Play a percentage game in the sun

Posted by admin in Contributors, Real E... | 03.07.2007 - 12:00 am

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

Property investment can be a vast and daunting field. Choosing the right market at the right time is by no means easy.  When purchasing property, one must take the emotion away and invest with the head. Understanding purchasing procedures and property legislation is critical especially when investing overseas. Certain markets offer very transparent, regulated procedures. Cyprus is one such market.375.jpg Cyprus has been rated as the best place to invest in property anywhere in the world. Situated less than three hours flight direct from Dubai, Cyprus sits at the No.1 position in the ‘Where on Earth Hot Property Index’, or WHOEPI. The monthly WHOEPI assesses countries’ viability as an investment destination using a dozen factors. These include each country’s level of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), its political and economic climate, its GDP, the number of the new developments being built there, the number of internet ‘hits’ a country gets and how much promotion a country receives in the media. Cyprus scored highly in new property developments, political climate, and very highly in net hits and media coverage.  Popular for its year-round sun, the island is expecting a strong 2007 (realtor Knight Frank predicts 12.5 per cent capital value growth).  Purchasing in Cyprus is simple, secure and puts you on on the European property ladder. Cyprus is a full member of the European Union and with that comes peace of mind from long standing property legislation. A rush of new investors is expected towards the end of this year due to the planned adoption of the Euro in January 2008. Joining the eurozone should lower interest rates, making borrowing cheaper, and in turn fuel property purchases. So where in Cyprus?  Areas traditionally popular for overseas investment include Limassol, Pafos and Agia Napa. Prices however reflect the demand, which is why the region of Larnaca in particular offers a new window for investors with relatively low prices on off-plan property along with the opportunity for excellent appreciation in property values. With EU grants being offered to the region, Larnaca will be undergoing strong development over the next few years; new international airport, new marina for cruise liners, and the region’s first PGA golf course – all of which bode well for new investors. Specialising in international property investment, Mackenzie Macmillan advises a solid client base throughout the GCC. Partnered with Quality Group, one of the Cyprus’ leading developers and the Bank of Cyprus, Mackenzie Macmillan will host a four-day Investment Interactive from tomorrow to March 11 at the Fairmont Hotel, Dubai, from 2pm to 9pm daily. The event gives potential investors of all levels the opportunity to sit and discuss investment opportunities directly with the developer and gain invaluable property investment advice from Mackenzie Macmillan.

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My castle in the French countryside

Posted by admin in Contributors, Real E... | 03.05.2007 - 12:00 am

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

The city of Bordeaux in France has been somewhat renowned for its byproducts of viticulture since the eighth Century; it also happens to be one of the most reasonable locations in which to buy property in France. The reason for this, I hasten to add, is not because of the crime rate – according to 2006 statistics, it boasts the lowest in France, barring the occasional blip.Pichonbaron2.jpg However, having hung around some of the portside establishments on numerous occasions, I admit I find this surprising. There were plenty of two-headed space cowboys lounging at the Star Wars bars in the vicinity as I recall. Regardless, Bordeaux is an endearing European city seated at the head of Aquitaine – a region of south west France renowned for its vineyards, les chateaux and exquisite gastronomy. It has been popular with Britons for decades and has witnessed increasing foreign interest since the city embarked on a rejuvenation programme some years ago. There are those that draw comparisons with the redevelopment of Manchester in the UK: I can assure you that the weather’s far better but the football team is not! Most property seekers focusing on Bordeaux will find inventory for all seasons at relatively low prices as compared to other major European cities. It is still possible to buy impressive townhouses and apartments in the historic central areas of Bordeaux for less than dhs1.6 million supported by mortgages at modest interest rates. Despite the motley crew I encountered on the Gironde estuary, Bordeaux is an intelligent city. A centre for military, space as well as aeronautics research and with a contingent of 100,000 students, the university is lauded for its research units in crop science, new materials and nanotechnology. 2007 has been tipped as a regional investors’ ‘El Dorado’ as prices flatten. Prior to this, property values had increased by an average of 13 per cent per annum from 2004, while those of classical apartments rose by 17 per cent. Beside the town centre, some of the most popular areas are Chartrons, Cauderans, Le Bouscat and Victoire. The regions to the north and east of the Gironde are now teeming with UK expatriates, making integration with French society for the newcomer increasingly difficult. These areas also tend to be entirely rural and lacking in facilities so, unless you genuinely crave the rustic way of life, Gironde provides a more stimulating and sophisticated environment. With 270 kilometres of fine beaches, Europe’s best surfing locales and a climate rated by many as even better than the Mediterranean, Bordeaux surely has to be worth a look. Andy McTiernan is editor-in-chief of Property World Middle East. Contact him at: pworld@eim.ae www.propertyworldme.com

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