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Propertyshowrooms Launches Inspection trips to Turkey
2008-03-21 01:00:00
Propertyshowrooms.com this week launches its very own Inspection Trip Department, initially offering our clients the opportunity to fly on one of our inspection trips to Turkey and stay for up to 7 days in quality accommodation for the amazing price of only £99! Not only is this great value for money, but often fully refundable if you go on to purchase property on one of the many stunning developments to be seen. In addition to this, on many of the featured developments, you have the comfort of knowing that the developer has a rental management facility in place, ready to look after all aspects of running and maintaining a successful rental property. For a long time now IPIN (International Property Investment Network, the property investment arm of Propertyshowrooms.com) have led the way in presenting some of the safest and most lucrative investment projects around the world. Although IPIN has helped many people to buy their dream holiday home, the main focus of IPIN is to...

Britons set to take city breaks
2008-03-20 01:00:00
Rental investors in major European cities could be set to see high occupancy rates this weekend.According to the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA), about two million Britons plan to enjoy their time off at Easter by heading to places such as Spain.The organisation has said that city breaks are proving to be especially popular holiday options for leisure travellers this year.Paris was highlighted as one particular favourite among this group, along with Barcelona, Venice and Rome.This means that owners of temporary lodgings in these cities could be set to receive healthy returns over the weekend, especially if their property is aimed at the tourist market.The popularity of traditional European markets with British holidaymakers has long been credited with helping attract property investors in Italy.According to figures from Holiday-Rentals, about 90 per cent of overseas properties owned by British investors are located within the EU.
More About: City , Breaks

Pisa offers 'diverse attractions'
2008-03-20 01:00:00
The Italian town of Pisa could be a good place to visit because it offers a variety of attractions, according to an official in the travel industry.David Osborne, general manager of easyJet in the UK, stated that the region has far more to offer than just its "legendary" leaning tower and "something for everyone".He commented: "Pisa is a perfect gateway to the stunning region of Tuscany and the nearby city of Florence."Mr Osborne was speaking after easyJet began operating direct flights to the area from London Luton Airport.The flights, which launched this week, look set to attract lots of additional visitors to Tuscany and generate extra interest in the region.This could enhance the desirability of the region among overseas property investors, particularly if there is a sharp surge in rental demand.Italy's appeal to foreign property buyers was recently highlighted by NuWire Investor, which said demand for accommodation in popular tourist spots makes it a particularly good investment.
More About: Attractions , Offers , Diverse , PISA

Retirees look abroad for active lifestyle
2008-03-20 01:00:00
Britons who are retiring this year are not content to sit at home and relax, according to new research.A survey of people nearing the end of their working life found they had a number of ambitions that they wanted to pursue as soon as they begin their retirement.For example, 19 per cent expressed a desire to move to a new area as soon as they come out of paid employment.However, many were found to be willing to look beyond England and the rest of the UK, as 52 per cent said they want to move abroad.Gary Shaughnessy from Prudential commented: "Those retiring today are likely to be able to enjoy far more active lives through their pensionable years than any previous generation."He added that this was partly due to improvements in medical science and healthcare, which has in turn resulted in people living longer.According to a recent poll by NatWest, nine out of ten British expatriates are financially better off since relocating abroad.
More About: Lifestyle , Active

New Budget Airline Boosts Dubai's Success
2008-03-20 01:00:00
Award winning international airline, Emirates, has announced its decision to help the government of Dubai tap into the sky-high demand for travel options in the Persian Gulf, by managing a new low cost carrier. Arab Emirates News Agency, WAM, reported on March 18th that, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed instructed the competent authorities to set up a new airline company to cater for the growing passenger traffic to and from the UAE. The new low-cost carrier will benefit from being managed by Emirates, the biggest Arab airline. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates, welcomed the initiative: "Emirates welcomes this announcement, and any new Dubai airline operation. Dubai's Open Skies policy encourages the growth of air transport, which has and continues to contribute to the development of this city. The new airline, a low cost carrier, will complement the international air services already provided by Emirates. As Chairman ...
More About: Success , Budget , Airline

South Africa Excels in Economic Freedom
2008-03-20 01:00:00
South Africa has finally become one of Africa?s freest economies, ranking well above the world average, as revealed by the Heritage Foundation?s 2008 Index of Economic Freedom . The Index, which for the past 14 years has been compiled by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal, evaluates over 160 countries across 10 specific economic categories, including fiscal, investment or property freedom. South Africa performs well within the African panorama, making it the fourth freest economy in the continent. With a score of 63.2%, the country was only topped by Mauritius (18th), Botswana (36th) and Uganda (52nd). As the 57th freest economy in the World, South Africa overtakes its strong emerging country competitors, ranking well above the BRIC countries. Brazil is the closest to follow, ranking 101, with India (115th), China (126th) and Russia (134th) lagging well behind the beautiful ?Azania? (a name some South Africans use in preference to "South Africa"). Yet the country, w...
More About: South

British expats buy houses in France
2008-03-19 01:00:00
Lifestyle buyers from the UK are increasingly opting to purchase property in France , an expert has revealed.Marjorie Mansfield of financial advice group Siddalls stated that the country is currently one of the most popular destinations for British expats.Speaking to the Telegraph, she said a growing number of people from the UK are setting up in France every year.This has prompted her to recommend that expats try to reduce the stress of moving overseas by being well-prepared in advance.Ms Mansfield commented: "The more you know about where you are moving to the better."She encouraged people to find out whether there is sufficient healthcare provision in their chosen market, as well as other public services such as schools.In addition, she encouraged people who will need to find a job to research whether there is local demand for their skills.Earlier this month, currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, France accounted for more than a quarter of all the enquiries it received ...
More About: Houses

Expats save money in Cyprus
2008-03-19 01:00:00
Many expatriates are enjoying financial benefits as a result of moving to Cyprus , a media report has revealed.According to Gulf Weekly, the Mediterranean island offers a number of perks to foreign nationals who live there permanently.The newspaper highlighted the lower cost of living as one of its main attractions, along with its favourable tax regime.In addition, it said the price of a house in Cyprus is much lower than the value of a comparable property in a place such as Spain or France.Gulf Weekly remarked: "Cyprus [is] firmly in the top slot for Britons seeking a more attractive destination in retirement."The newspaper added that the island is currently reaping the benefits of a "prospering" economy.This comes after the Telegraph predicted that the recent change from pounds to euros would also boost Cyprus's appeal to investment property buyers, due to factors such as favourable interest rates and rising house prices.
More About: Money , Save Money , Save

Turkish property market 'offers opportunities'
2008-03-18 01:00:00
The Turkish property market offers investors high tenant demand and investment return, according to a new report.Highlighting the opportunities available to buy-to-let investors, the Aberlamb website states that "potentially more affluent" tenant bases can be tapped into by going for yet-to-be-completed developments that have "more unusual selling points".These include properties with ice rinks and developments with the "very best" interior design, which are apparently easier to resell when investors have to release some capital.Istanbul is pinpointed as a Turkish city that offers those dealing in property a high chance of a good return. And with the city that sees east meet west becoming the European Capital of Culture in two years time, it could be the right time to make an investment.As this year's cultural capital Liverpool has shown, the title brings with it an upturn in investment and tourism.
More About: Market , Property , Offers , Opportunities

Brazilian economy strong, says finance minister
2008-03-18 01:00:00
Brazilian finance minister Guido Mantega announced yesterday that the South American country's economy is relatively strong.Perhaps highlighting the potential of the nation as a property investment opportunity, Xinhua reports the government representative as saying the country is on "solid bases".This comes despite the global credit crunch, which has been affecting other countries across the world since last summer.During his speech, Mr Mantega alluded to Brazil's 195 billion USD (96.69 billion GBP) reserves and how there is currently "great trust" in the country's economy.He also stated that Brazil has been "protected" from events that have hit other nations."All analysts are unanimous in saying that Brazil is a place where things are going well, where companies and banks are solid," the minister is reported as saying.The Latin Business Chronicle reported this week that real estate in Brazil has shown positive growth over the last seven years, buoyed by a strong economy.
More About: Economy , Finance , Minister , Strong , Brazilian

British couple extol the virtues of Cape Verde
2008-03-18 01:00:00
A couple from Bognor Regis in West Sussex have highlighted why Cape Verde is an ideal place to make a property investment.Dave and Trisha Hunter have bought a property on Sal island and believe their purchase will make them money in a short space of time, reports the Sun.Indeed, having added to their property portfolio recently, they are certain that they would have already made a profit if they were to sell now. Accessibility from the UK, a hot climate and the islands' ability to host major events such as the windsurfing world cup all highlight its credentials as an investment location.Mr Hunter told the newspaper: "In four or five years property prices are going to double or even treble and if you want it as an investment then this is the place to be."He added that they have a quieter spot worked out when more tourists decide to purchase property in Cape Verde. In fact, it was on a holiday to the islands - located just off the coast of West Africa - that the couple made the decis...
More About: British , Couple

Competition affecting growth in Bulgaria
2008-03-17 01:00:00
Bulgaria's share of the foreign property market is falling as a result of growing competition, industry experts have stated.According to the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP), the proportion of investors choosing the Bulgarian market went down last year.However, the organisation said this does not mean that the country is becoming less popular with overseas property buyers.Paul Owen, chief executive of the AIPP, stated that this is an indicator of the growing level of competition which Bulgaria now faces.He commented: "It has had a free reign as the emerging market for a couple of years and nowhere now is the emerging market."Mr Owen added that countries in places such as Asia and South America are now competing to gain a larger share of the overseas property sector.This comes after the Association of International Property Professionals revealed that the number of overseas transactions went up by 21 per cent to 240,000 last year.
More About: Competition , Bulgaria , Growth

Portugal attracts Irish property buyers
2008-03-17 01:00:00
Irish consumers are increasingly snapping up holiday homes in Portugal 's Algarve region, according to a media outlet.The Irish Independent stated that the Algarve has become popular with overseas property buyers because it is a largely unspoiled location that offers good weather all year round.Portugal's proximity to Ireland was highlighted as another factor in its favour, as it means it does not take long to reach the country by air.The newspaper observed: "Portugal is now one of the most popular European countries for Irish second home owners."In addition, it said that overseas property investors would be able to benefit from a sustainable investment in the country.These factors may also account for Portugal's current popularity among second home buyers from the UK.According to Country Life magazine, about 11,000 British nationals now own a holiday home in the country.Meanwhile, 38,000 people have decided to leave the UK and set up home in Portugal on a permanent basis.
More About: Property , Irish , Buyers

Investor outlines attractions of Bulgaria
2008-03-17 01:00:00
An overseas property investor from the UK has spoken of his decision to invest in eastern Europe.Investment banker Mark Giddings recently purchased an off-plan property in the Bulgaria n capital Sofia and a similar residence in the Romanian city Brasov.The two purchases collectively cost him £180,000 and he believes the overall returns could be much larger.Speaking to the Times, he said both the Romanian and Bulgarian economies are currently benefiting from high levels of investment from overseas.He added that their recent entry into the European Union and the increased personal wealth of local people has also created a favourable environment for investors.Mr Giddings commented: "I just felt there is more potential for capital growth in those markets."However, he conceded that he has an "appetite for risk".Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in early 2007, was recently found to have seen the largest rate of house price inflation in the world. The Global Property Guide revealed ...
More About: Attractions , Investor

Britons snapping up French property
2008-03-14 01:00:00
France is attracting increased levels of interest from UK-based property investors, according to experts.Currency exchange firm HiFX said that last year, the country accounted for more than a quarter of all the enquiries it received from prospective buyers.Ski resorts such as Meribel and Courchevel were highlighted as especially popular locations, despite their relatively high property values.Mark Bodega, director of HiFX, commented: "Prices are higher in well-established resorts but the rental yields also remain consistently high."He added that France's close proximity to the UK was one of the main reasons for its popularity among British buyers.In addition, he said the fact it is serviced by numerous low-cost airlines has also helped draw people to the country.Access to France was recently improved further with the introduction of a high-speed rail link by Eurostar.The service, which runs between London and Paris, allows people to travel from one city to the other in ju...
More About: Property , French , Snapping

Extra Cape Verde flights to be introduced
2008-03-14 01:00:00
A media report has revealed that transport links between mainland Europe and Cape Verde could be stepped up.According to A Semana, TAP Air Portugal will offer passage between Lisbon and Praia seven days a week.The carrier began providing direct flights between the two cities in October 2007, although the service currently operates four times a week.Luiz Mor, spokesperson for TAP, commented: "We’re going to begin incentive programs - electing Cape Verde as the destination of the month."This, he stated, would form part of a greater effort to increase tourism in Africa.According to figures from the airline, the number of passengers that TAP has transported to African countries went up by a quarter last month, making it a highly lucrative location for the carrier.This also suggests that Africa's tourist market is expanding at a considerable rate, which will be a positive development for rental investors in places such as Cape Verde.According to Sarah Brown from NuBricks....
More About: Flights , Extra

Turkey to offer strong returns
2008-03-14 01:00:00
Owners of Turkish rental accommodation could find their investment highly lucrative in the next few years, experts have suggested.Foreign Property Buyer stated that demand for temporary lodgings is likely to go up significantly as a result of government efforts to attract more visitors.This means that buy-to-let investors will be able to enjoy higher occupancy rates and collect larger rental yields.However, the website suggested that since the government is opening up different parts of the country to holidaymakers, these areas could offer a number of good investment opportunities.Foreign Property Buyer commented: "The whole of Turkey is being promoted, rather than just the coastal locations."The online portal said this would result in house price inflation and increased rental yields in all areas, including as-yet untapped markets.Turkey's 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: Strong , Offer

Credit crunch 'not impacting on tourism'
2008-03-13 01:00:00
The impact of the global credit crunch is not putting people off booking holidays abroad, new research has revealed.According to TNS Travel and Tourism , millions of leisure travellers from the UK are still preparing to make their annual trips abroad, reports Travel Weekly.This is despite people's finances being constrained by the slowdown in the worldwide economy, which has led to fears of a possible recession.Since one in five people said they plan to have more than two holidays this year, this suggests that consumers have made a trip abroad one of their financial priorities.Tom Costley of TNS commented: "This data highlights a number of trends that suggest the UK holiday market appears resilient in the face of the economic downturn."Countries along the Mediterranean coast were found to be especially popular locations, with 27 per cent booking a week-long stay in places such as Italy, Spain and Turkey.This comes after Murat Dedeman, head of the Turkish Tourism Investors ...
More About: Credit , Crunch

Manchester property show attracts thousands
2008-03-13 01:00:00
A recent property exhibition in Manchester has been deemed a "runaway success" after attracting more than 8,000 people.Brooklands Group said the good attendance at the A Place in the Sun Live event highlighted the continued demand for property abroad.This show, which was held in Manchester earlier this month, was the first to be held in the north-east of England.Darren Styles, chief executive of Brooklands Group, said its success showed that industry commentators were wrong to suggest that an exhibition in the city would not work.He added that the analysts were also wrong in saying that the foreign property market has been brought to a standstill by problems in the global economy.Mr Styles commented: "It's a fantastic start to the 2008 UK show calendar and augurs well for our return to London at the end of April."According to A Place in the Sun magazine, Spain, France and Turkey are currently the three most popular locations among overseas property buyers in the...
More About: Property , Show

Brazilian economy grows by 5.4%
2008-03-13 01:00:00
The Brazilian government has revealed that the country's economy expanded by 5.4 per cent last year.This was attributed to a number of different factors, such as increasing personal wealth among the country's population and greater demand for property.Officials added that Brazil also saw higher levels of consumer spending and business development last year.However, the increase itself was not the only notable aspect of the figures, as the rate of growth was also found to have gone up.Economic expansion in 2006 was rated at 3.8 per cent, which means the Brazilian economy is now growing at a faster rate.This is likely to be good news for owners of property in Brazil, as it suggests that investors could possibly get high returns.Brazil was recently highlighted by the Foreign Property Website as a location that offered strong investment potential. According to the online portal, rising land prices were pushing up the value of property in many areas.
More About: Economy

New flights draw visitors to Cape Verde
2008-03-12 01:00:00
More and more people are choosing to visit Cape Verde due to the introduction of direct flights, an expert has said.Sarah Brown from NuBricks.com said the country is currently attracting a record number of foreign visitors as it is now more easily accessible.She stated that this has resulted in the creation of extra leisure facilities and amenities, such as supermarkets, bars and recreational outlets.In addition, she said property in Cape Verde has also benefited from investment in various infrastructure improvements across the country.This means the archipelago now offers the living standards and convenience demanded by foreign visitors.As a result, it has become a popular choice for overseas property investors and second home buyers from abroad.Ms Brown remarked: "Cape Verde has become something of a magnet for property investors."According to the Office for National Statistics, about 848,000 people from the UK currently own a second home abroad.
More About: Flights , Visitors , Draw

Investors seek returns in emerging markets
2008-03-12 01:00:00
Emerging markets are now seen as more lucrative investments than more established locations, a new study has found.According to a report by the Urban Land Institute and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), cities such as London and Paris are becoming less popular with foreign property buyers.The British capital has fallen out of a list of the top ten locations for the first time in the history of the annual survey.This coincided with a surge in the popularity of places such as Istanbul, where investors are optimistic about the chances of collecting strong returns.John Forbes, head of real estate at PwC, said this showed there is an "increasing appetite" for emerging markets.He told Bloomberg: ''Russia and Turkey are regarded in the same way as the India of Europe. They are top for economic growth.''This comes after the Association of International Property Professionals revealed that the number of overseas transactions went up by 21 per cent to 240,000 last year.
More About: Markets , Investors , Seek

UK Buyers Favour Established Markets
2008-03-12 01:00:00
The latest report published by the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) reflects that British buyers continue to purchase abroad, although their preferred locations contradict the negative media coverage on the more  established markets. AIPP?s annual research report is possibly the only independent, authoritative and definitive market report of its kind in the UK. In its 2007 edition, the Association saw Spain come out on top, being the country where the most British buyers have completed overseas property purchases. Over 25.4% of properties purchased by British buyers in 2007 were in the beautiful Spain. And although the country remains king to most UK buyers, the market in Spain is down 6.2% compared with 2006 figures Established destinations continue to hold the top spots in the ranking; 17% of UK buyers chose property in France as their preferred purchase although this market has also seen a fall of 1.9% in 2007. Surprisingly, third place went to th...
More About: Markets , Buyers

Turkish economy benefits from tourism
2008-03-11 01:00:00
Tourism in Turkey is likely to be highly lucrative for its economy this year, an expert has predicted.Murat Dedeman, head of the Turkish Tourism Investors Association, stated that the holiday industry is likely to generate revenues of more than £10 billion this year.Speaking to Reuters, he said tourism revenues would be up on 2007 because the country is set to attract a greater number of visitors.Mr Dedeman told the news agency that the amount could go up by as much as 12 per cent this year.As well as boosting Turkey's economy, this should be good news for those with a vested interest in the holiday industry.For example, investors in rental accommodation will be able to enjoy higher returns if they receive greater demand from holidaymakers.Mr Dedeman commented: "Turkey will have a good season". "People are talking about a recession but this does not have too much effect on tourism," he added.Turkey's government is currently aiming to increase the annual number of foreign arrivals ...
More About: Economy , Tourism , Benefits

Europe opened up to people in Scotland
2008-03-11 01:00:00
Second home buyers in Scotland look set to benefit from the introduction of new flights to mainland Europe .Budget airline Ryanair has confirmed that it will roll out services from Edinburgh to a number of destinations across the continent.The flights to places including Spain, Italy and France will make these countries highly accessible to consumers in the vicinity of the airport.As a result, they will become much more viable locations for those who are thinking of buying a holiday home overseas.Their appeal should be enhanced by the fact that they will be serviced by a low-cost airline, as this means that air fares will be highly affordable.David Johnston, managing director of the airport, commented: "We expect [the flights] to prove popular with inbound and outbound passengers."According to the Office for National Statistics, almost 850,000 UK nationals now own a foreign property.
More About: People , Opened

Australia popular with Britons
2008-03-10 01:00:00
Many Britons who want to move abroad are increasingly setting up home in Australia , a media report has revealed.The Western Mail stated that the antipodean country is currently the most popular destination among expatriates from the UK.According to the newspaper, British consumers have been drawn to an Australian property by a number of different factors.The friendly nature of local people was cited as one important consideration, along with the various economic opportunities it offers.In addition, the publication said that many British people were tempted to live there on a permanent basis because it offers a much better climate than the UK.This comes after Paul Arthur of The Emigration Group said Australia is proving to be highly popular with expats as it has lower living costs than the UK. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he added that it also has "huge shortfalls" of skilled labour, which means it also has numerous job opportunities.
More About: Popular

Skilled workers move to Australia
2008-03-10 01:00:00
Britons who want to boost their job prospects are increasingly moving to Australia , according to an expert.Paul Arthur, director of The Emigration Group, stated that the country is proving to be very popular with skilled professionals such as doctors and architects.Speaking to the Western Mail, he said Australia's "booming" economy has made it an appealing destination for those who wish to progress in their career.However, he added that it is not just those with academic qualifications who are choosing to move to a property in Australia in search of work.Mr Arthur commented: "People see they need all sorts of skills to help build these countries for the future."The country was described as one of the most popular locations in the world for British expatriates.This backs up recent figures from the Office for National Statistics, which revealed that a quarter of UK nationals who moved abroad in 2006 relocated to Australia.
More About: Workers , Move

Bulgaria offers good value
2008-03-10 01:00:00
People who want to enjoy reduced living costs could find Bulgaria a suitable place to live, new research has revealed.According to Teletext Holidays, the cost of food and drink in places such as Sofia is much less than in many other European countries.For example, a pint of beer in Bulgaria was said to cost an average of 49p, compared with £1.56 in Spain.In addition, the study found that a three-course meal in Spain costs £17.50, which is more than the double the amount it would cost in Bulgaria.The figures could be of interest to people who are planning to buy a property in Bulgaria, as they suggest it offers good value for money.Ash Makkar, spokesperson for Teletext Holidays, commented: "People are becoming more adventurous when it comes to booking a trip abroad."Bulgaria, which joined the European Union in early 2007, was recently found to have seen the largest rate of house price inflation in the world. The Global Property Guide revealed that last year, property values increased...
More About: Offers , Good

South Africa Tourism Grows from Strength to Strength
2008-03-10 01:00:00
New research reveals the strength of South Africa ?s growing travel and tourism industry.  It has now been pinpointed on the property investment map as a hotspot for positive cash flow returns. South Africa is an extensive country with a long coastline framed by stunning white beaches.  It boasts a great diversity of scenery and climate, allowing buyers to enjoy an exciting lifestyle and holiday destination. During the 1990s, South Africa came out of the political wilderness and since then government policy has been firmly committed to encouraging foreign investment by bringing in policies to ease the way for property investors. A steady economy, with an increasing tourist industry and a fast growing internal market, combine to make South Africa a strong proposition for property investors. The United Nations World Tourism Barometer notes South Africa?s good performance in 2007, growing 9% and representing over 30% of all arrivals in Africa. The country has benefited in man...

UAE Mortgages at a Mere 5%
2008-03-07 01:00:00
Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) challenges all other mortgage providers in the United Arab Emirates with its mortgage loans from 5%, a substantial variation when compared with the lowest general market rate of 7.5%. Mortgage lending in the UAE is a profitable business, with a total of 23 companies seeing unprecedented profit margins on home loans. AME Info, a leading provider of online business information in and about the Middle East region, reported on Thursday 6th March 2008, the decision taken by the Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD) to offer mortgages for a stunning 5% interest rate. According to AME Info, ?It needed only one bank to break ranks in the UAE home loan market to bring about a revolution in the local mortgage market and a far better deal for the consumer. That has happened now.? CBD, a well established and rather conservative bank, requires a flawless credit record in order to qualify for a mortgage. The credit assessment includes any other debts the applicant has as ...
More About: Mortgages