Skip to content

Just five countries account for over 90% of searches for international property

Just five countries account for over 90% of searches for international property, according to the latest Primelocation International Search Index. Total searches for overseas property were up 3% in July and up 108% on the same month last year.

Spain, France, USA, Italy and Portugal are responsible for 91% of all international property searches on Primelocation International.

By contrast, those top five countries were responsible for 77% of searches in July 2008. These five countries have also seen the highest annual increase in searches, despite starting from a higher base than countries lower in the ranking.

The 14% swing indicates that international property buyers place a high value on the familiarity of destinations in Western Europe and America that have traditionally offered security and price appreciation over the longer term. On the other hand, countries such as Bulgaria that became popular with UK buyers much more recently have seen a searches increase at a slower rate post credit crunch.

Ann Wright, International Development Manager of Primelocation International, comments:

“The continuing high levels of interest in international property remain stable, despite the fact that the July holiday season would normally see people drawn away from property searches. The flipside of that is the clear trend of potential buyers favouring the more established holiday destinations.

“Some emerging countries such as Bulgaria and the UAE became popular during the boom years as a sector of the market looked to profit on property purchases. Whilst those countries are still seeing increases in searches, the downturn has served to rebalance the market in favour of more traditional holiday home buyers and holiday lets instead of investors purely interested in a quick return. The well-known attractions, accessible culture and ease of access to destinations in France, Spain and the USA in particular, make these countries increasingly firm favourites with overseas buyers.”

Posted in All Posts, Investment Property, Resorts, Sesimbra Bay Beach Resort.

Tagged with , , , , .

No comments

By admin – September 2, 2010

Sesimbra Bay Beach & Spa Resort – Selling Out Quickly!

Sesimbra Bay Beach & Spa Resort – Selling Out Quickly!

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to invest in what we beleive as ‘The very best overseas investment opportunity available at present WORLDWIDE!’

For only 1% you can purchase – A newly built, luxury 4* apart-hotel and spa resort located in Sesimbra Bay, 30km south of Lisbon. A development of 200 stunning apartments ranging from studios to 3 bedroom penthouses all with sea views starting from £169,000 with 100% finance!

  • A fully managed apart-hotel investment
  • 100% mortgages (effectively 90%LTV)
  • % commitment fee – as little as £1,690
  • Instant equity – approx 10% of current valuation – typically €30,000
  • ALL closing costs paid by developer – typically around €30,000
  • A cashback of 2% towards 1st years mortgage – approx €6,000
  • Mortgage interest only for 3 years at around 2.65%
  • 6.5% average net rental return per annum to investors
  • Personal usage allowance of 6 weeks per annum
  • No hassle, no ongoing costs
  • Luxury, fully furnished property, 5* quality
  • Kasamia are proven and experienced management company
  • The resort has bars and restaurant, largest Spa facilities in the area with Jacuzzi, Gymnasium, Sauna, Steam Room, Treatment Rooms and various swimming pools, kids pools and children’s play area, shops and boutiques
  • SIPP Compliant

Visit www.sesimbrabaybeachresort.fairdealinvest.com for more information

Posted in All Posts, Resorts, Sesimbra Bay Beach Resort.

Tagged with , , .

No comments

By admin – September 2, 2010

Germany’s Housing Market Is Still Undervalued

German Property has shown itself to be a steady investment vehicle. Germany has not experienced the recent Property Booms we have seen here, and as a result Germany Properties has been spared the Property Price Crash which we are now experiencing.

Most of the Western European markets are experiencing the end of their property growth cycles; however Germany is at the beginning of theirs. After the years of reconstruction following re-unification Germany is now entering a new growth period.

Comparing its yields to other European countries, Germany generates higher returns while at the same time giving justified reasons for continued growth.

Most over-valued residential property markets*
Spain 55%
Hong Kong 53%
Australia 50%
France 40%
Sweden 35%
Ireland 30%
Britain 29%
The Netherlands 21%
and the most undervalued
Japan 33%
Germany 15%
* on a price/rental basis. Source: The Economist

One way of gauging whether property is at ‘fair value’ is by looking at the ratio of house prices to the income they produce, ie, rents. It’s like the price/earnings ratio used by stock analysts. So the latest Economist round-up of global house prices and rents has produced more ammunition for UK property bears. Despite falling some 12.5% from their peak, British house prices are still almost 30% overvalued on this basis. Indeed, houses look good value in very few countries around the world, as the table shows. As The Economist says, with the notable exception of Germany, “Europe’s housing correction seems far from over”

For information on Property Investment in Germany visit www.investmentpropertygermany.propertyindex.com

Posted in All Posts.

Tagged with , .

No comments

By admin – July 28, 2010

Buying property on the Silver Coast -Portugal

The beautiful stretch of Portuguese coastline between Lisbon in the south and Porto in the north make up the area known locally as the Costa de Prata. Known to the wider world as the Silver Coast, the area is famed for its white sandy beaches that seem to glitter in the endless Portuguese sun. Silver Coast property for sale can be found all along this vast Atlantic coastline, whether in traditional, sleepy fishing villages or modern seaside resorts. Inland, amid the unspoilt countryside of vineyards and forests, Silver Coast property can be found in ancient fortified villages or historic towns with cobbled streets and pretty whitewashed houses. With easy links to the UK and Europe via Lisbon’s International Airport, Silver Coast property is always an excellent investment, whether for rental, or a second home.

Silver Coast property for sale provides, of course, an excellent opportunity to enjoy the spectacular Portuguese coast. The long, sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing in the sunny climate, which boasts one of the highest average temperatures in Europe. Often the beaches near Silver Coast property for sale are vibrant and bustling, with restaurants and beach-bars, and sheltered swimming areas regularly patrolled by lifeguards. The crashing Atlantic breakers and gentle, refreshing breezes also produce the best surf in Europe, and the Silver Coast has a spectacular array of facilities and tuition for surfing, as well as many other aquatic and marine sports, from yachting to scuba-diving. Silver Coast properties for sale can also be found near quieter stretches of coastline, where the shore is characterised by rocky outcrops, secluded coves and dramatic cliffs. Wherever you choose to buy, Silver Coast properties for sale often have amazing sea views.

Silver Coast property for sale can be found within a huge variety of locations in Portugal. On the quieter areas of the coast, traditional Portuguese villages still retain all of their ancient charm and traditional culture. Here fishermen still put to sea, selling their fresh catches of seafood on the harbour-side or in the area’s many restaurants, with sea bass and shellfish being particular specialities of the region. Other areas with Silver Coast property for sale are packed with facilities, allowing a truly luxurious lifestyle in the sun, with exclusive casinos and chic boutiques, as well as top-class restaurants and bars.

There are a wide range of activities to enjoy near all Silver Coast property for sale, with the main activities being centred around the amazing coastline, with facilities for surfing, diving and swimming, to name but a few. Inland there are numerous golf courses, some situated amid the vineyards that produce some outstanding local wines. With so many excellent courses, including Penha Longa, a former Portugese Open venue, Silver Coast property for sale is a true haven for golfers of all levels of expertise.

Silver Coast property for sale also offers a great opportunity for island-hopping, with the Berlenga Islands just an hour away by boat from Peniche. The largest island of the archipelago, Berlenga Grande is a designated nature reserve with many rare seabirds nesting in the grottos and coves of the islands. Just off the coast, and connected by a small bridge, is the Forte de São João Baptista, a spectacular fortress dating from 1502, which also doubles as a hotel for overnight guests after a day swimming and diving in the crystal waters that surround the island.

Of course, with the rich history of Portugal, Silver Coast property for sale is almost always surrounded by heritage sites and historic buildings, often converted to house fascinating museums and galleries. The monastry at Alcobaca, built in 1153, boasts Portugal’s largest church, with breathtakingly simple medieval architecture, while housing the ornate tombs of kings. The chic town of Cascais, with its quaint cobbled streets, was once the favoured resort of the royal family, and still maintains an air of luxury and sophistication with a yachting harbour and casinos, including the Casino of Estoril, the largest in Europe. The 13th century castle at Torres Vedres is well worth a visit, and this ex-royal residence adds character and charm to the already beautiful town nestled on the banks of the River Sisandro, which also has a good selection of Silver Coast property for sale. In modern times, the city has become famous, not for its fortified defences built to repel Napoleon, but instead for its tranquil vineyards producing light refreshing wines.

The town of Sintra has an abundance of historic buildings, including the Pena Palace, one of the oldest in Portugal. Once occupied by the Romans, Sintra has featured in the works of many poets and artists through the ages, notably being described as a ‘glorious Eden’ by Byron. Surrounded by lush green forests and dotted with elaborate palaces, used as summer retreats by the royal family, Sintra truly is a Portugese gem in which to buy Silver Coast property for sale.

Among the many and varied other locations in which to buy Silver Coast property for sale are Ericeira and Peniche, both of which offer phenomenal, dual-facing, surfing beaches and are world famous for their surfing facilities and natural wave conditions of powerful, tubular waves known as the ‘European Pipeline’. Peniche boasts a number of Blue Flag beaches meaning that Silver Coast property for sale in the area makes an excellent base to enjoy the huge variety of water sports available, including scuba diving, kitesurfing and windsurfing, all of which are available with tuition for every level. Also well worth a visit is Peniche’s 16th century waterfront fort, formerly a prison, but now housing a fascinating museum of local archaeology and crafts.

North of Peniche, along the calm waters popular among yachters, is the beautifully preserved medieval town of Obidos. Known as the ‘Wedding City’ this town was customarily given as a bridal gift to a new queen. This beauty that made it literally ‘fit for a queen’ still exists in the cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses cascading with flowers. The town has a good selection of Silver Coast property for sale, often nestled between the old haunts of famous painters and sculptors. The town still maintains its long links with the art world and boasts several museums and galleries and has a typically chic and bohemian feel to many areas. Nearby, the Praia D’El Rey Spa Resort offers a dazzling array of sports, including a championship golf course, tennis academy and many picturesque trails for hiking or cycling. Further towards the coast is the former royal spa town of Caldas da Rainha, which also has a wide selection of Silver Coast property for sale. This vibrant market town, built around the local, mineral rich ‘healing’ waters, is very similar in atmosphere to its near neighbour of Obidos, and Silver Coast property for sale in either of these cultural towns allows easy travel to the coast and the natural beauty of the countryside.

Foz Do Arelho is located a few kilometres west of Caldas da Rainha and set in the breathtaking surroundings of the Obidos Lagoon. Famed for its sporting facilities, this seaside resort is a great favourite of beach lovers as well as those that demand views of spectacular scenery when buying Silver Coast property for sale.

North of Baleal the coast transforms into a lazy stretch of golden sands bordered by dramatic cliffs and broken only by sleepy sheltered coves. This stretch of coastline boasts some of the better known resorts in the area such as Sao Martinho do Porto, Nazare and Sao Pedro do Moel, and Silver Coast property for sale here offers a wide range of amenities.

The major town in the area with Silver Coast property for sale is Marinha Grande, situated between Nazare and Figueira da Foz. Surrounded by 100 square kilometres of 700 year old pine forests and rare species of flora and fauna, the town has both a wealth of facilities and spectacular landscapes nearby in which to enjoy a host of outdoor pursuits. Offered on, or near, the most popular beach of Sao Pedro de Muel are sports such as sea-fishing and beach volleyball, and of course there are countless other ways to enjoy the landscapes such as well maintained hiking or cycling trails. Figueira da Foz itself is a lively resort at the mouth of the River Mondego consisting of several sandy beaches famed for their surfing. There are, of course, many nightlife activities from casinos to bars and restaurants.

Aveiro, another of the resorts with Silver Coast property for sale, boasts not only wonderfully sun-drenched beaches, but also lagoons and canals, leading to its alternative name as the ‘Venice of Portugal’. With good links to the rest of the country, nearby marshes and a nature reserve and the typically ‘seaside’ atmosphere, Aveiro is an excellent place to buy Silver Coast property for sale.

Finally, Ovar is an attractive market town to the north of the Silver Coast boasting a lively, but traditional atmosphere and a true taste of the ‘real’ Portugal. Many rural traditions still survive, including the carnival parade. Of course, like much of the Silver Coast, the sea is never far away, and the beaches nearby are sandy and fringed with sand dunes and pine trees.

Posted in All Posts, Portugal, Silver Coast Property.

Tagged with , , , .

No comments

By admin – July 26, 2010

Portuguese property growing in popularity

Property in Portugal is among the most popular in Europe, it has been revealed.

The Portuguese property market remains among the most popular in Europe with foreign buyers, it has been revealed.

Its Silver Coast and Algarve regions are attracting big numbers of buyers with many from the UK opting for a holiday home in the country.

Buyers seeking a stable housing market have found Portugal appealing as house prices there have only fallen by four per cent, while in the UK the drop has been considerably higher at 20 per cent.

And according to figures from Eurostat, the wider economy was not badly hit either, with gross domestic product 1.8 per cent larger in the first quarter of 2010 compared to the same period last year.

There are areas of the country that offer bargain property prices with developers offering huge discounts and incentive packages including free furniture packs as they bid to stimulate further market growth.

According to Jose Luis Borges das Neves, of the Beiraneves property agency, more buyers are looking to move away from the tourist centres of the country and are being drawn to quieter destinations.

Posted in Algarve, All Posts, Portugal, Silver Coast Property.

Tagged with , , , .

No comments

By admin – July 26, 2010

Buying Property In The Caribbean

Buying Caribbean island property can be a great investment. Property in the Caribbean is still on the up and up. Some of the best investments can still be had. Whether you are looking for a condo, villa, detached home, there are availabilities to suite almost any budget.

The majority of the region’s economy is underwritten by tourism-related industries and recent research has shown that tourism is expected to generate US$56.1billion of economic activity between now and 2017 with earnings expected to grow by 3.3 percent a year.

The Caribbean Property Market

The Caribbean is known throughout the world as a tax haven. The vast majority of islands carry no corporation tax, no personal income tax, no estate or inheritance tax and no annual real estate tax. Plus, there is the not insignificant bonus of fantastic duty-free shopping.

All of these factors carry enormous appeal for foreign investors, as do the increasingly frequent and competitively priced flights. The Caribbean’s main islands of Barbados, St Lucia and Bahamas to name but a few are by no means an emerging market but are mature and proven destination for holiday makers throughout the world. This means that it can provide the investor guarantees that they will produce high rental yields year on year.

Also the less known islands you can ride on the back of the tourism but at a cheaper entry level such as the island of St Vincent and Dominican Republic knowing you will still achieve the rental yields unparallel to other destinations.

Caribbean – One Of The World’s Top Tourism Hotspots

The phenomenal and continuing surge of tourism and investment in the Caribbean ranges from the prestigious hi-brow glamour of islands such as Barbados and the Bahamas, to the exciting emerging markets of the less developed islands of the Dominican Republic and the Turks & Caicos.

This has also sparked indirect growth in numerous other domestic industries such as construction as well as various service- and tourism- related enterprises. By and large most other industries in the Caribbean rank below tourism in profitability. In the US Virgin Islands, for example, tourism provides 70 percent of the island’s jobs and accounts for more than 70 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Tourist arrivals to the Turks & Caicos rose from 87,000 in 1996 to 200,000 in 2006, more than half of which were from the United States.

The Dominican Republic is also one to watch with property investment surrounding new golf courses, as is Isla Margarita, especially with the construction of a 350 million US dollar Formula One Circuit.

Security For Overseas Property Buyers

Buying a property in the Caribbeanis relatively easy and there are property laws in place that fully protect the rights of a foreign owner just like the locals.

Remember, although you are using international property as and investment, you also have the advantage of being able to touch, feel and use your investment.

Unlike a stock certificate, you can sit in your investment and offer it to family and friends to enjoy their holidays in as well!

It has been reported in the Times newspaper that 50% of those featured in their ‘Rich List’ Earned their money through property investment.

This proves that this style of investment, if managed properly, can offer you the financial security you are looking for.

Posted in Caribbean, Investment Property.

Tagged with , .

No comments

By admin – May 31, 2010

A positive year for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts in the Caribbean

2009 has been an incredibly positive year for Harlequin Hotels & Resorts. The construction of Buccament Bay is progressing to time and on budget, additional land purchases have successfully completed and several key planning approvals have been granted. A hugely important factor is that each of the resorts has the full support of the Government of the country in which it is located, demonstrated by the attendance of senior Government officials at the launch event in July 2009 and in the content of their addresses.
Harlequin Hotels & Resorts is one of the few companies still actively building in the Caribbean where many property developers and hotel companies have put their projects on hold or have gone out of business over the last few months.
Harlequin is in a strong position because it has no debt so is still able to fund land purchases and construction. There are currently over 1,000 workers building Buccament Bay and construction is ongoing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure a timely completion. All the furnishings and fittings for the resort have now been ordered; 10,000 items of furniture are in production and will be shipped for installation prior to the opening in July 2010. Every item has been specifically designed for Buccament Bay, right down to the crockery and cutlery. Harlequin Hotels & Resorts’ own label wine has also been sourced.
Update on each of Harlequins resorts in the Caribbean

The Merricks, Barbados
The first phase of The Merricks is scheduled to open in late 2011. Harlequin purchased this stunning piece of land and beach with outline planning permission in 2006. Since then Harlequin has been working through the various planning stages to meet the requirements of the Barbados Government in order to receive full planning permission to commence construction. All the relevant feasibility reports and plans were submitted to the Government by May 2009 and subsequently Dave Ames and the ICE Group, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts’ construction company, attended the final planning meeting in October 2009. Harlequin and its proposal for The Merricks have received the full support of the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. David Thompson. In December Dave Ames was interviewed about The Merricks on radio in Barbados. The Government is currently compiling the extensive documentation which comprises the full planning permission. Harlequin has been advised this is close to being finally approved by town planning in Barbados and is due to be put before the Prime Minister for his final approval. ICE is ready to start work in earnest immediately full planning permission is received.
Las Canas & The Hideaway, Dominican Republic
Landscaping of the entrance to The Hideaway at Las Canas was completed in early 2009. More land has been purchased which will accommodate the back of house facilities for the resort. Full planning permission is in place and construction will commence in early 2010. The Hideaway will open at the beginning of 2011. Land clearing and pre-build groundworks will start on the main Las Canas resort in early 2010.
Two Rivers, Dominican Republic
During 2009 more land was purchased at the entrance to the resort which will enable Harlequin to extend the reception area and include another restaurant. Full planning permission is in place and in early 2010 the land will be cleared. This will be followed by the land being raised and pre-build groundworks.
The Marquis Estate, St Lucia
Environmental Impact Assessment Studies are currently in progress and once these are completed detailed planning will be finalised. Work to improve the roads so that they can support the heavy plant required during the build will start in early 2010. Land clearing will commence soon afterwards and construction will begin with the Gary Player Signature Golf Course and Gary Player Golf Hotel.

Posted in All Posts, Caribbean, Investment Property.

Tagged with , , , , , , , , .

No comments

By admin – May 31, 2010

Prime Minister of St Vincent at the Buccament Bay Launch

Harlequin Hotels & Resorts are delighted to announce that the Rt Hon Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent & The Grenadines, will be attending the launch of the Buccament Bay Resort at Wembley Stadium, on 24th and 25th April 2010.

The Buccament Bay Launch will be an open weekend to celebrate the opening of the Resort in July 2010. Other guests will include Pat Cash, Andy Townsend, Liverpool Football Club and Trader Vic’s, as well as contemporary musical theatre from the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy with performers from the West End & Broadway. Watch this space for new details about the Launch as it becomes available.

Buccament Bay will be a 5 star luxury resort in St Vincent & The Grenadines including Liverpool Football Club Soccer School, Pat Cash Tennis Academy, Trader Vic’s restaurant and the Alaia Spa created & operated by ESPA.

The pictures to the right shows the Rt Hon Ralph Gonsalves on a tour of the Buccament Bay site with Dave Ames, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, last year.

Caribbean Property Investments

Posted in All Posts, Caribbean, Investment Property.

Tagged with , , .

No comments

By admin – May 31, 2010

Panama’s 1Q Consolidated Budget Deficit At 0.6% Of GDP

The Panamanian government’s consolidated budget ended the first quarter of this year with a deficit equivalent to 0.6% of the country’s gross domestic product, or $114 million, as economic growth boosted tax collection, the Panamanian government said Tuesday.

Alberto Vallarino, Panama’s finance minister, last month said the government’s budget is likely to end the year near equilibrium or with a “very small” deficit.

The Panamanian government ended 2007 and 2008 with budget surpluses, but its accounts ended 2009 with a deficit equivalent to 1% of gross domestic product as growth slowed down as a result of the world’s financial crisis. The country’s economy expanded 2.4% in 2009 after reporting growth rates close to 10% in the previous two years.

Vallarino said he expects the country’s GDP to rebound and expand 5% this year.

- By Inti Landauro, Dow Jones Newswires; 57-1-694 00 76; colombia@dowjones.com

Posted in Country Reports, Panama, Panama.

Tagged with .

No comments

By admin – May 23, 2010

Property in Pedasi Azuero Peninsula Panama

The Azuero Peninsula, located in the south-west of Panama, is a land of traditions and folklore. There, several cultures have met to give origin to one of the most distinctive places in the country, considered its heartland. In Azuero it is common to observe small towns with Spanish architecture, where people still gather in the square around century old churches. The most important centers are Pedasi, Las Tablas and Chitre. They all offer the basic services plus some entertainment and night life. In all the small villages situated along the peninsula you can buy unique handicrafts such as clay pottery, ceramics, paper mache carnival masks, leather and wood furniture, embroidered clothes.

Azuero natureThe best assets Azuero has to offer to travelers are its deserted, long and narrow sandy beaches, surrounded by soft hills and green pastures. Due to the scarcity of rainfall during all year, the east coast of Azuero is called “arco seco” or “dry arc”, and it is perfect for those who like constant good weather. If you are a surf lover, you will certainly enjoy the big waves of Venao, Cambutal and Lagarto beaches, among others. The best place to practice scuba diving and snorkeling is the National Wildlife Refuge of Isla Iguana, south of Pedasi. This spectacular tropical island lies in the biggest coral reef of the Gulf of Panama. And between June and November you will be able to observe humpback whales. Isla Iguana is also the nesting ground of five different species of turtles. In addition, it is possible to see red throated frigates and many other native marine birds.

Although tourism infrastructure is still developing, the Azuero Peninsula offers different lodging options. You can choose between the warmth of family run hotels or exclusive and luxurious resorts. There are also many opportunities of investment. If you want to know the true spirit of Panama you cannot miss the Azuero Peninsula.

As prime beachfront land in Panama grows ever scarcer, investors and developers have been looking for this sleepy stretch of coastline on Panama´s Central Pacific for the next wave of development, and discovering the very heart of Panama in Azuero real estate.

Because Panama allows titled property right up to the waterfront, beachfront parcels are being snapped up at a dizzying rate like Pedasi land and Playa Venao property which is at the very tip of the peninsula. Despite its long, sinuous shape, Panama´s coast offers relatively few truly golden beaches.

Typical of Azuero real estate is impeccably paved highways slinking through endless green fields and tiny clustered towns. Colorful and tranquil towns tend to hug the highway, and very few have sprung up along the many beaches here. The waterfront is largely deserted except for the fishing boats that moor in shallow waters bringing their catches ashore.

For information on properties is Pedasi on the Azuero Peninsula please visit www.fdi-panamaproperty.com

Posted in All Posts, Panama.

Tagged with , , .

No comments

By admin – May 23, 2010