February 28, 2007
France looking increasingly attractive
South of France has traditionally been a hotspot for UK buyers looking to invest in overseas rental property. It has also been popular with retirees and professionals looking for a holiday home. However, it seems investors have widened their focus and are now snapping up property all over the country.
According to Pierre Williams of Inside Track Group (a company which conducts workshops for potential property investors), “Every region now has Brit ex-pats and holiday homeowners. Different regions hold different attractions and there are noticeable trends in who buys where.”
Posted on: France
Britain’s First Green Estate
The planning of the first green estate in the Docklands area of East London in Britain has the whole nation excited. With this comes hope in the improvement of several areas in the country: residents are then able to grow their own food in purpose-built community greenhouses; power their electronics and gadgets with tree branches; fertilize their rubbish and reuse in specially created recycling bins.
Posted on: London
February 25, 2007
FLORIDA DEVELOPER LAUNCHES ITS OWN ESTATE AGENCY
US property developer Feltrim International has joined forces with a selection of new homebuilders and developers to offer buyers properties in 11 established and emerging markets.
Initially, Florida-based Feltrim International is concentrating on the warm and sunshine countries of Europe such as Bulgaria, Cyprus, Egypt, Florida, Italy, Morocco, Portugal, Romania and Spain, and in Central America such as The Caribbean. It also has plans to expand into other areas of the world.
Posted on: Florida
February 21, 2007
Cyprus: the rising star of the east
Brits who are now looking forward to retiring abroad are no longer favouring western Europe as before. Those who want to expand more their horizons and move further in the East are settling in Cyprus. This is according to a leading property expert.
Majority of retired Brits usually head to the traditionally strong ex-pat communities of Southern France or in the east and south coasts of Spain, which have been favourite tourist destinations for UK holidaymakers for decades.
However, although properties in these regions are usually still cheaper than the average price of a UK home, these are both mature markets and do not represent the dramatic capital gains that were seen back in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Posted on: Cyprus
Brits head to Cyprus for retirement holidays
It comes to no surprise at all. Present trends show British retirees opting to settle in east European-Mediterranean countries rather than the traditional places of Southern France and Spain. Which eastern European country tops the list for British retirees? Cyprus.
Property experts noticed that in the last five years, British retirees prefer heading to the east of Europe – in this case Cyprus - because of its affordability and seeing the best returns come alive in their property investment. Nonetheless, retirees who are more conservative prefer to stick to established property markets in western Europe.
Aside from avoiding financial risks, retirees look at the social welfare or basic service packages they can avail in their chosen retirement destination. Call it being more discerning and prudent but some retirees would like to be secure in their retirement age.
Posted on: Cyprus
Northern Morocco is the Next Big Thing
Morocco has indeed a great potential for capital growth and for future yielding projects and infrastructures. New developments are being created in the area around Saidia near the Algerian border and along the Atlantic coast. There is an estimated 15% of growth year year and double digits are expected in the coming years.
Posted on: Morocco
February 19, 2007
8 Reasons to invest in Morocco
Morocco, a country in North Africa, is a land so intrinsically beautiful and lush in heritage, history and art. If that is not more than enough reason to invest on properties in Morocco, here are eight more:
1. The tax regime in Morocco is sympathetic to foreign investors. Investors are given exemptions from certain taxes for several years and a significant reduction in other taxes. Investors from the UK can also benefit from the ‘double taxation treaty’ between Morocco and the UK. This means that where tax is due, an investor is only obliged to pay it once.
2. Morocco’s king and government have pledged to make “The Western Kingdom” a premier destination by 2010. Vision 2010 aims to double tourists and visitors to 10 million a year.
Posted on: Morocco
February 15, 2007
Spanish Buying Process
With a long tradition of overseas property buyers, the Spanish market has a long line of what people need and want: from the busy city life to long stretches of beaches to the fresh air of the country. Spain is also a great place for older people to retire to. But just because it is a good way for investment, it doesn’t mean that Spain is thriving without any kinds of problems.
Spain has a mortgage market that is very active. More than two hundred local banks have some loans to give to investors. Mortgage options differ immensely from bank to bank but Spanish property law says that one can borrow at least 70% of the property value. Most lenders also will not lend you money which is three times your income, but then there are few banks who would lend you with a slightly higher amount. As in most countries, lenders prefer borrows with stable income.
Posted on: Spain
February 12, 2007
Paris: the lovers’ favourite
Up to this day, Paris still remains to be the world’s most romantic holiday destinations. In a recent Homebuyer Show poll, the French capital was closely followed by Edinburgh and Cote D’Azur in the south of France. This poll emphasizes the fact that property investors should be wary not only of the rate of capital appreciation but also its rental potential.
The poll also shows that France is the world’s most popular tourist destination. About 78 million people visit the country over the course of 2006. Paris remains to be one of its main cultural assets.
The Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe are iconic symbols that tourists visit in droves. Paris’s popular cultural and artistic centres make Paris a dream destination with the Sacre-Coeur, the Louvre and Notre Dame Cathedral among others.
Posted on: France
February 7, 2007
Property Update on the South of France
Just like in every country, the French likes to have fun – vacationing here and there, or getting their dream holiday in France. But this nation likes to keep it permanent now, with the idea that they would invest in a home in France and work for their dream house.
With this idea comes new-found property in the heartland of France. For those who would like to rub elbows with the rich and famous, try Residence Odyssee des Homeriales in Cannes, located in the commune of Vallauris, home to Picasso. Near this piece of property are the beaches of Golfe Juan, and a little further by is the Nice airport. The property consists of two buildings which contain one to three bedroom apartments that have shared gardens. These cost 150,000 to 247,000 and expected to bloom in spring 2008.
Posted on: France
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