Britons with an interest in Italian property? are moving away from the dream of converting an idyllic Tuscan farmhouse and instead turning their attention to more manageable urban apartments, it has been reported.

According to the estate agents Knight Frank, many UK investors are "cash rich" and "time poor", leading them to opt for the easier option when it comes to investing in the Italian market.

Commenting on the changing attitudes of Britons in Italy, Rupert Fawcett, head of the Italian desk at the firm, said: "They don't necessarily want to do the restoration that was once all the rage.

"They want a base that they can explore the country from, which they can move in and out of quite quickly and easily.

"I think people have the capacity to buy these places but they don't necessarily have the time to look after them," he added.

The overseas property firm Homes in Italy recently reported that improved air links with the UK are making the Italian market more attractive to Britons, with the opening of Brindisi and Bari airports bringing increasing numbers to the south of the country.