Italy's property sell-off: 9,000 lots in state sale Read more: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/mortgages-and-homes/homes-abroad/article.html?in_article_

Fancy owning an island off the coast of Venice or Sardinia? If money is no object, one could soon be yours - as the Italian government is to sell off hundreds of treasures to reduce its national debt.About 9,000 buildings, palaces, beaches, islands and forts with an estimated value of more than £3bn are among the items that will become available at the end of this month. Italy's growing debt stands at £1.18 trillion. Among the most expensive and picturesque assets on sale is the Caprera island chain, part of the La Maddelana archipelago off the north-east coast of Sardinia.