August 24, 2007
What Everybody Ought to Know About Estate Agents in Portugal
There is a great deal to learn about real estate agents in Portugal because people should be aware of what they do, and that they should have a greater understanding of and what they have in mind before you go in contact with them if you are to guarantee yourself and avoid the scams, the sharks and so that you can acquire the right property depending on your own personal requirement.
The first thing you ought to remember is that the seller of the property needs to pay the real estate agents fees! This is the better half of the news. This is the same as that of buying a property in the UK, but not in the rest of the world, but if you are thinking of buying a property in Portugal, you don’t have to pay the real estate agent which would make you avail more of their services.
Posted on: Portugal
Can you cash in on Silver Coast Property?
Foreign buyers, tourists, countless holidaymakers, and second home owners are drawn to the Silver Coast’s excellent climate, comparatively low costs of living and the benefits of owning – or relaxing – in a property in a golf course: all in Portugal.
According to Eduardo Netto De Almeida, executive chairman of Westin Camporeal Golf Resort, anyone considering buying a property in Portugal should buy a property close to a golf course or near to a golf course. “There are lots of benefits if you live near a golf course,” he says. “This means that the view will not overly block by over constructed land and green space will be clearly taken care of. Therefore, foreign buyers will be rest assured that the site itself and the surrounding areas will be maintained on the highest quality standard.”
Posted on: Portugal
August 23, 2007
Prices for Portugal properties from £27,300
The golf market has been sprucing up its property as it attracted Britons from the UK to invest in a golf property in Portugal. The third favorite second home destination after Spain and France, Portugal has magnetized a following after its golf course.
The game also had same effects on the properties in the Algarve region as it also had in Spain’s Costa del Sol. The quintessential and highly restitute properties in the three top-notch villas of Quinta de Lobo, Vale de Lobo and Vila Sol golf resorts have placed Algarve on the map as an international golfers’ sanctity and has given rise to a continuing growth spur in more than a million villas – including a two million property of celebrity DJ Chris Evans – and a strong rental market. Even apartments have begun rising in its prices, which originally starts at approximately 70,000 euros but this can go much higher while in the eastern region, around up and coming Tavira, the studios are being sold for around 50, 000 euros. As for Vilmoura and Albufeira, they have fantastic and gorgeous beaches and a variety of property options for buyers to choose from.
Posted on: Portugal
Mortgages could see Turkey property prices soar
Turkey property prices are set to reach new heights after an announcement stating that mortgages will now be available in the country for the first time.
Previously, Turkish property buyers needed to use either cash or bank loans at high interest rates to purchase a home in Turkey. However, buyers from overseas and from within Turkey will now be able to finance their purchase using a fixed interest rate mortgage. The rate can be fixed for either one, two or five years with current local interest rates fluctuating between 5.5 to 6.5 per cent. Turkish mortgages are based on affordability, with 40,000 euros being the minimum amount one can borrow and 200,000 euros the maximum. The maximum repayment period for the mortgage is 20 years.
Posted on: Turkey
August 22, 2007
Turkish Mortgage Act
Paul Benedek, director of Solaris Villas, rounds-up the prospective changes to the Turkish Mortgage Act, which could benefit foreign investors.
In the spring of 2006 the Turkish Legislators drew up plans for a new Turkish Mortgage Act to govern the sales of mortgages in Turkey and to ensure that the mortgage market was regulated in a style similar to the UK.
In an interesting turn, the Turkish Prime Minister’s Office and the Turkish Treasury put the new law on hold due to a difference in opinions.
Posted on: Turkey
Living and Working In Florida
The sunshine state of Florida continues to attract thousands of British travelers each year, despite the hurricane season. But what are the opportunities for living and working in Florida?
Due to the length of time it takes to reach the Sunshine State from the UK, British owners of Floridian property tend to spend longer periods making use of their home than, for example, a European home owner might. A majority of non-resident property owners in Florida spend between three weeks and a month there, but it is not uncommon to spend up to half a year in the state. Six months is the maximum period a foreign national is permitted to stay in Florida on a B-2 visa – the visa required to live temporarily in the United States. In order to obtain a B-2 visa, one will need to schedule an interview with a consular officer. The interview is done to convince the consular officer that the nature of the trip is temporary and that the applicant has full-time residence outside of the US. However, it is not the visa that actually grants permission to enter the US. When one arrives in the country as a non-immigrant, an immigration inspector will examine passport and visa. Afterwards, a small white card is issued – the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. This latter will indicate the date one must leave the country. Take note: the date is at the discretion of the inspector.
Posted on: Florida
August 21, 2007
Turks & Caicos property gain is Florida’s loss
The Sunshine State and its Florida property is looking a bit overcast in terms of real estate as Turks & Caicos properties experience upturns.
The number of unsold new homes in the United States is at a ten year high. The data was released by the Florida Association of Realtors makes for sorry reading. Over the period from July 2005 to July 2006, Florida property sales in Miami were 38% down. Even Orlando seemed unable to buck the trend at 27% down. Perhaps there has never been a better time than now to pick up Florida property at bargain prices?
But Florida’s loss seems to be the Turks & Caicos’ gains. Despite being just 575 miles south east of Miami, the islands are completely bucking the trend showing a year on year increase of more than 70% in gross sales volume. This phenomenal growth is somewhat incongruous to the US pattern. Why is that?
Posted on: Florida
Spain is still top overseas property destination
According to a news report, Spain is still the top quality destination that foreigners and tourists go to.
Britons are likely to buy more property in Spain than in France, according to Moneycorp, who conducted a twice-yearly in depth look at overseas property investment.
Moneycorp, a foreign currency specialist, records that at least 30 percent of overseas property investment inquiries for a property investment in Spain, unlike in France, who only garnered about 14 percent.
Posted on: Spain
August 18, 2007
French Alpine property worth a look
Some of the best ski slopes in the world transform as the weather heats these up into luscious green fields popular with walkers. These slopes make the French Alpine property and the Alps a desirable year-round destination. Buy-to-lets are potentially profitable and with more companies offering property under the leaseback purchasing scheme, these can be a safe option as well.
The prestigious ski resort of Courchevel offers leaseback investment opportunities for those with bigger purses. Often described as the ‘playground of the rich and famous’, Courchevel is popular for those looking to combine a buy-to-let purchase with a yearly holiday on the slopes.
MGM is currently marketing a new apartment complex in the resort. The development, La Padisha, is set for completion in December 2008. It comprises 38 one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments. Prices begin at 650,000 euros for a one-bedroom apartment, rising to 2,537,000 euros for a four-bedroom home.
Posted on: France
France: South-east regions sitting pretty
The south-east of France - including Roussillon, Provence and the Côte d’Azur - is the only place where French property prices in 2006 have risen at similar rates to 2005, writes Hanna Lindon.
According to FNAIM (Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier), prices in the area have risen 10.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 9.3 per cent of 2005.
A report released by Credit Foncier bank also confirms that prices in the south-east have increased steadily over the past few years. It also added that the rental market in the Côte d’Azur and surrounding areas is booming due to an rise in demand.
Property investors attracted by these market conditions might be interested to note that Chesterton International is offering apartments in Le Central Plaza, a development situated on the shores of Cagnes sur Mer bay, Côte d’Azur. The development is located in the town centre, ten minutes walk from the sea and close to all local amenities. It offers 84 apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms. With the buoyant property and rental market in this area, there is room for capital appreciation at Le Central Plaza. Prices start at £135,000 (200,000 euros).
Posted on: France
Recent Posts
- Living and Working in Florida
- Living and Working in Florida: The Floridian Lifestyle
- Golf Property on Course for World Domination
- Exploring Provence and the French Riviera
- Do French regions matter? Climate Change
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