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Spanish bargains recommended to investors
2008-04-16 02:00:00
Foreign property investors are being encouraged to enter the Spanish housing market, despite ongoing financial problems in the country. According to Homes Worldwide, the rate of house price inflation on property in Malaga province is beginning to decline, while other parts of the Costa del Sol have experienced a drop in prices. However, the news provider has stated that this could potentially represent a good window of opportunity for investment buyers, as prices in the region are now fairly low. The website commented: "You could find yourself paying rock bottom prices for a dream property, just as its value begins to rocket." Homes Worldwide added that now could be the "perfect time" for property buyers to make a "savvy" investment. This echoes recent advice from the Independent, which said that no property downturn "lasts forever". The newspaper recommended that investors consider purchasing a bargain property before the hous...
More About: Investors

Turkish property values set to grow
2008-04-15 02:00:00
Overseas property investors could be set to collect healthy returns on property in Turkey, according to a media report. Business Week praised natural attributes such as Turkey's "stunning scenery" and good weather, but added that the European country also has numerous financial benefits on offer. For example, property values are relatively cheap when compared with other Mediterranean locations such as Spain or Italy. This is despite houses being of a comparable standard to those in neighbouring countries. However, property values in the country are steadily rising in response to high levels of demand. This means that investors could potentially snap up a house while it is still relatively cheap, let it appreciate in value and then sell it on at a profit. Business Week commented: "Agents expect prices this year to appreciate by 12.5 per cent." Meanwhile, ShelterOffshore has suggested that retirees who wish to enjoy a lower cost living in a sunny location s...
More About: Property , Values , Turkish , Grow

Bulgaria to attract more Irish tourists
2008-04-15 02:00:00
Overseas property investors could be set to benefit from growing tourism in Bulgaria . According to the Novinite news agency, the eastern European country is becoming especially popular with holidaymakers from Ireland. Petar Kandilarov, governor of Varna, was quoted as saying that the number of Irish visitors could possibly double in 2008. This is likely to be a positive development for owners of rental accommodation in popular Bulgarian holiday resorts such as Bansko. Increased tourist numbers will lead to greater demand for temporary lodgings across the country, which in turn allows investors to collect higher returns. Official figures cited by Novinite show that 90,000 Irish holidaymakers visited Bulgaria last year. The predictions comes just officials in the UK forecast that more British tourists would soon head for eastern Europe. Helen Warburton of the Post Office told the Daily Mail that lots of holidaymakers are opting to visit destinations with more favourable exchang...
More About: Tourists

France attracts more rail travellers
2008-04-15 02:00:00
More consumers from the UK are travelling to France on the train, new figures have revealed. According to Eurostar, passenger numbers during the first quarter of the year are 21.3 per cent higher than the amount recorded 12 months earlier. This was said to be partly because of its new high-speed rail link between Paris and London, which has made the French capital accessible in just two hours and 20 minutes. However, reduced journey times were not the only attraction of the new service to consumers, Eurostar added. Richard Brown, chief executive of the firm, said the railways are increasingly being seen as an eco-friendly alternative to flying to France. He commented: "We don't have all the answers, but we are chipping away at reducing our environmental impact and we will keep at it right across the business." Mr Brown added that both Eurostar and its customers have a "duty" to try and reduce their carbon footprint. Earlier this month, Virgin Trains ...
More About: Rail

Second home buyers praise Florida
2008-04-14 02:00:00
Florida has been praised by two British property buyers who have just purchased a holiday home in the region. Heather and Kenny Mackintosh told the Sunday Mail that they spent a long time searching for an ideal property in Orlando before finding a house which meets their needs. Speaking to the newspaper, they said they are delighted with their three-bedroom townhouse, especially as they were able to secure it at a reasonable price. Mr Mackintosh commented: "The price suited us and - more importantly - we thought it would be a better place for family holidays." He added that their second home is also ideally located within reach of important amenities such as shops, an internet cafe and leisure outlets. Meanwhile, Florida has been recommended as a good destination for those who want to make the most of the weak pound. Tracey Painter of Travel Counsellors told the Eastern Daily Press that people can currently get two dollars for every pound. Since the pound is at an a...
More About: Home Buyers , Home , Florida , Praise , Buyers

James Bond fans urged to buy in Thailand
2008-04-14 02:00:00
Overseas property buyers may find locations used in James Bond films good markets to consider, according to a newspaper. The Telegraph stated that many places which have been visited by the legendary British spy area now attracting lots of attention from second home buyers. For example, areas such as Phuket in Thailand are becoming increasingly popular with investors who are looking at the top-end of the market. This area was immortalised in 1974's The Man With the Golden Gun, which starred Roger Moore in the lead role. In fact, one of the mountainous islands in Phuket has become so closely associated with the movie that it is now widely referred to as James Bond Island. The Telegraph remarked. "Locations that were considered exotically remote while Bond was causing mayhem in them now read like a list of emerging overseas hotspots."
More About: Fans

Investors seek 'something different' in the Alps
2008-04-11 02:00:00
Overseas property investors who want to buy something different to the norm are increasingly looking in the Alps , according to analysts. The BuyAssociation website stated that the area is proving to be an appealing choice because it offers a number of lifestyle and financial attractions. For example, visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor pursuits such as skiing, horse riding, walking, mountain biking and paragliding. Furthermore, it is an affordable place to reach and is easily accessible for 12 months of the year. Paul Collins, property editor at BuyAssociation, commented: "You can get low cost flights to the Alpine regions pretty much all year round," He added that many people who own properties in the Alps often let them out to visiting holidaymakers. The comments come after currency exchange firm HiFX recommended that prospective buyers look for an Alpine property in the summer. Mark Bodega, director of the company, said this is because investors are more likely t...
More About: Investors , Seek , The Alps

Eastern Europe to benefit from weak pound
2008-04-11 02:00:00
The tourist trade in eastern Europe could be set to benefit from the weakening pound, an expert has suggested. According to Helen Warburton of the Post Office, many consumers in the UK are looking outside of the eurozone because the currency is now much stronger than the sterling. In fact, the pound has now fallen to a record low against the euro, which means people face much higher costs if they visit countries such as Italy, Spain or France. Ms Warburton told the Daily Mail that there have been "significant increases" in the cost of popular purchases such as food and drink. Therefore, holidaymakers are opting to visit destinations with more favourable exchange rates, such as Bulgaria. Speaking to the newspaper, Ms Warburton said: "People are looking for destinations where their holiday money will go further." According to figures from Euromonitor, tourism in Bulgaria generated more than £1.3 billion for the country's economy last year.
More About: Eastern , Pound , Benefit , Eastern Europe

Southern Europe attracts retirees
2008-04-11 02:00:00
Older people who wish to spend their retirement abroad are mainly favouring southern Europe an countries, according to an expert. Allan Williams of London Metropolitan University stated that the region is popular because it has a very mild climate, reports Today's Zaman. However, he said retirees also take various other issues into account when deciding where they would like to live, such as the lifestyle, culture and quality of the infrastructure. Mr Williams added that although Spain is currently the most popular destination for older expatriates, property in Turkey is attracting more and more people. He commented: "When we look at 2008 it is easy to say there will be busy migration traffic of the retired and that Turkey will host a considerable amount of this traffic." Mr Williams has tipped Antalya to be a major hotspot for retirees in future years. This comes after a poll of expatriates by NatWest revealed that the vast majority believe they are financially bett...
More About: Southern

Morocco offers strong rental market
2008-04-10 02:00:00
Foreign property investors who are seeking a lucrative buy-to-let investment could find Morocco a suitable location, according to industry experts.NuBricks.com said the tourism sector in the north African country is "on the up" and has witnessed some "impressive growth" in recent years.This was largely attributed to efforts by the government to boost the desirability of the nation to foreign leisure travellers.Authorities have recently pumped money into new buildings, leisure facilities and infrastructure upgrades in order to make Morocco more appealing to holidaymakers.However, this is also leading to additional interest among foreign property investors, many of whom believe the strong tourist trade is creating strong rental potential.NuBricks.com remarked: "Overseas property investors will not be short of reasons why Moroccan property is a smart buy and a sound addition to their real estate portfolios."This comes after the Foreign Property Buyer websi...
More About: Market , Rental , Offers , Strong

Brazil presents investment opportunities
2008-04-10 02:00:00
Brazil's potential as a good invest market has been outlined by a property developer in the country. Invest Tur stated that the South American nation has a diverse range of attractions to offer, such as history, good beaches and natural beauty, Market Watch reports. However, the firm added that since the country is hosting the football World Cup in 2014, it also offers other benefits to investors. Carlos Novis Guimaraes, chairman of the board at Invest Tur, highlighted the extra investment in infrastructure upgrades as one example, along with a likely increase in tourism. This should push up demand for rental accommodation in many of Brazilian property's main hotspots, which could enhance its appeal to overseas property investors. Mr Guimaraes commented: "From the Amazon to tropical forests to colonial history to beaches, it's a myriad of natural and very high-level attractions that have been vastly underdeveloped." Brazil's government recently revealed that the...
More About: Presents , Investment , Brazil , Opportunities

Italian food tempts tourists
2008-04-10 02:00:00
Italy's tourist market is being boosted by its fame in culinary circles, according to a new study. Research by Expedia.co.uk has found that more than one in ten holidaymakers from the UK follow their taste buds when booking a trip overseas. Italy was highlighted as a particular hotspot for this group of people, as people want to sample authentic Italian food in the place it was created. Alison Couper, communications manager at Expedia.co.uk, said the findings show that UK tourists are "breaking away" from stereotypical food staples while on holiday. She commented: "Brits are becoming more dedicated to immersing themselves in the home-grown local cuisine." Ms Couper added that the notion of British people being "unadventurous with their culinary choices" is unfair and inaccurate. This could potentially help enhance Italy's appeal among overseas property investors, as the country has a strong pull factor to attract visitors. Italy's appeal to fo...
More About: Food , Tourists

Consumers take trains to France
2008-04-09 02:00:00
France's rental market could be boosted by the growing popularity of travelling by rail. According to Virgin Trains , many people are choosing to use the railways to travel to short-haul destinations such as France. The organisation said the rail networks and Channel Tunnel services are being "well-used" and are increasingly being seen as a good alternative to flying to France. This could be good news for owners of rental property in France, as visiting holidaymakers will require temporary lodgings. Philippa Richardson, communications manager for Virgin Trains, commented: "More and more people are choosing [the railway] as a means to get to destinations they might have previously gone to by car or plane." She added that trains are a far more environmentally-friendly mode of transport than aircraft. The comments come soon after Eurostar launched a high-speed service between Paris and London, which offers reduced journey times of just two hours and 15 mi...
More About: France , Consumers

Expats need financial advice
2008-04-09 02:00:00
People who are preparing to buy property overseas have been advised to get expert advice about their finances. ShelterOffshore.com said it would be prudent for prospective expatriates to make sure they are familiar with how living abroad will affect financial matters such as tax payments and pensions. The website stated that if people are concerned or unsure about any of these issues, they should consult a professional. This was said to be particularly important for older people who have decided to spend their retirement years overseas. ShelterOffshore.com said that since they will not be working in their new home, they need to actively demonstrate to the Inland Revenue that they are now permanent residents of another country. The website commented: "You have to ensure you cut tax ties properly when you retire abroad otherwise you could end up in all sorts of trouble." A recent poll of expatriates by NatWest revealed that the vast majority believe they are ...
More About: Advice , Financial

Investors urged to look in 'less obvious' markets
2008-04-09 02:00:00
People who are considering purchasing a foreign property have been advised to consider looking at an emerging market. FirstRungNow.com said those who are purchasing with the intention of generating wealth could find less-established locations more suitable than traditional countries. The website stated that investors overlook countries such as Spain and France and consider "less obvious" options instead. Eastern Europe was highlighted as one region that could generate strong returns, along with property in Turkey. This is because the housing markets in these countries are all growing at a much faster rate than those in the more established property markets. Therefore, property owners could potentially earn a considerable profit if they choose to sell up at a later date. Helen Adams, managing director of FirstRungNow.com, observed: "In places like Turkey, you're more likely to get the growth that you need." This comes after Homes Worldwide recommended that...
More About: Markets , Obvious , Investors

Bulgaria offers investment opportunities
2008-04-08 02:00:00
Overseas property buyers have been told of potentially lucrative investment opportunities in Bulgaria . Property Secrets said that demand for housing in the capital city Sofia is currently outstripping the existing level of supply. The organisation has stated that this is partly because people from rural areas are increasingly opting to move to the city. As a result, properties in Sofia are becoming highly sought-after and more and more expensive. This will be regarded as a positive development by overseas property investors who own a residence in the area, as it creates the potential to sell it on at a considerable profit. Neil Lewis, chief executive of Property Secrets, commented: "Sofia is a favourite hot spot for property investors as it potentially offers ultra-high returns, combined with excellent long-term prospects." According to the Association of International Property Professionals, Bulgaria was the fourth most popular foreign destination for UK buyers last...
More About: Investment , Offers , Opportunities

Economic problems offer opportunities to investors
2008-04-08 02:00:00
Overseas property investors could be able to take advantage of the current problems in the global economy, according to experts. Currency specialist HiFX stated that the credit crunch and the resulting economic slowdown has led to some prospective investors "getting the jitters". However, the organisation said the financial problems across the world are also having a negative effect on property sellers. Therefore, people could be able to persuade estate agents who desperately need to meet their sales quotas to offer them a good deal. Mark Bodega, director at HiFX, commented: "Buyers should remember that a drop in demand will mean vendors are also feeling the pinch." However, he recommended that investors get a forward contract to fix the exchange rate during the transaction. This, he said, would prevent people being affected by any market fluctuations and guarantee the final cost of their purchase. The advice comes after ShelterOffshore.com stated that the...
More About: Problems , Opportunities , Economic , Investors , Offer

Airline opens up Turkish market
2008-04-08 02:00:00
The introduction of new flights to Turkey could be set to boost its property market, according to the Foreign Property Buyer website. Low-cost airline easyJet has just begun operating direct flights to Dalaman from London Gatwick Airport. This represents a significant improvement to the accessibility of the region to consumers based in the UK, potentially boosting tourism in the region. Growth in the local tourism industry will be good news for property investors as it means rental property in Dalaman will attract high demand. Furthermore, the affordability and frequent flights offered by easyJet may make it a tempting location for people who want to purchase a holiday home overseas. Commenting on the region, Foreign Property Buyer said: "Both property prices and rental prices are expected to grow in the area." The Turkish government is currently aiming to increase the annual number of foreign arrivals from 23 million to 50 million in the next 15 years.
More About: Market , Airline

Brazilian investment could be lucrative
2008-04-07 02:00:00
Overseas property buyers could find Brazil a lucrative investment, a newspaper has suggested. According to the Times, Latin American countries are well-placed to deal with the current problems in the global economy. This has prompted the publication to state that this may make places such as Brazil very safe investment options. As well as offering a growing economy and political stability, Brazil is also enjoying considerable growth in its housing market. This was said to be partly because new flights are opening up the country and leading to interest from overseas investors. In addition, the newspaper said Brazilian authorities are preparing to host football World Cup in 2014, a development which further enhances its desirability. The Times commented: "Latin America is high on glamour but low on prices - the perfect mix for investors." Brazil's government recently revealed that the country's economy expanded by 5.4 per cent last year.
More About: Investment

Regional UK airport reports increased passenger numbers
2008-04-07 02:00:00
A regional airport in the UK has marked its third anniversary by revealing that is continuing to attract more air passengers. Doncaster-based Robin Hood Airport said passenger numbers for last month were more than 12 per cent higher than they had been 12 months earlier. Hugh Lang, a director at Peel Airports, praised the airport for this strong growth, describing the size of the increase as "something to be very proud of." Services to Spain were found to be in particularly high demand last month, which could be due to the fact that Easter fell in March this year. According to the Association of British Travel Agents, Spain was the "outright favourite" for Britons who chose to venture abroad during this period. This verdict is reflected in Robin Hood Airport's list of the five most popular services in March. Direct flights to Alicante occupied the top spot, while routes to Malaga and Tenerife were listed in fourth and fifth place.
More About: Regional , Numbers

Investors not deterred by credit crunch
2008-04-07 02:00:00
Consumers in the UK are continuing to show interest in buying property abroad, despite the ongoing economic problems across the world. ShelterOffshore.com said the recent slowdown in the global economy has led to many people's finances being stretched. However, it said that while consumers are spending frugally and saving less money, many are still keen to make a foreign investment. According to the online portal, Britons have an "insatiable desire" to own a house in a sunny location. The website commented: "Phrases like 'credit crunch' and 'global financial crisis' are having little effect on us resilient Brits." This comes after property investors from the UK were advised to look buying overseas if they wish to collect good returns. Homes Worldwide recommended that Britons avoid the domestic market as mortgage rates are rising while house prices are falling. By contrast, many other countries offer good capital growth potential and relatively ...
More About: Credit , Investors , Crunch

Winning Formula for Investors at Praia Bonita, Brazil
2008-04-07 02:00:00
International investors are impressed by holiday apartments and chalets at Praia Bonita due to their excellent buy-to-let and resale potential in a managed holiday resort complex.  In addition to being located just south of Natal, northeast Brazil ’s major emerging tourism area, Praia Bonita offers investors some effective exit strategies: high rental potential as well as the 2 years’ guaranteed rental at 5% p.a. thrown into the deal.  As importantly, a ready foot-flow of buyers from amongst the tourists renting on the resort will greatly boost these units’ resale potential. As part of a hotel complex, owners at Praia Bonita will benefit from its management service to attract rental clients as well as potential resale clients. With prices from 55,600 EUR, Praia Bonita is attracting much attention amongst shrewd investors seeking a trouble-free investment.  Bernardo Retana, Director of Investment Product and Development at the International Property In...
More About: Formula , Investors , Winning

Outstanding Location at Bermuda Views, Dubailand
2008-04-07 02:00:00
Beautiful one and two bedroom apartments at Bermuda Views form part of the colossal Dubailand sports and lifestyle project.  The development sits within Dubailand’s equally awe-inspiring Sports City, making these units strong investment options within one of Dubai’s most prestigious complexes. Bermuda Views’ location in Sports City already guarantees investors optimum returns, while 3 years guaranteed rental at 8% per annum and valid growth predictions of 30% p.a. make it a particularly lucrative investment. Residents at Bermuda Views will take advantage of being within the world’s very first purpose-built, integrated athletics and sports venue.  Units will proudly overlook the prestigious Ernie Els 18-hole championship golf course, the cricket stadium and a seven star hotel.  With eventual completion set for 2015, the mammoth Dubailand project is to be key to the success of a substantial proportion of the emirate’s economy, not to mentio...
More About: Location , Outstanding

Cyprus tourism trade tempts rental investors
2008-04-04 02:00:00
Property investors are increasingly choosing to snap up houses in popular Cypriot holiday resorts. According to the Galway Advertiser, the Mediterranean island is attracting about 2.5 million foreign visitors every year. This is helping to drive economic growth across Cyprus , which has in turn enhanced its appeal to prospective property buyers. The newspaper said that investors from countries such as Ireland are showing a keen interest in the market and choosing to buy new developments in hotspots such as Paphos. Since Cyprus offers good weather for 12 months of the year, this puts them in good stead to collect healthy rental returns. Meanwhile, the country's expanding housing markets means investment properties are steadily increasing in value. The Galway Advertiser commented: "The property market in Cyprus remains very strong and vibrant, offering excellent value with quality developments." According to the Home Move website, property values in Cyprus are likely ...
More About: Tourism , Rental , Trade , Investors

Cheap foreign property attracts first-time buyers
2008-04-04 02:00:00
Cheap property prices overseas are proving to be very enticing to first-time buyers in the UK, according to an expert. Paul Collins, property editor of the BuyAssociation website, said that many people are having difficulty in getting on the British housing ladder because house prices are too high. This has led to many people seeking various means of generating wealth to afford a purchase, including investing in a foreign property market. Mr Collins said that places that offer relative bargains have proved to be especially popular, particularly those where prices have been going up quickly. He commented: "They're finding that it’s better off going overseas and building up a little more equity and owning a property." Mr Collins added that Spain has been one of the most popular locations among this group of buyers during the last few years. Fair Investment Company recently revealed that nearly one in ten first-time buyers have already bought their first property...
More About: Property , Time , Foreign , Cheap , Buyers

Investors reassured about Bulgaria's prospects
2008-04-04 02:00:00
Overseas property buyers have been reassured about the investment potential of Bulgaria amid the ongoing crisis in the global economy. According to Balkan Holdings, British investment in the Bulgarian property market has slowed down as a result of the credit crunch. However, managing director Chris Northam said that while off-plan properties may be a risky investment, there are still many safer alternatives across the country. Prospective investors were advised to look at the rural parts of the country as prices are often much lower in these areas. Therefore, anyone who may need to make staged payments will be less vulnerable to market fluctuations. Mr Northam added that overall, Bulgaria is still a good place in which to buy a property. He commented: "I would say it's very much still a valued destination, if you know where to look and you know what you're doing." According to the Association of International Property Professionals, Bulgaria was the fourth most po...
More About: Investors

Dubai's Olympic Bid
2008-04-03 02:00:00
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, recently announced his intentions to begin studying an Olympic bid. The leader, who recently visited China, expressed his initiative during a conference to journalists on a flight from Beijing to Shanghai. The Olympic bid will be welcomed by avid investors who have already purchased property in Dubai’s Sports City, which is to become the largest sports complex in the UAE and probably the world once it is completed. The custom-built complex, which will feature a 25,000-seater cricket stadium, a 60,000-seater outdoor arena that could hold track and field events, and a 10,000-seater multi-purpose indoor arena, is most likely to hold a key role in UAE’s Olympic bid. Currently, Dubai hosts many major sporting events, including the Dubai World Championship, a golfing event with a grand prize of US$10 Million. Likewise, this year the Emirate enjoyed the Barclays Dubai Tennis Championship, where...

British investors advised to look abroad
2008-04-03 02:00:00
Property investors from the UK have been advised to look overseas if they wish to collect good returns. Homes Worldwide recommended that Britons avoid the domestic market as mortgage rates are rising while house prices are falling. The website has suggested that investing on the other side of the English Channel could be a more lucrative move, as the French market is currently experiencing growth. According to the website, house prices in France went up by four per cent last year, while their values are about a third cheaper than the UK. This means that investors could collect the proceeds of capital growth in a relatively cheap market. Furthermore, Homes Worldwide believes that France is holding firm in the face of global economic problems. The website said: "The market does not seem to have been affected by the so-called credit crunch that has unsettled the US and UK markets." This comes after currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, France accounted for m...
More About: British , Investors

Airport to drive up house prices in Spain
2008-04-03 02:00:00
The Spanish city of Murcia could be set for a property boom once its revamped airport is up and running, experts have suggested. According to the Telegraph, Corvera Airport is currently undergoing a major upgrade and should be fully operational in two years time. The newspaper believes that the opening of the facility could lead to growth in the local property market, as the introduction of new flights should boost international interest in the region. However, house prices in Murcia are currently much cheaper than in many other parts of Spain . This means that people who enter the market early could stand to collect considerable returns when the market experiences its anticipated growth. The Telegraph observed: "Property prices in certain 'emerging' parts of Spain compare favourably with newer rivals such as Cape Verde and Bulgaria." According to A Place in the Sun magazine, Spain is currently the most popular location among overseas property buyers in the UK.
More About: House , House Prices , Drive

Expats look abroad for cheaper cost of living
2008-04-03 02:00:00
The high cost of living in the UK is creating widespread disillusionment among many Britons, to the point where many are considering emigrating, a newspaper has said. A report in the Telegraph stated that many British people are thinking of packing up and leaving for another country. This was largely attributed to the current state of the UK economy, which has led to increases in the prices of groceries, fuel and other necessary expenses. People were also said to feel unhappy with their rising tax burden, with council tax in particular flagged up as a particularly unpopular charge. Therefore, many are looking to overseas property as a way of avoiding these payments and reducing their outgoings. The Telegraph commented; "It's hardly surprising many British homeowners are seriously thinking of selling up and moving overseas." Earlier this week, a poll of expatriates by NatWest revealed that the vast majority believe they are financially better off now that they live a...
More About: Living , Cost , Cost of living