Hospitality apparently has its limit in Italy’s spectacular South Tyrol region as political leaders are moving to clamp down on property purchases by outsiders “for the defence of the homeland”.

The province of Bolzano in the country’s north-east has banned both foreigners and Italians from outside the largely German-speaking region from purchasing holiday homes in the area, after concluding they were driving up house prices beyond the reach of the locals.

Second homes will now be restricted to residents who have spent at least five years in the region or those who work in the area.

Provincial governor, Arno Kompatscher, reportedly said the move was “for the defence of the Heimat” - or “defence of the homeland” - after the council approved the latest move to protect the popular tourist destination from an excessive number of outsiders.

The council says the Dolomite mountain range, a World Heritage site which dominates the region, is a big draw for hikers and leisure seekers but that the demand for housing and land purchases was making it too hard for residents, in particular young people, to be able to afford a house.

Council deputy president, Richard Theiner, told local media: “This phenomenon, with a consequent increase in the consumption of land and building areas, makes it very difficult for residents to access a house at an affordable price.”