Weak Pound makes UK Top Overseas Property Destination

The pound has been falling against the US Dollar and the Euro recently, this means that UK residents may find it more expensive to buy anything in abroad. However, on the other side of the Channel Europeans find themselves in the position where the low property prices in the UK and the high value of the Euro against the pound could be an attractive proposition.

The word parity is being talked of, which is the point where the pound and the Euro are equal in value at this point Europeans could be looking at a nice return for their money by investing in the UK property market next year. This is because it is the opinion of the experts that 2010 could be the turnaround point for the property market.

Once the market begins to swing in the other direction, then anyone who has invested in it will be seeing some fantastic returns on their initial investments. This makes the UK a very interesting place to look at for property investment especially as there are some predictions that the market is set to fall a further fifteen to thirty per cent during 2009.

Polands Interest Rates Cut

Poland’s central bank recently cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25% to 5.75%, joining a number of emerging markets that have lowered rates recently in a move to bolster economic growth.

Most analysts expected the National Bank of Poland to leave rates unchanged. This was the central bank’s first move since it raised interest rates by 0.25% in June. Following the rate cut, the Polish zloty edged up +0.4% against the euro.

Win Thin, senior currency strategist at Brown Brothers, said: “Retail sales and industrial production have slowed sharply in recent months, so the need to ease is clearly there. Indeed, the entire region will continue to cut rates as we move into 2009, especially after the surprise cuts by Hungary and Turkey earlier this month.”

Several emerging markets have cut rates in recent days, as the global financial crisis continues to take a significant toll on their economies.

Poland Property for Sale
Gorczewska Park, Poland, Warsaw.

1 bedroom Apartments, 47sqm

Price: € 132,418 Reference No: Warsaw JWC005

Górczewska Park is modern housing estate in Wola Quarter of Warsaw. Situated between Górczewska and Olbrachta Streets in Warsaw. Created by the best architects. This location will become the most attractive part of the Warsaw owing to vicinity of shopping and entertainment centre and planned underground station. The best investment! Promotional prices! Following stages of the planned construction final: 2nd 2009.

North Cyprus as the new European Emerging Market

Buying investment property in North Cyprus is becoming increasingly popular for overseas property investors, and several reasons for this boom in investment can be identified, reasons that go beyond explaining the interest of individual buyers purchasing investment property and make clear the surge in property development by companies eager to cement their position in the rejuvenated North Cyprus property market early.

The backdrop against which the current boom in both property and land values, along with the number of investors being attracted to the North Cyprus property market, should be explained is the revived push toward reunification that the election of Demetris Christofias to the presidency of the Greek Cypriot Republic of Cyprus this February.

House prices in Northern Cyprus - which has been separated from the southern Republic of Cyprus since the Turkish military intervention of 1974 - are far far lower than those in the rest of Cyprus and lower still than those in other popular holiday destinations where investment in overseas property has followed the holiday makers.

The disparity in prices is largely due to the division in the island, a division which has limited the trade and development opportunities that have been attracted to the island, thus constraining property prices as well as every other aspect of the cost of living in North Cyprus - a cost which is extremely favourable to those people not looking to purchase an investment property but rather to buy their dream second, or even retirement home.

With reunification house prices between the disparate property markets of the Republic of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus will consolidate, meaning that property in Northern Cyprus currently valued at, on average for a two bedded villa, around £110,000, will shoot upward to approach those house prices on the same island - but just the other side of the Green Line - which are, on average, almost double those in the North. What this means for property investors is that North Cyprus property investments stand out against the stalling, matured markets that characterise Europe generally.

Not only that but the North Cyprus property market specifically stands out to investors from the UK, as property in North Cyprus is purchased in pound Sterling as opposed to the Euro. For investors thinking about making an overseas property investment this is a huge boon, as the exchange rates have not be too kind for those purchasing Euros for pounds for a little while now.

Of course, rising property prices are not entirely reliant on reunification, although it is undeniable that investors wishing to see the steepest returns on their investment will do so in a post reunification Cyprus. The general attitude to the current round of reunification talks is that the poses the best chance yet for the island to reunify.

Only this week the immediate possibility of a reunified island cane to the fore of the news when the Greek Cypriot Minister for Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Antonis Paschalides commented on the initiation of attempts to find natural gas reserves - reportedly by 2012 - and how this endeavour reflected on the diplomatic attempts between Northern Cyprus and the Republic of Cyprus.

France Property Investment Market Remains Stable

France has seen such continued – if steady – increases in property values, mainly because it never really became swept up in the overseas investment boom. In the last 2-3 years thousands of savvy people with a pound to spare decided to put their money into overseas property, but did so, mainly in off-plan properties in emerging markets where prices were incredibly low, and the opportunity presented itself for immediate high-level gains and incredible rental yields. France never exactly offered an abundance of these properties, and so has and will remain to be one of the favorite places for people [especially Brits] buying a resale property as a holiday home.

Why You Should Buy Now; Overseas Property For Sale in the Credit Crunch

It is possible to make money whatever the state of the economy. In fact, some of the most lucrative deals have been achieved in a struggling economy; the opportunities are always there if you have the requisite knowledge.It must also be a buyers market; as the property and financial markets slow down at home and abroad, more people are putting their properties on the market and the developers are offering their 'special' deals and discounts. If you are prepared to be brave in negotiations now may be the time for you.
It could also be the time to be bolder in you outlook on destinations. Have a closer look at the less obvious choices; Cape Verde instead of The Canary Islands, Morocco instead of Spain, Dubai instead of Florida; the Gambia instead of the Carribean. In some of the emerging markets around the world, the property market is stable and even growing. Getting in at the very bottom, buying land or off-plan, means less outlay at the start and a better return on your investment in the end.

Even with the old favourites it is worth looking further afield than the usual options; new build leaseback property in Corsica instead of the Gite in Provence, land with plans in the Caymen Islands instead of the villa in Barbados, a beach house in Belize instead of the apartment in Cancun. Of course land only, off plan and leaseback are all going to be long term projects, though investments can be realised before the property is built, or at the end of the guarenteed rental income period.

When you are feeling the pinch at home it is often cheaper to be living abroad. The cost of fuel, heating and eating can be considerably cheaper in Europe, and yu can minimise the effeect of the strong Euro by taking a Euro mortgage, taking advantage of the lower interest rate and avoiding the problems of fluctuation in the currency market.

Property values abroad still represent excellent value for money in comparison to the UK market, even with falling property prices. For a first time buyer overseas property may be the best way to get your feet on the property ladder.

What Is A Leaseback Property?

While the UK property market is experiencing tough times, there are other areas for investment which are booming. It has been estimated that UK buyers will invest 22.8 billion pounds in this year alone.

The French leaseback scheme was introduced over 30 years ago to help alleviate the growing problem of 'not enough tourist property' to service demand (France is the Number 1 visited country on the planet) Typically bought by the French themselves as a way of boosting their pensions, the leaseback properties bacame popular with UK investors around 5 years ago when the mortgage rules were relaxed.

The most popular areas are the Cote d'Azur, French Alps and Paris as these are the most visited areas in France and solid places to invest. The programme has proved immensely popular because it is government backed; not only do the French Government grant the planning licences for leasebacks, but they re-fund the entire VAT to the client (this is almost equal to the client's entire deposit) as a reward for allowing the property to be used for year round rentals. Along with the guarenteed rents, it's a huge incentive that makes the investment hard to beat.On the finance side, mortgages are lower than the UK and you can normally fix your rate for the entire term of the mortgage.


A French Leaseback property is also a great way to invest in the European property as your investment is totally hands free; it can be totally managed, fully maintained and all rents are totally guarenteed, you can even take a Euro mortgage. It should be seen as a medium to long term investment that forms part of your property pension. The fully managed aspect means that you can invest and relax. Should you want to take up the optional lifestyle investment which gives up to 2 weeks personal usage a year, France is well served by all the economy airlines.

French Leasebacks at the NEC A Place in The Sun Show

There were the obvious investments about again for those of us who often go to these shows.There were fewer stalls, but enough punters to mean you had to queue for a coffee. Taylor Woodrow were slashing the prices of their Spanish property. The Dubai offers were tempting as usual. The Argentina wine region of Mendoza was as off plan as it could be, and very interesting.

But for closer to home, and for the fainthearted, and the highlight of my day was the French leaseback at Evian-les-bains. Having spent a night at the Casino in Evian-Les-Bains for my 36th Birthday I can recommend it. Its a very exclusive and beautiful destination on the shores of Lake Geneva and at the foot of the Alps. The Highlights of the offer are these;
Leaseback rental of up to 4.5% for 11 years, 11 months
Developer pays the VAT, meaning a very low deposit
Fixed Euro mortgagerates available (subject to status)
Fully furnished, Fully maintained and Fully managed
Flexible personal usage packages available Freehold Purchase.

France has not always been the first choice of the British Property Investor, but scare stories about Spain, overdevelopment in other favourite destinations like Bulgaria and the Algarve may mean you need to look at your old age pension a bit differently; If you are prepared to be in it for the long term this is pretty close to a sure thing.

Oil, Gas and Investment in The Premiership

The English Football Premiership news last weekend and to the end of the transfer window on Monday night, had nothing to do with football. The Premiership is the new battlefield for the oil rich billionaires.

Abu Dhabi United agreed to buy Manchester City from Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Thai prime minister and within hours of the deal, the new owners had snatched Robinho, the Brazilian forward, from Real Madrid from under Chelseas nose, for a record fee of over £30 million. Chelsea, of course is owned by Roman Abrahmovic, the Russian oil billionaire, who bought the best and acheived Premiership success in his second year as Chairman. Well done Roman. Its been done before by millionaires (Blackburn Rovers and JJB Sports Chairman Jack Walker) but money does not always produce a team, good looking football or success.

At this time Manchester City fans will just be happy with 'financial stability' and at least a trophy. Noel Gallagher, Oasis songwriter and reknowned City fan revelled in the fact that every time a Utd fan fills their car with petrol, they will be supporting the City Transfer fund ! A successful year for City in the past has been one where they have beaten Man Utd. Maybe, if the interest in this new investment is sustained, Manchester City will be the new Chelsea, threatening Utd in the Premiership and in the Champions League. Roman abramovich is not always in attendance at Chelsea games these days and perhaps this lack of interest is reflected in the results; second in every competition last season.

In their haste to show their committment to their investment t Abu Dhabi Utd almost succeeded in stealing Dimitar Berbatov from under Manchester United's nose. Relieved but worried Man Utd fans mumbled something about cash not buying class or history. Deep down they must be worried. How can the US owners, the Glazer family, compete with the massive financial surpluses of the fast-growing, oil exporting investors from the Middle East. and Russia?

Diversification of Abu Dhabi business interests from property in the Emirates to football in England is dabbling, with the sums of cash involved being small change. But I doubt Manchester City was 'their team' last season, and hope they take care with an institution which is so dear to so many.

Brits Continue to Invest Abroad Despite the Credit Crunch

Recent property statistics confirm that Brits just cannot get enough of overseas property. Figures released by the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) claim that in 2007, the British spent a staggering £246 billion on homes abroad, a 21% increase on 2006.

Spain still tops the favourite destination chart – Spanish homes accounted for over a quarter of all purchases – but newer markets are fast emerging as investor favourites. City Property in Berlin, Warsaw or Bucherest are proving good investments for the brave, and those in search of a safer risk are looking towards the Middle East, with Dubai and Abu Dhabi the property hotspots.

Savvy investors have seen high capital growth and strong rental yields in their property investments, but this is by no means always the case. Media reports continually highlight the flip side to property investment and horror stories involving purchases abroad appear almost daily.

Overseas property investment is not something to be taken lightly, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure that investment in a home overseas does not end in tears. By applying a combination of thorough research, due diligence and canny financing, buying a property abroad should have a happy ending.

Research holds the key to success. Only careful analysis of the myriad of factors involved in a purchase means you can be sure of walking into an investment with your eyes wide open. Aspects such as the local and national economy, the tourist industry and property market history are all essential when it comes to making an investment decision. Investment Property Sales offers overseas properties, bought as investments, retirement properties, holiday homes, buy to let property or development opportunities in emerging property markets and can help you make the right choices.

Bonaire, Bucherest, 1 Bedroom, 81 sqm Apartment, 85,100 Euros

Warsaw 3 Bedroom,110sqm Apartments Price: € 221,000

1 Bedroom, 58sqm Apartment in Berlin-Mitte.Germany Price: € 95,750.

Dubai Apartments for sale at Madison Residence, Majan

Morgan Stanley Launch in Cairo

Cairo:
Morgan Stanley, a leading global financial services firm, announced their intention of seeking regulatory approval to launch an office in Cairo, a statement from the company read. The firm also revealed the appointment of Amr Diab as Executive Director and Country Representative for the Egypt office.
As we continue to grow our business in the Middle East and North Africa, Egypt is an increasingly important market for Morgan Stanley,Dr. Georges Makhoul, Morgan Stanleys
President for the Middle East and North Africa, said in a statement released by the firm.
While we have advised the Egyptian government and private corporations for many years, we believe that this is the right time for us to establish a Morgan Stanley presence in the country,
Makhoul added. Morgan Stanley has over 600 offices in 31 countries focusinon a wide range of investment banking, securities, investment management, wealth
management and credit services.

High Retuns for Egyption Property

Egypt seems to be the next country of choice for investors who are benefiting from high returns from both rental yield and capital growth. More visitors and potential property buyers are visiting not only in the Sinai tourist areas but also in the major cities such as Cairo and Alexandria. Off plan properties are currently selling for 30% less than market value, and the tourist industry runs for 12 months of the year. Egypt offers ancient history from Alexandria to Aswan and the length of the Sinai peninsula offers a divers paradise with warm water and an abundance of coral.

Investors looking for a low risk place in which to invest their money would be wise to seriously consider Egypt. Once people realise that Egypt is more than just history and culture, the Egyptian property market will really escalate, and when that happens, investors who have bought into the property market early are certain to make a very good return on their low risk investment.

Hyde Park New Cairo Villas for Sale, Egypt
Spread across 4 million square meters, Hyde Park Egypt is the most exclusive villa development with Detached and Attached Villas nestled with a 1 million square meter landscaped park, the biggest private park in Egypt. Designed to suit multi-cultural tastes, the villa designs range from the Neo-Classical, Italian-Country to California-Spanish styles. Set atop beautiful vistas and surrounded by Egypt's natural beauty, your home will be amidst striking landscapes and beautiful water features. A gated community with several entrances, 24-hour security and controlled entry, living here is designed to give you total peace of mind and privacy.

Intelligently designed to ensure you enjoy your exclusive lifestyle, Hyde Park, Egypt offers:A garden setting with lush greenery, the main park is exclusively for the residents of Hyde Park and has garden pavilions, gazebos, comfortable benches, an amphitheatre and multi-purpose open grass field.
A pedestrian friendly neighbourhood with up to 7 kilometers of walking and jogging trails that wind throughout the park.Separate pocket parks for the exclusive use of residents living in the detached and attached villas. Equipped with shaded trees, benches, swing sets and gazebos. A Country Club and Spa for 'Members only', with lounges, specialty restaurants, cafes, cigar lounges, beauty salons, indoor swimming pools, a spa and fitness center, kid's play area as well as a banquet area.A 'Members only' Sports Center offering sporting facilities like football, volleyball, tennis, basketball, squash as well as multi-purpose activity halls to host aerobics and martial arts classes.Located in close proximity to Hyde Park, is downtown New Cairo incorporating a mix of residential, commercial and retail zones. Giving you easy access to piazzas with shaded trees, fountains, cafes, restaurants, international and local shopping outlets as well as entertainment venues.
Beautiful water-bodies and bridges surrounded by shaded trees that offer the most romantic of views.

The Hyde Park development offers a selection of the 14 possible villa types both detached and attached. A selection of floor plans are offered below for viewing and download below. Please contact us for a full list of available villas.

Dubai or Not Dubai (2)

In answer to Dubai or not Dubai, I have just come across this:

"In simplistic terms property markets in oil producing nations, especially in the Middle East, are currently riding high, enjoying a construction boom. With Goldman Sachs forecasting $200-a-barrel oil over the next six to 24 months, OPEC, Russia, and Norway are going to be the winners in the global markets.

A prime example is Dubai where short term investments in off-plan property are proving profitable with prices for re-sales rising dramatically. Finished property is also a popular investment as rental yields are high, currently rising at 20%."

Another clue is the ongoing population growth which can be seen as a sign that the property boom won't end in the near future. Meanwhile I shall have to search out some Moscow and Oslo Apartments to add to the UAE collection.

Dubai or not Dubai?

Dubai as a property Investment Destination

There seems to be some debate on whether or Dubai remains one of the top 5 Hotspots for Property investment at the moment.It has been suggested that due to the property boom Dubai is currently experiencing the volume of new units coming onto the market in such a short space of time will shortly cause Dubai property prices to plummet.

Other arguments start with the worry that buying an apartment in an artificial city in the desert is extremely unfriendly to the environment, let alone the cost of air conditioning and water desallination!Then there is the recent escalation of warnings of terrorist threat to "High", meaning the most serious of four terrorism risk levels which the Foreign Office uses in its warnings, the others being "general", "underlying" and "low". But that threat is with us wherever we travel.Wherever you invest in property there will be considerations, other than the annual return.

Clearly, investing in any market carries no 100% guarantee, but it seems thart Dubai is still experiencing an extremely favorable upward appreciation in the property values, which are showing no sign of a downturn at the moment. There are at least 100,000 UK citizens resident in the UAE and more than one million Britons travel there every year, so it has not lost its appeal just yet.

Apartments and Studios for Sale, Dubai

Lago Vista Dubai
2 Bedroom and Studio Apartments for Sale.
Lago Vista, Dubai is the latest residential development in damac's portfolio of luxury and lifestyle. The 15-storey tower is gracefully designed around a crescent-shaped portico. Set amidst beautiful lawns spread like a woollen carpet, these modern turrets of luxury blend a variety of aesthetic appeal and living dreams. Fountains and gardens add to the beauty of this unusual homestead while far away, silent ranches and the glittering lights of Dubai land make a pretty picture from your window.

The interiors of every Lago Vista apartment is painstakingly finished and furnished. Lago Vista features two bedrooms apartments as well as studios. With a unique floor plan that affords you panoramic views of the landscape around. Every home has been tastefully designed with luxury as well as ultimate convenience in mind. The state-of-the-art accessories used as well as superior woodwork and joinery would a testimony for your refined elegance.

Swimming Pools
Jacuzzi
Tennis Courts
In-Campus Transportation
medical Center and Schools
Shopping Centres and Reacreational Facilities

Panama as a Retirement Destination

Panama's economy is growing each year and most of that is a result of a large increase in tourism, construction and the expansion of the Panama Canal.
Panama has excellent weather, diverse ecosystem, breathtaking beaches, high standard of living and truly affordable real estate make it an ideal place to invest in and establish a second home
Because of the increased interest in Panama as a retirement destination over the past few years, analysts have predicted Panama as the next hot-spot for increased property value. Increases in tourism and Panama as a hot spot for trade and commerce will also lead to increasing tenancy rates and rental values.
The start of the extension work of the Panama Canal will further enhance the country’s economy, increasing a need for real estate in the area. Many investors are looking at taking advantage of the tax exemption law and cater for the increased demand for real estate.




Costa del Este, Panama City, 215sqm, 3 bedroom Apartments in Panama City.Price: € 224,225 Penthouses available.Architect: Arq. Edward McGrath, 60 units available
Parking spaces: 2 per apartment, extras available.
Apartamentos: 3 bedrooms with walk in closet and bathroom, den, visits bathroom, livingroom, diningroom, kitchen, balcony, laundryroom, service quarters, Internet ready.
Amenities: Pools, gym, sauna, green areas, hut, events hall, wireless Internet in social areas, 24/7 security, 3 high speed elevators, concierge.
Finishes: Modern high end.



Ocean Sky, Panama City, South America.147sqm, 1/2 bedroom Apartments Price: € 192,285

Ocean Sky will simply have no parallel. Located at the exclusive & privileged area of Coco del Mar in Panama City and with ocean views from all its units, this project is sure to capture the attention of international travellers looking for an exclusive place to live in Panama city with apartments ranging from 135 m2 (1,453 ft2) to 142 m2 (1,529 ft2), with one bedroom, small office or studio and a balcony overlooking the pacific ocean.

This project will have the option for fully equipped appliances as well as the option for property management. Pre-Sale to begin soon.

Slovakia Property

The Slovakian Property Market is just beginning to take off again as it follows the pattern of the Czech Republic and enters its second phase of rapid growth.

This new growth is taking place against a back drop of huge economic growth built on a sustainable basis with strong exports.

As the Slovakia Property market matures this strong export base will ensure it can balance the economy as consumer spending takes off and drives property prices further ahead.
Of the Eastern block European Union countries, only Slovakia is due to join in the near future (January 2009) and with its economy generally in good shape, there is little risk of it not joining.

Along with their economic expansion, the Slovakian property market has also seen substantial growth. Slovakia is a good opportunity for overseas property investors, with low rental income tax and no capitals gain tax on long-term property holdings. Slovakia is one of Europe’s most attractive real estate investment propositions.

1 Bed apartment,Karpatska, Bratislava, Slovakia, Price: € 256,550 Bratislava District I, Old Town
Slovakia EXTRAS Bratislava district I, Old Town Windows, duplex anti – noise windows - external plastic windows frames Doors, safety antifire entrance doors - wooden inside doors with cap board Walls
Floors, there are floating wooden floors,tiled floors in hall, bathroom, toilet and kitchen Kitchen,complete kitchen unit with built-in white goods: ceramic hob and oven, fridge with freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave oven
Bathroom, bath, wash-basin - mirror, box
Heating,digitally operated air-conditioning Electrical installation,TV and internet connection,switches, plugs,connector for telephone,video door-keeper.

Current Financial News for Investors in Polish Property

The polish bank BZWBK (part owned by AIB) produce a monthly news letter on the polish econmy and financial markets. This is interesting reading for Polish Property investors. It is a free service. Log on to the BZWBK website,
http: / /english .bzwbk .pl , click on Economic service on Left hand side and download monthly MACROscope

Chose the right time to purchase, but dont leave it too long!

Demand for flats still remains subdued as potential clients are
postponing purchases, hoping for a deeper price correction.
However, it is likely that delayed demand is likely to show up
eventually, and thus a scope for price drop is limited. Especially
that rents in big cities have been growing, which implies that
delaying house purchase is getting increasingly costly.

Miasteczko Wilanów Warsaw

A residential development of over 8.000 units,
A commercial zone of approx. 80.000 sqm, including:
supermarket (9.900 sqm)
do-it-yourself facility (9.000 sqm)
200 retail stores
restaurants (3.700 sqm)
leisure (8.250 sqm)
Offices and others zone:
A 50.000 sqm technology park
Other business developments are being negotiated.

Public areas and parks will constitute 50% of the project.
Wilanów is one of the 18 districts that compose the administrative distribution of the city of Warsaw.
Wilanów is located in the south-east corner of Warsaw.
Warsaw is perceived as a garden-city, with wide variety of open green spaces (Natoliñski Park, Kabacki Forest and large areas next to Vistula River).
Warsaw is famous for the Palace of the King Jan III Sobieski.
Favoured area for embassies and diplomatic institutions.
Excellent communications withWarsaw city centre, the City airport, the subway and other districts such as Ursynów and Mokotów.

Over 1900 flats;

Buildings maximum height: ground floor plus 4 storeys;

Medium-high standard build quality;

Garages, commercial space and parking areas on ground;

Anticipated completion date for the Warsaw Project is 2010.

3 Bedroom Apartments,110sqm Ostoja Wilanow Poland, Warsaw.Price: € 221,000

Profitable Overseas Property Investments

How do you make real money? Most investors answer that if you put your money into brilliant companies, brilliant sectors and brilliant countries, then hang on, you’ll end up rich। We disagree. When something is that good, most people know about it already and your purchasing price is going to reflect that, which will limit your returns even if things go as well as the market expects. The key to wealth is to make investments “where outcome exceeds consensus expectations”. If the consensus is that something is a basketcase and it turns out instead to be merely mildly mad, or even a recovery candidate, “it’s a sure-fire way to garner riches”. The more widespread the pessimism about an asset class, the more the odds are stacked in favour of “the early and the brave”.Britons looking to expand their portfolios in emerging overseas property markets have been advised that they could face lower returns if they wait and follow the crowd.Off Plan International has said that individual investors face being crowded out of the market if they wait just one or two years after a market has become more well-known.However, the firm acknowledged that it was usually better to look at the capital city of a country, adding that press coverage and word of mouth encouraged investors to move to particular places."My advice for people if they are looking to invest in small value, one or two properties, is to look at capital cities within a country. They are more expensive than other parts of the country but you are not going to lose," noted an Off Plan International spokesperson."If you are a smaller investor, in a place that's been a hot spot for a year or two, you need to be careful where you invest.

Emerging Markets; get in at the beginning

Investment Property Sales in Emerging Markets

As an investment asset, overseas property is as popular as ever. If you are looking to invest in property for the future contact us for up-to-date market information. Finding suitable 'buy to let' property, holiday or retirement home or development opportunities in emerging property markets requires a service that recognises the need for attention to detail. Planning with your tax and investment advisers is a service which we will add value to your property decisions.

How do you make real money? Most investors answer that if you put your money into brilliant companies, brilliant sectors and brilliant countries, then hang on, you’ll end up rich. We disagree. When something is that good, most people know about it already and your purchasing price is going to reflect that, which will limit your returns even if things go as well as the market expects.

The key to wealth is to make investments “where outcome exceeds consensus expectations”. If the consensus is that something is a basketcase and it turns out instead to be merely mildly mad, or even a recovery candidate, “it’s a sure-fire way to garner riches”. The more widespread the pessimism about an asset class, the more the odds are stacked in favour of “the early and the brave”.

Britons looking to expand their portfolios in emerging overseas property markets have been advised that they could face lower returns if they wait and follow the crowd.

Off Plan International has said that individual investors face being crowded out of the market if they wait just one or two years after a market has become more well-known.

However, the firm acknowledged that it was usually better to look at the capital city of a country, adding that press coverage and word of mouth encouraged investors to move to particular places.

"My advice for people if they are looking to invest in small value, one or two properties, is to look at capital cities within a country. They are more expensive than other parts of the country but you are not going to lose," noted an Off Plan International spokesperson.

"If you are a smaller investor, in a place that's been a hot spot for a year or two, you need to be careful where you invest.

"In areas where there is a lot of investment going off, where there is a great choice of properties, it may not be the best place for an individual," the spokesperson concluded.

For foreign property investors or those resident outside the UK, we also provide special guidance on tax and management of property investments in the UK.

Time for investment is now whilst these markets are still not on the lips of every investor.
These emerging markets offer a one off opportunity to benefit from low prices that are set to rise as the interest and demand increases.

Investment Property Sales: Emerging, Overseas & Foreign Property Investments

Why Invest in Overseas Property?

Property investors are still choosing to invest their money in property abroad over the stock market for a number of reasons:

A property abroad provides investors with a tangible asset
Property investments provide better capital growth returns on both long term and short term investments
Historically, the property markets are less volatile than the stock market
Investors in property have more control over their investments than they would investing in the stock market
Properly structured rental returns usually cover the day-to-day property costs and can provide pension incomes

The best strategies for maximum returns on investment.

Identify high quality overseas property investments within criteria
Purchase the best investment properties abroad at minimum cost
Add value to create immediate capital growth through refurbishments or comprehensive modernisation of foreign property investments
Maximise investment property rental cash flow
Chose the optimum time to sell to achieve maximum return on the foreign property investment
Build a well balanced portfolio of international property investments
Provide first class presentation to the local property rental market via websites, through press advertising, magazine and property brochures and direct contact with international relocation and corporate accommodation agencies.

Overseas Property Developers

Property Marketing & Sales

At any given time, three general factors affect the sale of an overseas property:

The economic market conditions
The location of the property
The market competition - other property like yours competing for the same buyers

These three factors are in a constant state of flux. Interest rates rise and fall, neighbourhoods gain or lose desirability, and as properties are placed on the market, the pool of active buyers changes. No-one can control these factors and wait until all the conditions are perfect. However, they can be maximised to a seller's advantage.

When selling your properties we can offer you an advantage:
A targeted viewer
A captive audience
An opportunity to make multiple impressions
Preparation for market

Sellers' information packs: By ensuring that the legal issues are dealt with at the earliest stages we can help you avoid delay and expense later in the transaction.Our service ensures that all relevant due dilligence documentation is gathered in readiness for the eventual sale so as to meet the latest relevant legal requirements.
Valuations: In order to avoid the risks of undervaluing or overvaluing the property it is vital to have the views and expertise of property experts who can advise on local and national economic conditions and trends, as well as take account of special factors.
Property Marketing: We prepare a detailed set of particulars with measurements and select the best buyers for your property. Our expertise will ensure that the property is shown to the market in a way that attracts the right buyer prepared to agree to the terms you want
Property viewings & Negotiations: The assessment of suitable buyers for your property is the service of most value to those not used to selling property. We make the enquiries and checks that are vital to making a deal happen. By establishing relationships with potential buyers we are able to recommend those who may be able to meet your needs and to save time and cost which can be lost through abortive and fruitless negotiations.
Contracts & Exchange: Through the provision of the information pack much of the initial delay can be avoided and our ProgressTracker service means you can keep up to date on the progress of all related matters such as finance and chain related transact

Preparation is half the Battle; Avoid the Pitfalls

Buying a Property Overseas as an Investment?

Preparation - The Key Message, Going to look at properties should be the LAST stage in the process, not the first. The process of buying a property - whether for your personal use or as an investment - SHOULD start with thorough preparation. This will save to a lot of wasted time AND money. We STRONGLY recommend that you make contact with us BEFORE you go to look at any property. That way we can deal with all of the key issues (such as those listed below) calmly and clearly, before you get involved in the rush and pressure always associated with buying a specific property anywhere in the world.

Preparation Check List
Why are you buying the property? Is this for retirement, a holiday home, a holiday home that you want to pay its way or a pure investment. If you are buying a property as an investment, see our Guide to Buying Investment Property.

Which country and area will suit you best? If this is an investment, where are you likely to make the most money?

Which type of property is best for you? Villa, apartment, town house, finca, condo, penthouse, loft, rural, beach font, city centre. This is not always obvious.

How are you going to pay for the property? Are you going to take out a mortgage? If so, where and for how much? What are you doing to guard against the risk of fluctuating exchange rates?

How are you going to manage the property? If you want to let the property, who are your target tenants? Who will manage the lettings? How much money will you make?

Who should be the legal owner of the property? The right choice here can save you £/€/$THOUSANDS, even on an ordinary holiday home. See below for more information

We will be happy to assist you with all of these issues.

Get the Right Advice

Who should own the property?

Getting this question of ownership wrong is probably both the most common and the most expensive mistake people make when buying property overseas. There are many people who could be made the legal owner of the property or, as the case may be, the shareholders in the company that owns the property. The best choice is, often, not obvious.

Getting this wrong can cost you tens of thousands of pounds/euro/dollars of totally unnecessary taxes, during your lifetime and on your death.Most local lawyers will be unable to help you make this decision as it involves an understanding of both the local AND your own legal, tax and inheritance systems.Investmment Property Sales can help with all of these issues.

What are the options?

There are many ways to purchase a foreign property as an investment. These include:

in your own name alone
in your name and in the name of your co-purchaser(s)
wholly or partly in your children's
names or in the name of somebody
whom you would like (eventually!) to inherit the property from you
in the name of a limited company,
whether English, 'local' or "off-shore"
via your SIPP/SSAS pension fund
via an investment fund (REIT, PUT etc)
via an investment club
via a trust