Re-mortgaging your home to purchase an Italy property may seem like a risky strategy, but for the Finch family it appears to be paying off.

Chris and Vicky Finch, along with their children James and Ben, adore their Italy property on the banks of Lake Como.

Mr Finch tells thisismoney.co.uk: ‘We use it year-round – in the summer for the sun and winter when we drive the 45 minutes to Madesimo, the best local ski resort.

‘It’s been a great buy as we’re using it five times a year and let it to family and friends. And the value has remained the same, if not a little more, which is a bonus.’

He adds that the couple have been told that if they elect to let their Italy property during the long high season, which runs from March to October, they could command up to £775 a week from eager tourists.

Hollywood icon George Clooney is a big fan of Lake Como. He was recently spotted romancing new love Elisabette Canalis at his Italy property nearby.

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