La Chapelle, Sainte Foy, Tarentaise, France La Chapelle is a luxurious 4* block of 68 apartments provides both a fantastic lifestyle opportunity and also a strong investment with guaranteed & index-linked returns for 18+ years with a very st

by Charlotte Ashton France

With over a fifth of France covered in mountains, it’s no surprise that many of the world’s finest ski resorts are located in the French Alps. From the mega resorts of Chamonix, Val d’Isere and Meribel to the hidden gems of Avoriaz, La Rosiere and Sainte-Foy Tarentaise, skiing is big business generating over $10 billion each year.

For over half of Britons, France is the number one choice for a skiing holiday capitalising on the reliable snowfall, hundreds of kilometres of runs for all abilities and ease of accessibility from the UK. But for many snow bunnies just visiting for a few days each year is not enough and owning a ski chalet is high on Santa’s wish list.
But with hundreds of resorts dotted across the Alps and thousands of properties to suit every taste and budget, the choice can seem daunting. How do you find the perfect ski chalet?
Experience International’s resident French property expert and ski enthusiast, Ed Scott shares his top 5 tips for buying a ski chalet:
1.       Choose the right resort –Think about what you want from a resort: the reliability of the snow (check the altitude), variety of runs, access to off-piste, number of ski lifts, cost of ski passes, availability of lessons and the all-important après ski facilities. If possible take time to visit your favourite resorts, speak with local residents and other property owners to get a feel for what life is really like in the area – both in winter and summer.
2.       How are you going to get there? The volcanic ash cloud earlier this year affected many skiers travel plans with flights from the UK to popular Alpine access airports such as Geneva and Grenoble suspended. Reaching your ski property by air is often the cheapest, easiest and quickest way however owning a home near train stations such as Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne or Bourg St Maurice which are served in only 7 hours by the Eurostar ski train direct from St Pancras International offers you and potential renters greater flexibility.
3.       What to buy? The Alps offers a wide range of property types from purpose built apartments to grand chalets of traditional design. Of course what you choose to purchase will be influenced by your budget but most buyers opt for affordable apartments located in purpose-built developments close to the resort. A typical studio apartment will sleep 2 people and a one bedroom, 4 people with kitchen, bathroom and a ski locker for storage. Consider the location of the desired development; is it truly ski-in ski-out? How far is it to the lifts and essential amenities?
4.       Maximise your investment – Unless you are relocating to the Alps, your ski property will most likely stand empty for some periods of time. Why not maximise your investment by renting the property out either directly or via a management agency? Purchasing a leaseback ski property is a very popular option as it allows you to enjoy personal usage as well as a guaranteed income as the property is rented out by experienced management companies to holiday makers year round.
5.       Consider finance options – Contrary to popular belief, owning a ski property in the Alps can be affordable. Mortgages are widely available through brokers such as Athena Mortgages who arrange 1 in 5 mortgages for property in the Alps. Leaseback properties also offer finance packages, in some cases up to 100%, this combined with the rental guarantee makes them even more attractive to buyers.
To find your perfect ski property contact the expert Ed Scott at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Find your perfect ski property with the new winter issue of Focus on France magazine – out now!

by Charlotte Ashton France

With the winter season about to get underway finding the perfect ski property is at the forefront of many people’s minds.

But before you dig out those snow boots, dust off those skis and brush up on your high-school French, read the new winter issue of Focus on France magazine.
Your essential guide to the finest leaseback and freehold property available, the complimentary Focus on France magazine is highly popular with property buyers and Francophiles alike.
As Editor and MD of Experience International (who produce the magazine) Steven Worboys, comments,
“Focus on France meets the demand for quality information about buying property in France, not only from Britons but from people all over the world. Property sales in France remained stable throughout the summer season with leaseback homes proving particularly popular and now as we move now into the winter season, attentions are turning to finding the perfect ski property in the popular French Alps.”
The fully updated winter issue of Focus on France features:
ü Latest property market news
ü Editor’s Choice:  Top ski resorts in the Alps
ü Living in the Alps by off-piste skier Wayne Watson
ü French property expert Ed Scott’s top tips for buying a ski chalet
ü Best Buys – the finest properties on the market today
To receive your complimentary winter issue of Focus on France magazine today visit http://www.frenchleaseback.org or call + 44 (0) 207 321 5858.

Istanbul’s western suburbs set for take-off as Turkey’s largest airport given the green light

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

The western suburbs of Istanbul are set for take-off with plans for the largest airport in Turkey given the green light by Istanbul’s Mayor, Kadir Topbas.

The Silivri district, located on the European side of the city, will be the location of Istanbul’s third airport which will have capacity several times greater than the existing Istanbul Ataturk Airport nearby.
Ataturk International is currently the main gateway to Istanbul, European Capital of Culture 2010, with nearly 30 million arrivals in 2009 and a 13% increase seen in the first four months of 2010. On the Asian side, the new Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport, home to many of the budget airlines serving Istanbul including easyJet, has seen phenomenal growth in recent years rising from a mere 50,000 passengers in 2001 to more than 5 million in the first half of 2010 and over 11 million expected by the end of the year.
As Steven Worboys, MD of Turkish property experts, Experience International, comments,
“Turkey’s tourism levels as a whole in 2010 have been impressive with a 12% increase in UK visitors recorded in the first nine months taking the total number of international visitors to 23 million so far this year according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Istanbul has welcomed a large proportion of these visitors placing increased pressure on existing transportation systems and accommodation.”
In response to this demand, some 2,270 hotel rooms are planned to be built in Istanbul by western brands including Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Radisson Blu and Shangri-La according to hotel market analysis STR Global. In addition a number of buy-to-let residential developments are under construction, especially in the western districts such as Büyükçekmece which borders Silivri, home to the new airport. 
A new phase has just been released at Crystal Heights with 1 and 2 bedroom luxury apartments in the booming western suburbs available from £68,000 with a 2 year 7% protected rental guarantee and 70% finance available (subject to status).
For more information about the new airport planned at Silivri and investing in Istanbul then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Paris ranks most popular destination in France with British property buyers

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

According to latest figures, Paris ranks the single most popular location in France accounting for over 15% of homes owed by Britons.
 
Statistics compiled by INSEE (National Institute for Statistics and Economic Studies in France) from the country’s most recent census show that 20,500 of the 135,000 Britons living in France have their permanent home in or close to the Capital.
 
Paris has also been voted the 2nd ‘favourite holiday destination’ for 2011 in the Frommer’s travel guidebook series global poll.
 
Over 30 million visitors arrived in Paris in 2009 and the British love affair with the city of romance has been further accelerated by the speedy and frequent Eurostar services direct from London.
 
Not only a tourist destination however, Paris is one of Europe’s premier business centres with 900,000 business meetings held in Ile de France each year generating massive demand for quality accommodation in the city.
 
Real estate is a highly sought after gem in Paris and the French property specialists at Experience International have an exceptional opportunity for investors to purchase in the first new build development in central Paris since 2006 close to the Gare de Lyon and Bastille.
 
Rue de Reuilly has just been launched offering buyers studio and 1 bed apartments with 18 years guaranteed returns and 99% LTV finance on a secure government scheme.
 
Priced at just €214,000, for more information, please contact Experience International on 0207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Albania is Lonely Planet’s Number One

by Charlotte Ashton Albania

 

Lonely Planet, last week, announced their top 10 places to visit in 2011. Albania hit the number one spot!
 
The respected travel company enthused: “Since backpackers started coming to elusive Albania in the 1990s, tales have been told in ‘keep it to yourself’ whispers of azure beaches, confrontingly good cuisine, heritage sites, nightlife, affordable adventures and the possibility of old-style unplanned journeys complete with open-armed locals… Albania won’t be off the beaten track for much longer.”
 
And with tourism arrivals reportedly up by 36% in the first half of 2009 (compared to the same period in 2008) and the Government expecting up to 3 million visitors by the end of 2010, it could be that the secret is already out! Holiday makers and property investors alike are beginning to focus on this emerging Balkan hotspot.
 
Ravin Maharajah, Albanian resort developer offers five top reasons why property investors should consider Albania:
 
1.                   EU accession is expected in 2014– and with it will come the Euro which will undoubtedly mean property prices will rise. So best beat the Euro and buy now.
2.                   Global investments in infrastructure – massive overseas investment has meant that Albania is benefiting from a huge overhaul in transportation. For instance 100’s of km of new roads, new ports, overhaul of the rail network and expansion of the International airport of Tirana
3.                   Location Location Location – Albania is the perfect stepping stone for travelers to explore central Europe. This used to be the exclusive right for intrepid backpackers – but not so anymore. With Montenegro, Croatia, Serbia and Kosovo to the North, Macedonia to the East and Greece lying to the South, your options are endless. Italy is 60 km west of Albania and a ferry service operates to Puglia.
4.                   Beautiful Scenery – Unexplored, untouched natural beauty – Albania has great diversity. A coastline which boasts 450 km of lagoons and wetlands and beaches, the largest tectonic lake in the Balkans and vast mountain ranges which offer anything from hiking and caving to skiing.
5.                   Cosmopolitan Capital – Tirana is truly a cross between Western Europe and old Russia, with a sprinkling of the Middle East thrown in. It has triumphed over its recently troubled past to emerge as a jewel in Eastern Europe. Its population has nearly doubled in the last eight years and Tirana has reinvented itself to become an energetic, vibrant, cosmopolitan city, worthy of exploration.
With so much going for it, Albania should be a serious contender for savvy investors looking to branch away from mainstream Europe and have a taste of something new and exciting.  
 
As the Lonely Planet goes on to say: “Not just the preserve of the adventurous, Albania is a warm sincerely hospitable country – with enough rough edges to keep it interesting.”
 
Ravin Maharajah, of Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa, an upscale frontline resort development just north of Durres, says:
 
“100% capital growth has been seen in the last 5 years and Albania still offers some of the lowest prices for quality coastal property. Our Lalzit Bay development is just a 40 minute drive from Tirana and set in an area of outstanding beauty.”
 
Prices on the development start from only €50,400 and guaranteed rental yields are being offered on Phase I only at 6% per annum for two years. For more information please go to www.lalzitbay.com or call 0845 125 8600.

Student accommodation makes the investment grade as university applications soar

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

With the Government announcing a potential doubling of tuition fees as of autumn 2012, universities across the UK are seeing surge in the number of applicants for 2011 degree places.
 
The number of applications for 2011 degree courses has risen by over 4%, in real terms an extra 3,000 students, which will no doubt place increased pressure not only on course sizes but also student accommodation.
 
De Montfort University in Leicester is one centre for Higher Education which has seen a marked increase in the number of applications over the last couple of years yet reports an 800 room shortage of accommodation for their budding undergraduates.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of property investment experts Experience International, comments,
 
“More and more young people are attending university today; nearly 500,000 have been accepted into Higher Education in 2010 according to UCAS. For many, attending university will mean living away from home, often for the first time, and it is essential that appropriate student accommodation is available however in many instances the number of rooms just doesn’t meet the demand.”
 
Leicester, the 10th largest city in the UK, is home to two well-established universities namely The University of Leicester and De Montfort University which house over 38,000 students combined. Both of these universities are popular with students seeking further education from across the country and maintain a healthy intake of students from outside the UK generating massive demand for accommodation.
 
In response to this growing demand a number of new residential developments are being constructed aimed specifically at the student sector. One such project is Fiveways House, ideally located just over half a mile west of the city centre, one mile north of the De Montfort University City Campus and one and a half miles from the University of Leicester.
 
These refurbished apartments will be of the highest specification with studio, en-suite and twin studio apartments available as well as a gym, swimming pool and leisure facilities on site. Fully managed by the UK’s top student rental company, Fiveways House is proving extremely popular with investors as the units are priced at 25% below independent RICS valuation, offer 7% per annum fixed income for 5 years and up to 65% non-status finance is available.
 

Investment is from only £20,000 so for more information contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

For the highest rental returns this season look to French ski property in the Three Valleys

by Charlotte Ashton France

 

Dig out those snow boots, dust off those skis and practice those parallel turns – the 2010/2011 ski season is just around the corner. But with hundreds of resorts to choose from, where is the best place to buy a French ski property?
According to the latest data from leading holiday rental site, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, investors seeking high rental incomes should look at the Three Valleys which boasts the highest average weekly rental rate of £1,200 for a 2 bedroom chalet.
Despite ranking fourth most popular resort within the French Alps by number of enquiries, the Three Valleys, home to the prestigious ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires, trumps neighbouring Tignes Sainte Foy, Les Arcs and Portes du Soleil where average rental incomes are only £1,130, £970 and £960 per week respectively.
Ed Scott, ski enthusiast and French Alps property expert at Experience International, comments,
“It’s not hard to see why chalets in Les Trois Vallées or Three Valleys are so popular. It’s the largest ski area in the world with more than 600km of ski slopes, 120km for cross-country skiing and 183 ski lifts. With a top elevation of 3,230m, snowfall in the Three Valleys is very reliable but just in case there are 1,920 snow cannons in place.”
The resort of Les Menuires, located in the Belleville valley of Les Trois Vallées, in particular offers French ski property owners strong rental incomes. Situated at an altitude of 1,850m, the vibrant resort enjoys a long ski season thus maximising rental potential. Most ski slopes start or finish close to the town creating a friendly and lively atmosphere in the piste-side bars and restaurants and the resort is very popular with the French as well as international visitors.
Les Chalets du Doron, with its picturesque riverside setting, has proved some of the most sought after French ski property for sale. Comprising two individual chalets, the charming architecture of these properties will reflect the traditions of the region and blend with the natural stunning Alpine landscape. The ski lift is located less than a 10 minute walk enabling easy access to the slopes.
Only two luxury chalets remain at Les Chalets du Doron from €780,000 for a 2/3 bed and €1,250,000 for a 3/4 bed. For more information about this superb French ski property development contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk. 
 

El Gouna shines as Egyptian holiday hotspot

by Charlotte Ashton Egypt

 

Despite the global downturn, it seems that Egypt remains one of the most sought-after holiday destinations with a 13% increase in the number of British visitors according to the latest data from the ONS’s International Passenger Survey.
 
Comparing British passenger numbers to the same time last year, the UK Office for National Statistics revealed substantial growth in the number of all-inclusive holidays to Egypt booked by Britons.
 
The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada remained popular but according to leading holiday rental site, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, it is the area just north of Hurghada, El Gouna, which is shining as the Egyptian holiday hotspot with a 92% rise in booking enquiries so far in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Egypt property experts, Experience International, remarks,
 
“El Gouna is a beautiful, up and coming resort on the Red Sea coast offering an unrivalled lifestyle. With 10km of golden sandy beaches, islands, crystal clear lagoons and a warm year round climate, it really is the perfect holiday destination.”
 
El Gouna’s popularity as an exclusive tourism destination is reflected in the high demand for rental accommodation. According to HomeAway Holiday-Rentals data, the average weekly rate for a 2 bedroom property in El Gouna is £480, considerably higher than nearby Hurghada at £270 and Sharm el Sheikh at £280, which should excite property owners.
 
One development in particular which is proving an investor’s dream due to its premium location and 2 year rental guarantee is Ancient Sands Golf Resort. Set around an 18-hole Karl Litten designed championship golf course the spacious homes of Ancient sands afford stunning views of the mountains, golf course and crystal clear lagoon waters.
 
Highly popular, buildings 1 and 2 are already sold out however studio apartments are now available in building 5 from £117,000. There are a wide variety of amenities on-site including spa centre, Quintessentially concierge service, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, tennis academy and children’s play area.
 
For more information about buying in the Egyptian holiday hotspot of El Gouna please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.
 

The mood is positive for Turkey’s economic outlook

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

The past week has seen a dynamic shift in the balance of economic power within Europe with credit rating agency Moody’s downgrading Spain whilst lifting non EU member, Turkey’s sovereign rating.

Moody’s downgraded Spanish debt by one level to Aa1 meaning that the traditional powerhouse has lost its coveted triple-A credit rating. The downgrade was triggered over concerns of “considerable deterioration” in the nation’s public finance as well as slow recovery of the economy and follows similar action by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s earlier this year.
In contrast the Turkish economy continues to go from strength to strength with the OECD naming Turkey the strongest member of the international organisation in 2010. It is due to this impressive double digit growth and economic stability that Turkey is expected to be upgraded from current Baa2 to investment grade imminently.
Steven Worboys, MD of Turkish property investment experts, Experience International, comments,
“Turkey’s economy really has bucked the global trend being the only country whose credit ratings have been upgraded twice during the recent economic downturn. With talk of a further upgrade by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s lifting the sovereign outlook this is surely a positive indicator for future investment in Turkey.”
Latest data from Turkstat (Turkish Statistical Authority) reports double digit growth of 10.3% for Q2 2010 compared to the same period last year, ranking Turkey not only the fastest growing economy amongst G20 countries but also the 3rd fastest in the world.
The booming city of Istanbul, strategically straddling Europe and Asia and recently named Europe’s Leading Destination by the prestigious World Travel Awards 2010, has been credited as the “engine for the consumer-led recovery” experienced in Turkey. Home to in excess of 12 million people and earmarked to become an international financial centre to rival Dubai or even London, Istanbul is the investment hotspot of 2010 with the construction sector in particular witnessing rapid growth.
As Worboys observes,
“Istanbul currently presents a rare window of opportunity; a situation where massive demand for housing is not being met by supply, resulting in prices rapidly rising and rental yields higher than much of Europe.”
One residential development where rental income is guaranteed at 7.5% for 2 years is West N Towers. Located in the burgeoning European suburb of Beylikdüzü, West N Towers epitomises modern city living with 1 and 2 bedroom apartments with lake, garden or city views and a wide range of first-class amenities on site. Apartments can be purchased from £50,750 although 70% finance is available for EU buyers.

For more information about investing in Turkey, the 3rd fastest growing economy in the world then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

New flights to Dordogne make it even easier to enjoy a grape escape

by Charlotte Ashton France

The much anticipated new direct flights from Manchester to Brive Dordogne Valley airport by low-cost airline, Jet2 will now make it even easier for Brits to enjoy a ‘grape escape’ to one of France’s most popular wine producing regions.

The twice weekly flights will operate from 21st May to 24th September 2011 from Jet2’s Manchester base with tickets starting from €39.99 (one way including taxes). The new Brive Dordogne Valley airport has only just opened this summer but already demand is high due to its prime location in the heart of the popular Dordogne.
Steven Worboys, MD of the French leaseback property experts at Experience International, comments,
“Dordogne is one of the most beautiful departments of France, with enchanting rolling hills dotted with charming châteaux, a rich heritage and wealth of gastronomic delights. Over 2.9 million people visit the Dordogne each year making it the most popular place within the Aquitaine region and with the new 2011 summer flights Britons will have no excuse not to discover this hidden gem.“
And now is the perfect time to visit the Dordogne valley, home to some of the finest Merlot, Cabernet Franc and sweet Monbazallic wines in the world, as the autumn grape harvests have begun. Medieval villages such as St Emilion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just over 90 minutes from Brive airport, are renowned for their harvest festivities complete with parties, shows and of course wine tasting sessions in the local cellars and estates.
The heady combination of natural beauty and fine gastronomy has made the Dordogne not only a highly popular tourism destination but also a more permanent base for many British second property owners. Over 20,000 Brits own homes within the department with the Dordogne accounting for 15% of all enquiries according to Athena Mortgages, a figure which has remained stable over the past 3 years.
As Steve Worboys goes on to comment,
“Property within the Dordogne is very reasonably priced with new developments, especially leasebacks, selling quickly. Well located properties can be purchased off-plan, with up to 100% finance and still guarantee index-linked returns of up to 4.3% for 18 years.”
One such development newly released to the market is Domaine de Rochevigne, 1 and 2 bedroom 4* apartments located only a stone’s throw from Gurson Lake and minutes from St Emilion. Easily accessible in under 90 minutes from Brive airport and 15 minutes from Bergerac airport, the residences are delivered fully furnished with built-in kitchens, flat screen TVs, terraces and garden areas.
This eco-friendly development also affords superb wellness facilities on-site including a heated swimming pool, spa, Turkish bath, sauna and solarium as well as a wide range of leisure activities from horse riding to tennis and fishing in the surrounding countryside.
Fully managed by one of France’s most reputable developers and management companies, Domaine de Rochevigne offers up to 4.3% guaranteed returns as well as generous personal usage options. Prices start from €117,652, the VAT is refunded and up to 100% finance is available.
For more information contact the leaseback experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.