Interest for overseas property is back with a bang with viewings on Rightmove Overseas hitting a new daily record in June – unsurprisingly, Spain, France, Portugal and Italy remain firm favourites. We’ve picked an exciting doer-upper project for each destination, some in need of more work than others, plus we bring you some top tips from a renovation specialist

Villa refurb – Italy
Better known for its quirky stone ‘trullo’ properties and character village houses, the countryside of Italy’s southern Puglia region also has some great value villas hidden amongst the olive groves. Most come with sizeable plots of land, typically planted with vines, olives and fruit trees, and many enjoy distant views of the Med.

Traditionally owned by Italians who use them as places to while away the hot summer months, they tend to be furnished simply and geared towards an outdoorsy, rustic lifestyle. As such, prices are often enticingly low, which is why most foreign buyers are happy to do a complete refurbish.
We’ve found a property crying out for this type of buyer, one with an asking price of just €80,000. It’s a two-bedroom villa on a 2.5 acre plot, located close to the charming medieval towns of Cisternino and Martina Franca. Habitable and connected to all services, a new owner could update and redecorate throughout at their own pace. Bigger plans could include extending, converting the garage to extra living space, and adding a pool.

Village house renovation, Spain
Drift 15 minutes or more inland from any of the Spanish Costas and you’ll soon come across a traditional village, usually atop a hill and surrounded by picturesque countryside. More often than not, and especially in the south, the old buildings are whitewashed and form a maze of narrow streets that centre around a church and small square. This type of location is ideal for buyers searching for an authentic Spanish lifestyle, away from the more touristy beach resorts. As a rule, the traditional houses in these villages are inexpensive compared to the newer, more modern properties on the coast.

The lower the price, in some cases €20,000-€30,000, the more work the property will need. Some need restoring completely, while others might be habitable but not touched for years and in need of modernisation. A good hunting ground for projects like these are the hillside villages of Axarquía, the inland area at the eastern end of the Costa del Sol. Our chosen property is located in the village of Arenas de Velez, 20 minutes from the beach at Torre del Mar. It does need some major work, including connections to service, but that’s all reflected in its €37,000 purchase price!

Barn conversion, France
Dilapidated farm buildings anywhere are a popular choice of property for conversion, a term used to describe the transformation of a building formerly used for non-residential purposes into a dwelling.

France, with its huge rural interior and strong agricultural lifestyle, is awash with old farming villages, which means that there’s lots of barns and outbuildings for converting. Of course, plenty have been turned into character homes already, usually by British owners attracted as much by the lower prices, compared to back home, as by the charm of the properties and pretty Gallic scenery.

One project that would make a picture postcard home is this barn set in glorious countryside in St-Séverin, just south of Angoulême in Charente. Water and power are on site and there is a partially installed septic tank, which is a start! Get creative with an architect and this could be a real beauty.

Ruin restoration, Portugal
Not for the faint-hearted or those with limited budgets, taking on a complete ruin or re-build is the ultimate restoration project. You need vision, patience, deep pockets and a reliable team of local experts to get your through it, but the results can be breath-taking and you’ll feel very chuffed with the result.

Portugal’s Algarve is famous for its charming fishing towns, unspoilt beaches and pristine golf and leisure resorts. But hiding inland are small farming communities and beautiful rolling countryside, where fans of a more Portuguese lifestyle should have little difficulty finding a rustic, character home. For the braver amongst you, why not create your dream home from a ruin, such as this one, near Santa Caterina and 20 minutes from Tavira. On a large plot with fruit trees, the original cottage could be restored or there is the option to build a whole new property.

5 expert tips for renovation projects
1. Check the planning rules carefully. Before developing ideas, check the planning rules in the property’s local area. Ideally, seek professional advice at an early stage.
2. Carry out a thorough inspection. Before starting any plans, ensure the property is inspected thoroughly from the ground up, leaving no stone unturned.
3. Develop a draft project programme. This should include your project brief and a clear plan of action on how to design and build your ideas. By doing so you can have a clearer idea of budget and timescales.
4. Take the necessary time to design the project. A good design is developed through several stages and is often a team effort. A well thought-out design is essential, as it is always easier to edit plans rather than to alter ongoing works.
5. Anticipate all aspects of the build. In order for the execution to run smoothly, involve all construction specialists at the preparation phase. This will ensure that all aesthetical, technical and financial details are covered and any potential challenges can be anticipated.

Provided by Dreamstones.co.uk