29 Jul 2008

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.

15 Jul 2008

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.

10 Jul 2008

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

8 Jul 2008

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

5 Jul 2008

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.

2 Jul 2008

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.