Dmitriy Bogatov, head of the Russian representative office, VFI Europe company, speaks about Calabria.

In general, the VFI company's mission can be characterized as follows: high-quality beachfront properties for reasonable money. And our motto states: “The dream is affordable”. And that is really so. While choosing a property market, many Russians pay specific attention to Italy and would love living by the sea. But most Russians cannot afford such housing. That said, high quality, and at the same time affordable housing can be easily found in Calabria. This region of Western Europe has long remained underdeveloped, although a convenient location and excellent climate with a clean sea are all combined here.  

The region is very popular among Russians, primarily due to affordable prices. Currently the prices start from 49 thousand euro – a single-bedroom apartment may be purchased for such amount of money. A townhouse will cost barely 100 thousand euro, and minimal prices for villas works out 229 thousand euro.
 
Although people looking for property in Calabria mostly demand low-cost housing, we also offer prestigious properties, which are also quite interesting to Russians. For example, we offer million-euro-plus properties.

Of course, we are planning to present properties located in Italian regions new for us at the INFOREAL exhibition. For example, we are now developing the Amalfi coast, located to the south of Naples, near the island of Capri. This region is renowned for expensive villas, and almost a complete absence of new construction going on. Properties located in Amalfi are slightly more expensive than the ones in Calabria. For example, prices for a two-bedroom beachfront apartment amount to 170 thousand euro. But even such prices are remarkably low for new homes in Amalfi.

A Calypso Lagoon complex on the coast of the Ionian Sea is one of our new developments. This project is unique for Calabria. Architecture more modern, than it has been accepted differentiates it from many other proposals. For example, many exterior walls are made of glass. The project includes 14 high-class villas. A magnificent view on the yacht-docks opens from their windows. Each villa has a swimming pool and jacuzzi, moreover, the complex will house amazing gardens. The project has received many prestigious European awards.
 
Do you recommend buying properties in Calabria because of low prices only?
No, definitely not: in addition to low prices, which are only comparable to developing countries, there are no high risks. And, of course, Calabria is a wonderful region, famous for its pristine clean water, the Tyrrhenian and Ionian seas, spectacular mountain scenery and modern ski resorts. Snow-white beaches, recognized as one of the best in Europe, and rich cultural heritage are all present here.
 
And how high is the quality of Calabrian construction, given that the prices are so low?
You need not to worry about that. A system of unified standards for construction operates in Italy. As for affordable housing, such cost is reasoned by the following factors: relatively low land prices and the availability of large land plots suitable for large-scale projects. We have certain projects that incorporate 300-500 properties. Such volumes allow us to significantly reduce the costs of construction and, accordingly, the prices for the buyer. But there are virtually no more plots available in vicinity to the sea, which allows us to assume the coming reduction of construction levels, which, combined with a constantly increasing demand, will definetely lead to significant price increases.
 
Recently, some information regarding landslides in Calabria, which damaged several homes of local residents, has appeared on Russian television. Does such news discourage foreign buyers of Calabrian property?
There is no sense in being afraid of such natural phenomena. Yes, there were rains, which have resulted in landslides. However, this incident is of a local scale, and of course there were no casualties. Our Italian colleagues have even been surprised with the Russian media highlighting such insignificant events. It has had no effect on Russians' demand for Calabrian property. Moreover, considering the modern standards of European construction, such phenomena are unable to cause any damage to the building.

What are the reasons behind you choosing the INFOREAL exhibition among the plentitude of other events dedicated to overseas property?
This exhibition is attended by people who are clearly focused on the purchase of foreign property. Simply put, much less idle visitors, who choose such a way to spend a weekend, visit INFOREAL. The attendants express vivid interest and really plan to purchase housing. The INFOREAL helps us to attract Russian buyers, and they play a big role in our sales. For example, in 2009 Russians have purchased more than 200 properties in Calabria through our company. We really expect the number of concluded transactions to increase this year, with the help of the INFOREAL.
Besides that, one of our goals is to find a reliable partner for cooperation in the North-Western region of Russia.
 
For you reference 
The VFI Company is the largest developer on the south of Italy. The company lists more than 3500 properties, both finished and yet being under construction. The VFI has offices operating in five main countries and nearly 400 realtors working around the world. In 2009, the company has received an honorary award - The Overseas Living Luxury Lifestyle Award for Best Five Star Development in Italy in 2009, presented to foreign developers of luxurious property.