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Rental investors 'should look to the future'
2008-04-02 02:00:00
Investors in buy-to-let accommodation have been encouraged to think about how the market is likely to develop. The Sun stated that overseas property buyers need to consider what may take place in their chosen location in the next few years. According to the newspaper, the level of supply and demand in a certain place could determine the overall success of any investment. For example, it said that a rental property is less likely to appreciate in value if it is located in a place with a large number of available residences. By contrast, a house in an area with limited supply would be far more likely to become highly sought-after. The Sun commented: "Many buy successfully, but only because they follow the golden rules." This comes after BuyAssociation recommended that short-term investors come up with an exit strategy if they wish to make money from their property. According to the website, people are less likely to make a profit if there is not a sizeable resale mark...
More About: Rental , Future , The Future , Investors

Malaysia offers investment opportunities
2008-04-02 02:00:00
Overseas property investors could find Malaysia a potentially lucrative market, according to a media report. Forbes has included the Asian country in its list of nations that could offer favourable investment conditions during the ongoing global economic slowdown. Malaysia's economy was praised for being one of the fastest-growing in the region, as well as having low consumer prices and low inflation. This means that many people in the country are enjoying a reduced cost of living and increased amounts of disposable income. As a result, there will be growing demand for high-quality housing in the most desirable areas. Forbes commented: "Although the worldwide real estate market is softening as credit reservoirs dry, some spots are poised for growth." This comes after Amberlamb stated that the Malaysian economy is likely to see growth of 5.8 per cent this year. Prospective buyers were also told that Malaysia offers a number of other attractions, including ...
More About: Investment , Offers , Opportunities

France set to attract more visitors
2008-04-02 02:00:00
Tourism in France could be set to increase in the wake of the launch of new flights from Britain.Budget carrier Flybe is now operating a number of services to France from Jersey to Paris and Nice, as well as a route between Glasgow and La Rochelle.The airline is encouraging people to book their flights early in order to avoid missing out on the best deals.This suggests that demand for passage to these French destinations is expected to be very high, a development which should help boost the country's tourism industry.In addition, this could also enhance its desirability among overseas property investors, as passengers on the flights will require rental accommodation.However, the accessibility improvements provided by Flybe could make Paris, Nice and La Rochelle equally desirable among lifestyle buyers who want a property for personal use.This comes after currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, France accounted for more than a quarter of all the enquiries it received from p...
More About: Visitors

Skilled workers move to Australia
2008-04-02 02:00:00
Many foreign nationals are choosing to develop their careers in Australia , according to government data.Officials revealed that the country is now experiencing its largest increase in population numbers for almost two decades, reports Homes Worldwide.This was partially attributed to the influx of expatriates from countries such as India, China, New Zealand and the UK.Many of these foreign arrivals were said to be skilled workers, including people trained in medicine, accountancy and financial management.Commenting on this trend, immigration minister Chris Evans said this shows that Australia is highly rated across the world.He remarked: "We have people who have experience in Australia, have decided they like the experiences they've had and choose then to seek permanent residency."Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group, recently told the Western Mail that the country is proving to be very popular with skilled professionals such as doctors and architects. Speaking to...
More About: Workers , Move

Spanish market 'will pick up again'
2008-04-02 02:00:00
A national newspaper has expressed optimism about the Spanish market picking up again.The country has recently attracted negative media coverage as a result of the worldwide economic slowdown, as well as domestic issues such as the demolition of some houses.As a result, prices are starting to come down and investors are choosing to stay away and look at other locations.However, the Independent believes that that the market conditions will improve at some point in the future, which means investors now have a window of opportunity.The newspaper suggested that prospective buyers look for properties that have come down in price, as they will increase in value once the market recovers."No downturn lasts forever," the Independent asserted. "The worst time to buy suddenly becomes the very best time - the time when you can pick up a good home for tens of thousands less than you could have a year ago."This comes after the Daily Mail said the slowdown in the Spanish market...
More About: Market , Pick

British investors have homes in 50 nations
2008-04-01 02:00:00
Property buyers from the UK now own homes in dozens of different countries, according to an industry expert.Broadcaster Amanda Lamb, who hosts Channel 4's A Place in the Sun, said there are now a significant number of British -owned houses in more than 50 nations.Investment property in Spain was flagged up as a particularly popular, along with Cape Verde, Morocco and Egypt.However, she urged investors to remember that not all countries will offer the living standards they expect, as they are at various stages of development.Therefore, Ms Lamb has recommended that people look beyond cheap houses and find out what a country has to offer before committing to a purchase.She advised: "Properties might be cheap but is the electricity supply reliable?"Ms Lamb also recommended that prospective investment property buyers go on an inspection trip in order to view the property they are considering first-hand.The advice comes after a poll by A Place in the Sun magazine revealed t...
More About: Nations , Homes , Investors

Manchester consumers offered more cheap flights
2008-04-01 02:00:00
People in north-west England will soon be able to enjoy more cheap flights to Spain and Cyprus.Services to Paphos and Malaga are being introduced by easyJet as part of its expansion in Manchester Airport.According to the low-cost airline, it is expecting to carry more than half a million people from the airport over the next year.Furthermore, it said it plans to add new routes to its timetables in the near future.This means that consumers who live in Manchester and surrounding areas will be able to take advantage of more cheap flights to the continent.As a result, places such as Paphos and Malaga will be likely to attract more visitors from the region, as well as prospective holiday home buyers.Commenting on the move, Andrew Cornish of Manchester Airport said: "The arrival of easyJet is great news for Manchester passengers."The airline recently revealed that 500,000 people travelled on easyJet flights over the Easter holiday.
More About: Flights , Cheap , Consumers , Cheap flights

Portugal offers affordable property
2008-04-01 02:00:00
Overseas property investors have been advised that they can snap up a possible bargain property in Portugal .The established European market was highlighted by ShelterOffshore.com as a place where investors can enjoy year-round sunshine and a strong tourist trade.However, lifestyle buyers were told that they too can find good quality houses away from the main holiday hotspots, allowing them to enjoy the good weather and natural environment in relative peace and quiet.Alentejo was flagged up as one such location, as it has a "stunning coastline" and is free of "maddening crowds".In addition, the region was praised for offering diverse landscapes, including lush plains, arid areas and national parks.ShelterOffshore.com said: "Alentejo has such dramatic and diverse countryside that there is a town, village or rural location to suit everyone?s tastes."The website added that property prices tend to be lower than in other regions such as the Algarve.Portugal's popularity with second home ...
More About: Property , Offers

Malaysia recommended to property investors
2008-04-01 02:00:00
People who want to invest in a long-haul destination have been advised to consider the Malaysia n property market.The Asian country was recommended by independent analyst Amberlamb, which said its economy is currently very strong.According to the organisation, it is likely to build on this positive performance and enjoy economic growth of 5.8 per cent this year.Property investment buyers were also told that Malaysia offers a number of other attractions, including a robust housing market.Amberlamb commented: "It's an incredibly strong stand alone market with excellent levels of local demand and affordability."The group added that government is actively aiming to attracting foreign property buyers by offering a favourable tax regime, benefits and rights.Furthermore, it said Malaysia is becoming increasingly popular among international holidaymakers, which means it offers the potential to generate good rental returns.According to the Association of International Property Professio...
More About: Investors

Turkish officials aim to boost tourism
2008-04-01 02:00:00
Officials in a Turkish tourist hotspot have revealed that they want to boost visitor numbers even further, a media outlet has reported.According to the Turkish Daily News, about eight million foreign leisure travellers visited Antalya in 2007.However, Antalya governor Alaadin Yuksel has expressed his desire to attract more holidaymakers this year, as it is proving to be very good for the economy.Speaking to the newspaper, he revealed that the city benefited from more than £3 billion in revenues from the tourism sector last year.Mr Yuksel said the figure could be even higher if it achieves its aim of bringing in ten million people during 2008.This money could then be ploughed back into the local area in order to further enhance its desirablility.He commented: "We want visitors who come here to leave with very good impressions - we want them to come back here many more times."The Turkish government is currently aiming to increase the annual number of foreign arrivals fr...
More About: Tourism , Boost

Analysts praise Spain's transport network
2008-03-31 02:00:00
Spain's transport network has been praised for helping to enhance the country's appeal to foreign investors.ShelterOffshore.com said its "exceptionally good" transport infrastructure has helped bolster its appeal among overseas property buyers.The online portal stated that this has made it easy to get around the country and travel to other destinations in mainland Europe.However, its international transport connections were said to be just as important in helping to attract foreign property buyers.ShelterOffshore.com described Spain as an "easily and cheaply accessible" location, especially to consumers in the UK.This, it said, has helped it to become the holiday destination of choice among British tourists and second home buyers. The website observed: "Spain remains one of the most popular countries in the world in which Brits would like to own property."According to Holiday-Rentals, 31 per cent of British-owned holiday homes in Europe are located in Spain.
More About: Transport , Network , Praise

Cape Verde offers diversity to investors
2008-03-31 02:00:00
Foreign property buyers have been told of the diverse range of attractions that can be found in the Cape Verde islands.The west African archipelago was praised by the Irish Independent for offering features such as beautiful beaches, clear blue water and year-round sunshine.However, the country was said to offer more than physical attractions, as it also has a growing and potentially lucrative property investment market.According to the newspaper, the consistently good weather makes property in Cape Verde a better option than places such as Bulgaria and Croatia, as it has a longer holiday season.Therefore, there is demand for rental property over a greater period of time.The newspaper commented: "Unlike some of the emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Cape Verde's climate virtually guarantees investors an all-year-round return."According to Sarah Brown from NuBricks.com, accessibility improvements have led to the country attracting a record number of foreign visitors.
More About: Diversity , Offers , Investors

France offers returns on investment
2008-03-31 02:00:00
Owners of property in France could be in line to collect substantial returns, industry analysts have stated. ShelterOffshore.com commented that during the last few years, property values in the European country have gone up by a significant amount. This means that anyone who chooses to sell their French residence at a future date could potentially collect a tidy profit. The website highlighted a number of reasons for the value increases, including strong demand for buy-to-let accommodation. ShelterOffshore.com added that interest in the French market among property buyers was also fairly high, which in turn led to prices going up. The website observed: "If you have a home in France, it should not be too difficult for you to raise an income or a profit from it." Earlier this month, currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, France accounted for more than a quarter of all the enquiries it received from prospective property buyers.
More About: Investment , Offers

Spanish property problems not affecting whole country
2008-03-31 02:00:00
Problems in the Spanish property market are not affecting the whole country, a media outlet has insisted.According to the Daily Mail, some parts of Spain are currently dealing with a drop in demand from foreign property buyers, while the credit crunch is slowing down the overall rate of house price inflation.However, the publication said that this is not a uniform trend and that some areas still offer bargains and potential investment opportunities.This point of view was reiterated by Liam Bailey of Knight Frank, who told the newspaper that house prices went up by varying amounts across the country last year.He commented: "Madrid saw rates below two per cent, but this contrasts sharply with 8.1 per cent growth in Murcia."The Daily Mail added that lifestyle buyers do not need to worry about market performance and can purchase when and wherever they wish.According to A Place in the Sun magazine, Spain is currently the most popular location among overseas property buyers in the UK.
More About: Country , Property , Problems

Soak up the World cup and its Real Estate Profits!
2008-03-28 01:00:00
The Northeast coast of Brazil has experienced massive exposure in the past 12 months, and is now considered as being a true hotspot for property investors. With this increased exposure has come far greater organisation, with investors no longer having to endure the ?fear factor? to such a high degree. To top this new found investor confidence, Brazil has now been awarded the 2014 World Cup finals tournament (the biggest sports event in the world) and locally, Natal is closing on the completion of its new international airport. Recent research has led me to believe that one of the venues for the World Cup in Brazil will be in Natal. With one of the top 5 stadiums in the country located there and the announcement of the new David Beckham soccer academy, it seems to be one of the obvious choices. Along with the announcement that Brazil has recently been given the right to stage the 2014 World Cup - plans have been announced by the Brazilian government to build 4 new stadiums, and to up...
More About: Estate , Real Estate , The World

Britons escape for sunnier climes
2008-03-28 01:00:00
A large number of people from the UK are set to fly to hot and sunny locations overseas next month, a travel firm has revealed.Lastminute.com stated that some schools are offering staggered school holidays because Easter was relatively early this year.Since this means many families have a break in April in the wake of the recent Bank Holiday weekend, some are choosing to spend this time away from the poor weather at home.John Bevan, managing director of Lastminute.com, observed: "The unusually cold weather has led to incredible demand for late Easter sun holidays."Egypt was highlighted as one of the most popular destinations for spring holidaymakers, in particular the Sharm-el Sheikh resort.The Turkish resorts of Bodrum and Antalya were flagged up as further hotspots for British travellers.Earlier this month, research by Holiday Inn found that many people are choosing to stagger their holidays throughout the year.The company said this can be more cost-effective than travelling abroa...
More About: Escape

Expats earn more in Dubai
2008-03-28 01:00:00
British expatriates who get a job in Dubai could stand to earn high salaries, new figures have revealed.NatWest International Personal Banking revealed that the average person in the UK earns £47,000 a year.However, a typical salary in the United Arab Emirates can be as high as £79,000, a figure the firm described as "whopping".Meanwhile, a poll of expatriates in the country found that most people do not believe the overall cost of living is very different from the UK.This suggests that many are able to take advantage of higher levels of disposable income during their new lives overseas.David Isley, head of NatWest International Personal Banking, remarked: "The wage packets of expats are very encouraging for people who are looking to move abroad."He added that most expatriates feel financially better off now that they do not live in the UK.This comes after research by Alliance & Leicester identified the main reasons for Britons opting to move abroad. The weather was found to be ...
More About: Earn

Confidence in Spanish market to increase
2008-03-28 01:00:00
Prospective buyers of Spanish property could find market conditions more favourable in the near future, an expert has advised.Peter Esders, a partner at The International Law Partnership, was quoted by Homes Worldwide as saying that the government is planning to introduce various reforms.Specifically, the rules surrounding property purchasing will be made more straightforward and easier for people to understand.Mr Esders has predicted that this will prove to be highly beneficial for the country's property market, as it may lead to a resurgence of interest.He commented: "The proposals should prove very encouraging to potential investors and current owners of property"Mr Esders added that the country has traditionally been a popular location for foreign investors because it offers a number of different attractions, such as a stable political climate, good weather and beautiful scenery.According to Holiday-Rentals, 31 per cent of British-owned holiday homes in Europe are located in Sp...
More About: Market , Confidence

Established European markets attract British buyers
2008-03-27 01:00:00
Overseas property buyers from the UK are continuing to favour established European markets, according to experts.Assetz Finance stated that during the last few months, there has been a surge in the overall number of enquiries it received from prospective investors in foreign property.However, it singled out France and Spain as the two locations that were attracting the most interest.Commenting on this trend, Katy Hepworth of Assetz Finance said this could be partly due to the good deals now on offer to consumers.Specifically, she stated that French and Spanish mortgage lenders are now allowing access to a much wider range of products.Ms Hepworth commented: "Buying a home overseas has become an increasingly accessible option for those looking for a change of lifestyle."The findings comes after a poll by A Place in the Sun magazine identified Spain and France as the two most popular locations among overseas property buyers in the UK.This is despite the emergence of cheaper, ...
More About: Markets , British , Buyers

Morocco plans infrastructure improvements
2008-03-27 01:00:00
Morocco's government is investing nearly £9 billion in improving its transport network, it has been revealed.Homes Overseas reports that authorities are keen to upgrade its transport infrastructure in order to boost Morocco's economy.More than £7 billion will be spent on improving ports, airports and roads, while £1.3 billion will go towards a planned high-speed rail service.The new train link will connect Tangier and Casablanca, offering direct passage between the two cities in just two hours.This is likely to significantly boost the property markets in both places, while towns along the route may also benefit from extra demand.Morocco's government hopes that as well as strengthening the economy, the improvements may also attract more foreign investors to the country.This comes after the Foreign Property Buyer website said that the government's plan to increase the number of visitors to Morocco over the next two years "bodes well" for its rental market.
More About: Infrastructure , Morocco , Plans

Golf fans set to snap up Turkish property
2008-03-27 01:00:00
Fans of golf who wish to buy a holiday home could find Turkey's new golfing resort a good place in which to purchase.According to NuBricks.com, an 18-hole course is to be built in Bodrum as part of a complex which will include a hotel and about 4,000 villas.The website believes that the new resort, which will also feature shops and other amenities, will attract interest beyond the golfing fraternity.NuBricks.com said: "Turkey has not only caught the eye of local golfers but property market investors as well."The online portal added that interest in the Bodrum region is likely to go up as the new leisure outlets and facilities will enhance the desirability of the area.As a result, prices should go up and create the potential for investors to enjoy a high rate of capital growth.Furthermore, its status as a tourist hotspot should boost the rental market in Bodrum.The comments come after John Howell of the International Law Partnership praised Turkey for offering a "beautiful and inter...
More About: Fans , Golf , Property , Snap , Turkish

Italy tipped to attract investors
2008-03-27 01:00:00
Property in Italy could be set to see a renewed surge of interest from foreign buyers, experts have suggested.Although the market has remained consistently popular over the years, ShelterOffshore.com believes that has recently been "flagging" as a result of high purchase costs.According to the website, charges have been as much as a fifth of the asking price at times, making the overall cost of buying an Italian property too much for many prospective investors.However, the government has now slashed these costs to a more reasonable level, making some properties up to 13 per cent cheaper as a result.ShelterOffshore.com said this could potentially revitalise the Italian market and lead to more people considering buying property in the country.The website commented: "This is fabulous news - a massive and significant boost has been handed to Italy?s real estate market."Italy's appeal to foreign property buyers was recently highlighted by NuWire Investor, which said demand for accommoda...
More About: Investors

Established European markets attract British buyers
2008-03-27 01:00:00
Overseas property buyers from the UK are continuing to favour established European markets, according to experts.Assetz Finance stated that during the last few months, there has been a surge in the overall number of enquiries it received from prospective investors in foreign property.However, it singled out property in France and property in Spain as the two locations that were attracting the most interest. Commenting on this trend, Katy Hepworth of Assetz Finance said this could be partly due to the good deals now on offer to consumers.Specifically, she stated that French and Spanish mortgage lenders are now allowing access to a much wider range of products.Ms Hepworth commented: "Buying a home overseas has become an increasingly accessible option for those looking for a change of lifestyle."The findings comes after a poll by A Place in the Sun magazine identified Spain and France as the two most popular locations among overseas property buyers in the UK.This is despite the emergen...
More About: Markets , British , Buyers

More eastern Europeans visiting Turkey
2008-03-26 01:00:00
A growing number of eastern European holidaymakers are choosing to visit Turkey , new figures have revealed.TurkishPress.com cited government statistics showing that in January and February, the country attracted over 280,000 people from eastern Europe.This is more than ten per cent up on the first two months of 2007 and a sign that Turkey's appeal is getting wider.Furthermore, it reinforces the country's status as a popular destination for holidaymakers during the winter months.According to the figures, more than 140,000 Bulgarian nationals chose to take a holiday during this period.They were outnumbered only by German tourists, making them one of the largest groups of foreign tourists to visit Turkey in 2008.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.If authorities are successful in achieving this goal, this should significantly enhance its appeal among buy-to-let investors.
More About: Eastern , Europeans

High house prices drive FTBs overseas
2008-03-26 01:00:00
High house prices and economic problems in the UK are leading to many first-time buyers (FTBs) looking abroad, a study has found.Fair Investment Company revealed that nearly one in ten FTBs have already bought their first property overseas, while 44 per cent of thinking of doing so.The firm highlighted a number of reasons for people choosing to look away from home, such as the impact of the credit crunch on the British housing market.However, issues including the availability of property in the UK and the effect this has had on prices were flagged up as other factors behind this trend.James Caldwell, director of Fair Investment Company, commented: "Overseas they can sometimes find cheaper property prices and a lower cost of living."He added that this could make a first home more affordable, while still enabling people to enjoy a high quality of life.According to Paul Collins of the BuyAssociation website, high-growth markets are proving to be very popular with this group because hou...
More About: House , House Prices , Drive , High

Growing tourism boosts Spanish investment potential
2008-03-26 01:00:00
Interest in the Spanish property market could be boosted by new figures which indicate increased visitor numbers.According to government statistics, the country attracted 6.2 million leisure travellers from abroad during January and February 2008.This is nearly four per cent higher than the amount recorded a year earlier, which means the country is attracting more and more winter holidaymakers.About 1.6 million visitors during this period were found to be British, although Spain also attracted lots of visitors from other parts of Europe.This will be a positive development for people who are affiliated with the tourism industry, such as overseas property investors who own rental accommodation.According to Nicola Christie of NuBricks.com, the country is likely to attract renewed interest from foreign property buyers over the next few years.Commenting on the market, she predicted that the launch of high-speed rail links across Spain would open up previously untapped areas and create ne...
More About: Tourism , Investment , Growing

Expatriates get lifestyle and financial benefits
2008-03-25 01:00:00
Britons who move abroad full-time could reap lifestyle and monetary rewards, experts have stated.According to Foreign Currency Direct, buying a property abroad is an "excellent investment" that can also enable people to enjoy a better quality of life.Speaking to the Daily Express, chief executive Peter Ellis said that moving abroad would be a "great opportunity" for those who want to improve their lifestyle.However, he recommended that people consider practical issues before packing their bags and buying a home.Mr Ellis commented: "We would urge Britons looking to relocate to research the local amenities and resources of their chosen destination thoroughly."This comes after research by Alliance & Leicester identified the main reasons for Britons opting to move abroad.The weather was found to be a key motivation for 40 per cent of expats, while one in five people said they left because they were worried about rising crime in the UK.
More About: Lifestyle , Financial , Benefits

Cyprus tourism set to grow
2008-03-25 01:00:00
Owners of rental accommodation in Cyprus could be set to see greater demand in the next 12 months.The Cyprus Tourism Organisation is stepping up efforts to market the Mediterranean island overseas with a new advertising campaign.Cypriot tennis star Marcos Baghdatis will front the marketing drive, which will encompass various media including television, newspapers and billboards.The campaign will focus on promoting the island's main attractions, such as its beaches and good weather, to consumers in places such as the UK.Britons accounted for more than a million of the tourists travelling to Cyprus last year, making it a potentially lucrative market for tourism officials to exploit.The campaign could also prove to be beneficial for owners of rental property in Cyprus, as increased demand for temporary lodgings would put them in line to collect higher returns.This comes after the Financial Mirror quoted Cypriot president Tassos Papadopoulos as saying that he wants to increas...
More About: Grow

UK buyers enter Turkish market
2008-03-25 01:00:00
Turkey's natural beauty is proving to be a constant attraction for property buyers from the UK, an expert has stated.John Howell, a partner at the International Law Partnership, described Turkey as a "beautiful and interesting" country that can be easily reached.As a result, it has become a hotspot of activity for foreign property buyers in Britain, including those who want a holiday home for personal use and people who are buying for investment purposes.The country's appeal was said to be wider still when Mr Howell highlighted its popularity among British expatriates, including older people who want to live abroad full-time.He commented: "You can live very well in Turkey on your state retirement pension, which many people find difficult in the UK."Mr Howell added that people are choosing to live there permanently because "they love the place" and it is relatively cheap.This comes after Foreign Property Buyer predicted that demand for temporary lodgings in Turkey will go up signif...
More About: Market , Enter , Buyers , Turkish

World's Best Ranked Tourism Industries
2008-03-24 01:00:00
As a property investor, one of your concerns when choosing the right country to invest in should be its ability to provide a conducive environment from which to generate profits in the future.  A major consideration is often the country?s tourism industry. The World Economic Forum (WEF) recently released its 2008 Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report. Why should this report matter to you, the individual who wants to see positive cash flow returns from your property investment? Because it measures the success of tourism industries in countries around the world, putting a special emphasis on economic development and environmental sustainability. Tourists equal demand for holiday rentals; therefore, a healthy tourism environment equals higher returns from your holiday rentals. The WEF ranks over 130 countries worldwide in an overall index, taking the average from the three sub-index categories to form an ?Overall Index?: Travel and Tourism Regulatory Framework Travel and...
More About: Industries