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.

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.