If you are thinking of buying real estate in a foreign country, it's also prudent to research that country's immigration and residency laws. Only because one owns an investment-needy house in either Italy or France (or anywhere) does not mean immediate full time residency status. For instance, you can stay in France or Italy for 90 days out of 6 months with a tourist visa. After that, you will need some sort of extended visa. For EU nationals it's easier to reside in a EU country, but then again, for British nationals, it's just become more difficult because of Brexit.

It's also prudent to research the country's tax laws if you decide to move to that foreign country as a full-time resident. Some countries tax your wealth back home (if you are, for instance, an owner of a house in the U.S.)

I've known many revelers from the U.S. who ventured out and bought houses for cheap in southern Europe. However, the opportunity cost is extremely high, and I would not recommend it lightly.

Instead, finding a solid rental for an extended period of time might be a much better option.