Pump some Biofuel into your Portfolio for Peak Performance

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

As successful investors will know the secret to a robust portfolio is diversification, strategically spreading risk between stocks, shares, traditional investments and increasingly, alternative investments. Interest in biofuels as an alternative investment has grown in recent years as savvy investors move to capitalise on the serious situation we face, namely that we are currently using more crude oil that we are finding it and so new sources of renewable energy must be found.

And that clean, renewable energy can in fact be found growing on trees. Demand for biofuel (fuel derived from biomass) has never been greater with projections of a 20% annual increase through 2011 according to the Earth Times. World governments are injecting large sums of money and resources into the development of biofuels or ‘green oil’ in an attempt to reduce dependency on crude oil. Leading energy suppliers Shell are going one step further, strategically moving away from other forms of renewable energy such as wind and solar to biofuels as they are more financially viable.
As Steven Worboys, MD of the alternative investment experts at Experience International, comments,
“Biofuels hold many environmental advantages over fossil fuels which are negatively contributing to many issues facing the planet. Biofuels produce fewer carbon emissions than fossil fuels, are a renewable and sustainable alternative, make use of ‘waste’ materials such as corn stalks, they are less toxic due to their biodegradable matter and the production and extraction is less hazardous and invasive than fossil fuels.”
The commercial use of biofuel has been in operation since 2008 where 1.8% of the world’s transport fuel was from this source (UN Environmental Programme “Assessing Biofuels, 2009). Virgin Atlantic has already embraced the ‘green oil’ and airlines KLM and Lufthansa aim to offer biofuel flights from 2011. Many of the world’s largest economies in South East Asia, South America and Africa have biofuel sites in operation with jatropha being the crop of choice.
Cited as one of the best candidates for future biofuel production by Goldman Sachs and touted as a ‘miracle biofuel’, jatropha is a bushy shrub, resistant to drought and pests which grows on marginal land not suitable for food production. The jatropha seed contains up to 40% non-edible vegetable oil which can be used as a biofuel. India is reported to have set aside 100 million acres of land for jatropha and expect the oil produced to account for 20% of its diesel consumption by 2011.
Worboys goes on to comment,
“Such strong commitment should bolster investor confidence in Green Oil Programmes. Through these sound business models, investors can own in effect an ‘oil property’, an area of land with biofuel producing plants producing oil yearly, in turn providing annual revenues of potentially 20% over a 45 year lease term as well as an increasing capital asset value. Investment in these Green Oil Programmes, which are SIPP compliant, starts from as little as £15,000 and offer investors an innovative way to include an alternative investment in their portfolio as well as building long term income.”
For more information on ensuring your portfolio is at peak performance by investing in biofuels then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Monarch Airlines Announce New Flights to Calabria

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

Existing property owners and indeed those looking to buy a second home in the stunning southern Italian region of Calabria will be pleased to hear that Monarch Airlines has announced that it will be operating new flights to Lamezia Terme for summer 2011.

The new chartered flight service will operate from London Gatwick to Calabria’s main airport Lamezia Terme, on Saturday mornings from 30th April to 29th October 2011. Despite being designated a charter flight, one third of the seats will be made available to passengers to book direct.
Steven Worboys, MD of Italian property experts, Experience International, comments,
“Calabria remains a highly desirable second home destination and these new summer flights will certainly be welcome. With a flight time of around 3 hours, this stunning region of Italy complete with miles of unspoiled pristine sandy beaches, perfect Mediterranean climate, clear turquoise blue seas and rolling hills, makes for an ideal short break as well as location for an extended stay.”
The popular resorts of Pizzo and Tropea are set to benefit particularly from these new flights as they are within an hour’s drive of the airport. Property prices in these areas have remained stable despite the recent economic downtown and demand for rental accommodation, especially during the peak summer months from British, Irish, Scandinavian and German holiday makers, is high. A typical 2 bedroom apartment can be expected to rent at up to £500 per week in the high season yielding up to 9% per annum.
One development receiving interest from British buyers is Harbour View. Set in an idyllic position overlooking the coastal town of Tropea which boasts one of the world’s most beautiful beaches attracting thousands of Italian and international tourists each year, the studio, 1 and 2 bed apartments of Harbour View are available from only €59,500. With a swimming pool onsite, poolside bar, landscaped gardens and parking, these completed apartments are ready to move into today and would make an ideal second home or indeed buy to let investment.
For more information about buying property in Calabria or indeed Harbour View please contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Madeira Witnesses 24% increase in Tourist Arrivals by Sea

by Charlotte Ashton Portugal

The Atlantic archipelago of Madeira continues to ride high on the tourism wave with Funchal Harbour witnessing a 24% increase in tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2010 compared to same period last year.

As reported by the Official Madeira Islands Tourism website, Funchal is experience its best year in terms of arrivals with 254,939 passengers disembarking during this period, some 50,000 more than previously recorded and 23 more vessels stopping at the deep water harbour.
Located on the southern side of the main island, Funchal is the cosmopolitan capital of Madeira, home to 150,000 people making it the most populous Portuguese city outside mainland Portugal.
Steven Worboys, MD of the Madeira property experts at Experience International, comments,
“Funchal enjoys a unique position with the surrounding hills acting as a natural amphitheatre rising some 1200m from the deep water harbour which has long been a stopping point for many cruise ships and yachts. It is encouraging to see that more and more people are discovering the magical beauty of Madeira not only by plane but by sea as well.”
Madeira has certainly seen a surge in tourist interest in recent years. Over 1 million people visit annually (Tourism & Transport Regional Secretary of Madeira, 2008), the majority are from within the EU with a recent report in Travel Daily News ranking Madeira the fifth most sought after island by Brits.
Worboys continues,
“Awareness of the beauty and serenity of Madeira has certainly increased in the UK. No longer the preserve of the retired community, the islands are attracting individuals, young couples and families alike both for holidays and also second homes.“
The property market of Madeira still remains relatively undeveloped with the limited availability of viable land and low supply of high quality accommodation creating exclusivity. There are however some stunning residences to be considered such as the completed Palheiro Estate. Located on a prime hilltop site overlooking Funchal, the 130 hectare Palheiro estate has grown from an early 19th century hunting lodge and summer retreat for nobility into a low density luxury resort destination.
The high quality apartments and villas afford stunning views over the harbour with owners able to enjoy the beautiful gardens, swimming pool and sun deck, golf facilities and first class hotel amenities on site. Prices start from €325,000 and regular inspection visits operate from the UK.
For more information on visiting the magical islands of Madeira or indeed the Palheiro Village contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Real Estate in Istanbul’s Western Suburbs Boosted by New Metrobus Connection

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Real estate in the already burgeoning suburb of Beylikdüzü on the western side of Istanbul is set to receive a further boost with the announcement of a new Metrobus connection to the city centre.

Due to open in 2011, the Metrobus line will operate between Söğütlüçeşme, a neighbourhood on the Asian side, and Beylikdüzü, transporting over 1 million commuters each day according to the city’s Mayor, boosting real estate demand and in turn prices due to the increased accessibility. 
Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality has set a budget of TL 100 million (£50 million) for completion of the fourth phase of the Metrobus project with the line having 10 new stops, underground stations and the terminal at Beylikdüzü located in a large square which will becoming a focus of the district in its own right.
Steven Worboys, MD of Istanbul property experts, Experience International, comments,
“We are delighted to hear that the plans for the new Metrobus line are now in action. Work is to commence in the next few months and within 1 year it will now be even easier for the rapidly growing population of Beylikdüzü, currently at 186,000, to commute into the city centre.”
Beylikdüzü is already one of the fastest growing suburbs of Istanbul with the population expected to reach 1 million in the next 5 years. Located within the Büyükçekmece county, Beylikdüzü is popular with middle-income Istanbullians who are keen to benefit from living in a well serviced environment away from the overcrowded CBD.
The nearby seaside resort, only a 10 minute drive away, is one of the most popular day and weekend break locations for the local population and it is close to the two major motorway routes into central Istanbul. Ataturk International Airport is 20 minutes away and the new Silivri International Airport will be only a 10 minute drive. Beylikduzu will also be home to the world’s largest car showroom, Autopia Europia, complete with rooftop test drive track. In addition to the new Metrobus line, the metro train system is also due to be completed by 2011 with a number of stations in the Beylikdüzü area.
In response to sustained local demand, development of residential real estate is very much underway in Beylikdüzü with high quality projects such as the Istanbul apartments of No1 Knightsbridge currently under construction.
As Steven Worboys observes,
“The western suburbs of Istanbul have become a hotspot for new residential developments. Property prices have been steadily increasing in Beylikdüzü and the news of the increased accessibility combined with the availability of finance has allowed ever more investors to capitalise on this rare of opportunity for significant capital gain as well as rental income.”
The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom Istanbul apartments of No1 Knightsbridge are available with an initial investment of only £23,250 with a 2 year 7.5% rental guarantee in place and 70% LTV finance available for EU buyers. Only a few sea view apartments remain so for more information please contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.exprience-international.com.

Sharm El Sheikh trumps the Maldives and Rio de Janeiro in World Beach Index

by Charlotte Ashton Brazil Egypt

If you are looking for the best beach in the world then forget old favourites such as the Maldives or Rio de Janeiro and head to the shores of Sharm El Sheikh according to the latest Kelkoo Beach Index.

Results of the Index, commissioned by Kelkoo and conducted by the Centre for Economics and Business Research and YouGov, saw the popular resort of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt ranking in 4th place, just behind Antalya in Turkey, north Tunisia and Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast but notably ahead of the Canary Islands, Bali, Côte d’Azur, Maldives, Hawaii and Rio de Janeiro.
Using the latest official statistics to assess the performance of 10 key travel criteria, the Kelkoo Beach Index revealed that 85% of Britons deemed affordability the number one deciding factor for selecting a holiday destination followed by security (81%), the weather (78%) and good food (77%).
As Steven Worboys, MD of Egypt property experts Experience International, comments,
“It is no surprise that Sharm ranked so highly. Located on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, it’s renowned for its year round attractive climate with average annual temperatures of 35˚C and 13 hours of sunshine per day. Combined with the low cost of living, ease of access from the UK and its location outside the euro zone, Sharm El Sheikh should be on every holidaymaker’s wish list.”
Tourism levels have been rising steadily across Egypt, even through the recent economic downturn with strong revenue figures reported for the first half of 2010. According to Egypt’s Tourism Minster, the country’s tourism generated revenue increased by 17.6% to over $5.5 billion in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009. 
As Worboys remarks,
“Over 7 million foreign tourists visited Egypt in the first half of this year, a significant number coming from Russia during the winter months, and this figures is expected to at least double by the end of 2010. This influx is generating significant demand for accommodation with savvy second property owners cashing and renting their homes on both long and short term lets.”
One development located in a premium position, just a few minutes walk from the world class beaches of Sharm El Sheikh is Shark’s Bay Oasis. These high quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, some completed and ready to move into or rent out now, afford direct sea views and superb communal facilities including the choice of four swimming pools and a children’s playground.
Properties are currently available from £118,700; for more information please contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Inspection Trip Survival Guide – 5 Essential Items You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without

by Charlotte Ashton World

Most people wouldn’t dream of buying a home in the UK without seeing it; walking through each room, inspecting the quality of the build, researching the local area and its amenities. But what happens if the home you want to buy is located hundreds if not thousands of miles away, overseas? The solution? An inspection trip.

Thousands of potential overseas property buyers go on inspection trips each year, be they organized privately or through an agent or developer. They are designed to offer buyers the opportunity to experience the culture of the country they wish to buy in, meet with local property experts who know the market and buying procedures and view properties which meet their requirements.
Steven Worboys, MD of overseas property experts Experience International, comments,
“Inspection trips are a key part of the overseas property buying process. We believe that knowing and understanding the market you are buying in is essential and so we encourage our clients to visit not only the development(s) they are interested in but the surrounding areas, meeting with the local residents and property professionals.”
So if you are thinking about going on an inspection trip then follow Experience International’s Survival Guide and make sure you don’t leave home without these 5 essential items:
1.       Digital camera – Record your memories of not only the properties you’ll view but the local areas you’ll visit. Take both internal and external high resolution pictures as well as any items included in the price and views from the property. Don’t forget the spare batteries!
2.       Comfortable shoes – Although you will be met by a local representative and usually driven between developments and around the local areas, there will be some walking involved. Make sure you wear appropriate footwear so you can fully explore properties with basements, garages or rooftop terraces. Sometimes the hidden gems lie off the beaten track.
3.       Compass – Get back to basics and check for yourself the orientation of your desired property. For tecchies the ever useful iPhone has a built-in compass however the classic Boy Scout model will do just fine for those technophobes out there. Top tip – try and visit properties at different times of the day to get a true picture.
4.       Key questions – Inspection trips present the perfect opportunity to ask anything and everything about a property, its location, the developer and the buying process. Before you go, jot down some key questions to ask such as does the project have full planning permissions in place? Can I see other projects the developer has completed? What exactly is included in the price? What are the service charges and ongoing costs? Who is the lawyer who will represent me? What is their experience and can I meet them? What finance is available, on what terms and with whom?
5.       Your cheque book – It is by no means expected but common place for buyers to reserve the property of their dreams on an inspection trip. If you are serious about buying then make sure available funds are in place before you visit to secure the unit. There is normally a 14 day cooling-off period, where the reservation fee is refundable if you change your mind.
Steven Worboys continues,
“From the feedback we have received from clients, the vast majority have found our inspection trips to be invaluable when buying their homes overseas. We adhere to a strict “no hard sell” policy, simply listening to and meeting our clients’ requirements, making the buying process as simple and stress-free as possible.” 
Inspection trips are regularly organised by Experience International to Turkey, Egypt, Italy, Cape Verde, Portugal, Madeira and USA and are usually 3 or 4 days in duration with clients covering the costs of their flights although accommodation, airport transfers and some refreshments are subsidised.

For more information on booking an inspection trip the contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

All Aboard! New UK – Alps Ski Train Set to Boost Property Values

by Charlotte Ashton France

Its ease of accessibility has ensured that France remains one of the most popular second home destinations with British buyers and the announcement of a new Eurostar winter service between London and the Alps is sure to boost demand further says French property expert.

The new winter service commencing from December 19th 2010 will allow passengers to travel direct from St Pancras and Ashford International to Moutiers, Aime-La-Plagne and Bourg St Maurice in the heart of the Alps. The journey will take only 7 hours, passing through stunning scenery with returns fares costing around £149 per person return.
Charlie Williams, French property expert at Experience International and passionate Alpine skier comments,
“The French Alps have and always will offer the finest skiing in Europe in my opinion. Ski property with quick and easy access from the UK is in particularly high demand and the news that you can go from London to the Alps in 7 hours spells good news for owners; I fully expect demand and subsequently property values to rise.”
There has been a marked increased in the number of people choosing to visit France by train as opposed to flying with Eurostar reporting a 6% rise in passenger numbers during the first half of 2010. Environmental concerns combined with the impact of the volcanic ash cloud earlier this year and the rising trend of travellers choosing rail travel over short-haul flights is believed to have accelerated this growth.   
One resort tipped by expert Charlie Williams of Experience International as a hotspot for the ‘10/11 ski season is Sainte-Foy-en-Tarentaise. Located just 15 minutes from the train station at Bourg St Maurice and 15 minutes from both Les Arcs and Val d’Isere, this beautiful unspoiled resort has long been the preserve of experienced guides bringing their clients over from nearby Val d’Isere to enjoy the famous powder and off-piste skiing available.
Williams enthuses,
“Thanks to some sensitive re-development this Savoyard town has been reborn as a luxuriously quiet retreat for families and groups alike. Prices increased by 7.5% over 2009 and in response to demand for quality accommodation a prestigious developer has released La Chapelle, a ski-in ski-out development with many facilities and outstanding views on the leaseback system with 100% finance.”
With a freehold leaseback property, owners can enjoy guaranteed index linked returns for 18 years as well as personal usage including an extra 4 months during the summer. The first phase is almost sold out but prices for the soon to be released second phase of 4* one to four bedroom luxury properties start from £185,000 with furniture, ski locker, storage & underground parking included.
For more information about the wide range of leaseback properties easily accessible via the new Eurostar Alps service contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

AB Property Marketing wins Taylor Wimpey de España Public Relations Account

by Charlotte Ashton Spain ,

 

Specialist property public relations agency, AB Property Marketing, has won the prestigious Taylor Wimpey de España account adding to their overseas property client portfolio.
Taylor Wimpey de España, part of Taylor Wimpey plc, is the only major UK house developer in Spain and currently they are one of the only developers to be building and launching new property developments in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.
Víctor Sague, Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España comments,
“2010 benchmarks over 50 years that Taylor Wimpey have been building in Spain. Since the company’s establishment in Mallorca the company has developed to fulfil client demands, expanding into the costas on the mainland and also broadening the product offering. One thing the company has never lost sight of is its ingrained ethos of ‘peace of mind’. The exceptional customer service and the delivery of quality properties have meant that more recently we have emerged from the recession, a slightly trimmer version of what we were 5 or 10 years ago but as strong and reliable as ever.
Moving forward we are making key partnerships to assist us in maintaining and developing the brand and driving sales leads. We know from client feedback that the desire to buy abroad is still there and that our customers are happy with Taylor Wimpey de España, 98% surveyed said they would buy with us again. So we are looking to reach out to new customers, nurture our owner relationships and increase our visibility in the market as it stands today. One of the ways we intend to do this is through promoting the company through the UK and Irish media and from AB Property Marketing’s proven track record of delivering PR results we are confident working with them will help us achieve this.”
Amanda Sharples, Director or AB Property Marketing continues,
“On behalf of the ABPM team, we are looking forward to working with such an established and reputable developer, they are certainly a prestigious brand and have proven themselves a reliable developer in Spain. We have identified several areas in which to aim for increased media reach and publicity on and offline for Taylor Wimpey de España in order to further enhance the brand and to generate sales leads. Above all it is always a pleasure to work with such positive and professional people in the industry.
For further information about Taylor Wimpey de Espana, services and properties or alternatively to enquire about public relations services contact AB Property Marketing on 01737 222334 or visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk.
Agents please contact Taylor Wimpey de España on 08000 121 020 or contact the UK Agent Manager directly on marc.pritchard@es.taylorwimpey.com . Visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

Look to America’s Heart for a High Yielding Property Investment

by Charlotte Ashton United States

With Sterling’s value increasing to a 5 month high against the US Dollar and the numbers seeking rental accommodation rising due to continuing foreclosures, it would seem that the window of opportunity to invest in the US remains very much open.

Over the past 18 months a steady wave of international buyers have snapped up below market value properties at bargain prices with the states of Florida and Michigan receiving the lions share of interest however now, as these markets stabilise in line with national economic recovery, savvy investors are looking for the next buy-to-let hotspot.
And it is to Heartland America that attention is turning. The mid-western states of Missouri and Ohio, home to the growing cities of St Louis, Kansas City, Toledo and Columbus, present a highly appealing investment environment with sustained demand for rental accommodation generated by the large employment base and detached family homes available at up to half below replacement build costs.
Steven Worboys, MD of US property investment experts, Experience International, comments,
“There is huge demand for rental accommodation from working families in the mid-western cities such as St Louis and Toledo. Up to 50% of residents in St Louis rent their homes with the majority seeking detached family homes. Property prices in these cities are well below the national median of $182,600 (Zillow.com) and owners can expect rental incomes of up to 12.5% in addition to capital gain.”
Combined these cities hold a population in excess of 6 million and have faired the economic storm better than many other higher profile cities. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, Kansas City has held a lower unemployment rate than the national rate with the healthcare and service industries replacing most jobs lost in the manufacturing sector and Columbus has been ranked the nation’s 6th most stable market by Standard & Poor’s as well as one of the 10 safest real estate markets in the US by the P.M.I. Institute.
Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) revealed that property prices in St Louis for Q1 2010 were higher than the previous 12 months with appreciation at 15.1%, Toledo showed 13.3% appreciation, Columbus 6.3% and Kansas City 3.2% over the same period
Worboys continues,
“Many believe that the entire US was affected to the same extent by the recession but this is simply not the case. Indeed some states saw significant unemployment and as a consequence thousands of foreclosed properties but many states such as those in the Heartland due to diverse employment sectors avoided worst case scenarios and now as the economy shows continued albeit slow growth these cities are the first to recover.”
It is this recovery that shrewd international investors are keen to capitalise on. With 3 bedroom detached family homes available from as little as $24,500 (with 50% LTV finance) entry into the Toledo property market for example requires low cash outlay. Fully refurbished properties in sought after areas can expect to generate up to $860 per month and are sold with tenants already in place on long-term leases. 1 year’s home maintenance is also included and investors can take advantage of exclusive finance packages available.

To find out more about investing in property in Heartland America then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.

Istanbul Records Over 27% Increase in Levels of Foreign Direct Investment

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

Turkey continues to buck global trends with GDP growth rates of 12% recorded for Q1 2010, domestic banks increasing the availability of credit by up to 30% and now levels of foreign direct investment in Istanbul are up by 27% according to the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO).

Turkey’s second city and economic powerhouse, Istanbul, has become a honey pot for international investors with the number of foreign investors planning to establish businesses or expand their operations in Istanbul up by over 6% in the first half of 2010 (compared to the second half of 2009). The ITO released data also revealed a 27.16% increase in the total value of these investments for the same period.  

Steven Worboys, MD of the UK based Istanbul property investment experts, Experience International, comments,

“Istanbul has proved one of our most successful property investment opportunities of 2010. We have clients from not only the UK but Ireland, Scandinavia, South Africa, Australia, and the UAE capitalising on Istanbul’s significant housing shortage and investing in the domestic property market.”

In the first half of 2010 over 1,400 foreign investors established companies within Istanbul with the total value of capital investments made in this period up by a remarkable 44.68% compared to the last half of 2009.

As Worboys remarks,
“International investor confidence in Turkey and more specifically Istanbul remains high. Being located outside the troubled euro zone is of great appeal and Turkey appears to have side-stepped the negative effects from neighbouring Greece.”
GDP forecasts for the remainder of 2010 currently sit at a healthy 6-7% and with additional support for candidacy from the British Prime Minister, David Cameron, on his recent visit, accession to the European Union looks ever more likely for Turkey.
For those considering investing in Istanbul then one particular real estate opportunity should not be missed. No1 Knightsbridge comprises 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments located in the burgeoning suburb of Beylikduzu, on the European side of the city. Currently Istanbul has a housing shortage of some 250,000 units per annum and so rental demand is high. Only 20% of units are available to overseas buyers and can be purchased from as little as £23,250 with 70% finance available for EU members.
For more information please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.