Tunisia – Dubai of the Mediterranean?

Tunisia does not trip off the tongue for overseas property investment and is currently mightily overshadowed by near neighbours Morocco and Egypt in the property press, however with the presence of major Middle East property investors, mainly from Dubai and other UAE nations, the country is set to make a big impact. Property prices are low, even as low as Morocco was five years ago, and the country feels exotic yet European, affordable yet upper-class and will appeal to a broad spectrum of end users. The bonus is that unlike some far-flung destinations, a property in Tunisia is both a future income generator as well as being close enough to actually hop on a plane and enjoy the wonderful beaches and culture,

North Africa’s smallest nation, Tunisia, has a Mediterranean-facing coastline and lies directly south of Italy’s Sardinia tucked between Algeria on the west and Libya to the east. Thanks to a sharp right-angle turn on its shoreline, Tunisia has 1,400km of coastline and it is this asset, together with its strategic location, which has propelled the nation on to the global stage and attracted considerable foreign investment, particularly from the Middle East.

A colourful hotchpotch of architecture from Roman ruins to nineteenth century French colonial boulevards and a patchwork of landscapes from cork oak forests through to olive groves, vineyards and mile-upon-mile of undulating Sahara desert, Tunisia more than makes up for its size in terms of diversity. The sandy beaches front an impressive infrastructure of luxurious hotels, modern international airports, chic boutiques and jet-set marinas whilst the barren south has long-been the chosen setting for blockbusting films including Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Monty Python’s Life of Brian and Minghella’s The English Patient.

Life in Tunisia is very relaxed, tolerant and open. Women’s rights are better catered to than anywhere else in the Arabic world allowing western-style clothing, participation in sport and no barriers to taking part in business or Government at a senior level. Alcohol is freely available and widely drunk by locals and tourists alike.

As tourism becomes more important, leisure facilities are springing up at a significant rate, particularly around the honeypot resorts of Hammamet and Monastir, and Tunisia now boasts six golf courses, two of which have 27-holes, international diving centres and plenty of yachting clubs. Two significant projects currently underway, Mediterranean Gate ‘Century’ City and Tunis Sports City, both funded by Dubai investment at 25 billion USD and 5 billion USD respectively, will bring further golf courses and marinas, world-class sporting academies, Olympic grade facilities, business and leisure hubs as well as thousands of residential units and hotel beds.

While buying a property in Tunisia may not be the obvious choice, expect nothing short of positive global headlines and economic fortune from Tunisia over the coming years, and your investment will be rewarded in spades.

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