Best Buys – Apartments on the Adriatic from just €29,000

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

One may wonder how it is possible to buy a luxury apartment anywhere in the world at this price let alone one just metres from golden sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Adriatic sea. This stunning coastline has long been sought after by property buyers who have focused their attentions traditionally on the eastern Italian coast, Croatia and Montenegro where property prices have skyrocketed in recent years.

Things are changing however as Montenegro’s neighbour and fellow Adriatic coastal nation, Albania, establishes its own attractive property market. Just 45 miles across the Strait of Otranto from Italy lies Durres, the highly popular tourist destination and home to Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, Albania’s new 5* residential development. 
The resort’s superior frontline location coupled with the low entry price of just €29,000 for a luxury studio apartment makes Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa a best buy in 2011. Nearly half the studio, one and two bedroom apartments available in phase 1 have already been sold merely weeks after their release with demand for the three and four bedroom villas equally high.
Ravin Maharajah, Sales Director of Lalzit Bay & Spa Resort comments:
“We were very conscious that we needed to price the properties at a competitive level for the Adriatic coastal market. With similar studio apartments in Croatia priced at €70,000* we are confident that our pricing structure is highly attractive and makes owning a home on the Adriatic affordable for all.
“Many of our early stage purchasers are Albanians who live abroad and are thrilled to be able to buy a property for use when they return home as well as enjoy reliable rental income when they are not using it. We have also seen a flurry of investors from Scandinavia; known for being intrepid travellers and often the first into new markets, we are not at all surprised that they are excited by this fresh opportunity.”
Lalzit Bay Spa Resort is without a doubt one of the finest and most innovative developments underway in Albania.  Fully managed by an internationally renowned resort operator, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa will provide 5 star amenities, service and unqualified luxury, making it one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2011.
For more information about purchasing in Albania and indeed apartments from €29,000 contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.
* Price from Rightmove Overseas

AB Property Marketing appointed by France’s Premier Eco-Friendly Leaseback Property Developer, Terresens UK

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Responding to the ongoing demand for high quality leaseback property, the UK arm of France’s premier eco-friendly property developer, Terresens UK, has appointed AB Property Marketing as representatives in the UK and Ireland.

Responsible for Marketing and Communications, AB Property Marketing will be working closely with the London based operation to raise awareness of the affordable and environmentally conscious leaseback properties from Terresens as well launching new products to market through innovative Marketing campaigns.

Charlie Williams, Sales Manager of Terresens UK, commented,

“We have known the team at AB Property Marketing for some time now and their experience in the French market and proven track record in achieving tangible results makes them the right choice for Terresens UK.”

Since the launch of their London office in 2009, Terresens has built a reputation for excellence in the development of leaseback properties with over 150 happy clients. Uniquely for leasebacks, environmentally conscious design is at the heart of each Terresens property with every development awarded an Ecological Rating.

Charlotte Ashton, Director of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“It is a real pleasure to welcome Terresens UK to our client base. We have for some time been seeking an established and reputable French developer to meet the high level of media enquiries we receive and Terresens’ track record and environmental ethos really makes them stand out from other leaseback developers.”

Terresens UK currently offers 3 and 4* leaseback apartments in a number of destinations in France including Sainte Foy, La Plagne and Vars in the Alps as well as Camargues, St Emilion in the Dordogne, Malaucene in Provence and the much anticipated new release in Cannes on the Cote d’Azur.

What can Terresens UK offer the media?

  • The latest French market news (Alps, Provence & Cote d’Azur)
  • Timely and newsworthy press information
  • Fast response expert comment from Sales Manager, Charlie Williams
  • Detailed product information
  • High resolution images

Terresens UK are also active on Social Media with a regularly updated blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts.

For more information on Terresens UK and for all media enquiries please contact AB Property Marketing on +44 (0) 845 054 7524 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

So long student digs, it´s luxury living for today´s university students in Liverpool

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Thursday 22nd April 2011 saw the official opening of Arena House, Liverpool´s latest luxury student accommodation project sold by Property Frontiers a leading property investment agency.

Located in a prime location on Duke Street, just minutes from the city centre complete with shops, entertainment and nightlife, Liverpool Lime Street station and the University of Liverpool campus, Arena House is a far cry from traditional student digs and shared houses.

The 58 student pods are modern luxury living at its very best with flat screen TVs, contemporary furniture and WiFi. Each floor affords two kitchen areas complete with Bosch appliances and cooking utensils as well as a large open plan lounge space with leather seating and 42 inch flat screen TV. There are ample bathroom facilities, a fully equipped gymnasium, CCTV and in response to demand, disability access and wheelchair friendly rooms on the lower ground floor.

Ray Withers, Director of Property Frontiers who have sold the majority of student pods at Arena House, comments,

"I am delighted to be here at the opening of Arena House; the project has come such a long way since my last site visit and it is reassuring to see, on behalf of our clients, that Arena House has been finished on time and to such a high standard."

Opening on 1st May, all the student pods at Arena House will be let to students of LILA (Liverpool International Language Academy) which serves overseas students studying languages in Liverpool. They have taken these pods due to their high specification which meets the needs of their international students.  

Fully managed by Penlake Limited with over 10 years experience, Arena House is the third student accommodation project in Liverpool to be completed by this particular developer. Investors at Streatlam Tower, the 36 unit fully refurbished building complete with original architectural features including stained glass windows, wooden beams and a four storey spiral staircase carved from a single piece of wood, have been receiving returns since its opening in February 2011 and those with pods in Beacon Building since Spring 2010.

Meeting the demand for quality accommodation from Liverpool´s 53,000 student population, pods at Property Frontiers’ latest development, Oliver House, located on Bold Street, are selling quickly with only a handful remaining.

Available from £41,000, the 38 student pods of Oliver House will be completed to the same high standard as those at Arena House with investors set to receive 10.11% net annual yield with the first year assured.

For more information about investing in student accommodation in Liverpool and indeed the last remaining units at Oliver House contact Property Frontiers today on +44 (0) 1865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com.

Booming Italian tourism creates plentiful investment opportunities for British buyers

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Italy has it all. From beautiful art to delicious food, stunning and varied countryside to flamboyant fashion, it is hardly surprising that the love of la dolce vita is not waning with the Italian tourism market booming, welcoming more than 43.2 million visitors a year. So, if you are looking to buy second property you will be pleased to know that there are large profits to made and plentiful investment opportunities to be had.
 

Italy’s focus on attracting tourists from emerging markets in 2010 saw visitor numbers increase by 2.2% compared to the rest of Europe’s overall 2.5% increase according to The Travel Industry Global Overview by Euromonitor International resulting in Italy outperforming the rest of the wider travel and tourism Eurozone industry.
 

With Italian tourism finding its feet again combined with stabilising property prices and a 1.3% GDP growth in 2010, not to mention the abolition of inheritance tax, membership of the EU and bank guarantee on property purchases, potential property buyers along with holiday home investors who predominantly drive the market, will now be on the lookout for their perfect Italian property to reap the rewards.
 

A particularly popular tourist destination, Calabria located on the tip of the southern Italian peninsula, with its fine cuisine, spectacular natural scenery and friendly local hospitality has emerged as the destination of choice for many people and along with Ryanair and Monarch Airlines providing flights from London to Lamezia Terme International, Calabria offers great potential to anyone looking to invest in a property abroad.
 

Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the Calabria property experts, explains,
 

“Calabria was Italy’s best kept secret for many years but now the region has been discovered and is charming not only British holiday makers and property buyers but also Germans, Russians, Polish and Scandinavian nationals seeking stunning scenery, a Mediterranean climate and affordable living within a few hours flight.”
 

For potential buyers looking for their perfect Italian property, Experience International has two amazing developments based in the stunning Calabria province.
 

Le Palme, located in Santa Domenica is a high specification development starting at €200,000 and has 4 two bedroom apartments of which only two remain available. Situated near a stretch of beautiful coastline on the Tyrrhenian Sea this area is hugely admired by those in the know as one of Italy´s finest holiday destinations. Surrounded by a number of restaurants, it is a 2 minute walk from Capo Vaticano and a 5 minute walk to the dazzling sandy beach.
 

Nestled in the heart of Calabria’s agricultural landscape, the stunning Giardino Mediterraneo development is situated amongst strawberry fields and olive groves and has 3 two bed two bath villettas available along a gorgeous coast line starting at €229,000. Located 15 minutes from the airport by car, 10 minutes to Pizzo and only a 3 minute walk to the beach, Giardino Mediteranio is perfect  for a  relaxing holiday or as an attractive investment property.
 

For more information on these opportunities please contact Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 

Emerging market specialist property agency, Gem Invest, appoints AB Property Marketing

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

Established international property PR & Marketing agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd, is delighted to announce that it has been appointed by emerging market specialist agency, Gem Invest.

With offices in London and Cyprus, Gem Invest utilises years of experience to presents clients with the very best investment opportunities with the minimum of risk. Focusing on emerging markets led by domestic demand for rentals and resales, Gem Invest offers investment opportunities in Turkey (primarily the economic powerhouse of Istanbul), Cyprus, France, Romania, Hungary and the UK.

Alexander Tomlinson, Director of Gem Invest, comments,

“Gem Invest was created with the specific aim of sourcing affordable and secure overseas investment property for clients who wanted to be in a position to make an informed decision. We undertake extensive research into each overseas properties investment we market and unless the deal ticks all our boxes we will not present it to our Clients, most importantly we also look at the exit strategy.”

Having over 6 years experience in promoting property in emerging markets such as Turkey, Romania and Hungary as well as more established destinations including France, Cyprus and the UK, AB Property Marketing will assist Gem Invest with their Marketing strategy as well as lead generation and brand profile through Public Relations.

Commenting on the appointment, AB Property Marketing Director, Charlotte Ashton, enthuses,

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Gem Invest to represent them in the UK and Ireland. Gem Invest offer so much more than standard overseas investment agencies with research, due diligence and client care at the heart of their business. We are very much looking forward to helping them set a new benchmark for quality in this industry.”

What can Gem Invest offer the media?

  • Timely, newsworthy press information on emerging markets including Turkey, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Romania and the UK
  • Expert market comment and opinion from Director Alexander Tomlinson
  • Detailed product information
  • High resolution imagery
  • Interviews
  • B2B comment for trade press

For more information about Gem Invest and all media enquiries please contact Charlotte at AB Property Marketing on + 44 (0) 0845 054 7524 / +44 (0) 7968 779663 or email c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

Istanbul ranked Number 1 City in Europe for New Property Acquisitions & Development in 2011 by PwC & Urban Land Institute

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Investors looking to purchasing property in Europe this year could be well advised to choose Istanbul, the number 1 city for new property acquisitions and developments according to the latest Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report Europe from PwC and the Urban Land Institute.

For the second year running, Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and home to one fifth of the ever expanding population, has topped the charts being ranked the number 1 city for development prospects according to the experts at PwC last year and more recently the best place to buy property in Europe according to a survey of some 600 real estate professionals.

Alexander Tomlinson, Istanbul property investment expert and Director of agency Gem Invest, comments,

“Istanbul remains one of the few locations in Europe, if not the world, with real property investment potential. The population of the city continues to grow year on year yet despite increased levels of construction there still remains a serious shortage of quality accommodation, some 250,000 units per annum.”

With a population of nearly 18 million people and a burgeoning middle class, demand for new build highly quality Western style housing continues to grow. The European side of the city remains the most sought after with suburbs such as Bahcesehir, just 20km to the west of the financial centre, becoming increasingly popular.

Tomlinson explains,

“Land prices in Istanbul’s dense CBD have risen so much so in recent years that developers are looking to the suburbs, especially those on the desirable European side, to construct affordable housing stock. Equally, many Istanbulites especially those with families, are attracted to areas such as Bahcesehir as they offer  green spaces as well as shopping malls, leisure activities and schools all within easy reach of the city centre.”

And it is apartments in areas such as Bahcesehir that are the most attractive from an international investment perspective. The ideal buy-to-let opportunity, studio, 1 or 2 bedroom apartments in modern new developments such as Belgravia Residence are affordable from £29,000 with investors able to enjoy both the strong capital growth expected as well as a 7% rental guarantee for 2 years. In addition 70% finance is available and as all purchases are in Sterling, there are no currency fluctuations to consider.

Just released to the market the modern luxury Belgravia Residence apartments are already receiving significant investor interest so to find out more contact Gem Invest today on +44 (0) 203 287 7440 or visit www.geminvest.net.

French ski season closes on a high with 17% increase in holiday rental enquiries

by Charlotte Ashton France

As the 2010/11 ski season enters its final throws, property owners in the Rhones-Alpes region of France should be pleased to hear of the 17% increase in holiday home booking enquiries received by the UK’s leading rental company, HomeAway.co.uk, compared to last season.

The most popular areas remained traditional family favourites with Chamonix Mont-Blanc topping the charts followed by Portes du Soleil and the desirable Val d’Isere – Tignes – Sainte Foy region.
Charlie Williams, Sales Manager of Terresens, one of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developers and a keen skier, comments,

“Despite concerns over early season snowfall levels, the 2010/11 ski season in France has been strong. I visited a number of resorts such as Flaine, Chamonix and the stunning Sainte-Foy throughout the season and on each occasion the slopes were busy and villages bustling not only with French but also British, German and Italian ski enthusiasts.”

And it is not only HomeAway.co.uk who has seen France’s popularity as a ski destination rise this year. The latest data from Ski Horizon, a leading ski travel operator, reveals that France proved to be Europe’s most popular location for skiing holidays in the 2010/11 season with the resorts of Morzine and Les Arcs being the most popular.

As Charlie Williams goes on to explain,

“It is no surprise that France remains the most sought after European ski destination. The sheer scale of the ski domains, the quality of the slopes, the first class facilities and the established nature of the resorts with everything on hand just cannot be rivalled in my opinion. Those looking to buy a ski property for personal use or to rent out can do no better than the French Alps.”

Indeed with tourism to the region on the increase, the rental market is looking robust. A 2 bedroom ski apartment in the exclusive Val d’Isere – Tignes – Sainte Foy area for example can produce a weekly rental income of £1,129 according to HomeAway.co.uk which when combined with capital appreciation of 7.48% per year over the last five years makes purchasing a property in this area highly lucrative. 
Luxury ski apartments in Sainte-Foy, the hidden gem of the Alps, only 15 minutes from Val ‘dIsere,  are in fact proving very popular with investors as prices remain affordable and they offer the best of both worlds through the established leaseback program.

Available from €164,000, the 4* one, two, three and four bedroom ski-in ski-out apartments are fully furnished with first class on-site amenities including indoor pool, spa, sauna, parking and ski locker. The apartments also hold an ecological rating of 112 (out of 150) – one of the hallmarks of Terresens properties.

As part of the leaseback program owners can now receive an additional 0.5% rental income on properties in La Chapelle raising the guaranteed returns to 4.3% for 18 years in addition to one week’s personal usage. This special offer only extends until 30th April 2011 and with only a limited number of units remaining now is the time to buy.

For more information about purchasing a ski property in France, the leaseback programme or the special offer at La Chapelle, Sainte Foy, contact Terresens today on +44 (0) 207 714 681 or visit www.terresens.co.uk.

Albania leads the Western Balkans towards economic recovery

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

The Western Balkan nation of Albania is leading the way in the region’s economic recovery according to the latest figures from the EC Economic and Financial Affairs Department’s ‘Candidate and Pre-Accession Countries’ Economic Quarterly Report’ Q4 2010.
Unlike many of its regional neighbours Albania weathered the economic crisis and avoided recession with 5.7% GDP growth recorded in Q4 2010 giving an average of 4.1% for the year. In contrast Croatia’s GDP fell by 0.6% in Q4 2010 compared to the same period in 2009 and the EU hopeful Republic of Macedonia saw only 2.3% growth. 
Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury resort located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline, comments,
“The outlook for Albania is most certainly positive for 2011. It has remained at the forefront of the Western Balkan nations during and post the crisis with economic growth driven by an increase in net exports as well as improvement in performance of the trade, hotel and restaurant sector.”
Albania has worked hard to reduce its public deficit by an impressive 58% in 2010 from 2009 levels in contrast to other Western Balkan nations including Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo which saw a continued deterioration of public finances last year.
In line with improved economic performance, unemployment levels are also down compared to the first half of 2011 with 2% year-on-year growth recorded for Q4 2010. Furthermore levels of FDI rose significantly by 17% last year which combined with Albania’s strong growth potential and movement towards EU accession enabled credit ratings agency, Standard and Poor’s, to maintain the nation’s credit rating at B+B last month.
Maharajah continues,
“Albania has the key fundamentals in place for a prosperous economy moving forwards with the government forecasting GDP growth to hover around 6% for 2012-1014 this will no doubt accelerate Albania’s accession to the EU.”
And it is this bright future that is attracting savvy investors from not only the UK but Scandinavia, Italy and the Balkans to invest in Albania. Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa has sold over half of its first allocation of 5* apartments with a healthy interest in the 3 and 4 bedroom villas.
Studio apartments designed by the internationally acclaimed architects Woods Bagot start from as little as €29,000 so to reserve yours today call +44 (0) 845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Sharm el Sheikh property buyers take advantage of low Egyptian Pound

by Charlotte Ashton Egypt

Where many might shy away, the most savvy property investors are looking towards Egypt in light of the recent crisis to purchase Sharm el Sheikh property. The record drop in value in the Egyptian Pound means that it has never been a better time to buy in successful tourist resorts either for a holiday home or buy to let investment.

Understandably, a novice property buyer might be wary of investing in a region that has experienced some political turmoil over the last few months, however experienced property investors in Sharm el Sheik property will know that construction has been unaffected as the protests were localised and so the resorts did not experience any of the looting or damage as in Cairo.
With 1 British Pound buying 9.74236 Egyptian Pounds as of 23rd March 2011, property investors can purchase a total of 224,074 Egyptian Pounds for £23,000. If we compare what the same amount would have bought at the beginning of 2011 when the rate was 1 GBP=8.96538 EGP, we notice a dramatic advantage to the overseas property investor as £23,000 would have purchased only 206,203 EGP. This means that investors who purchased in March rather than January 2011 have made an extra of 17,871 Egyptian Pounds!
As Steven Worboys, Managing Director of Experience International, the property investment specialists notes:
“The most long-sighted investors will turn events as have occurred in Egypt into an opportunity, there has never been a better time to invest in Sharm el Sheikh property due to the low Egyptian pound…They say a week is a long time in politics; it’s an even longer time in the world of investment property!”
Property agents have observed steady sales throughout February and an upward trend in March. Egyptian property prices have certainly not dropped and some developments are set to increase their prices as they finish the first phase of construction.
One of the most popular resorts is the Maraqia development in Sharm El Sheikh. Investors can purchase 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments spread over 40,000 m² with surrounding gardens and swimming pools. Set next to the mountains of Nabq and minutes away from 5* Hotels and facilities, this project is destined to be one of the most luxurious high class residential areas in the Sharm el Sheikh property range and prices start from only £39,170.
Another development that has attracted both international investors and those looking for a second holiday home is the Sunny Lakes development in Naama Bay in Sharm. The low density apartments offer spacious 1 bed apartments from 70 m2 and 2 bed apartments from 95m² all with swimming pool views. The option of management and rental services are also available making Sunny Lakes the ideal property purchase both for personal use and as a buy-to-let investment.
For more information on investing in Sharm el Sheik property in 2011 please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa awarded first building permits

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

In what is considered a major step forward for Albania’s growing tourism industry, Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the first major luxury resort project to be launched in Albania has been awarded its first building and site construction permits.

Ravin Maharajah, partner in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa said:
“We are very pleased to be taking the next important step in the construction of this new resort. We’ve been working hard to get the architectural plans spot-on for phase 1 and we are absolutely delighted at the progress being made.
 “We are now looking forward to finalising many of the details regarding the site’s infrastructure and starting construction in the coming months.”
Mr Maharajah continues:
“The support from the local Mayor’s office in Sukth has been extremely encouraging and the speed at which this application has been processed goes to show how beneficial this resort will be to the local area.”
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has been working in conjunction with construction partner Trema Engineering. Trema are 51% owned by Austrian construction giant Strabag and have extensive experience in major construction projects. They have a strong track record in delivering projects on-time and on-budget, Tirana’s new airport being one of their previous projects.
For more information on villas and apartments in Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa available from €29,000, call today on +44 (0)845 125 8600 UK or +355 44 303 93 Albania or visit www.lalzitbay.com.