In case you haven’t already seen… Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa has gone social!

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

For all our latest Albanian property news, country information, local what’s on updates and company facts then join the Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa community on our Blog and Facebook. For snippets and sound bites of news – why not follow us on Twitter .
Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa is set to provide the first 5 star international holiday and home experience available in Albania. This resort will lead the field in the Balkans and is a fabulously exciting project offering villas and apartments for sale on the stunning Adriatic Sea coast. The services, amenities and uncompromising luxury that are planned for Lalzit Bay will make it one of the most desirable resort destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean.
We’ll look forward to connecting with you soon!
Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa

Calabria – Firmly Back on Overseas Property Buyers’ Radars in 2011

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 The land of wine, the City of Bronze; the Coast of the Gods; Calabria has been known by many names throughout the centuries, it is now is had firmly established itself as a property investment hot-spot. One of Italy’s best kept secrets, Calabria has emerged as the destination of choice for many people looking to invest in a property abroad with great potential.

 

Located on the tip of the southern Italian peninsula, the province has much to offer in the way of fine cuisine, stunning natural scenery and friendly local hospitality. Not only do the cities have a rich heritage which includes both Greek and Roman influences, the region also boasts some of Italy’s most noted vineyards.

 

An all-year round tourist resort, Calabria offers a warm Mediterranean climate that caters to both sun-aficionados and winter sports enthusiasts. The EU has committed funds to improve the areas infrastructure and transport networks as part of the 2007-13 EU cohesion plan. 

 

Italy’s abolition of inheritance tax, its full membership of the EU and bank guarantee on property, meaning that should a developer default on the build the client’s funds will be protected, all make the nation a favourable investment environment. In addition, there is no capital gains tax on a property that is resold after 5 years.

 

Those who already own property in Calabria will be pleased to hear that low-cost airline Ryanair will be re-introducing the very much in demand route from London to Lemezia Terme International in April this year. Monarch airlines will also be commencing routes this summer, reflecting the popularity of Calabria as both a tourist and second-home destination.

 

One development in particular in Calabria which has been attracting a lot of attention is the Zambrone Beach resort which offers luxury apartments with amazing sea views from only 229,000 Euros. There is direct access to a private beach, a roof top Jacuzzi and BBQ area. 60% finance is available and properties can be reserved with a mere 3000 Euros.

 

For investors who are looking for their perfect Italian villa, the Baia Verde resort is an excellent option. A detached 3 bedroom fully furnished villa can be purchased from 325,000 Euros. This low-density development offers investors their own pocket of Italian rural charm yet is located only 10 minutes away from the nearest beach.

 

Experience International, the Italian property experts, is offering prospective buyers the chance to inspect a range of apartments and villas in Calabria with their tailored discovery tours for only £99 per person including accommodation and flights.

 

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International comments,

 

“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.”

 

If you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 for an overview and further information, or visit www.experience-international.com. 

Turn the Downturn around by investing in Detroit!

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 The financial downturn in the US has presented a unique opportunity for people to buy repossessed homes at prices 65% below their peak values in 2006. Properties across the US are being snapped up by savvy investors looking for a bargain.

 

In particular, the buzzword ‘foreclosure’ in the American real estate market is generating substantial interest from international property investors who are looking for a hassle-free investment with guaranteed returns.

 

Foreclosures are properties that have been repossessed by banks who are usually unwilling to take on the responsibility of managing the properties and paying their relevant taxes. In Q3 of 2010, foreclosures accounted for a quarter of US residential sales (Realty Trac).

 

This has created a new market whereby specialist agents take on these properties and commit to refurbishing them to levels above national housing averages. They then sell them on to landlords who agree to rent them out to suitable tenants.

 

One city in the US has drawn the most interest due to its location, sophisticated network of businesses and residential homes and strategic transport and motorway links; Detroit has been a focal point for investors both within the US and internationally.

 

Formerly known for its legendary Mowtown music and car industry, Detroit is now famous for its cut-price homes. The area has benefited from a huge demand for affordable housing available for rent with unemployment decreasing due to the renaissance in manufacturing in Detroit.

 

The major appeal to investing in Detroit is the US government backed rental scheme which helps to place tenants eligible for subsidised housing. If a qualifying family earn between $22-35,000 the government will pay for at least 80% of their rent direct to the landlord under ‘Section 8’ of the subsidy program.

 

Investors can reserve a property in Detroit, Michigan from only £27,273 cash plus £1,500 buying costs. This is a hands free investment as all the properties are managed by experienced local managing agents. The properties are provided fully refurbished and typical net rental yields range from 14-16%.

 

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International who markets these properties comments:

 

“A lot of prospective investors might not have considered Detroit as a property investment destination before, however the comparatively high net yields are convincing many to seriously consider Detroit as a respectable, reliable and rewarding investment!”

 

If you are interested in taking advantage of this unique opportunity please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 for an overview and further information, or visit www.experience-international.com.

Going for Gold – The race is on to invest in London’s Hotels

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 With the schedule of events announced for the 2012 Games, Olympic fever is hotting up in the host city of London. But it’s not only the competing athletes going for gold; the race is on to invest in London’s booming hotel market.

 

As TRI Hospitality Consulting reported, London’s hotel market is going from “strength to strength”, currently outperforming most other European cities including failed 2012 Olympic Games bid city Paris, Madrid, Rome, Berlin and Amsterdam.

 

In line with wider economic recovery, the UK is now entering a new hotel cycle with demand for upscale hotels increasing and room rates rising. According to the world class corporate travel services company, Hogg Robinson Group, London room rates increased by 3% in 2010 and Deloitte predicts a 2.2% increase in revPAR (revenue per available room) in 2011.

 

With over 500,000 visitors expected at the 2012 Games demand for hotel accommodation in the Capital will be massive. Current stocks are unable to meet this demand and therefore leading global hotel brands such as Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) which owns 5% of the world’s hotel rooms, are actively expanding their London portfolios.

 

Capitalising on the demand for luxury accommodation in London (PwC predicts a 27% increase in luxury hotel rooms between now and the Olympic Games), work has already commenced on IHG’s flagship Docklands hotel – the 4* Holiday Inn West India Dock Road.

 

As an official Olympic partner, Holiday Inn West India Dock Road will be a feeder hotel for the much anticipated games affording a prime strategic location adjacent to Westferry DLR station and only 15 minutes to the Olympic Park at Stratford. 

 

Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International based in Central London who are marketing the hotel, comments,

 

“IHG, owners of the Holiday Inn brand, are confident of high occupancy levels at West India Dock Road forecasting 70% occupancy in year 1 rising to 80% from year 2 onwards which will in turn deliver double-digit yields of 10.7% in year 5 and thereafter. Construction has already commenced at the Docklands site with completion due Q1 2012, months before the start of the Games.”

 

Hotel rooms in phase 1 sold within weeks of launch to buyers from all over the world including the Far East, and now in response to demand a limited number of hotel suites have now been released including some on the sought-after upper floors.

 

The 4* luxury rooms will include high specification en-suite bathrooms, bespoke Holiday Inn bed and bed linen, built in MP3 docking point, LCD TV, WiFi and flexible zoned areas to work and relax in.

 

Fully managed and operated by Holiday Inn, executive rooms are available at 19% below official RICS valuation at £189,000 however with non-status finance available a deposit (secured by insurance bond) of just £65,000 is required. 

 

For more information about investing in London’s booming hotel market or indeed the limited number of new luxury hotel suites at Holiday Inn West India Dock Road contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858  or visit www.experience-international.com.

Europe’s Number 1 City for Property Sees 28.5% Increase in Foreign Tourist Arrivals

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

Voted Europe’s number 1 city for property by Price Waterhouse Coopers, Istanbul was one of the most active and prosperous global property markets in 2010. And with the latest official data revealing a 28.5% increase in tourist arrivals this January, all eyes remain fixed on the city where east meets west in 2011.
 
According to official figures from the Turkish Culture and Tourism Ministry Istanbul, the number of foreign tourist arrivals for January increased by 28.5% from 294,352 in January 2010 to 378,380 last month placing increased pressure on already saturated accommodation stock.
 
Due to its strategic location, Istanbul attracts visitors from all over the world with Germany topping the list in January, followed by Russia, Italy, Iran, Britain and the US. The economic powerhouse of Turkey, which has recorded strong economic growth rates averaging 7.5% over the last 5 years, can currently be accessed by three existing airports (Ataturk, Sabiha Gokcen and Karakoy) which have seen continued growth in passenger numbers and a new international airport, the largest in Turkey, is planned for the western suburbs.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Istanbul property experts Experience International, comments,
 
“Istanbul presented some of the most successful property investment opportunities for our clients in 2010. We at Experience International identified the key fundamentals of limited supply and massive demand at play in the city and it comes as no surprise that Istanbul’s property potential has now been recognized by over 600 real estate experts in the recent Price Waterhouse Coopers survey.”
 
Demand for quality accommodation in the city both to meet increasing numbers of visitors and the influx of economic migrants shows no signs of abating with the market moving fast and new off-plan developments with secure rental returns proving particularly popular. Phase 1 of one residential development, The Hamptons, located in the burgeoning western suburb of Beylikdüzü was all but sold out within weeks of launch and only a handful of studio and 1 bedroom luxury apartments remain.
 
Being sold off-plan The Hamptons offers superb value for money with studio and 1 bedroom apartments available from £33,000 complete with a choice of views over the mighty Bosphrous or the city centre, communal swimming pool, gym, sauna, shops, parking and landscaped gardens. Built by one of the most established developers in Istanbul, The Hamptons is due for completion ahead of schedule in August 2011 enabling investors to start receiving their 7.5% rental guarantee (fixed for 2 years) in six months time.
 
With real estate experts predicting that property prices in Istanbul could double or even triple in 5 years time, significant capital appreciation can also be expected on buy to let investments such as The Hamptons. As Steven Worboys concludes,
 
“Istanbul should be on any savvy buy to let investors’ radar in 2011. Follow the experts and capitalise on the massive demand for quality housing in the city, low entry levels, up to 75% non-status finance and protected rental income – now is the right time to invest.”
 
For more information about investing in Istanbul and indeed the last units remaining at The Hamptons, contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

A Perfectly Profitable Paradise – More reasons to invest in the Philippines

by Charlotte Ashton The Philippines

If you are thinking about investing in the Philippines you’ll be pleased to hear that the World Bank has ranked the Philippines as one of the world’s 10 most improved economies in facilitating trade and investment across borders.

 

The Philippines has improved 7 places in the last year alone from 68 to 61 in the World Bank’s rankings for trading across borders (out of 183 economies). It takes for example an average of 21 days in the Philippines to obtain a construction permit whilst the regional average stands at 45 days.

 

The government of the Philippines is continuing its effort to improve conditions for international investors. One such measure has been to draw up a ‘Magna Carta’ for investors, designed to protect the rights of people investing in the Philippines. According to the Department of Trade and Industry this bill is likely to be finalised and passed early next year.

 

The government is actively encouraging foreign investment in a variety of industries including energy, technology and tourism. Special TIEZA’s (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) have been created to provide incentives for international investors. Some of these include tax and duty free importation of capital investment, equipment and transportation.

 

It may come as a surprise to many that the Philippines is the third largest English speaking country in the world with a large expatriate community. This makes it an attractive location for both tourists and investors.

 

Millions of tourists continue to be attracted to the amazing beaches, world class dive spots, exotic volcanoes and of course the 7,000 plus islands. Tourist numbers are expected to grow to just over 3.8 million by 2012, representing an 8.4% growth rate from this year (Govt of Philippines).

 

As Steven Worboys, MD of Philippines property experts, Experience International, comments,

 

“International investors are more confident than ever in choosing the Philippines as their investment destination. One of the most popular locations has been Mactan Island in Cebu province which provides a fantastic opportunity to benefit from the rising tourist numbers, rich natural biodiversity and wide range of resources this island has to offer.”

 

One property development which has received particular investor interest is the 5* Blue Coral Resort & Spa, frontline residences on Mactan Island. With first class facilities overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Bohol Straits, the newly released hotel suites, studios, 2 bed apartments and 2 bed luxury pool villas start from $83,500 with an impressive 21% guaranteed annual income. In addition 60% non-status finance is available and the resort will be managed by a world-leading tour operator guaranteeing 80% occupancy.

 

For more information about investing in the perfectly profitable paradise which is the Philippines in 2011 and indeed the Blue Coral Resort & Spa contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com. 

Albania receives further accolades from around the world

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

Already this year Albania has scooped the No1 position as the top European destination for 2011 by the reputable Lonely Planet Guides. It was then tipped as “one of this year’s most intriguing prospects – partly for its quiet, affordable Mediterranean beaches, partly for its rugged landscape” by the FT and Wanderlust and NOW this hot destination has been selected by America’s CNN as one of their Top 9 Destinations to Travel To in 2011.
 
CNN’s hotlist has been created by the expert recommendations of Robert Reid – little known in the UK but in the US he is dubbed as ‘one of the most celebrated travel writers of our time’, Pauline Frommers of Frommer’s guidebook fame and Martin Rapp – a big wig in the US travel industry. 
 
Only two Eastern European countries made it into the CNN list – Albania ranking 5 and Bulgaria scraping in at number 9. CNN writes: “Albania gives travellers a taste of the Mediterranean without the crowds and the prices.”
 
As Ravin Maharajah, property developer of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa in Albania comments: “Albania is undoubtedly in its infancy for tourism and this is just such an exciting time to be involved in the country.”
 
Maharajah goes on to say: “We are anticipating seeing a steady increase in tourism to Albania over the next couple of years which will go from strength to strength as this little known slice of the Med increases in popularity. According to the most recently published figures from Albania Tourism, the first three quarters of 2009 saw visitor numbers rise by 42.5% and tourism figures are estimated at circa 3 million in 2010. The World Travel and Tourism Council are predicting strong and sustained growth in this sector.
 
“We are confident that by the time our resort is built and fully functioning that Albania will be well and truly on the tourist map and this will be tremendous news for early investors. Early investment in this budding country is most definitely the best option as indicators show that the prices will rise on the development long before completion.”
 
For more information on Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Calabria ready for take-off in 2011 as Ryanair flights return

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Holiday makers and homeowners alike will welcome news that low-cost airline, Ryanair, is set to reintroduce the popular London to Calabria route from March 2011.

Operating thrice weekly flights (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from March and adding an additional Sunday flight from 1st April, Ryanair will fly the direct route from London Stansted to Lamezia Terme International in the heart of the popular southern region of Calabria.
The return of the Ryanair route, in addition to the introduction of the new Monarch route this summer from London Gatwick to Lamezia Terme, is testament to the popularity of Calabria both as a tourist and second property destination. 
The latest operating data from the Calabrian airport reveals a 16% increase in passenger numbers, from just over 1.6 million in 2009 to 1.9 million in 2010 with presence of Ryanair expected to boost traffic further in 2011.
Anticipating this demand, plans are underway for the expansion and improvement of facilities at Lamezia Terme including 500 additional parking spaces, construction of a new dedicated “Low Cost Airlines” terminal, new office tower with restaurant and exhibition space, a new airport hotel – Aerotel, and a new reception hall.
As Calabrian property expert and MD of Experience International, Steven Worboys, comments,
“The investment into Lamezia Terme aiport and commitment to new routes from Ryanair and Monarch are encouraging signs for Calabria. Only 3 hours from the UK, the region is a true international property hotspot offering everything that second home owners desire yet prices still remain affordable.”
The strengthening of the Pound against the Euro is also driving the market forward with interest in off-plan developments in particular increasing due to their attractive price points. Napitia Hills for example has been selling strongly with buyers keen to secure the 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 3 bedroom townhouses with panoramic sea views at pre-release prices.
This low density development, perched at the most elevated point of the traditional Calabrian town of Pizzo and just 45 minutes from Lamezia Terme airport, offers the exclusive units from only €75,582 with landscaped gardens, BBQ area and swimming pools on site.
For more information on the new flights to Calabria and indeed Napitia Hills please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Liverpool student housing stock under pressure as university applications soar

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

With the latest figures released from UCAS revealing a 2.5% increase in applicants for university places for the 2011/12 academic year, the last before the tuition fee cap increase, concerns over the pressure sure to be placed on already stretched student housing stock in Liverpool, home to some of the top universities in the country, is mounting.
Liverpool is one of the most established centres in the UK for higher education, with leading institutions including The University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool Hope University and The Liverpool University of Performing Arts.
The combined student population currently stands at 53,000, almost 12% of the city’s total population, with students from over 100 countries in the world enrolled.
Demand from this student population for housing is steadily rising with the Knight Frank Student Report 2010 revealing that Liverpool has seen the highest growth in terms of higher education student accommodation along with Leeds and Bristol, 13% increase in rental growth between the 2008/9 and 2009/10 academic years.
But as Steven Worboys, MD of student accommodation investment experts Experience International, comments, there is a supply shortage, 
“Across the country as a whole there is a significant shortage of high-quality student accommodation and Liverpool is no different. The surge in applicants for the 2011/12 academic year, especially from overseas students (7.9% increase in EU applicants and 5% for non-EU residents) who expect a high standard of accommodation is driving forward the student buy-to-let market, presenting investment opportunities which are low risk, hassle free and high yielding.”
In response to this demand a number of strategically located buildings located near the city centre are being refurbished into high specification, modern student housing units. One such project is Bold Street, the fourth residential development from Liverpool’s leading student management company with over 10 years’ experience.
Located in the heart of the City, only a few minutes walk to Liverpool John Moores and Liverpool Community College campuses and less than 400m from Liverpool Lime Street station, Bold Street will comprise high specification fully modernised student pods with state of the art facilities including a fully equipped gymnasium.
All pods include a flat screen TV, wash basins as standard and internet connection. In addition there will be a media and computer room with printing facilities and a key fob security entry system. Communal areas will include lounges with 52” flat screen TVs, fully fitted kitchens with appliances and dining areas and modern bathrooms and shower.
Ready for the start of the 2011/12 academic year, Bold Street offers 9.53% net annual yield with the management company guaranteeing the income in year 1. With a purchase price of just £43,500 this student development is proving highly popular and is selling fast.
For more information about investing in student accommodation or indeed purchasing a unit at Bold Street contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com. 
 

New direct flights set to boost the Paris of South America in 2011

by Charlotte Ashton World

 The “Paris of South America”, Buenos Aires, is set to receive a boost this year as a new daily non-stop service from London, operated by British Airways, will commence from March 27th.

 

Previously BA flights to the capital of Argentina involved a connection in Sao Paulo but due to passenger demand a new direct flight will be introduced making it even easier to reach South America’s second largest metropolitan area.

 

In the decade since the economic crisis of 2001, Argentina has worked hard to establish economic prosperity, boasting five straight years of 9% GDP growth through 2007 and impressive GDP of 8% for 2010.

 

The nation’s booming economy, primarily based on agricultural and natural resource exports, manufacturing and telecommunications has attracted significant levels of foreign direct investment. Labelled by the Financial Times as “China’s New Investment Frontier”, Argentina has seen levels of Chinese investment go from millions to US$ 2.45 billion in the last decade. 

 

In addition the tourism sector is also rapidly expanding; the Argentine Ministry of Tourism expected more than 5 million foreigners to visit the country in 2010, 15.5% more than in 2009, generating revenue of US$470 billion.

 

This increase in tourism numbers is in turn having a positive effect on Argentina’s housing market. Identified as a “future high growth luxury residential market” by the Knight Frank Global Property Wealth Survey 2010 and one of the “most favourable destinations” for hotel investment in 2011 by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, the South American hotspot of Argentina offers a wealth of opportunity both for domestic and international property buyers.

 

Demand for high quality accommodation around Buenos Aires is particularly high with country clubs proving popular both as retreats for city workers but also permanent residences in their own right. Offering the best of both worlds, country clubs such as the 5* Camino Real Polo & Country Club located just 35 minutes from Buenos Aires, allow residents to enjoy the true Argentinian countryside, first class on-site amenities and easy access to the city for work.

 

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, who is exclusively marketing the hotel suites available at Camino Real, comments,

 

“Investing in aparthotels remains a popular choice for investors due to the high returns available and hassle free management. Combining this booming asset class with a growing economy such as Argentina is surely a recipe for success!”

 

Hotel suites at the 5*Las Rosas hotel at Camino Real are selling fast. Set within the 770 acre Polo & Country Club, lake view hotel suites are available from £87,500 with up to 18.8% projected NET rental yield. 60% 10 year non- status developer finance is also available along with two weeks annual stay with free polo lessons.

 

For more information on investing in Argentina and the Las Rosas aparthotel contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com