Judging by the recent and unexpected success of the short-term rental market for villas and farmhouses, prices are set to rise. The majority of buyers of our properties put their house up for rent on the well-known tourist rental websites, at extremely profitable rates, and the trend is growing”. Finally, according to the expert, “Around half of my buyers come from Italy (Milan and Turin) and the other half from Northern Europe (particularly the Netherlands and Belgium), while interest from Scandinavia is in decline”. “For us, the traditional property of the heart of Montferrat is the farmhouse,” explains Emanuele Mondo from the estate agents Emmeffe of Montegrosso d’Asti, “particularly early twentieth century, rectangular, two-storey brick properties with a cellar. This type of house accounts for 90 percent of our property sales in the countryside: properties that have been sympathetically renovated in the last ten years using traditional materials befitting of the era and put back on the second home market”. And here the estate agent points out the consumers’ changing taste: “In the 1970s and 1980s, it was fashionable to cover exposed walls with wood, but now buyers from overseas prefer to remove the plaster to enjoy the exposed brick. Everyone is looking for open-plan living and bright living rooms”. Prices vary depending on whether the farmhouse (200 square metres) is detached (the most sought-after type): “from €80,000 to €100,000 for a property ripe for renovation, up to €320,000 for a fully renovated house. However, prices exceed €350,000 to €400,000 if the property boasts at least 300 square metres, is in a prime location, benefits from a terrace or swimming pool, courtyard, woodland or a small half-a-hectare vineyard”. The most sought-after locations? Agliano Terme, Costigliole d’Asti and Calosso, all in the province of Asti. Finally, buyers from Turin and Milan tend to favour a semi-detached, 100-square metre cottage worth in the region of €60,000-€70,000, on top of which an average of at least €1,200 per square metre can be added for renovation costs. According to Marco Valerio Baldovino, owner of the estate agents Baldovino of Moncalvo, traditional Piedmontese farmhouses are also in great demand in the Montferrat provinces of Asti and Alessandria, particularly in Moncalvo, Ottiglio, Grazzano Badoglio and Vignale Monferrato. “Fully renovated properties are the most popular, preferably in Cantone stone (tuff). Most people are looking for a 200-square metre, two-story house, plus basement and cellar, on a plot suitable for building a swimming pool. Prices range from €200,000 to €400,000.”