Essential reading for landlords! Top tips on finding and keeping great tenants

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

2012 looks set to be a particularly fruitful year with buy-to-let lender Paragon Group revealing that landlords are expecting tenant demand in the UK to remain high, predicting a double-digit increase in the number of people who will choose to become “professional tenants”, opting to rent rather than buy.

With renting becoming ever more popular, a number of lettings agents have explained that as many as 10 applicants can chase every home. James Davies, residential landlord for over 12 years and CEO of self-service lettings agency, Upad comments,

“2011 was certainly a good year for the buy-to-let market with demand steadily rising and with this set to continue into 2012, landlords can very much afford to be choosey about who rents their properties.”

With so many potential tenants to choose from, it can be very difficult to select the very best. Therefore James Davis has utilised his years of landlord experience to provided landlords with his top tips on finding and keeping great tenants in 2012.

1. Better properties attract better tenants

“First and foremost, better properties attract better tenants. The better your property, the more you can be choosy about the quality of your tenants. Some characteristics of high-demand properties that really guarantee a great tenant are properties that are close to transport links (ideally walking distance in cities) and properties that are near hospitals, universities and major office parks which will provide a constant flow of professional tenants. Other characteristics include a clean, tidy property with reasonable fittings and neutral décor combined with great services including Wifi, cable TV and a Cleaner.”

2. Good presentation

“How you present your property is integral to finding a great tenant. If you want to secure a quality tenant you must ensure that you have great photos.  Get professional ones done so you can use them constantly. With poor or absent photos, expect a 75% drop in tenant enquiries.

“Meanwhile, when showcasing your property why not add a floorplan? Nowadays, floorplans are becoming standard among professional landlord properties and show tenants that you know what you’re doing. You can expect a 52% increase in tenant enquiries with a floorplan.”

3. Manage your own viewings

“One of the best ways to guarantee a great tenant is to manage your own viewings and we at Upad allow you to do just that. You know your property better than everyone else and with your knowledge you can extol the property’s virtues and emphasise the positives. You are also likely to be more flexible than a lettings agent when it comes to evening and weekend viewings, increasing your chances of finding the perfect tenant.

“Indeed, showing tenants around your rental property is your chance to get a glimpse of the people who may (or may not) be renting your property. It´s no substitute for all the proper screening and referencing but it´s a good opportunity to engage your landlord instincts. If you meet the tenants up-front, it’s often simpler to build a robust long-term relationship.”

4. Lets with pets

“Consider letting to tenants with pets. The Dogs Trust praises the virtues of lets with pets. They claim that not only will permitting pets increase the demand for your property but you’ll also attract a better class of tenant. They further suggest that tenants with pets stay longer because they know how difficult it is to find an understanding landlord. A shocking 54% of pet owners have never been able to find a suitable rental property that’s pet-friendly.”

5. Consider LHA tenants
 

“I am a big fan of LHA (Local Housing Authority) tenants regardless of what others might think. Generally LHA tenants last twice as long as private tenants; those with families often stick around longer and in my opinion look after properties better than young professionals because they see the property as a ‘home’ rather than a place to crash.”

6. Don’t be a paper chaser

“The best way to ensure that you won’t be chasing after your rent is to avoid listing where the quality of the tenant is unknown. If your property is advertised on professional sites such as Rightmove, FindaProperty and Zoopla then the quality of tenant tends to be higher – a professional channel for a professional tenant so to speak. Of course, free sites mean you don’t have to pay for advertising but you may pay at a later stage in extended void periods, property repairs or lose out because of rental arrears if you don’t tread carefully.”

How to keep great tenants?

“If you treat your tenants well, they are more likely to respect you, treat the property with care and stick around longer. By treating well I mean taking care of repairs quickly and include fittings and items which make the property desirable to live in. A good relationship between landlord and tenant is essential to a happy tenancy. You don’t have to be best buddies (although you can be if you want) but a respectful and amicable connection will go a long way. Why not try these simple tips to help build the perfect relationship?

 

 Leave a bottle of wine in the property as a welcome gift on moving-in day.

 Don’t buy cheap furniture that you know will only last for a year. It will soon look decrepit.
 

 Update the property throughout the tenancy. Why wait until they leave before springing for a new rug?

 Leave your tenants alone. They have the right to quiet enjoyment and don’t need you knocking on the door every other week.
 

 Respect their time. We often hear of landlords who expect their tenants to wait in during the day for trades-people. It isn’t their job, it’s yours.
 

 Be creative at renewal time. Rather than just putting up the rent again, try giving something back. It might be as simple as a thank-you note for being a great tenant.”

Upad are the UK’s market leading online lettings agency. Last year they let over 3,500 properties nationally following one simple belief, that ‘landlords are better than agents at showing tenants around properties.  Their Standard Tenant-Find Service is just £299 + VAT and includes everything from photography, to a drafted tenancy agreement. Upad will introduce tenants and landlords get to do their own viewings.

Alternatively, if the landlord has their own photos and is confident enough to sign tenants and collect rent themselves, for just £99 + VAT Upad will list the property across all major UK lettings websites including Rightmove and introduce tenants, until let.

With over 650 properties currently available and over 20,000 tenant enquiries each month Upad are already the equivalent size of 20 average high street lettings agent offices. They will not only help you find great tenants but help you keep them as well.

For more information on finding and keeping great tenants please contact lettings experts Upad, on 0333 240 1220 or visit www.upad.co.uk.

 

Keep calm dear! Euro crisis improves exchange rates for Brits but armageddon is not nigh

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

The recent Eurozone sovereign debt crisis has resulted in the reduction of the value of the single currency, providing overseas property buyers with in fact over 8% more for their money than if they were buying Euros in July last year according to the award-winning experts at Currency Index. However if the Euro is in so much trouble, is it wise to be buying abroad at the moment?

There has been vast speculation about anything from evacuation plans on the Algarve to contingency plans for banks with Euro exposure, but a lot of this is scaremongering, according to Robin Haynes, managing director of Currency Index who says,

“Many of our clients have been asking whether it is safe to buy and send Euros abroad – and while the situation is far from resolved, the European Central Bank will not allow the Eurozone to collapse.”

The forthcoming EU summit on Monday 30th January is likely to see Eurozone leaders agreeing extensions to the single currency stability measures, as well as the new fiscal pact which should ensure that tax and spending are at least put in line to protect debts from growing unsustainably.

“Even if Greece were to default on its debts and leave the Euro, local chaos from a devaluing Greek currency would not be likely to affect the Euro’s own future, and in fact with the new measures being put in place we are likely to see Euro strength in the medium term – markets will see the reforms as a step in the right direction.

“Buyers who are worried about any currency devaluing could even consider holding debt (such as a mortgage) as well as assets (such as property) to balance out the perceived risk” says Haynes.

With Euro exchange rates near a 16-month high for Brits sending money abroad, and Eurozone property prices under pressure too, now is in fact one of the cheapest times to buy a place abroad in recent memory. And ignoring the more sensationalist stories in the press, the savvy buyer can now snap up a bargain in the sun.

Currency Index reported a 32% increase in the volume of Euros transferred by clients to Spain in December 2012 compared to December 2011, showing that despite the doom and gloom in the news, Brits are still keen on a second home or retirement home in Europe.

For more information on currency exchange contact the experts at Currency Index on 0800 043 2623 or visit www.currencyindex.co.uk.
 

Investment Watch: Florida flies to the top

by Charlotte Ashton United States

Florida has flown to the top of TheMoveChannel.com´s latest  buy to let listings, according to the latest Investment Watch. The report, which ranks the monthly level of interest in the portal´s listings, saw a Florida condo follow a Michigan apartment in November to become the most popular property on the real estate site at the end of 2011.

The two-bedroom US property is an example of the current trend for buying tenanted homes, which promise investors up to 14 per cent net returns. This type of investment remains the most popular category on TheMoveChannel.com, occupying the top two spots in the Investment Watch chart. Buy-to-let demand in the UK was so strong that off-market city apartments in Leeds remained in the Top 10 for the second month in a row, rising up the ranks to attract the second highest number of enquiries in December.

While buy-to-let demand dominated, however, Spanish property was the month´s main player. After Spain´s earlier Top of the Props victory in December, the most popular country on the portal went on to occupy three positions in the Investment Watch Top 10.

The first, an Andalucian beach house, offers a mortgage that includes the sales price and VAT as well as stamp duty. Such low prices and finance options were the main cause for Spain´s consistent level of interest as lifestyle buyers continued to look for cheap overseas bargains.

Two-bedroom apartments in Marbella occupied fifth place, also boasting price reductions of 52 per cent with an inclusive finance plan, while the sixth most popular property listing in December belonged to a three-bedroom town house, similarly reduced for a quick sale.

In addition to their discounted values, the three Spanish properties have another thing in common: they are all located in the Andalucia region, suggesting that the South of Spain is a particular area of interest for investors.

The Top 10 Investment Properties for December 2011 are as follows:

 

 

Double your fun and go off-piste in Sainte Foy, one of the most affordable ski resorts in the French Alps

by Charlotte Ashton France

With bumper snowfall blanketing the Alps this ski season, adventurous skiers will be dreaming of doubling their fun and going off-piste with increasing numbers looking to the ski region of Sainte Foy, France for thrilling skiing off the beaten track at an affordable price.

Sainte Foy, a traditional village in the Tarentaise valley in Savoie, France remains remarkably unspoilt. Preserving its authentic charm and local Savoyard architecture, Sainte Foy is a place where residents of Val d´Isere, only 15 minutes away, go to escape the pressures of a large-resort, in the hope of finding a peaceful and friendly chalet style resort that boasts around 800 hectares of safe off-piste skiing through epic mountain routes.

Here, lifts take you up to 2,550 meters to the Col de l´Aiguille, the launch pad for much of the off-piste skiing for which Sainte Foy has earned its excellent reputation. Offering acres of virgin powder to explore on the numerous off-piste routes, such as Le Monal and the infamous 1,500m vertical descent at the north face of Fogliettaz, Sainte Foy, a quaint village developed only a decade ago, provides an intriguing and challenging area for off-piste skiers.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, which has experienced a 25% increase in enquiry levels thanks to the recent snow conditions in France comments,

“Sainte Foy is the best kept secret in the Tarentaise valley where ski touring groups find themselves marking the resort as a ‘must do’ destination. Complementing its on-piste runs Sainte Foy has superb off-piste potential affording a unique snow draped paradise and, if you don’t have pots of cash lying around, heading off-piste to a smaller ski resort such as Sainte Foy, one of the most affordable ski resorts in the northern French Alps could give you a different experience.”

Located in the charming Sainte Foy-en-Tarentaise, Etoile des Cimes the latest leaseback development from Terresens, follows the successful completion of phase I, La Chapelle.

Perfect for individuals, couples and families alike the 1 to 4 bedroom ski-in ski-out eco apartments of Etoile des Cimes, about 15 minutes by car to Val d’Isere, Tignes, Les Arcs & La Rosiere, affords exceptional views over the Tarentaise valley and are delivered fully furnished with private parking from €210,500 (mortgage finance is available).

With rental returns of 3.8% guaranteed and personal usage of your property to take advantage of the first class on-site amenities including indoor swimming pool & spa, wellbeing area and crèche, this eco-friendly freehold property that affords a 19.6% VAT refund on purchase in one of the most sought after second home destinations in the world will not only provide excellent returns for investors but some of the very best off-piste skiing in the world for ski adrenaline fans.

For more information please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

UK Student Accommodation leads the returns race outperforming all commercial property classes

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Performing exceptionally well as an asset class compared to traditional investments over the last year, student accommodation in the UK has outperformed every other commercial property class, supplying regular returns throughout the economic crisis according to the latest Knight Frank Student Property Report 2012.

The report highlights that student property returns averaged 11.5% in September 2011 and although slowing from 13.5% in the previous year, still continues to lead the returns race in the market among commercial asset classes thanks to a structural shortage of purpose-built student accommodation in the UK combined with increasing global interest in the UK’s high ranking educational institutions.

With this in mind, the just released Knight Frank report identifies further rental growth in the student accommodation sector this year with James Pullan, head of student property at Knight Frank explaining that while London returns almost doubled to 15.1% in September 2011, taking average total returns to 11.5%, student accommodation in the regions outside of London is also robust with investment in towns which have more than one university along with a high density of students such as Liverpool, being the most lucrative.

In addition Knight Frank highlight that the UK is well placed to take advantage of the growing influx of overseas students into the UK, predicted to double by 2025 thanks to having 5 universities which are ranked in the world´s top 20 universities as well as reduced study costs for international students, derived from the weakness of the pound.

Ray Withers, Chief Executive of leading property investment agency, Property Frontiers which has successfully marketed numerous student accommodation projects in the North West city of Liverpool, comments,

“Home to three leading universities – The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Hope University which have seen significant increases in applications over the years along with highly regarded English language schools such as LILA in the heart of Liverpool city centre and cheaper prices than London, Liverpool is one such city that perfectly accommodates the needs of higher education students.

“Liverpool presents the optimum buy-to-let environment for investors who will be able to reap significant returns from strong demand. In fact the Knight Frank Student Property report 2012 identifies that average rents for apartments and en-suite rooms in the regions such as Liverpool rose by 4% with total returns of around 10.5% last year so the benefits speak for themselves.”

With demand continuing to outstrip supply as increasing numbers of students from both home and abroad seek to attend universities in Liverpool, increasing pressure is being placed on the housing supply with the emphasis now on building new high quality private student housing developments such as Gradwell Street, central Liverpool.

As a student accommodation development offering en-suite rooms from only £48,000 with only 8 en-suite units remaining, Gradwell Street, adjacent to Liverpool One Shopping Centre and only minutes from Liverpool Lime Street station offers investors a 10% NET yield – assured in year 1.

At just £2,500 to reserve with only £30,500 to pay in April 2012, Gradwell Street is superior to other projects, combine great value (under £50,000) with larger en-suite luxury facilities right in the heart of the city.

For more information contact Property Frontiers on +44 (0) 1865 202700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Infographic – France: At a Glance

by Charlotte Ashton France

The most popular region of France for real estate is Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur, according to a new infographic by TheMoveChannel.com. The infographic, which is based upon the enquiries received by the overseas property portal in 2011, shows that South France is the area that attracts the most attention from buyers.

Property in Provence-Alpes-Cote d´Azur is the favourite, accounting for 15.65 per cent of all Frnch real estate enquiries in 2011. Other southern regions are also popular with house hunters, with Aquitaine receiving 14.11 per cent of enquiries, closely followed by Languedoc Rousillon, which accounted for 13.94 per cent.

The least popular area for property in France is Lorraine, which took just 0.29 per cent of French property enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com last year, ranking below fellow northern areas of Champagne-Ardenne, Franche-Comté, Picardie, and Upper Normandy.

Despite this demand for property in South France, Paris is shown to be the city with the strongest investment appeal, accounting for over one-fifth of the portal´s enquiries last year. Bordeaux and Marseilles were close runners-up, flying the flag for the regions of Aquitaine and PACA respectively.

The infographic also highlights interesting buyer behaviour for French property. Analysing the trend of search keywords in Google over 12 months, TheMoveChannel.com´s chart finds that "houses for sale in France" is the most commonly used phrase for French property hunters, with "houses" ranking far above other types of real estate, such as "cottages in France" and "French villas".

Indeed, "houses for sale in France" are so popular with investors that the term is used twice as often as the more general "property for sale in France” and "French property".

Editor Ivan Radford comments: “France: At a Glance is the first in a series of infographics that will provide overviews of global property markets in a new and accessible way.

“We’ve found some really interesting facts about French real estate – the preference to hunt for houses is a particular surprise, which can perhaps be explained by the number of lifestyle buyers searching for a French holiday home. We look forward to doing the same for other countries. “

Click here to see the full infographic.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 45 Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2LX.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.
 

Let it snow! Abundant snowfall in French ski resorts leads to increase in property enquiries for French property developer

by Charlotte Ashton France

After what had been a nerve-wracking start to the ski season back in December last year, where ski slopes laid bare, snow, and lots of it, has finally fallen. Sustained heavy snowfall blanketed French ski slopes making the Christmas and New Year season far busier than expected, leading to a 75% occupancy rate across Alpine resorts according to market analyst company Protourisme.

Indeed, this comes as welcomed news among French property investors whose confidence in the market has risen and will continue to rise thanks to historical snowfall figures highlighting that in general across much of the Alps, four times the average snowfall has fallen for mid-January alone.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, which has experienced a 25% increase in enquiry levels thanks to the recent snow conditions in France comments,

“Just this morning I had a call from my mother who is enjoying a week´s sejour in Chatel. The Portes du Soleil resorts are all busy, the air is cold, the skies are blue and the snow is apparently the best she´s ever known in her long skiing career. Property investor leads are also well up on the norm by some 25% and properties in prime snow sure locations in the French Alps remain a seriously investable, income-generating asset in uncertain economic times. ”

As one of the largest and most popular ski resorts in the world, La Plagne in the French Alps is one such ski location that is experiencing perfect ski conditions. Currently, enjoying glorious sunshine and clear skies, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne, a beautiful character resort situated in an ideal location in the heart of the French Alps in the Savoie, which makes use of La Plagne’s snow drenched ski slopes will certainly be viewed as an attractive option for potential property investors this ski season.

Completed and key-ready, Le Centaure in Belle Plagne affords stunning studios to 3 bedroom apartments that are both spacious and bright. While the development affords a range of luxurious facilities dedicated to wellness and relaxation including an indoor heated swimming pool, massage room and Turkish bath, Le Centure’s position, nestled between forest and mountain pastures with splendid views of snow covered slopes provides a breath-taking panorama.

Priced at €190,748 excl. VAT with a 4.6% guaranteed rental income as well as 1 week personal usage which can be increased throughout the year when rental is reduced, this French development is perfect for property investors looking for the perfect French ski property this season.

For more information on Le Centaure in Belle Plagne please contact the developer Terresens on + 44 (0) 203 101 110 or visit www.terresensproperties.com to find out more.

 

Top of the Props: Spain reclaims property crown

by Charlotte Ashton World

Spain has reclaimed its property crown, according to the latest Top of the Props report from TheMoveChannel.com. Following America´s unexpected victory in November, US property fell in popularity last month, dropping three places in the overseas portal´s chart.

That dip was all Spain needed to soar back to top spot, along with several other property stalwarts. After buyers seemed to flock to America to avoid Europe´s troubled markets, Spain, Portugal and France charged up the table, pushing America down to fourth. In total, the top three destinations accounted for just over a third of all enquiries on the site in December.

While US enquiries fell by 7.32 per cent, Spain´s popularity dropped by only 0.18 per cent. This steady level of attention, driven by low prices and the country´s reduction in VAT during 2011, reflects the continuing demand for Spanish property from lifestyle buyers.

Indeed, investors returned to old favourites France and Portugal too. France´s enquiries increased by 1.05 per cent to hold third place, proving that holiday home demand can still buck the Eurozone´s downward trend if the prices are right. Italy´s enquiries increased in December as well, but its smaller monthly rise of 0.65 per cent was still not enough to compete with November´s victor.

The end of 2011 also saw a last-minute rush of attention for Barbados and Morocco. The two new entries to TheMoveChannel.com´s Top 10 replaced Cyprus and Greece at the bottom of the table. Coupled with the rise of the United Arab Emirates, which jumped a hefty eight places to number 12, it suggests that despite Spain´s return to form, investors are still willing to look elsewhere to avoid Europe´s more troubled economies.

Managing Director Dan Johnson comments:

“As 2011 ends, the fluctuations in the Top 10 show the changing buyer demands in an uncertain market. Spain has always been a traditional choice for lifestyle buyers, as evidenced by the constant level of interest in the country. In fact, for the majority of last year, Spain was the most sought-after property destination on TheMoveChannel.com, so its return to the top spot seems an appropriate end to the year.

“Barbados and Morocco are equally attractive lifestyle choices that are free of Eurozone anxiety, but France and Portugal´s strong performance in December is a reassuring sign for more familiar property markets. As the New Year begins, we shall see if the popularity of these European countries will be strong enough to weather the economic climate in 2012.”

Landlords set to win big in 2012 according to expert landlord James Davis

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

2012 offers a wealth of opportunity for the UK Buy-to-Let market according to James Davis, residential landlord for over 12 years and CEO of self-service lettings agency, UPAD. With rents rising across England and Wales by 3.5% (Jan – Nov 2011) according to the LSL Buy-to-Let Index, James explains why savvy landlords are gearing up to take advantage of this year’s lucrative opportunities.

Rents will continue to rise

“We believe there will be a modest 2 – 5% increase in rents outside of London, while in London rents will hike up by around 5 – 10%, propelled by events such as the London Olympic Games. Indeed, there will almost certainly be a ‘renter swell’ and we will soon forget the meaning of a ‘first time buyer’.

Farewell to the First Time Buyer

“There are a number of things we predict to arise in the UK Buy-to-Let market in 2012 namely that we will see first time buyers struggling to get on the ladder even with a deposit as banks will require an ‘uber’ credit rating, despite lending at 6%+.

“In addition, we also estimate that interest rates will stay at around 0.5% then fall lower by Q3 while the not unlikely collapse of the EU in Q2 will force banks to shut up shop as they won’t have cash reserves to lend.

“However on the flip side, most landlords do have cash reserves, pensions, savings and equity in the homes they have access to and falling house prices next year will mean that those with cash will be able to snap up good deals from distressed sellers.”

It won’t all be plain sailing for landlords

“We forecast a number of issues that are likely to affect landlords this year including tenants potentially defaulting on their rents as costs of living rise. Rents are likely to be paid in arrears particularly from Housing Benefit Tenants.
 

“There will also be rising finance from banks that will create a tougher operating environment for landlords as well as tougher choices when choosing tenants.”

How will tenants fare in 2012?

“One off the biggest issues here will of course be rising rents and lack of housing stock. With no salary rises on the table for 2012 and higher living costs, tenants will have to start to downgrade. We may see a large number of people in London having to move out of zone 2 to more affordable areas.

“Additionally, having to supplement their housing benefit contributions as of January 2012, we are likely to see the real effects of the Government capping coming into play for these tenants. While this will create real problems for those who will no longer be able to afford to rent in London, there will be options to move to cheaper areas in the UK. Several London Boroughs have done deals with cheaper areas across the UK such as Swansea, to house their social tenants.

“While there will be increases in credit checking given issues in the economy, a general ‘nervousness’ will be felt by landlords who will require additional comfort while tenants will also need to pay higher deposits with rent payable up front becoming common place.”


2012: The year of online lettings

“This sector has grown five fold in last 18 months and we estimate that online lettings will double by the end of 2012. Indeed, UPAD has experienced a boom in online lettings thanks to resurgence in the UK rental market. Over the last 18 months alone we have seen a huge increase in the number of rental properties listed through online agents from around 500 in April 2010 to 2,600 in October 2011.

“Meanwhile, awareness for online lettings will continue to grow among landlords as they realise that there is a better way to self-manage, replace classifieds and save money on agent commissions and ongoing management costs.

“As recognised suppliers of the National Landlords Association and licensed member of the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, UPAD in 2012, will continue to revolutionize the world of lettings, extolling the virtues of self-service online letting from as little as £99 + VAT.”

For more 2012 predictions from the online lettings experts UPAD, please contact the team on 0333 240 1220 or visit www.upad.co.uk.
 

Albania treks its way to the top in 2012

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

According to Walks Worldwide, a leading UK trekking holiday organisation, Albania is set to become one of the most popular walking destinations this year after the company saw extraordinary demand for its Accursed Mountains trek to Albania last year combined with the high levels of advanced bookings already received for the programme.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments,

“As one of the least explored countries in Europe, Albania is a place like no other, one which has yet to become popularised by the masses and one where those looking for adventure, history and scenic beauty are likely to flock. Indeed, the Accursed Mountains in Albania offer and unspoilt landscape in a remote area perfect for those who not only love the great outdoors but are in search of something different”.

Indeed, Walks Worldwide believe that Albania will top the charts this year for walkers and adventure lovers and have since created a new trip for September 2012  which will explore the ‘Mysterious South of Albania’.

But it’s not just trekkers that will want to investigate the wonders of the Balkan land. Following double digit growth in traveler numbers last year and thanks to travel guide Frommer´s voting the Albanian Riviera as the Top Value Destination for 2012, an increasing number of holiday makers will be setting their sights on Albania this year.

Meanwhile, helping to increase future tourist numbers, Albania’s Mother Teresa International Airport plans to build a new passenger terminal over the next two years with the airport announcing that the new terminal is expected to cost around €7 million.

Maharajah further comments,

“Last year was a great year for the airport and tourism into Albania. The airport saw an 18% increase in passengers which equates to an impressive 1.8 million passengers. Indeed, with the expansion of the airport and range of tour options for adventure buffs to explore the country not to mention GDP growth above that of the Eurozone, Albania is not only beginning to get the attention it so rightly deserves but is creating a favorable climate for holiday makers, foreign and domestic business and those on the lookout for property.”

With this in mind, the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect property investment opportunity for as little as €38,000 for a luxury apartment on a beach-front resort.

This stunning property development, voted ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2011 RealEx conference in Tirana for its high quality infrastructure and strong commitment to the environment will provide outstanding on-site facilities including a beach club, BBQ area, tennis courts and restaurants.

For more information please contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com