Archive for April 1st, 2009
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Playa Flamenca Property Buyers Guide
The Playa Flamenca area on the Costa Blanca is very densely populated which means there are always a large selection of properties available to buy. Most of these are resale properties and range from townhouses, apartments, villas and duplex models.
Most of the serious property investors avoid the area because there are always plenty of the same type of property available to buy at any one time. This means that it can take between 6-9 months for common types of properties such as townhouses to move.
The Playa Flamenca area is a good place for many people to buy and is an affordable way to get onto the Spanish property ladder. Sales at the moment are fairly static due to the amount of properties on the market though this does open up many opportunities for new home buyers or for those looking for a second home in the sun. Both these sets of buyers will be looking for bargains and there are plenty to be found at Playa Flamenca.
One of the main attractions to buying in the Playa Flamenca area apart from the affordable prices is the location. Playa Flamenca itself sits on both sides of the main N332 Costa Blanca coastal road. With most of the building work has taken place on the inland side of the road and the place to find good priced townhouses and duplex properties the beach side of the road is much more expensive.
Playa Flamenca has good road networks and two airports no more than a 40-minute drive away meansing you can take advantage of low cost flights with the many budget airlines. Playa Flamenca also has a good school that is in walking distance for all children. There are a wide range of supermarkets available making the area suitable for families.
Torrevieja is only 10-minutes away by car with Cartegena around 35-minutes. Shooping can be done at the Habaneras shopping centre near the huge Carrefour Hypermarket just off the N332.
For bargain shopping then look no further than the Playa Flamenca Saturday market. Here you will find hundreds of stalls selling local produce and crafts.
Entertainment is never far away at Playa Flamenca with the commercial centre home to over 100 bars and restaurants offering live nightly entertainment. Here you will also find more shops and a gymnasium and fitness class to keep you in shape.
On the inland side of Playa Flamenca the cost of a small townhouse can be found for as little as 125,000 euros with smaller apartments at only 110,000 euros. If you wanted larger property then duplexes can be found starting at 140,000 euros with villas coming in at 150,000 euros. These prices can fluctuate according to their location at Playa Flamenca. Properties located on luxury developments will always command higher prices. Buyers will always be prepared to pay more for secure gated communities with well maintained gardens and pool areas. If you are fortunate enough to have a sea view on the inland side of Playa Flamenca then this can also command higher prices.
The beachside properties are a sound investment because there is only so many properties that can be built in the limited space available. With a newly refurbished promenade and pleasant beach area with shops, post office and bars the beachside has become a little exclusive and the property prices will always mirror this.
For first time buyers, the retired and those on a smaller budget Playa Flamenca has much to offer. With so many properties on the market it pays to do some research first. Though the market is fairly slow at present as long as you buy quality in a popular location then you should see a return in your investment in the long term.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Villas in Spain: Blend of Luxury and Profitability
Spain has something for everybody. Be it the beach lovers or the property dealers, this intriguing country is a hot destination. While villas in Spain offer a life full of luxury the property market promises a tremendous business prospect. The villas have everything that one needs to live life to the fullest. The luxury villas themselves are well-equipped with all necessary facilities. Yet, there are plenty of other facilities available outside the villas.
Spain can be called the paradise of golfers. Almost all the new establishments in the coastal region the country have its own golf courses. The resorts in Costa Blanc, Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz have more than one golf course. Properties developed by Polaris World have superb golf courses designed world famous by Nicklaus Design. Some of them are directly designed by Nicklaus himself. So, playing golf in these courses will be a never before experience.
It is not the golf courses that will be available to the person who will live in villas in Spain. He has the golden sandy beaches to laze around and relax. Beaches in Spain are long, clean and rich in facilities. There are options for those who want to enjoy the beaches in seclusion and those who want a crowd around. With full-fledged establishments around, these beaches are never out of necessary facilities.
Among the other attractions that one can enjoy while living in villas in Spain are the weather, the bullfighting and flamenco dancing. Spain witnesses more than three hundred days of sunshine in a year and mild rainfall in the summer. So, it is neither very cold in winter nor too hot in summer. The clemency of the weather pulls in throngs of visitors each year. Some of the visitors plan to stay there permanently. In order to provide these people with accommodation villas are being established. Once the villas are made, they are sold or rented at high price. Hence, investing in property in Spain becomes a profitable move.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Commercial Property Investment Opportunities at Lowest Point
Looking for the right kind of commercial rental opportunity can be a nightmare especially in London. From area to area, especially within the London commercial property sector, prices can catapult from low to high and without knowing the ins and out of the area and the average rates you are expected to pay, finding that commercial property in London can mean a lot of time wasting.
The best way to save time is to contact a specialist commercial property agent who is used to the market even in this current climate of property unease. They can help you to find an ideal commercial property in an area of your choice or their recommendation.
If you are new to London then this advice could be the difference between business success or failure and if it is office space you are looking for than the area can also have an effect on your clients.
Letting commercial property in London in a struggling market place means that by your investment now you can secure a good deal for the future and at the same time make a small impact towards steadying out this fluctuating market place.
Investment from overseas such as the Middle East and Germany has caused a rapid increase in interest for commercial property and some specialists see now as the turning point for the market. If so those who have been sitting back and waiting for the lowest point in the market to invest are running out of time.
Commercial property London is an area which has been steadier than around the rest of the UK. Due to high demand the city has not seen as bleak an outlook since the start of the property crash and London remains a sturdy investment opportunity for those wanting to buy or rent London commercial property.
Making the battle for your ideal property easier are the specialist agents, and so for help or assistance contact one that has considerable experience in the marketplace.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Spanish Property Buyers Urged to "take the Right Steps"
People considering buying a property in Spain have been informed of steps they should take before taking the plunge by Banco Halifax Hispania.
The first piece of advice offered by the bank is to use qualified solicitors and surveyors who are fluent in English, have good local knowledge and experience in working with British buyers.
Additional expenses will be involved in this process, Halifax points out, but these will be less than the potential costs that can arise from unwanted difficulties in the future.
Prospective Spanish property investors are also advised to carry out land registry searches to learn the status of the land. Viable properties should be listed as a ‘vivienda’ or ‘habitable dwelling’.
Ian Smith, head of European operations at Halifax, said: “Our approved panel of independent solicitors and surveyors are all experts who can provide sound guidance and reliable advice and we recommend that anyone intending to purchase property in Spain arrange a consultation as early as possible.
“Few people would consider buying a property in the UK without instructing a solicitor or surveyor and the same care and consideration should be taken when buying abroad.”
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
How to Prevent Further Deepening of the Worldwide Financial Crisis?
Data and facts, showing why Bulgaria is as a country of interest for both, small and larger investors.
In the coming four years Bulgaria intends to consolidate its positions as a tourist destination, 10,5 mil. tourists being expected annually.
In the past two years the Bulgarian real estates market has showed an exceptionally dynamic development, and has guaranteed large profits to the investors.
The steady economical factors, the bank loans availability, as well as the increased number of investors from Germany, England, Switzerland, Austria and Russia, have become the main reasons for the headlong increase of the real estates prices. For the year 2005 only, the investors were able to almost double their invested funds.
Last year the prices of real estates increased by 25-35% in average. The apartments in the most popular residential districts in the large cities on the Black Sea coast, as well as in the mountains, have become more expensive by over 50%. This is even higher than the prices of the real estates in Costa Blanca, which is a unique case for Europe.
The future profitable investment is the purchase of separate properties owned by various owners, and further merging and accordingly legalizing these properties, as is the selling of a complete project for the particular property. This includes properties for construction purposes and urbanization planning for family houses, as well as properties for hotel complexes and apartments, supermarkets, business parks in the outskirts of Varna, Burgas, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, and especially in the vicinity of the airports, as well as in the mountains.
Yet another factor ensuring security for your investment is the Bulgarian economy itself. Your profits shall increase continuously because the export of goods and services shall continue increasing as well. In 2005 growth has reached 6%.
The intensified construction works in Sunny Beach has lead in the past few years to a drastic boom in the prices of the real estates in the area. In the town of Nessabar only, over 600 million euros were invested in the period between 2001 and 2004. The new hotel complexes and the new construction in the Black Sea resorts attract pay-tourists and investors.
Bulgaria became a NATO member in 2004, and on 25th April the country signed the Treaty of Accession to the EU and is member of the EU since 01.Jan. 2007. This fact should convince the conservative investors that investing in the region of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast between the cities Kavarna and Burgas, is profitable and worth venturing into.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Berlin Residential Property Market – Why Invest in 2008?
The economic environment
The outlook for the German economy is positive and the economic upturn is continuing. 2008 will see a change from purely export driven growth to more growth support through domestic demand. For the first time in years significant raises in salaries are currently negotiated and the consumer climate can be seen as friendly. This will be associated with further reduction in unemployment, as companies are prepared to take on staff. Growth in the economy can be expected to stimulate the German property market.
The Local Aspect
In 2006 the Berlin economy grew by 1.9 % and 7,000 new jobs were created. While the growth is below the German average the increase in jobs and decrease in unemployment is well above the average. These figures reflect that numerous businesses have decided to grow their business in Berlin or set up new offices and branches here. The focus is on media and innovative technology.
The population is stable at 3.4 million after a period of migration in the 1990′s into the newly available suburbs after the fall of the wall.
The German Property Market
Germany has seen a major influx of international capital to its property market over the last 2-3 years with record year 2006 which was considered a record year still being outranked by 2007. The year 2008 is seen by most market players as a year of consolidation. Increasing numbers of institutional investors will become sellers which should offer interesting opportunities for smaller and private investors as it is unlikely that all sales will be in large packages.
The Berlin Property Market
After years of stagnation the Berlin property market started a boom phase in 2006 which has carried on into 2007. Especially international investors have absorbed record numbers of undervalued properties. The turnover in 2006 went up by 50% to a record value of 15.8 billion Euro;. Naturally this has led to a price increase the initial yields of 8 to 10% are no longer achievable in acceptable locations. The yields in top locations are below 6% whereas good locations like Steglitz still produce offers between 6.5 and 7%, many of them with short term development potential (upside).
The new rent table 2007 (“Mietspiegel 2007″) has already shown increases in residential rents. The picture is variable though between stable and increases.
Is it not too late to jump on the train?
No, it is not too late! Attractive property, even at entry level is still coming into the market, with positive cash flow and a realistic expectation for capital appreciation. Careful research is required to make sure the information provided is met by the reality after the purchase. Market knowledge is required or local support is recommended.
Conclusions
The economic situation in Germany is positive with the prospect of a longer period of prosperity. The Berlin property market has three main value drivers:
# Stable population development accompanied by new jobs.
# Long term commitment to the location by the government and international business.
# Still low prices compared to other European capitals with yields that allow a positive cash flow after financing.
With a follow-up article I will provide information about the rent in different parts of Berlin and different types of buildings. You will find this article on the authors website below.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Spain Compels Tourists to Invest in Spanish Properties
Why do people search for Spanish properties? What are some of the reasons why every year, increasing number of tourists and visitors to Spain, invest in luxury villas and penthouses in this country? Well, there are ample of reasons one can site. And to experience them better, you have to first come to Spain and check out the various offerings of this country. However, before you go there, let us read a little about the life there.
Spain promises a life, exactly how you want to live yours. You can choose to have a life full of celebrations and jubilations. With the numerous fiestas and festivities arriving one after the other all throughout the year, each year, you can imagine the amount of fun and frolic this place can give you. And the best thing about these festivals, is the way people celebrate them – with full pomp and glory.
However you can also choose to have a quiet life and Spain offers you complete peace of mind and soul searching moments and surroundings. You can choose to rediscover yourself as you discover the mountains. Or you can pep up your romantic life and reignite the old flame with your partner by the sea shore, where the surging waves softly touch the sand and drift away only to come back again.
If you are interested in sports activities and particularly adventure sports, then you’ll love it here in Spain. Mountains or water sports, you would simply have a wonderful time whatever you choose. You can make the time spent in such activities memorable with friends and family members.
You can appreciate Spain better when you have a proper and assured place to stay. For that you can invest in Spanish properties. You can have your own Spanish property. Actually, you may not be convinced reading it all here. Come to Spain, experience it, and you’ll surely consider this great idea.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Soca Valley Property – Slovenia a Great Investment Property Destination
Slovenia was recently named one of the top ten investment property destinations in the world and more people than ever are buying property in this beautiful country and many are choosing to buy Soca Valley property.
A green and diverse country between the Alps and the Mediterranean Slovenia is a country that is stable, a member of the European Economic Union (EU) and has the strongest growth of the new member countries.
With prices estimated to rise by up to 300% over the next ten years more foreign property investors are looking at Slovenia and many of them are looking to buy property in the Soca Valley.
Soca Valley
Tucked away in Slovenia’s northwest corner is one of the country’s undiscovered delights.
Northwest of Ljubljana it’s an area of beautiful snow capped mountains, lakes, and rivers and is a perfect area to enjoy a variety of outdoor sports. skiing, hiking, rafting, biking, and fly-fishing draw tourists from all over the world.
Much of the region is part of the protected Triglavski Narodni Park (Triglav National Park), The two main towns in the upper valley are Kobarid and Bovec and are popular with buyers, as are Bovec, Kobarid, Tolmin, Nova Gorica.
The Soca Valley is located along western Slovenian border with Italy, which includes the river Soca and all of its tributaries, from this source it then flows into and through the Nova Gorica flatlands.
The eastern border of the valley runs across the high peaks of the stunning Julian Alps range which separate it from neighboring Bohinj.
Kobarid is famous from the First World war where the Soca front was pierced in one of the most vicious and keenly fought mountain battles in history. For lovers of history, Ernest Hemingway wrote about this valley in vivid detail in his book “A Farewell to Arms”.
With its beauty and the variety of outdoor sports more people than ever are buying property in the Soca valley to enjoy for themselves to make long term capital gains and take advantage of solid rental gains.
If you are considering buying Soca Valley property, make sure you visit and get a feel for the area and the property that best suits your needs. As with all overseas property investment a visit is essential and there are many estate agents in Slovenia who specialize in helping buyers get the right property for the budget and investment aims.
The buying process is straightforward and protects both the buyer and the seller and finance options are also available.
If you are considering overseas property investment or buying property in Slovenia check out Soca Valley property and you may be glad you did.
Posted on April 1, 2009 - by admin
Why Purchase A Villa In Italy
In Italy one of the best properties there are their villas. Villas are a range of sizes and have been in Italy for many years. If you are looking into buying one of these properties over in Italy then you are looking in the right direction. Villas are not only popular to buy but also to rent.
Villas in Italy are a more older building that people stay in when they are in Italy or they are used for living in for people who live in Italy. Villas have more of an older ruined look to them due to the fact they are many years old. Villas have different colors to them but the main colors are shades of yellow, shades of red and different shades of browns. These are the most common colors you will see Villas in when looking at them. There are more modern style villas in Italy but this may be due to people who have owned them to fix them up.
A good portion of the villas in Italy do not have windows in them. This is one of the ruin type looks. You can find Villas that do have windows in them. Just the main portion does not have them because that is what gives it look. Another look that Villas are popular for is that they are made out of either stone, brick, plaster or even a combination of them. This is what gives Villas their look.
One great reason to look into buying a villa in Italy is that you can rent them out to the tourist throughout the year. This would be a good idea if you were looking into having a small job on the side. Renting out Villas can be done all year round for all the tourists that come to Italy. The best time would be in the summer and fall seasons.
If you are looking to be moving over to Italy and are looking into buying a villas to live in then you can also do so. Villas have been being lived in for many years and people still are. Living in a villa however is not like living in a regular home. With many of them not having windows and the fact that villas are found in the town area of Italy, many enjoy these types of homes.
You can rent your villas to tourists, buy them for yourself or you can rent them out to people who want to live in Italy. This is all up to you. Villas are a great part of history in Italy and you can be a part of it with owning a villa. Villas are great small and medium size places to live that it can work with a family or without. The plus side is you are close to all the local food places. So now, you can enjoy everything to owning your villa in Italy and be a part of the history of Italy.
