http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news-feed BuyAssociation News en-gb http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/images/en/BA-logo-with-wording-small.jpg http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news-feed http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/ryanair-cuts-flights-7906.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/ryanair-cuts-flights-7906.html
The plans to scale back services through the quieter winter months are likely to result in the loss of some 150 jobs at Ryanair, some of which will come through the introduction of a new automated check-in service which has been planned for months.

According to Ryanair chairman Mr. O’Leary, 15 of the 43 aircraft based at its hub in Stansted will be grounded from November until March in preparation for lower passenger volumes through the winter months. This is common practice among airlines, but Ryanair is having to ground eight more aircraft than last year as fuel prices bite into profit margins and passenger numbers. In addition, four of the 22 aircraft based a...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/avoid-atm-bandits-in-spain-7889.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/avoid-atm-bandits-in-spain-7889.html
Confusing new messages are being put onto ATM machines to offer clients the use of DCC, or Dynamic Currency Conversion, and according to The Guardian, the system will almost always result in the bank making money from the customer. The system, which is already in place in many shops and restaurants, allows users the option of paying for goods in Sterling. While an attractive way of keeping track of spending while overseas, the exchange rate used is poor and there are high transaction costs which are funnelled back to the retailer.

Following a trial period with Santander, DC...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/cyprus/cyprus-dispute-taken-to-the-streets-7873.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/cyprus/cyprus-dispute-taken-to-the-streets-7873.html
Conor O’Dwyer has written to Cypriot president Demetris Christofias asking for justice in his continuing dispute with property developers. Mr O’Dwyer bought a property from a developer two years ago, and then complained that they were in breach of contract on a number of matters. The developer then allegedly unilaterally cancelled his contract and kept his £75,000, reselling the property in the process.

The developers have alleged that O’Dwyer masterminded a plan to extort a newer and more expensive property from them, as well as exorbitant damages. The case is yet to reach the courts in Cyprus, as is the case of assault on O’Dwyer as a result of him being beaten up last January. He had gone to Frenaros to take picture...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/albania/albania-gains-interest-7858.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/albania/albania-gains-interest-7858.html
Albania and Croatia both signed new membership agreements as the latest stage in joining the military alliance of NATO. Completion of this stage of the process means that both nations should be inducted to full membership status early next year, following the mandatory ratification of the membership by the parliaments of both countries.

In addition to this political boost, seen by some as an early stage of getting EU membership, Albania has recently revealed the discovery of an oilfield in the north west of the country that is believed to hold 490 million barrels of original oil. This site, reports trade magazine The Overseas Property Professional, is expected to contribute a large amount to the inward and state investment in Albania that...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/brits-fail-to-learn-lingo-or-insure-7787.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/brits-fail-to-learn-lingo-or-insure-7787.html
The survey, carried out among the customers Laterooms.com, one of the leading accommodation websites in the UK, found that 54 per cent of Brits, some 25 million people, are unable to recognize even the most basic phrases in the language of their destination. Furthermore, 81 per cent of those who do not speak the language refuse to take a dictionary or phrase book with them, and 33 per cent rely entirely upon the goodwill of bi-lingual locals to speak English.

While this is embarrassing for us as a nation, the survey revealed some of the more comical ways in which the British public t...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/easyjet-adds-manchester-routes-7785.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/easyjet-adds-manchester-routes-7785.html
The new routes, to Geneva and Sofia, will begin on the 11th and 12th December and give skiers access to the French and Swiss Alps, as well as the Pirin range in Bulgaria with the resorts of Bansko and Pamporovo nearby. This gives overseas property buyers in the French mountains and in Bulgaria another travel option from the north west of England, and shows the demand in both the property and travel sectors from this part of the country.

easyJet UK commercial manager Carly Brear said, “These two new routes from Manchester are further proof that there is demand for direct low-fare services from the north west to Europe. Geneva has proved an extremely ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/service-makes-a-mark-in-the-air-7714.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/service-makes-a-mark-in-the-air-7714.html
Palmair European, which carries just 70,000 passengers a year, came in joint third position with Air New Zealand and behind Jet Airways and Singapore
Airlines in the Which? poll in which 70 airlines were rated for the overall travelling experience and value for money.

Palmair employs around 50 staff, in contrast to the huge workforces of the multi-national and flag-carrying airlines, and has a number of unique features and habits that have clearly caught the imagination of the flying public. For example, instead of surly check-in staff, the airline has a member of staff who personally greets every single passenger at the airport and draws up the seating plan from her kitchen table the night before the flight. Forget an ugly bun-fight just to make ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brits-sell-as-france-prices-drop-7712.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brits-sell-as-france-prices-drop-7712.html
While there is no doubt that global economic conditions are not helping housing markets in Europe’s developed markets, it is the highly-favourable exchange rate of the Euro that is leading to British sellers accepting prices below the potential market value of their property in order to cash in now.

While the news is good for buyers currently looking for a property on the other side of La Manche, estate agents are fearful of this rapid reversal of a market that was weathering the storms in real estate felt further south in Europe surprisingly well. The sellers who currently have property on the market are being tempted with offers that are 20 to 30 per cent below their asking price as they feel they will make up the deficit in the strong Euro/Sterling exch...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/buying-for-rental-on-the-up-7674.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/buying-for-rental-on-the-up-7674.html
This shift in the intentions of the average overseas property buyer can be attributed to both a change in how people view their second home overseas as an investment and income generator, rather than a second home exclusively; and to the increasing need among buyers to supplement their income to make sure they can cover mortgage and running costs on one or more properties.

The last survey quoted by the specialist holiday rentals website is the 2006 Mintel report on the Market for Homes & Housing. This showed that just 20 per cent of overseas property buyers had t...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/insurance-gets-confused-7653.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/insurance-gets-confused-7653.html
The new offering, in conjunction with overseas insurance specialist Hiscox, is intended to make getting insurance on overseas property much easier and less-daunting for buyers, avoiding as it does the need for knowledge of the foreign legal systems or translating contracts and policies from local insurers. Insurance for overseas homes is one of the most overlooked aspects of the property buying process abroad, but in many ways is even more important than in the UK as holiday homes can be left unoccupied for months at a time.

Carlton Hood, chief executive officer, Confused.com, said, “Confused.com is committed to providing a first-class service and the additio...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/australia/oz-still-attracts-expats-7633.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/australia/oz-still-attracts-expats-7633.html
Removals firm Allied Pickfords has revealed that more people than ever before are looking to leave the UK for good, and that Australia is the most popular destination. This puts it ahead of some of the other popular migration destinations such as Spain and Cyprus.

A spokesman for the firm said that Australia remained a ‘firm favourite’ for British expats, but that people were prepared to live in ‘all parts of the globe’. Additional figures from the company show that Australian cities are the most attractive destinations for expat buyers, with Perth, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane the most popular.

In addition to this, figures...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/moscow-and-dubai-look-to-rotate-7613.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/moscow-and-dubai-look-to-rotate-7613.html
Architect David Fisher has submitted designs for the world’s first rotating towers to be built in the two cities, with completion of the first project expected in 2010. The rotation of the towers will involve each individual floor moving independently, and is to be controlled from a central computer intended to make a changing shape of fluid design from the outside.

The towers, which are to be made from pre-fabricated floors constructed in Italy and arranged around a static concrete core, will be 80 stories tall in Dubai, and 70 stories in...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/dubai-leaps-ahead-7610.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/dubai-leaps-ahead-7610.html
Experts are putting the steep rise in prices in the Emirate down to a market that is free of the ravages of the credit crunch afflicting the US and the UK, and a shortage of available property to satisfy investors and expats alike. This rise in prices is the strongest growth in the Dubai property market since 2004, and is predicted to continue through the summer of 2008.

While there are still huge building sites in Dubai, and the property market had previously shown some signs of becoming overheated, it seems that the summer months will see little in the way of a reduction in demand. At the same ti...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/brits-lap-up-life-abroad-7452.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/brits-lap-up-life-abroad-7452.html
The first of the stereotypes to be challenged in the survey is that of ignorant Brits refusing to mix with the local population and speaking loudly and slowly in English in shops, bars and restaurants. More than a third of those in the survey have made new friends since moving abroad, and 28 per cent making the effort to learn the local language in order to integrate into the community.

The social aspect of moving overseas is one of the major factors in the report, but the influence of a change of lifestyle on the general wellbeing of those questioned also significant. More than one fifth of the responde...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/currency-offers-for-buyers-7409.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/currency-offers-for-buyers-7409.html
The decline of Sterling against the Euro has seen the rate of exchange fall to such an extent as to make one Pound worth just €1.25, compared to around €1.50 a year ago. This in turn makes the price of properties in the Eurozone significantly higher, thus restricting what buyers are able to afford.

Developers in both Turkey and Spain have introduced fixed Euro rates to reassure buyers that they are getting the best deals available. In Spain, Titan Properties has put a r...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/brad-and-brits-in-dubai-7328.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/dubai/brad-and-brits-in-dubai-7328.html
Architecture has long been a passion for Pitt, and he says that this project will be his first foray into hands-on design. The 800-room luxury hotel is to be ‘socially conscious’ and an example in environmental sustainability, according to the developer, Zabeel Properties. Although details are currently unconfirmed for the precise location and other features to be included around the hotel complex, Pitt and the team of design consultants will have said to “expect something that is not only stunning to look at, but will also be an incredible attraction to visit or stay at.”

This development also underpins the actor’s fascination with architecture and structural design, which he says has been a...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/what-if-we-had-joined-the-euro-7306.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/what-if-we-had-joined-the-euro-7306.html
But with the current credit crunch affecting global markets, and the state of the UK housing industry increasingly a cause for concern, would we be in a better situation had we taken the plunge into the Eurozone? This question has today been posed by the Independent commentator Sean O’Grady, and it raises some interesting issues not only for the UK economy, it also gives some clues as to the future of the overseas property market in our sister countries who have adopted the Euro.

Firstly, we could easily have been part of the Eurozone, despite the strength of th...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/slovakia/slovakia-heads-for-eurozone-7265.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/slovakia/slovakia-heads-for-eurozone-7265.html
Following its accession to the European Union in 2004, Slovakia has been developing and adapting to independence and free-market trade. Joining the Euro will bring a higher degree of economic stability, increase trade with the rest of the continent, and should open up the property market further for overseas buyers.

Along with the growth in GDP and in foreign direct investment into the country, moving across to the Euro will bring down transaction costs for overseas buyers in the market, and should open up even more finance options in the fledgling mortgage industry.

Bratislava has been a popular destination for investment buyers since Slovakia ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/party-ruins--4-million-villa-7266.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/party-ruins--4-million-villa-7266.html
The family villa, on the exclusive El Paraiso development near Marbella, was invaded by up to 400 teenagers from all over the Costa del Sol and trashed. Extensive damage was caused throughout the property, up to £6,000 worth of jewellery was stolen and the police were called to search everyone leaving the premises. The mother of the teenager was present throughout the party, but was powerless to prevent the damage or theft from so many youngsters.

Jodie Hudson had advertised the party on her Facebook and ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/spain-declares-a-problem-7228.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/spain-declares-a-problem-7228.html property in Spain is growing as pressure on prices forces developers to sell for lower values, unwittingly putting their buyers at risk of fines from the Spanish Revenue Department.

Although the issue of under-declaration of property value has been one that has blighted resales of property in Spain for many years as sellers attempt to avoid paying the capital gains tax on their investment to the true value of the property, this is the first time that the issue has come up with new-build properties.

To give an example of how the new, tough market conditions have brought under-declaration into the new-build market, if a villa is sold on a development for €200,000, buyers will pay €40,000 deposit as 20 per cent of the purchase price. If those buyers then face difficulties that force them to pull out...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/aipp-lays-down-the-law-7205.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/aipp-lays-down-the-law-7205.html
On the contrary, according to recent figures from the AIPP. They have detailed the totals of complaints, hearings and fines levied against members according to the code of conduct of the Association. While the AIPP exists as a professional body to work with its membership to improve their standing in the industry, many of the main pillars of the code of conduct revolve around the fair treatment and completion of due diligence in order to make the buying process as honest and as transparent as possible for the public.

The figures show that to date, the AIPP has received 85 complaints from the public against its members. Inevitably, some of these complaints can and have been resolve...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/environment/new-green-standards-launched-7150.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/environment/new-green-standards-launched-7150.html
Next month will see the launch of the GREEN Building Standard, and independent mark to help buyers through the maze of claims of environmental credentials and some of the more confusing jargon used by agents and developers in promoting their projects.

Individual developments will be awarded bronze, silver, gold or platinum Standards to mark out the extent and effectiveness of the environmental and sustainable features of the development to allow them to make an informed decision in line with their own individual demands as a consumer.

Launched in response to a shift in the buying habits and requirements of overseas property clients, the GREEN Building Standard has been set up by Green Horizons, a division of overseas property network Blue Horizons, and will judge projects b...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/spain--perfect-or-pained-7128.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/spain/spain--perfect-or-pained-7128.html
Research from Spanish property portal Kyero.com has suggested that property prices in Spain are now 3.6 per cent lower than they were at this time last year, meaning that for people who want to have somewhere to live in Iberia, this could be the time to make sure you are getting more for your money than was previously possible.

At the same time, the website notes, the cost of buying a property in Spain is now about 16 per cent higher than it was at the beginning of the year, due to the strong performance of the Euro in money markets against Sterling.

For property developers and agents in Spain, this makes it a particularly difficult time as although price...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/germany/hammer-to-fall-on-german-bargains-7065.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/germany/hammer-to-fall-on-german-bargains-7065.html
Now a company in Germany is offering properties across the country at auction, and the prices will be enough to make anyone cough into their stein. With average UK house prices over £200,000 and first time buyers struggling to afford even the smallest flats and houses, the idea of a 20-room guesthouse with two bowling alleys for as little as £14,000 seems like it must be a joke.

However, it is real, as are the rest of the whole range of houses available in the SKB auctions for under £20,000. Among the other properties that are available to buy outright for the same price as a modest deposit in London are a detached mill building with two flats surrounded by lakes in Saxony for a guide price of £15,000 and a detac...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/canada/canada-s-cheers-and-beers-7041.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/canada/canada-s-cheers-and-beers-7041.html
John Molson moved from Lincolnshire to Canada at the age of 18, fell in love with Quebec and then established the Molson brewery on the banks of the St Lawrence at Montreal in 1786. A well-known and highly-respected philanthropist, he became one of the most famous names in Canada.

He also made his family home in nearby Mont Tremblant, an area that has become the focus of much of the property development on the eastern side of Canada. Mont Tremblant itself is one of the highest peaks in the Laurentian mountains, and is also one of the best ski resorts in the eastern half of North America. So good is the skiing around Mont Tremblant, in fact, that Ski Magazine has named it the...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/careers-attract-brits-to-leave-7019.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/careers-attract-brits-to-leave-7019.html
The Natwest International Personal Banking Quality of Life Report has pinpointed this new trend among British workers, which is changing the profile of the typical expatriate, but also points out that many workers do return to the UK, bringing back enhanced skill-sets and wider experience.

The survey, undertaken alongside the Centre for Future Studies, spoke to a cross-section of British citizens who have left the UK, and uncovered a ‘talent drain’ to foreign countries. According to the study, up to two-thirds of the 200,000 people who left the UK to live abroad in 2006 did so to work overseas. Of those surveyed 42 per cent were professional or management-level employees, and a further 25 per cent were employed in other functions.

The survey also shows that the typical expat profile has c...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/italy/tastebud-tourists-in-italy-6787.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/italy/tastebud-tourists-in-italy-6787.html
Alison Couper, communications manager at Expedia.co.uk, explained, “Our survey reveals that more than one in ten holidaymakers follow their taste buds when booking a trip overseas. People want to sample authentic Italian food in the place it was created.

”Tourists are breaking away from stereotypical food staples while on holiday, becoming more dedicated to immersing themselves in the home-grown local cuisine."

Italy has always been a strong draw for tourists, and this could This potentially enhance Italy's appeal among overseas international investors.

Italy's appeal to foreign property buyers was recently highlighted by NuWire Investor, which said demand for accommodation in popular tourist spots makes it a particularly good investment.

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http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/turkey/turkey-changes-laws--but-calm-urged-6744.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/turkey/turkey-changes-laws--but-calm-urged-6744.html
The issuing of title deeds to foreign buyers has been temporarily suspended in Turkey while two controversial clauses in the country’s property law, which relate to property sales to foreigners, are amended.

The Turkish Constitutional Court ordered the halt from 16th April to allow the re-drafting of legislation to address concerns that foreign-owned companies are buying up huge tracts of agricultural land, particularly in the east of the country. Foreign nationals are already restricted from buying land and property in rural areas, but under the proposed amendments, the same ban will apply to foreign-owned companies.

Dominic Whiting, editor of the Buying in Turkey Guide, commented, “This freeze is an inconvenience for anyone ready to complete on a property now, as they will have to wait until the new law is passed by July 16th, but the changes in legislation will have no affec...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/florida/bag-a-florida-bargain-at-auction-6681.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/florida/bag-a-florida-bargain-at-auction-6681.html
The highest bidder for the properties in the sale will get the deal, no matter how low that bid is – and the last auction resulted in successful bids for two British buyers who got a great property deal even without the help of the favourable exchange rate. One buyer got a three-bedroom apartment in Naples for £100,000, just half of the list price of $399,000 (£200,000), while another Brit bought a three-bedroom condo in New Smyrna for £135,000.

This auction will be taking place on 19th April, starting at 11am, and will be for 25 townhouses at The Residences development at Turnbull Bay in New Smyrna Beach on Florida’s east coast. All of the two- and three-bedroom townhouses...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/golf/turkey-goes-for-golf-6680.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/golf/turkey-goes-for-golf-6680.html
The Turkish Golf Federation has plans to build 100 new golf courses to add to Turkey’s current tally of less than 20. Golf tourism is already experiencing strong growth in Turkey and revenues should hit 500 million euros by 2010, but now Turkey really means business and intends to take on golf giant Spain head-to-head, with the Aegean province of Mugla as its secret weapon.

There were 359 federated golf courses in Spain at last count, around 60 of these concentrated along the Costa del Sol generating 900 million euros for the Málaga province in 2006.

It’s clear that Turkey has some catching up to do but with one and a half times the area, a similar climate thanks to sharing the same latitude, one of the fastest growing tourist industries on the planet (18.5 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2006 leapt to 23.8 million in 2007, a 29 per cent increase) and true determination and focus right from the top, you wo...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/turkey/istanbul-bullish-6642.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/turkey/istanbul-bullish-6642.html
This is according to PriceWaterhouse Coopers and the Urban Land Institute, who have officially named Istanbul as the second best place to invest in property, behind Moscow.

According to Turkey’s Land Registry General Directorate, 73,000 foreigners now own property in Turkey, with 8,830 buying in Istanbul. Rental yields are reaching up to 7.6 per cent for apartments in the city centre, while the Global Property Guide has revealed that developments in the suburbs are giving returns of up to 8.8 per cent.

Demand is being driven by Istanbul’s domestic and international population, which is growing at 1.5 per cent a year, giving year-round rental opportunities for buy-to-let investors.

Julian Walker, of Turkey property specialists Spot Blue, commented: “Investors are scrambling to have their own square metres in Istanbul because they feel confident of the city’s excellent rental returns.

...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/portugal/portugal-learns-from-spain-6620.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/portugal/portugal-learns-from-spain-6620.html
Shawn Luetchens, Managing Director of Hotproperty.com, believes that the Portugal is ‘less prone to making the kind of errors that have taken place in Spain’, adding: “Portugal is very conscious of the international perception of its property scene.

"As well as ensuring developments are high quality, overdevelopment is being carefully avoided in locations such as the Algarve while important infrastructure is being enhanced, such as water facilities in areas with many new golf courses".

Mr Luetchens concluded: "Portugal's infrastructure is constantly improving and issues such as water usage are given high importance. This bodes well, particularly for a country that is building so many golf developments."

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http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/the-ryanair-effect-6557.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/general/the-ryanair-effect-6557.html
The research discovered that properties bought as second homes within 10 miles of an airport served by a low-cost carrier is valued at 39 per cent higher than property further away. In addition, the survey discovered that those properties closer to the airports benefitted from earning up to 30 per cent more in rental income for their owners even when they weren’t living there themselves.

These figures seem to confirm, and put a statistic to, what has widely be known in the overseas property industry – that the low-cost carriers and their route planning has a huge effect on the property market in a given area. In some cases, it has even been seen that the airline routes are the driver behind the expansion of ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/argentina/argentina-barges-btl-6533.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/argentina/argentina-barges-btl-6533.html
Hot weather, glorious beaches, and one of the world's most famous cities, Buenos Aires. Touring Latin America is becoming a very popular holiday, seeing rain-forests, enjoying the humid heat and the great cities like San Jose and Buenos Aires as well as Costa Rica's volcanoes and rich bio-diversity.

Liam Bailey of David Stanley Redfern, enthused: "Most people investing in Argentina currently are buying a holiday home with a view to letting it when not using it themselves, and these buyers have nothing to worry about from the recent change in government.

“The Rental market, especially in the popular areas like Buenos Aires will continue to be strong, and the average rental yield will remain an exceptional 10 per cent - again in Buenos Aires.

Mr Bailey added, “Economic growth will continue to be strong in the short-term because the new President continued many of the policies that so...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/developers-offering-free-holidays-in-florida-6491.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/developers-offering-free-holidays-in-florida-6491.html
According to The British Homes Group (BHG), A free family holiday to Orlando, worth up to $7,500, is being given away by a mortgage broker to encourage people to buy a home in Florida.

The free holiday includes: return airfares, limousine transfers, three nights in a 4-bedroom luxurious, fully-furnished town home (with the option to extend the stay at a special rate), car rental, VIP property tour and Day passes to a local theme park.

Investors taking up this enticing offer will stay at Paradise Palms in Kissimmee, Florida, a development of two-story town houses that come with private, screened, heated swimming pools. Prices start from $357,990 (£180,364) for a 4 bedroom / 3 bathroom home.

Other promotion incentives include a $10,000 reduction on the current price of the property and a $6,000 allowance towards mortgage closing costs (legal fees). For the British buyer, the value of...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/currencies-send-tourists-long-haul-6469.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/currency/currencies-send-tourists-long-haul-6469.html
South Africa, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia and the US have shown strong gains for the Pound in the past year in terms of exchange rates, seemingly in response to the continuing strength of the Euro against the Pound. Over the same time, the UAE Dirham has remained at a constant level.

The report also shows that in the run up to Easter, sales of the US Dollar showed an increase of 23 per cent in a month and 48 per cent in the week before Easter. The UAE Dirham also sold 46 per cent more in March 2008 compared to the previous month, and 27 per cent more Hong Kong Dollars.

It appears that UK travelers are keen to ma...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/france/france-the-best-in-the-world-6466.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/france/france-the-best-in-the-world-6466.html
The survey, which looked at the quality of life in 192 different countries, placed Switzerland in second place, with the US third. The UK was to be found languishing in a lowly 37th place on the list with Mexico, Monaco, Brazil, Croatia, Slovakia and Estonia.

International Living judge the countries in the survey based on their cost of living; leisure and culture; economy; environment; freedom; health; infrastructure; risk & safety; and climate. Scores out of 100 were given for each of these criteria to come up with the final ranking.

Although this kind of study can give a genuine idea of the quality of life in each of the countries surveyed, it is necessarily a subjective way of looking at the way of life in each countr...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/where-to-get-the-best-caribbean-value-6444.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/where-to-get-the-best-caribbean-value-6444.html
However, publication of the latest price details in the Caribbean have shown that some of the islands are far more expensive than others, and that it is possible to get yourself a Caribbean property for less than you think. The price survey, carried out by Global Property Guide, looks at the average prices per square metre for property across the Caribbean islands.

The survey puts Bermuda at the top of the tree, with property prices at US$7,861 per square metre. This makes the average price of a three-bedroom property and plot around US$1.5 million, and makes it significantly more expensive to buy a property than the rest of the Caribb...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/move-abroad-for-higher-wages-6422.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/move-abroad-for-higher-wages-6422.html
The Centre for Future Studies and Natwest bank looked into the salaries paid to expat workers across the world, and found that the average wage for British workers in the UAE was some £79,000, compared to the average UK salary for equivalent job functions of £47,000.

Even in Portugal, at the lower end of the scale for expat salaries, the average annual salary for UK workers is a more-than-respectable £58,000. when the cost of living was also taken into account, Spain and Italy showed much more prominently in the league table, reflecting the value for money that is available to workers in these countries.

Of the 1,400 expat workers interviewed across ten different emigration destinations, 90 per cent felt that they were better off than when they lived in the UK, while 68 per cent felt that the cost of ...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/argentina-great-for-investors-6402.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/argentina-great-for-investors-6402.html
Liam Bailey of David Stanley Redfern, explained, “Argentina could offer property investors the chance to make a small fortune. The country is increasingly popular with tourists, anyone with a holiday home to rent out in the country should see their profits increase. Living costs are far lower in Argentina than in Spain which means tourists can have a far cheaper holiday. Rental yields are already around the ten per cent mark, and capital appreciation is conservatively estimated at 15 per cent."

Mr Bailey added, “While there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Argentina, investors will need to register for tax. The country has no capital gains, inheritance or gift tax and rental tax is 21 per cent of gross annual income”.

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Ash Makkar, spokesperson for Teletext Holidays commented, "Consumers in the UK are increasingly opting to visit more exotic locations such as Africa. Morocco is a particularly popular destination.

He added, “Interest in the country has grown significantly in recent years. People are becoming more adventurous when it comes to booking a trip abroad. Morocco is also proving to be an attractive destination because it offers a relatively low cost of living.

Figures from the group showed that food and drink, including three-course meals and alcoholic beverages, are far less expensive than in Spain. This could help account for the country's current popularity among overseas property buyers from the UK, including rental investors.

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The US government has admitted for the first time that the economy of the country is shrinking, confirming what most homeowners, stock market investors and exporters in the country have known for months. Market response to the interest rate cut has been somewhat cautious given recent events and the likelihood that further turbulence on the currency and stock markets is more than likely.

This latest cut in the US interest rate is seen as the final act in a week of emergency measures taken by the Federal Reserve in an attempt to save the economy from a downturn that experts are predicting could last well into 2009. Other emergency measures taken by the Fed hav...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/sweden-sweet-for-brits-6215.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/sweden-sweet-for-brits-6215.html
While some people would contest whether Sweden could count as a year-round destination, buyers are more than happy to put their money into a development in a country that is famed more for its superior lifestyle than for the investment potential it offers buy-to-let speculators. The Secret Mountain resort in Central Sweden is planned to take up to eight years to complete, but according to the developer, is set to become one of the most desirable resort locations in Scandinavia.

The development is costing some £75 million to build, and will eventually accommodate over 2,000 people around the tranquil, 2km long Lake Svartåstjärnen. With direct access to the ski slopes which offer skiing from nursery level to black runs for the experts,...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/cyprus-feels-net-power-6194.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/cyprus-feels-net-power-6194.html
Property author David Peters recently commented: ‘Online booking is proving to be very popular with British consumers, as it is easier than spending hours waiting at a travel agent.

”This has directly contributed to the recent upturn in the number of British consumers taking foreign holidays, especially in places such as Cyprus. The increased tourist numbers has made the Mediterranean island an ideal place for overseas property buyers to invest in rental accommodation.

He added: "If you buy a Cyprus villa or villas you’ll find the growth of opportunity for renting is booming. The affordability of Cyprus, both in terms of its property prices and overall cost of living, is extremely competitive’.

PricewaterhouseCoopers recently predicted that the country's economy would grow by 4.1 per cent during 2008, more than the Europe-wide average of 2.1 per cent.

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http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/overseas-market-protected-from-credit-crunch-6037.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/overseas-market-protected-from-credit-crunch-6037.html www.holidaylettings.co.uk, that the overseas property market may be significantly less-exposed to the global credit crisis than the UK property system.

According to a survey of the overseas owners who have listed their properties on the specialist holiday rentals website, just 27 per cent of buyers remortgaged their UK property in order to raise the funds for their home overseas. In this case, with the majority of overseas buyers finding other sources of funding for their home abroad, it appears that owners are somewhat insulated from the tribulations of the finance system in the UK at the moment. This financial approach from overseas buyers will also allow them to protect their investments in...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brits-driven-abroad-by-crime-and-prices-5974.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brits-driven-abroad-by-crime-and-prices-5974.html
The survey, carried out by the YouGov and commissioned by Foreign Currency Direct, has shown that some 67 per cent of the people questioned were keen to move out of the UK permanently when they retire, and a quarter of those people said they would go to a country they have never visited before.

The overwhelming reason that people said they wanted to leave the UK was the declining quality of life, and nine out of ten people also said they can only see the situation getting worse. Other reason given for wanting to quit Britain were the levels of immigration, rising crime rates, bad weather, the high cost of living and the high prices of property for those wishing to move.

Somewhat more alarmingly, some 85 per cent of respondents said they would n...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/thailand-fights-back-5938.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/thailand-fights-back-5938.html
Hetal Shah, director of the company commented: “The country is popular with investors buying for pleasure because it represents a nice holiday destination. By contrast, property in places such as Kuala Lumpur are viewed more from a business angle.

He added: "For us, Thailand is more of a holiday thing, so not so much Bangkok but more in places like Phuket, for example. There are a number of villas and apartments on the beach and it's just a getaway place really."

”While Thailand's property market is up and down, the fact that a new government is going to be put in place could prove to be beneficial. If the government policies are in line with what the market wants then it is going to be one of the hot places to put your money."

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The Independent stated that although tourism figures for 2007 had not yet been published, it was likely that the number of British visitors would exceed the amount recorded a year earlier. Eurostar's new high-speed rail link, which offers passage from St Pancras in London to Paris in just two and a quarter hours, was cited as the main reason for the likely increase.

Commenting on the country, the Independent said: "Britons might have the odd fling with exotic destinations but, for many holidaymakers, France remains a long-term love affair."

The newspaper added that France attracted almost 11 million people from the UK last year. Another move that could increase visitor numbers this year is the launch of extra flights from Britain over the next few months. Low-cost carrier easyJet has just opened a new base in Paris as part of its plan to double the number of passengers flying to France in the next three...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/melbourne-makes-the-grade-5892.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/melbourne-makes-the-grade-5892.html
Melbourne’s median house price was $485,000 (£230,000) in the December quarter, up a record 12.8 per cent from the September figure of $430,000 (£203,000). The result represents a 23.4 per cent climb on the median price in the December 2006 quarter.

Institute chief executive officer Enzo Raimondo says the leap is remarkable but not surprising given a strong 2007. “Growth in the prices people are willing to pay for a home is being driven by strong demand,” he says. “The Victorian economy is going very well which is leading to an increase in migration, confidence and what people are willing to pay.

“It is interesting that as the number of homes on the market has increased, by 21 per cent compared to the December 2006 quarter, so too has demand.

“The median price of a Melbourne (house) has now doubled in seven years. In the March quarter o...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brazil-bonanza-for-young-buyers-5872.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/brazil-bonanza-for-young-buyers-5872.html
A study carried out on the overseas property market by Datamonitor for Overseas Property Professional magazine (the largest of its kind ever undertaken in the UK and Ireland) found that younger buyers, who are increasingly driving the market, are looking to Brazil, Egypt and Croatia due to their high yields. And, last month the head of a major real estate equity fund, named Brazil as the world's most interesting developing property market.

Natal in the Northeast is the new hotspot in Brazil. Investors can enjoy competitive property prices starting from as little as £40,000. Whether you are looking for a place to live, to holiday, to rent out, or simply to invest in for the future, Brazil ticks many of the boxes for the younger buyer.

Samantha Gore, Head of Sales & Marketing for Brazilian property experts uv10, comments, “We have first-hand proof that Brazil is definitely attracting younger buyers and, in fac...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/in-for-a-filling---5826.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/in-for-a-filling---5826.html
Bill Farnworth, a 58-year-old former bakery engineer, had traveled to Hungary to have work done on his teeth and was so pleased by the way of life and the culture of respect he found in the village of Deg that he bought a property there. He is now in the process of converting the former garage into an idyllic three-bedroom property complete with a lake and part of a deer forest.

The property and renovations have been paid for in part by the £6,000 that he saved in having his dental work carried out away from the expensive treatments in the UK. Mr Farnworth is now planning to move permanently to Hungary once work on the house is completed, and hopes his partner Pat Eccleston will join him there once she has retired from teaching next year.

The full price of the prope...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/mortgages-made-easier-5825.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/mortgages-made-easier-5825.html
BuyAssociation is aiming to help buyers to make the right decisions in what can be a confusing and crowded arena, and in partnership with independent mortgage brokers International Private Finance Ltd, we have compiled a series of Best Buy Tables to guide you through the finance options. The tables show what the potential mortgage options are for you to get finance in the country of your choice, with sample repayments for different kinds of mortgage.

This one-stop shop for...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/spain-still-strong-5782.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/spain-still-strong-5782.html
That the property market in Spain faces changes is well known; the last few years saw a major boom which had to slow in the end and finally did in the last year. The country, like most, has had to face up to the credit crunch. In addition to this, there has been the bad publicity over cases of homes which - unbeknown to their new owners - had been built illegally either due to lack of licenses or problems of location and design.

Yet at the same time, there will always be new opportunities, new developments and new possibilities, Paul Collins, overseas editor of property magazine Buy Association, has said.

Mr Collins stated: "Spain will always be popular with British overseas buyers - we love going there for various reasons; the lifestyle, the weather, its just one of the favourite tourist destinations. Consequently, it is always going to be popular."

The market had changed, he acknowle...]]> http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/red-hot-red-sea-5752.html http://www.buyassociation.co.uk/property/news/news/red-hot-red-sea-5752.html
Egypt’s economy has taken off in the last few years, mainly due to new government initiatives and a clear insight into the benefits of foreign investment. Legislation passed in 2004 now makes it possible for non-Egyptians to own, sell and let property freely.

As the focus of the tourist market, the Red Sea Coast offers a real estate market still in its infancy which is expected to spur on tourism, in line with government targets.

An annual GDP growth of 7 per cent, the ongoing consolidation of the banking sector and a reduction and simp...]]>