Showing posts with label exclusve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exclusve. Show all posts

Tuesday, 8 December 2009

Cyprus 2009

Property Investment Masters - Hans Jakobi & David Fong

Top 10 Overseas Property Investments in 2010

1. Brazil

The Brazilian property market has got a lot going for it. The country is attracting a lot of inward investment, has one of the world's fastest growing economies, a rapidly emerging mortgage market, a general shortage of quality homes, and has been selected to host the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. This will lead to the construction of new and improved infrastructures and homes across Brazil.

Property investors from around the world are flocking to Brazilian shores with a view to snapping up real estate, in anticipation of future capital growth.

One local expect projects Brazilian property prices could appreciate by up to 200% over the next decade, driven by the country's burgeoning economy, and the pending introduction of mortgages to overseas nationals.

Investment banking firm Goldman Sachs believes that Brazil's economic growth could outstrip that of the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) member nations over the next few years.

Brazil's economy is widely expected to become the fifth largest in the world by the time the Olympic Games kicks off in 2016, and yet Brazil property and land prices still remain a fraction of those found in more developed nations.

The Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has already pledged to spend up to £11.5bn on building a million new homes in Brazil between now and 2011.

However, potential high property investment rewards are not with out their risks, as crime and corruption still remains widespread in Brazil.

2. France

In stark contrast to the relatively high risk, high return nature of investing in Brazil, the risks associated with investing in French property are far lower.

France has traditionally always been a rather safe haven for property investors. The nation was the first European country to come out of recession in 2009, reflecting the fact that the global credit crunch had much less of an impact, compared to other European counterparts.

France's strong economy is having a positive impact on its property market, which now appears to be on the road to recovery.

Increasing property and mortgage transactions are boosting residential values, with the latest FNAIM data revealing that the average price of a French property appreciated by 2.8% between April and September 2009.

Although average prices remain down 7.8% year-on-year, the market is generally expected to improve further, due to France's prudent attitude to mortgage lending.

Anyone taking out a mortgage in France is generally only permitted to borrow one third of their total gross monthly income. This has ensured that mortgages remain readily available, with 100% loan-to-value home loans available at competitive borrowing rates.

Consequently, mortgage lending in France is soaring. French mortgage broker Athena Mortgages reports that there was a 21% rise in mortgage enquiries in Q3 2009 compared with the previous quarter.

The buy-to-let and leaseback sectors are reportedly attracting particular interest from investors, due to improved yields across the country.

The capital city of Paris has long been identified as one of the most attractive European cities for investment, and is typically the most popular place to buy a home in France, along with Cannes, Marseille and Nice, which are all located along the southern Mediterranean coast.

3. USA

The USA property market may be showing tentative signs of improvement, following one of the worst economic and property crashes in living memory, but the downturn has come at a cost to many US homeowners.

Data from RealtyTrac shows that a record high of 938,000 US homes foreclosed in the third quarter of 2009. If this trend continues, foreclosures would reach around 3.5m by the end of 2009, up from around 2.3m properties last year.

Properties in Nevada had the highest foreclosures rates in Q3, followed by homes in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Utah, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado and Illinois.
Rising unemployment levels - currently at a 26-year high of 9.8% - was cited as the main reason for the increase in foreclosure levels. Yet, there may be worst to come, as the unemployment rate is not expected to peak until mid-2010.

Unfortunately, one person's misfortune is another's gain. With around 7m properties currently in the foreclosure process, compared with 1.3m for the same period in 2005, predatory investors are buying up distressed, abandoned and repossessed homes at bargain-basement prices, as now appears to be the ideal time to fill your boots.

Although the sub-prime mortgage crisis started in the USA, there are growing signs that the property market may now be at or near the bottom of the cyclical downturn. Various indices reveal that average residential prices started to rise, albeit marginally, during the second quarter of 2009.

4. Norway

Sales in Norway have nosedived over the past year or so, as residential values have cooled.

However, the Norwegian property market downturn, which has not been anywhere near as severe as in other neighbouring countries, appears to have already bottomed out, and looks ready to lead the Scandinavian property market recovery.

The key to the Norwegian property market is the strength of the country's economy, which has made it one of the wealthiest in the world, while new housing output has dropped below average, which could fall short of demand next year.

Norway is rich in both gas and oil and this helps to support the country's economy and ensure that its currency also stays strong - both alluring to property investors.

The country's population is estimated to increase by 23% - approximately one million people - over the next 40 years, which should make sure that long-term residential demand is robust.

Another positive is the fact that unemployment is extremely low - approximately 3% - compared to its European counterparts.

Almost half of the Norwegian population resides in the counties of Oslo, Rogaland, Akershus and Hordaland, and so this is where property investors should focus their attentions. Property prices in these places remain relatively cheap compared to wages in Norway.

5. Switzerland

Many of the high earners currently living in Britain look set to quit the UK in droves ahead of the introduction of a 50% top tax rate in April 2010, and escape to more tax-friendly shores, such as Switzerland.

The Swiss authorities are actively lobbying to attract many of these disillusioned high-net worth individuals, who are being tempted by assurances that they will be allowed to steer clear of European Union regulation and Britain's Financial Services Authority.

It is estimated that hedge funds managing in the region of £10 billion in assets have already moved to Switzerland in the past year alone. This has increased demand for homes to rent and buy.

Due to canton restrictions, it has previously been difficult for foreigners to buy property in Switzerland. However, the country has now eased its strict property buying regulations, and opened its doors to more international buyers, partly through the introduction of 'residence de tourisme' style investments, which is similar to the ever-popular 'leaseback' formula in France.

Switzerland, one of the richest nations in the world, is of course a tax haven.
Anyone who sets up permanent residency in Switzerland would be entitled to take advantage of the country's favourable tax law, including the lump sum taxation, which charges a levy based on people's lifestyle and spending habits.

Given that one's taxable income is charged at just five times their annual rent or rental value of their property, and the fact that assets outside Switzerland remain tax-free, should ensure demand for Swiss properties - to rent and buy - remains strong for years to come.

Historically, Swiss property values have typically appreciated in line with inflation. Properties located at the top end of the market, in cantons like Valais and Vaud, have reportedly increased by up to 20% in the past year.

6. Australia

The Australian economic and property market recovery has been swifter than the other leading nations around the world.

It has been claimed that the revival in the country's property market and economy is as much as 12 months ahead of the other developed countries in the economic cycle.

Unemployment peaked in September 2009, in stark contrast to Britain and the USA, while increasing commodity demand from China has forced the Australian Central Bank to raise benchmark interest rates. Yet this has failed to cool strong residential demand, which coupled with a general housing shortage, is forcing property values higher.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics house price index shows that the average price of a residential property in Australia appreciated by 4.2% in the third quarter of 2009, which means that in the year to September, residential prices increased 6.2%.

Australia could be set for a residential property price boom over the next few years, as the country's economy continues to show genuine signs of recovery.

A recent Australia property report projected that average residential prices in nearly all capital cities would increase by between 11% and 19% by 2012, with the greatest property price rises expected to be recorded in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.

7. Malaysia

I tipped Malaysia to be the number one place to invest in property in 2009, due to the country's robust property ownership laws, lack of capital gains tax and attractive mortgage rates.

However, residential sales were sluggish during the early half of the year, as the market struggled as a direct consequence of the global credit crunch, while there are some political uncertainties emerging.

But with consumer sentiment improving, the recent positive market recovery, supported by the construction of new residential schemes across the country, should continue in 2010.

While property prices race ahead across much of Asia - in countries like China, Vietnam and Singapore - which has led to heightened fears of budding property bubbles, the Malaysian property market has merely stabilised, making it suited to more balanced investors.

With an extremely young and well-educated population, long-term demand for property in Malaysia looks set to grow.

Domestically, an increasing number of people are moving from the countryside into the larger cities, while internationally Malaysia looks set to cross a demographic landmark of huge social and economic importance.

Malaysia's population is growing by around 2%, or an extra 500,000 people, every year. The World Bank projects the country's population will grow annually by 1% until 2050, which will place further pent-up demand on property values.

Malaysia's property prices are still lower than they were in 1997, due partly to the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990's, suggesting very real room for growth.

8. Abu Dhabi

The recent property price falls in the fast growing UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, the richest and largest of all the seven UAE states, have been nowhere near as severe as in neighbouring Dubai.

The tax-efficient emirate has the largest fossil fuel reserve in the UAE, is the fourth biggest natural gas producer in the world, has the world's highest income per capita, is home to almost all of the Arabic Fortune 500 companies, and is currently sitting on over 88 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.

Yet Abu Dhabi is now actively trying to reduce its reliance on oil, and is diversify its economy into the financial services and tourism sectors. Billions of pounds have been allocated for infrastructure projects and the development of residential, leisure and cultural schemes across the oil-rich emirate. The plans are truly remarkable.

Nevertheless, investors seeking out bargain deals will find some of the best opportunities for distressed property investments in the Gulf region in Abu Dhabi.

The recent slowdown in the property market means that just 45,000 are anticipated to be completed in the capital in the next four years, augmenting the exiting housing shortage.

The supply of housing stock remains scant, partly because Abu Dhabi is not part of a community master-plan like those pioneered by Emaar and Nakheel in Dubai.

The housing shortfall in the capital is expected to stand at around 15,000 homes next year, which could mean that property prices and rents are forced up, while residential demand - domestic and international - is expected to increase.

Because Abu Dhabi does not have the same high level of exposure to the global financial crisis, compared with other UAE emirates, mortgages for non-residents - at up to 75% loan-to-value - are readily available again. This is likely to appeal to buy-to-let investors, as well as those people seeking equity release and to remortgage their properties in Abu Dhabi.

9. Oman

The relaxed Arabian state of Oman, voted 'destination of the year 2008' by Vogue magazine, has long been a popular holidaying destination for people living within the GCC.

With a population of around 2.3m, Oman is being modernised and liberalised culturally and economically by hereditary Sultan, Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said, a forward-thinking leader.

Sultan Qaboos strategy for economic growth - Vision 2020 - aims to diversify Oman's economic dependency on oil, and focus on other industries, such as property and tourism.

Demand for property in Oman is primarily being driven by the Sultan's decision to introduce legislation in 2004 - ratified in 2006 - permitting foreigners to buy freehold property and land in designated tourist areas, most notably Muscat. These projects are referred to as Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC). Furthermore, foreign homeowners can now apply for residency visas.

A number of luxurious developments are being erected across Oman including, The Chedi, Azaiba, Wadi Kabi, The Wave, Barr Al Jissah Residences, Jebel Sifah, Salalah Beach, The Malkai, Muscat Hills, Al Madina A'Zarqa, Jebel Sifah, and Salalah Beach.

The fact that Oman appeals to end-users - not just investors - means that the medium to long-term prospect for Omani property market growth looks good.

10. South Africa

South African property market conditions look ripe for investment, as the country starts to come out of recession. Recent property price falls appear to be bottoming out, while FIFA's 2010 football World Cup fast approaches.

From the moment world football's governing body, FIFA, awarded South Africa the rights to host the World Cup in 2010, shrewd property investors from around the globe have been looking on with great interest, with one eye firmly on cashing in on the sport's popularity.

The first ever FIFA World Cup to be hosted on African soil has the potential to be the biggest sporting event of all time.

The tournament is expected to attract around 350,000 football fans for a month of football mayhem, starting on 11 June 2010, which is tipped to contribute around £1.5bn to South Africa's gross domestic product and generate another £500m in government taxes.

South Africa property prices haven softened over the past year or so, due to a fall in residential demand, caused by reduced housing affordability, higher inflation and interest rates.

But residential prices could soon experience growth, on the back of what should be a reinvigorated economy, spurred by the football tournament.

While the odds may be stacked up against the South African football winning the World Cup in 2010, it is not too far fetched to assume that the country's housing market could prove to be the real winner of the tournament, generating significant returns for property investors in the process.

Marc Da-Silva for HomesOverseas.co.uk.

Brazil property for sale. Overseas property news. Expert advice on buying property overseas and overseas property investment.

Monday, 7 December 2009

Larnaca Property And Golf In Cyprus

Wherever there's golf and sun there is also money in property. Perhaps that's why Larnaca in Cyprus is causing a stir amongst property speculators and holiday home investors alike. A new golf resort in the Larnaca area of Cyprus has been extensively talked about over the last few years. These ambitious proposals also include the building of a new super marina suitable for luxury yachts and a whole host of associated development. As the countries economy continues to grow investors are enjoying a new confidence in Cyprus with some grand projects already under their belts. The Islands capital Nicosia continues to develop at a rapid pace and the recent building of it's first shopping mall including the Ikea store bears testament to investor confidence in the Island. In fact the climate now appears ideal for further bold investment.

The influx of foreign money generated by the Cyprus property boom has been a major contributing factor to this optimistic view for sure. However this new wealth has created a large amount of disposable income and those that have it are looking for places to spend it.This has created the demand for European shopping centers like the Cyprus mall and improved leisure facilities such as golf. Some observers are predicting the building of more shopping centers in the principle towns and further investment in golf property. Larnaca therefore would look set as the ideal location for both. It's close proximity to the Islands principle airport coupled with ease of access to the rest of Cyprus strengthens this argument even further.

Larnaca property is not the most expensive in Cyprus right now but of course all that could change very quickly. Once golf arrives in an area prices tend to increase rather quickly and tardy investors often find themselves left behind. The trick is to pre empt the market and buy property before any plans for leisure complexes or major infrastructure changes are rubber stamped by the planing authorities. This is of course a highly risky business but that's why so much profit is made from such speculation by savvy investors. Even those looking to buy a holiday home for themselves could edge their investment bets by purchasing in Larnaca as apposed to other parts of Cyprus. The resort area of the town is after all a beautiful location for that dream home in the sun.

Anyone who has visited Cyprus a few times in recent years can see just how fast the Island is developing not just in terms of residential building work either. Many of the larger chain stores are opening outlets and foreign investment continues to pour in. The new generation of Cypriots have seen what the rest of Europe enjoys and they want a piece of it for themselves. The battered pick up trucks are giving way to the likes of Mercedes and BMW whilst the marinas are filling up with luxury power boats. There is new money in Cyprus which in turn is attracting plenty more of the same. Larnaca and other resorts in Cyprus could be perched on the crest of a second much larger investment wave.

No one can accurately predict how the economy will perform in the future but leisure and property have always yielded long term sustainable growth. Larnaca could soon be at the center of one of the most lucrative phases of the Islands recent history with the heady mix of golf, sun and holiday property. So if you are looking for that dream home in the Cyprus sun it may be that Larnaca property is just what you are looking for. The other positive factor of the golf equation is that it could turn a summer only holiday resort into an all year golfing centre. This would likely have the knock on effect of putting the town on the map as the East coast's all year resort just as golf did in the paphos area. Maybe it's time to consider making your investment in Cyprus Larnaca property.

Kevin Moore lives half the year in Cyprus writing regular articles about all things Cyprus including holidays and Cyprus property purchase. To learn more check out his web site here Larnaca Property

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevinor_Moore

Monday, 16 November 2009

Investing in Cyprus Property

If you are having thoughts of investing in Cyprus now is the time to do so. Buying property in Cyprus could be a great investment, especially for those who want a holiday home or an investment property.
With ambitious plans to build new tourist attractions, including 10 major golf resorts in addition to the three already open, two new marinas, yacht clubs and sports centers, the future is looking up for the island making any kind of property investment in Cyprus a lifetime opportunity.
Investing in Cyprus properties has taken off in a big way over the past years, with many opportunists buying whole apartment blocks at a time or large chunks of holiday developments with a view to reselling in a few years. The "Buy to Let" concept has become a common practice to individuals investing in Cyprus as it is a very easy and safe way to invest and not be troubled about any mortgage payments.
Ever since Cyprus became a complete member of the EU it's economic growth has progressed steadily, resulting in it's rising popularity. The foreign resident population has developed in a big way forcing up property values as it becomes clear that it is a very special place to live in. It really is a dream come true opportunity as far as property investment in Cyprus is concerned.
With Cyprus now in the Euro zone huge investments are given the green light in infrastructure and new amenities. The ongoing projects to upgrade the Larnaca and Paphos airports and improve roads are also fuelling confidence to any person thinking of investing in Cyprus.
Investing in Cyprus is a particularly attractive move at the moment as the market has grown at a stable rate for a number of years, yet prices remain competitive. Cyprus off plan developments offer some particularly good deals, with value for money projects being built anywhere in the island. Buyers investing in Cyprus generally get more property for their money, with good size rooms and plenty of extras included in the price such as double glazing, air conditioning, solar heating panels, fitted kitchen etc.
Investing in Cyprus properties is a safe way to have an excellent return for your investment and still enjoy spending some quality time in one of the most beautiful and safe islands of the Mediterranean. No matter if you are a property investor or an individual property buyer one think is for sure, investing in Cyprus can be one of the best decisions you ever took in your life.
Stavros Papadouris
ClickHomeCyprus
http://www.clickhomecyprus.com