August 17, 2007
Property in Portugal
Why buy a property in Portugal?
Portugal is one of the most popular countries in Europe for those buying a second home, retiring abroad or even staring a new life overseas. This is of course partly due to its welcoming climate on the south coast. Portugal is warmed by the nearby Mediterranean and warmed by the Gulf Stream further north. But the country has further attractions. Although it is catching up fast with its more established European neighbors, it still manages to retain an unspoiled picturesque charm and a relaxed, easy-going way of life, especially further away from the bustling tourist developments of the Algarve and the larger cities.
Posted on: Portugal
Ocianico Signs Up Seve
Portuguese specialist Oceanico Developments has announced that it is working with Spanish golfing legend Seve Ballesteros to develop a world-class golf resort near Obidos on Portugal’s Silver Coast. The Royal Obidos resort, scheduled to be launched to the UK in May 2007, will be spread over 130 hectares. It is just over half a kilometre from the coast and will involve an investment of some €250 million (£169 million).
The project will feature a championship course designed by Seve himself, as well as a wide range of luxury properties including a five-star condo-hotel and an array of villas and apartments. Facilities will include a spa, gym, sauna, Turkish baths, swimming pools, tennis courts, a range of restaurants and a conference centre.
Posted on: Portugal
August 16, 2007
Spain’s property market sustained by immigrants - and divorcees
There are a number of factors which contribute to Spain’s increasing demand on the property market – from an increase number of households to a number of increasing immigrants.
According to the Financial Times, specifically a report by Angel Berges, a partner at Analistas Financieros Incernationales, a Madrid consultancy, that says that there is an estimation of immigrants who will buy at least 170,000 homes in Spain this year (almost a quarter of the total demand for new houses in Spain). “Buyers needs not worry of the property crash in Spain this year, in the short or medium term. This is because of the new demands instigated by our immigrants,” says Berges, who reported to Financial Times.
Posted on: Spain
Spain’s popularity fuelled by cheap Euro mortgages and cheaper flights
The cause of Spain’s continued popularity is the low rate Euro mortgages and the boom in low cost flights. This is in accordance with the report by Banco Halifax Hispania.
According to the Spanish right man of Halifax (the UK’s largest lender) delivers figures from the recent Official Social Trends Report that boasts Spain of having 27 percent of all second homes overseas owned by Brits and also says that YouGov’s research found out that 50 percent of 18 to 29 year olds have plans of buying property abroad.
“People have now come to realize that buying property in Spain is now possible with low cost mortgages and Banco Halifax Hispania is seeing a trend to the rise of people from UK wanting to buy property in this country,” Ian Smith said, head of European operations in Halifax. Aside from being able to supply mortgages products specifically designed for UK buyers, the bank also is in direct contact with an approved panel of qualified solicitors and surveyors in the Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca regions which have local knowledge and is familiar with the experience of British customers.
Posted on: Spain
August 15, 2007
New property developments in the Algarve
New property developments are springing up in the Algarve as overseas property investors continue to look to Portugal for strong returns on their money.
For the canny property investor, the Algarve has performed consistently well in the recent times. In particular, in the Western Algarve house prices have increased as much as 66 per cent in the last three years.
In keeping with demand, a new 97-villa resort has been launched in the Western Algarve. If its name is anything to go by, it could be a potential goldmine for investors. The Vale de Ouro literally translates as the ‘Valley of Gold’. Its cost is an estimated 42 million euros and it took three years to develop.
Posted on: Portugal
Portuguese golf resorts driving investment
Oceanico Developments’ new five-star Amendoeira resort in the Algarve features two 18-hole golf courses designed by Nick Faldo and Christy O’Connor, Jr. The resort will be managed by Troon Golf. The 64-acre site near Silves is scheduled for Phase One completion in 2007 and is expected to open in 2008.
Located 25 minutes from Faro Airport, the golf resort will be set against the backdrop of the country’s Monchique Mountains. It will incorporate a Portuguese PGA Golf Academy, state-of-the-art golf simulator, golf and sports lounge, pro-shop, bar and restaurant, and banquet facilities.
Posted on: Portugal
August 14, 2007
France: South-east regions sitting pretty
The south-east of France, including Roussillon, Provence and the Côte d’Azur, is the only area where property prices in 2006 have risen at rates similar to that of the year 2005.
The Federation Nationale de l’Immobilier (FNAIM) reports that prices in the south-east of France have risen to 10.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2006, as compared to 9.3 per cent in 2005. Another confirmation came from a report by Credit Foncier bank. Prices in the place have risen steadily over the past few years . The rental market in the Côte d’Azur and neighboring places is booming due to a demand increase.
Chesterton International is offering apartments in Le Central Plaza, a development situated on the shores of Cagnes sur Mer bay, Côte d’Azur. A ten minute walk from the sea, the development is situated right smack in the center of the town, close to all local amenities. With 84 apartments ranging from studios to three bedrooms, the properties start at £135,000 (200,000 euros). With the buoyant property and rental market in the area, there is room for capital appreciation at Le Central Plaza.
Posted on: France
Buying property in Florida continues to thrill: Blown away
In spite of the growing property prices and the persistent hurricanes, real estate in the Sunshine State still continues to thrive. Brits are still buying property in Florida in spite of the hurricanes.
Every year, between the months June and November, Florida suffers and survives a torrid hurricane season. In 2005, Florida was ravaged in quick succession by three of the most destructive storms in its history – Charley, Frances and Ivan. In 2006, Florida has endured yet another huge storm when Hurricane Dennis hit parts of Florida, especially the north-west, in July.
Posted on: Florida
August 11, 2007
Buying property in Florida continues to thrill: Exchange for the better
The popularity of the Sunshine State continues to grow in spite of the fact that property prices also continue to rise. Property prices in Florida are growing at a dramatic rate and are expected to continue increasing in the next 12 months at the least. “The Florida Association of Relators says the median price of homes in the state in April 2005 was US$218,600 – a 26 per cent increase from April 2004″, shares Andrew Batty of The Florida Consultancy.
Surprisingly, this does not discourage investors, especially buyers from Britain. The currency exchange rate is heavily weighted in favor of British purchasers in recent years (one pound was equivalent to 1.91 dollars in December 2004. The standard exchange rate is 1.5 dollars). This means that property in Florida is still fairly affordable compared to real estate in established well-liked European second home destinations.
Posted on: Florida
Report shows the south of France is tops
The real estate market in France is looking good. In the South in particular, Britons are being drawn to the area to invest on properties. According to the Sunday Times, the popularity of France’s property market is due to solid price inflation and the diversity of the landscape.
For the past few years, overseas real estate investment has made some noise in Europe and has become popular with investors, businessmen, speculators and families alike. Investors sought out places in Bulgaria and Croatia to purchase land and houses. But France is taking the lead in terms of popularity. France owes its popularity largely to its close proximity to the UK. France is also looking more favorable with the variety of property and lifestyle choices that the country offers. Ski properties remain hugely well-liked but investors are also looking at areas that remain popular with tourists no matter what the season is.
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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