Summer Sensation: All eyes are on the new eco-friendly leaseback development in La Camargue, South of France

by Charlotte Ashton France

Think South of France and St Tropez, Cannes, Nice and Monaco will probably spring to mind but this summer all eyes are looking west of these traditional tourism destinations, to La Camargue – Western Europe’s largest river delta, just 1 hour from Marseille.     

Covering some 930km, where the river Rhône meets the Mediterranean Sea, La Camargue occupies a coastal area between the Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. Established as a national park and nature reserve in 1972, La Camargue contains exceptional bio-diversity with over 400 species of birds including the ubiquitous pink flamingos, the famous Camargue horses, unique breeds of bulls and now a new eco-friendly leaseback development.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the leaseback property experts, comments,
 
“La Camargue remains one of the most unspoiled natural areas in the south of France. Already an established tourist destination with the French, the area is fast becoming popular with British holidaymakers and second property buyers not least due to the diverse fauna and flora, stunning vistas over the Rhône delta and ease of access from the UK and by air, rail and road.”
 
Due to its national park status, property development is limited in La Camargue with only a handful of truly eco-friendly properties available to purchase. One such development is the new Domaine des Flamants Roses leaseback residences. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cottage style properties are situated in the small charming village of Salin-de-Giraud, a stone’s throw from the chic coastal resort of Saintes-Marie-de-la-Mer and only 25 miles from historic Arles city centre.
 
Complimenting the natural landscape, Domaine des Flamants Roses is highly eco-friendly boasting an ecological rating of 145 out of 150 due to the use of recycled materials, natural building products, renewable energy and waste water recycling.
 
As Steve Worboys goes on to remark,
 
“It’s not often that a property can truly be both eco-friendly and a good investment however Domaine des Flamants Roses ticks both boxes. As a leaseback property, owners can enjoy 4.08% guaranteed rental income for 18+ years as well as personal usage options.”
 
Prices start from €155,292 with a low deposit of only €1,000 required to secure a unit; in addition 100% finance is available, an attractive option which is becoming increasingly rare as French banks look to restrict lending.
 
For more information on buying property in La Camargue please contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.
 

Egypt Unaffected by European Debt Crisis as $5.58 billion Tourism Revenue Recorded for First Half 2010

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

 

Egypt may indeed border the Mediterranean Sea but Ministers remain confident that the debt crisis which has affected other nearby European tourism destinations such as Greece has not negatively impacted the Egyptian economy.
 
Speaking to Reuters, Egypt’s Tourism Minister, Zoheir Garrana, revealed that tourism revenues rose by 17.6% to $5.58 billion in the first half of 2010 with the aim of reaching £13 billion by fiscal year end.
 
Commenting on these latest figures, Steven Worboys, MD of the Egyptian property experts Experience International, remarks:
 
“The last 12 months have indeed been a trying time for Europe. The impact of the global recession has been felt in many countries including Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece whose economies rely heavily on tourism.
 
“Holidaymakers are now focused on finding the best deals available, often looking further afield than usual to non euro zone countries such as Egypt where their money goes further. It’s certainly encouraging to see that tourism revenues are up and that the sector is accounting for 11% of GDP equivalent to 1 in every 8 jobs according to Ministry figures.”
 
Visitor arrivals to Egypt continue to increase with more than 7 million tourists to date in 2010 and 15 millions expected in total by December. The majority of visitors originate from Britain, Germany, France, Italy and Russia with the latter showing a 95% increase in Q1 2010.     
 
Such sustained growth is fuelling further demand for quality accommodation in prime tourism hotspots across Egypt. Rich in history, culture and natural wonders, Egypt affords a myriad of attractions with the Red Sea coast in particular remaining popular with individuals, couples and families alike.
 
Properties in established Sharm El Sheikh town such as the new Monna Sharm development remain affordable and start from only £23,400 for a studio apartment with swimming pool views and communal roof terrace whilst freehold properties such as the studio, 1 and 2 bed apartments at Royal Beach can be purchased in the up and coming resort of Hurghada, easily accessible with direct flights from the UK.
 
For more information about buying property in Egypt then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Turkey’s Airports Welcome Over 44 Million Passengers in First Half of 2010

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

 

It seems that we’re all going on a Turkish holiday this year as the latest data from the Turkish Directorate General of State Airports Authority (DHMI) reveals a 24% increase in passenger numbers in the first half of 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Some 44.6 million international and domestic passengers passed through Turkey’s airports with the European Capital of Culture’s main airport, Istanbul Ataturk, accounting for 33% of air and passenger traffic. 
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the Turkish property experts, comments,
 
“It has never been easier to get to Turkey. With the crystal clear waters and golden sands of the Aegean coast for example just a 4 hour flight away, Brits are taking advantage of the raft of low-cost flights available from carriers such as easyJet, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Jet2.com.”
 
The official data also recorded a 19% increase in international flights in the popular second home destinations of Antalya, Izmir-Adnan Menderes, Mugla-Dalaman, and Milas-Bodrum airports in the first half of 2010.
 
A record 32,000 Brits now own property in Turkey (according to data released by the Turkish General Directorate of Land Registry) and ease of accessibility is a key factor for many potential buyers.
 
As Worboys remarks,
 
“Our properties for sale in Turkey are hand-picked with accessibility a key criteria. The Aegean coast, home to the highly sought-after resorts of Kusadasi, Altinkum (Didim) and Bodrum, boasts two international airports at Izmir and Bodrum and a good road infrastructure allowing easy access along the length of the turquoise coast.”
 
Flights to Turkey start from around £79 one way (including taxes and charges) although prices are expected to rise as the summer season approaches. Alternatively potential property buyers tempted by Turkey can join a bespoke Experience International 3 day Discovery Tour for £199 per person which includes flights and accommodation.
 
For more information please contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Record 32,000 Britons Now Own Property in Turkey

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

According to the latest data released by the Turkish General Directorate of Land Registry, demand for Turkish property is not showing any signs of slowing with a record 32,000 Britons now owning property in the country where east meets west.

The last couple of years have seen interest in second homes especially along the stunning Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines swell with foreign investors purchasing twice as much property than they did in total over the past 79 years since the founding of the Republic, the data reveals. European buyers in particular have been attracted to Turkey due to the affordable property prices, low cost of living and direct access from the UK.
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the Turkish property experts, comments,
“We have certainly seen the Turkish property market go from strength to strength. Overall, the number of foreign property buyers has increased by nearly 30%, from 73,000 in 2008 to 104,000 today with the British market accounting for the largest group of buyers.”
Over 63 million sqm of property, classed as ‘immovable assets’ by the Turkish Land Registry, is owned by foreigners with Britons possessing the largest amount at 6 million sqm, followed by the Germans at 3.5 million sqm and Greeks at 3 million sqm.
The province of Muğla, located in the south-western corner, on the sublime Aegean coast, has proved a particularly sought-after destination with almost 5.5 million sqm of immovable assets owned by foreign nationals.
As Worboys remarks,
“Muğla province, home to the popular towns of Bodrum, Marmaris and Fethiye, encapsulates everything that foreign buyers desire; it’s no wonder that over 14,000 Britons own property here. Crystal clear waters, golden sandy beaches, international airports allowing easy access, solid infrastructure and plenty of amenities on hand, not to mention affordable, spacious properties built to the highest standards – it has something for everyone.”
One factor which has certainly positively affected the Turkish property market has been the increase in availability of finance. Up to 70% LTV mortgages are now commonly available throughout the country and this combined with Turkey’s location outside the euro zone means there is zero currency exposure as many property prices are fixed in Sterling.
Properties such as the luxury hilltop residences of Royal Heights in Bodrum can be purchased from as little as £97,592 or further up the coast, towards the tourist hotspot of Altinkum, completed studio, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in the Seahorse Residence can be snapped up for £31,600 with only a 10% deposit required.
For more information about buying property in Turkey, download your free Turkey Today magazine at http://www.buy-turkey-property.com/ or contact Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858.

Tempted by Turkey? New Indispensible Turkish Property & Lifestyle Magazine Launches Today

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

 

If you are you tempted to buy property in Turkey, 2010’s hottest property market, then you are not alone. Over 73,000 foreign nationals already own property in the land where east meets west and that number is growing – fast!
 
But where do you buy? How will you get there? What is there to do in the area? What properties are available? What is the purchase process? Is there finance available?
 
Answering all these questions and more, Turkey Today, the complimentary e-magazine published by the overseas property experts at Experience International, launches today.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International and Editor of Turkey Today, comments,
 
“We believe that Turkey is one of the most attractive property markets in the world today. Only 4 hours from the UK, it has something for everyone from the cosmopolitan European Capital of Culture, Istanbul to the golden sands and crystal clear waters of the Aegean coast.
 
“Responding to client demand for more detailed information on property hotspots, accessibility, activities, properties on the market and the buying process, we have launched Turkey Today, your indispensable Turkish property & lifestyle magazine.”
 
The 70 page e-magazine, Turkey Today, is available complimentary to potential property buyers and this issue features:
 
– “Why I’m tempted by Turkey” by Liz Rowlinson, Daily Mail and A Place in the Sun property writer
– Latest news and essential market information
– Top 10 reasons to buy in Turkey
– Where to Buy? Explore the stunning Aegean coast
– Buying guide
– Hot Properties – view the best buys of 2010
 

To receive your complimentary 70 page Turkey Today magazine visit http://www.buy-turkey-property.com/ or call + 44 (0) 207 321 5858.

Mel Gibson rumoured to soon be the king of his own castle in Calabria

by Charlotte Ashton Italy

 

According to recent Italian media reports, Hollywood superstar Mel Gibson is looking to buy a property in Italy’s best kept secret – the southern region of Calabria.
 
The Director of The Passion of the Christ became enchanted by the stunning scenery after filming in the nearby medieval town of Matera and according to the celebrity news site is looking for a more permanent base in the area.
 
Keen to meet the alleged property needs of this A-lister, the mayor of San Lorenzo del Vallo, a small town in northern Calabria, has recommended a 600 year old castle with 13,000 sqm of surrounding land of which Gibson could be king.    
 
And it’s not hard to see why he could be tempted. Located on the “toe” of Italy, Calabria is an area of extraordinary beauty with miles of unspoiled pristine sandy beaches, perfect Mediterranean climate, clear turquoise blue seas, imposing mountains, wonderful lakes and rolling hills. Rich in history and culture, it offers the traditional dolce vita and is a highly sought after second home location as well as relocation destination.
 
If your budget is more Z list than A list then fear not, property prices in the region remain affordable with a wide range of off-plan and completed homes available. The San Rocco II completed, key ready 1 bedroom apartments for example afford a beachfront location, are only 5 minutes from the marina and are available from only €74,000. Alternatively if you desire more seclusion and privacy then the Porcino Silano boutique 1 and 2 bedroom apartments located in the stunning Sila Mountains, just 300m from the lake, are available for only €87,000.
 
For more information about buying property in Italy’s best kept secret – Calabria – then contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Turkey recommended as best place to invest in property in Europe

by Charlotte Ashton Uncategorised

Turkey’s popularity continues to ride high with the nation where east meets west recommended as the best place to invest in property in Europe by the Global Property Guide Property Recommendations mid 2010 report.

Released this week, the expert report reviewed major global property markets, focusing on how much appreciation in value a property in a certain location is likely to see as well as the future earnings it will yield.

 According to Global Property Guide data, gross rental yields are currently at 5.48% with significant potential for growth, especially in primary cities such as Istanbul where property remains affordable and demand high.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International, the Turkish investment property experts, comments,
 
“I believe that Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, presents one of the most attractive property investment opportunities available in Europe today and it’s pleasing to see that the latest Global Property Guide Recommendations report supports this.
 
“Rental yields are currently higher than many other traditional second property destinations in Europe including Italy (5.04%), France (3.85%), Spain (3.81%), Portugal (3.63%) and due to the significant shortage of housing, currently at 5.5 million housing units by 2015 (according to the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey) rental yields and capital gain are forecast to increase further.”
 
In addition to robust rental yields, Global Property Guide recommends investing in markets where high GDP growth is expected. Turkey was not affected as greatly as many of its neighbours by the financial crisis with 6% economic growth recorded in Q4 2009, up to 12% forecast by the Turkish Finance Minister for Q1 2010 and 6.7% p.a. between 2011 – 2017 by the OECD, the highest growth forecast of all member countries.
 
Currently property can be purchased off-plan in Istanbul at up to 50% of completed prices. The sought-after No1 Knightsbridge development for example in Beylikduzu, on the European side of the city offers studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments from just £41,000 with a 2 year protected rental guarantee of 7.5% and up to 70% finance.
 
Further south, along the Aegean coast, completed properties such as the Capital Villas located in the tourism hotspot of Kusadasi, just 1 hour from Izmir international airport, can be purchased from just £105,000. These luxurious 3 to 6 bedroom properties are only 100m from the beach and afford stunning views across the Aegean Sea.
 
For more information about investing in the best property market in Europe, contact the experts, Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.   

An Alpine chalet is not just for Christmas… Top 5 Activities to enjoy in the French Alps this summer

by Charlotte Ashton France

The French Alps are renowned as a top winter tourism destination attracting millions each year to its pristine pistes, exclusive resorts and charming villages.

But the area is not only to be enjoyed for a few months each winter, the French Alps offer a wealth of attractions in summer also and with latest reports from French mortgage specialist, Athena Mortgages, stating that May was the busiest month of the past 12 in terms of enquiries, it would seem that buyers are seeking Alpine homes that they can use all year round. 
So what are the top 5 activities to enjoy in the French Alps this summer?
1. Walking in the Vanoise National Park – located between the Tarentaise and the Maurienne, the Parc de la Vanoise is one of Europe’s oldest and largest protected areas. The park is rich in flora and home to herds of ibex; it also offers 500km of marked walking paths and trails for all abilities.
2. Mountain biking – From two skis to two wheels, mountain biking is one of the most popular summer activities in the Alps. The Sainte Foy en Tarentaise area, just 15 minutes from Val d’Isere and Les Arcs offer some of the finest natural trails with mountain descents and long cross-country roads running through alpine meadows and forests as well as unspoiled mountain villages with stunning views of the glaciers.
3. Mountaineering – Summer is the perfect time to explore the mountains of the Alps, from the Mont Blanc massif in the west to the imposing Dolomites in the east, this region offers some of the most challenging climbs available. Increasing popular is “via ferrata”, Italian for “iron road”. Originally built in the Dolomites as routes for WW1 soldiers to transverse, these footpaths follow the contours of the mountain face featuring ladders and rope swings to add extra excitement. 
4. Rafting and Canyoning – as the glaciers undergo their natural summer melt, the rivers of the French Alps come alive with the sounds of canoeists and white-water rafting thrill seekers. The river d’Isere near Sainte Foy provides one of the longest and most exhilarating white water rafting experiences as well as the opportunity to try canyoning.    
5. Get a taste of local culture – the Alps are home to some of the most traditional charming towns and villages in all of France. Wander through quaint streets, admire the Savoyard architecture, visit museums and historical centres and sample the local culinary delights. La Plagne, located in the heart of the Paradiski, is one of the most popular summer destinations hosting numerous music and cultural festivals.
Getting to the French Alps couldn’t be easier with daily direct flights to Lyon, Geneva or Chambery from the UK; high speed trains also connect the Alps to Paris and then on in turn to the UK or it is possible to drive in around 9 hours.
It is also straight-forward to purchase property in the French Alps with leaseback developments proving popular as they offer guaranteed rental income as well as personal usage. One development which is particularly sought-after is La Chapelle in Sainte Foy as investors can enjoy free usage of the property in June and September as well as guaranteed & index-linked returns for 18+ years. A limited number of 1 – 4 bedroom luxury properties remain with prices starting from £170,000 and up to 100% finance available.
Alternatively, the completed 4* apartments of Le Centaure, located in La Plagne comprise studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom modern and spacious properties with superb on-site amenities. Prices are from €148,000 and up to 95% finance is available.
For more information about purchasing in the French Alps pick up your FREE COPY of Focus on France magazine, your essential guide to French leasebacks, by calling + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visiting www.frenchleaseback.org.

New flights from Manchester to Egypt for a phar’aoh price

by Charlotte Ashton Egypt

Marking the low-cost carrier’s 50th route from Manchester airport, Jet2.com has announced new flights to Hurghada, the holiday hotspot on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Flights to Hurghada will begin on 15th October 2010 allowing access to Egypt’s stunning sandy beaches and crystal clear waters all year round. An additional Sunday service is also being operated by Jet2.com to the diving mecca of Sharm el Sheikh from Manchester with tickets just £79.99 one way including taxes.

Jet2.com’s expansion of routes into Egypt comes from increasing demand for affordable and easy access to this popular holiday and second home destination from the UK. The nation as a whole has bucked declining global tourism trends by recording a 29% increase in tourist arrivals between January and March this year and over 1 million British tourists visited last year.

As owner of Jet.com, Philip Meeson, commented:

"It [Egypt] is an extremely popular destination offering year-round sunshine, dazzling beaches and world-class diving. And since it sits outside the Euro-Zone, offers fantastic value to those sun-seekers wanting to stretch their budgets that little bit further."

The additional routes also spell good news for property owners living in the Manchester area such as Phil Cotton from Stoke-on-Trent who purchased a 2 bedroom penthouse apartment in Hurghada through Experience International last year.

Easy access from the UK was a priority for Phil and his wife and therefore the new direct route from Manchester, under 1 hour from Stoke and Hurghada International Airport (with a new terminal currently under construction) being only 10 minutes from their home in central Hurghada, is a real advantage.

Another sought-after development located on Hurghada’s “Golden Mile” just 5 minutes from the airport is Samra Bay Marina and Spa resort. This luxurious development affords a truly frontline location with the studio and 1 bedroom apartments enjoying a private beach, natural lagoon, landscaped gardens and adjacent access to the Promenade, complete with world renowned restaurants, bars, cafeterias, clubs and shopping centres to meander through.

Prices start from €59,300 with 8 years guaranteed income at 8%. For more information on Samra Bay or indeed other premium developments in Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh, contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.

Istanbul goes full throttle as 6 million tourists expected to visit world’s largest car showroom

by Charlotte Ashton Turkey

 

Not only will Istanbul, Turkey’s economic powerhouse, be hosting this weekend’s F1 Turkey Grand Prix but soon the city where east meets west will be home to the world’s largest car showroom, expected to attract 6 million visitors annually.
 
Autopia Europia will cover some 2 million square feet, feature 5 different levels and more than 400 brands, selling in excess of 2,500 new and used models. Located in the burgeoning suburb of Beylikduzu on the European side of the city, the state of the art showroom also features an adrenalin pumping rooftop race track where potential buyers can take the vehicles for a spin before buying.
 
Designed by award winning Istanbul and New York based architects, Global Architectural Development (GAD) and constructed by the established Kullar’s Ginza subsidiary, Autopia will also become a tourist attraction in its own right forecast to attract over 6 million visitors each year. There will be food and drink shops, cafés and restaurants, banks, tuning shops and a car park with 900 space capacity for the local community, such as those living at No1 Knightsbridge, to also enjoy.
 
Just minutes from Autopia Europia, No1 Knightsbridge, the stunning new development of luxury residences available from £41,000, epitomises the transformation currently underway in Beylikduzu. Already a popular suburb with young professionals and middle-class families, only 20 minutes from the international airport and well connected to the financial centre, the population is expected to increase three fold by 2015 reaching 1 million.
 
Steven Worboys, driving enthusiast and MD of Experience International which is marketing No1 Knightsbridge, comments,
 
“The selection of Beylikduzu as the site of the world’s largest car showroom is testament to the potential of this suburb both as and up and coming residential area and tourism destination. Investment on this scale with further bolster services and amenities, attracting millions each year and driving demand for accommodation in the area.”
 
Meeting that demand, No1 Knightsbridge offers studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom luxury apartments designed by award winning Turkish architect Metin Hepgüler (the same architect behind Otoport, a new automotive shopping mall under construction covering some 126,000 also located in Beylikduzu). Investment is from £12,300 with 70% finance available and owners enjoying a 2 year 7.5% protected rental guarantee.
 
For more information about investing in the prosperous suburb of Beylikduzu inn Istanbul, contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com.