Britons are increasingly looking to Sicily to fulfil their Italy property ambitions, it has been stated.

In a feature on the island, Country Life saidthat Sicily has become increasingly fashionable and modern, with Britons starting to buy in numbers around two years ago.

The magazine stated that the British preference is for the east side, where properties in places like Ragusa have seen year-on-year price increases of around ten per cent.

At the same time, it commented, prices remain below the mainland Italy property average.

The island’s ancient monuments and the presence of Mount Etna – Europe’s largest active volcano – are also noted by the publication, along with the ease of accessibility, something that the opening of a fourth airport should soon improve further.

Earlier this week, Fly-2let.co.uk reported that a British banker who was made redundant in 2004 made a very successful investment in southern Italy property, purchasing a house for €98,000 (£85,000) that is now worth €145,000 and can be rented for as much as €750 a week.

Visit Rightmove Overseas for the best selection of Italy property. Stop dreaming, start searching!