Distressed Sales, Repossessions, Short Sales and Foreclosures

Distressed sales, repossessions, short sales and foreclosures: the credit crunch has introduced a whole new vocabulary into buying property overseas. Thanks to the economic downturn, property markets around the world are being flooded with properties now available that have been priced competitively low in order to achieve a quick sale. Even considering the weak pound, there are great bargain opportunities in Spain and Eastern European cities, Florida and some parts of the Carribean and Dubai - see all the usual websites. If you are in a position to buy comfortably but are new to the overseas investment arena you can sometimes get the best advice and a real feel for the market by looking at the web forum discussions on the issue. But if you want to talk one on one with the seller who is trying to offload before repossesion check out the holiday and house price forums where shouts for help and advice on escaping an investment nightmare are all too common this year.

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.

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

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