Real Estate TV surges ahead with latest viewer figures

by Kate United Kingdom

 

With television viewing figures in the UK up by 3.5%, from a weekly average of 23 hours 53 minutes per person in September 2007 to 24 hours 43 minutes per person in September 2008, according to the Broadcasters’ Audience Research Board (BARB), one channel in particular is showing an even-greater increase from their viewers in the last year.  
 
Real Estate TV (RETV), the UK’s leading dedicated property channel available on Sky channels 262 and 263 and on demand at www.realestatetv.tv, has revealed that viewers of the channel are now watching an average of 25.7 minutes a day (September 2008) – an increase of 154.5% on the September 2007 figure of 10.08 minutes.
 
With recent BARB figures also showing that more and more people are tuning in via satellite, a 5% increase from January 2007 to January 2008, then one would expect RETV’s Sky Channel viewers to have grown by a similar percentile… Figures have in fact exceeded expectations. Latest statistics have shown that the channel’s average monthly reach in October 2008 has increased by 43.6% to 1,357,000 when compared to October 2007, statistics that reflect the channel’s savvy programming decisions and forward-thinking approach.  
 
Managing Director, Steve Dawkins explains,
 
“The past year has been an exciting time for RETV: with a new on demand service on our website and a re-brand that has allowed us to more closely define the types of programming that entertain and inform, and ultimately to provide an interesting range of shows that our viewers want to watch. We are very pleased that our efforts are reflected in the latest figures which show notable increases in both viewer numbers and the time spent watching the channel. And with new programmes such as Property Today – a daily property news show – launching soon, we are confident that our growth will continue.”
 
To find out more about Real Estate TV and advertising opportunities available with the channel, call on 0207 471 7670 or visit www.realestatetv.tv.

Visit Real Estate TV at OPP Live and learn how to grow your business

by Kate United Kingdom

Real Estate TV (RETV) the UK’s multi award winning leading dedicated property channel, available on Sky channels 262 and 263 and on demand at www.realestatetv.tv, invite you to visit them at Stand 121 at OPP Live on 25th and 26th November 2008 at ExCel, London.

 

OPP Live is an annual conference and exhibition that gives property professionals the chance to learn more about current and predicted market trends, develop new networking partnerships, learn how to grow their business and debate important industry issues. RETV will be taking a stand at the event and being involved in OPP Live is just one way that RETV make certain that they are at the forefront of the property industry. They have also recently filmed a pilot for their new ‘Property Today’ programme, a 15 minute daily roundup that will provide viewers with up to date house price trends, up and coming property hot spots and financial news, proving that they truly have their finger on the pulse of the industry. 

 

Part of the Fox Corporation and dedicated to providing information, inspiration and entertainment to property investors across the world, RETV broadcasts to a targeted audience and can prove to be a highly successful vehicle for promoting your business. To find out more about the channel and how they can help increase your sales, visit them at Stand 121 at OPP Live.

 

If you would like a ticket for OPP Live, please contact Juliet White at Real Estate TV on juliet.white@fox.com.  

Property Today and everyday

by Kate United Kingdom

Real Estate TV (RETV), the award winning UK independent TV channel dedicated to property, has completed filming the pilot episode of Property Today. The brand new daily programme presented by Bella Crane of A Place in the Sun fame will bring viewers the very latest news from the UK and international property markets.

Available to watch on Sky channels 262 and 263 as well as on demand at www.realestatetv.tv Property Today’s 15 minute news round up will keep potential property investors and second home buyers up to date with house price trends, up and coming hot spots and financial news. Property experts will also be on hand offering their assessments of the markets as well as the Estate Agent’s Diary which will give a behind the scenes look at the reality of today’s domestic housing market.
In the pilot episode Bella Crane and property expert and journalist Flemmich Webb discuss the recent drop in interest rates and its likely effects on the UK property market. They are then joined in the studio by David Sandeman from the Essential Information Group to consider the pros and cons of purchasing property at auction. Flemmich Webb gets out and about examining the new trend of purchasing hotel rooms in London and today’s Estate Agent Diary comes from Greene & Co in West Hampstead.
Steve Dawkins, MD of RETV, comments, “The property market, both in the UK and overseas, is rapidly developing and constantly changing especially in today’s economic climate. With house prices fluctuating, new markets opening up and alternative methods of purchasing evolving we feel that it is essential to provide our viewers with the very latest, expert information and analysis on a daily basis. Being able to view Property Today both on TV and online allows savvy property purchasers to always be up to date and to make well informed decisions.”
RETV is currently seeking sponsorship for Property Today as well as contributions from UK and overseas property agencies and developers. To get involved please contact Juliet White on juliet.white@fox.com.

Real Estate TV confirmed as leading media sponsor of prestigious Homes Overseas Awards

by Kate United Kingdom

 

Real Estate TV, (RETV), the multi award winning UK based television channel and multi-media company that forms part of News Corps’ Fox International Channels’ network, is pleased to announce its position as leading media sponsor of the Homes Overseas Awards 2008.
 
Now in their 5th year, the Homes Overseas Awards are widely regarded as the most sought-after accolades in the international property industry. This year’s awards comprise 30 categories including 17 destination-specific, 11 specialist and the highly coveted Homes Overseas Developer of the Year and Readers’ Choice awards.
 
Steve Dawkins, MD of RETV, comments, “We are delighted to have been chosen to be the leading media sponsor for an event which recognises industry excellence. It is pleasing to see that the awards scheme sends judges to view all shortlisted developments and carry out in-depth assessments adding further reassurance to potential property buyers.”
 
The award winners will be announced at the ceremony and Gala dinner on Friday 28th November at The Grosvenor House Hotel, Mayfair, London and RETV will be present, filming the Award ceremony.
 
Ian Cunningham, commercial director, Globespan Media, concludes, "We are really excited to have RETV as our lead media sponsor for the Homes Overseas Awards 2008.  Our awards honour the very best international property developments, and now, in addition to the kudos of winning a Homes Overseas Award, our winners will receive superb television exposure on the RETV television channel, with their developments showcased to a keen overseas property-buying public.  We see real value in this partnership and immense benefit for our winners."    
 
For more information tune in to RETV on Sky channels 262 and 263, visit http://www.realestatetv.tv/information_page.php?type=news&page=homes_overseas_awards_2008.php or www.homesoverseas.co.uk/awards for more information on the awards.

Crunch time for the UK property market as 42% look to buy abroad in next two years

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

As the credit crunch takes its hold on British shores and the housing market senses an ever-increasing slowdown, more and more people are looking overseas for their property purchase. A new survey by Cater Allen Private Bank, part of the Santander Group who also recently purchased Bradford & Bingley’s branch network, has found that 2.3 million British people are already owners of a property overseas, with over 3 million people likely to buy abroad in the next two years.

With the UK credit crisis tightening its grip, high UK property prices and a worsening lending situation mean that Brits are finding it more and more difficult to purchase real estate in their own country, and are therefore looking elsewhere for both second homes and investment properties. It is this second category, however, that Cater Allen believes will be the most affected by the increasing crisis.
According to the survey, currently around 500,000 (less than 25%) of those buying overseas purchase for investment reasons but they are predicting that within the next two years, this figure will almost double to 42%. According to Steve Dawkins, Managing Director of Real Estate TV, the UK’s dedicated property channel, this is because property is becoming increasingly out of reach to many UK buyers:
“British buyers are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the market here in the UK and this has the knock-on effect of turning their thoughts to buying abroad instead. Overseas bargains become more appealing at times like this and people are beginning to realise that there is investment potential out there, it just may not currently be on their doorstep.”
Of those surveyed who said they were likely to buy abroad in the next two years, those over 45 years are the most likely – with 17% of this age group responding positively. The 18 to 34 age group is also likely to buy property abroad, with 10% of this age group surveyed looking to purchase overseas, spurred on by the problems hindering first time buyers here in the UK. Interestingly, 60% of this 10% will look to buy property purely as an investment showing that it is this age range that most recognises the good profit potential of foreign markets.
The effect of the current UK property market on the amount of people buying property abroad is further highlighted when Cater Allen looked regionally. Here, it was found that those living in London are the most likely to buy real estate overseas – with 10% currently owning such property – an interesting reflection on the effect of residing in the most expensive city in the UK and the third most expensive in the world (according to the Mercer Worldwide Cost of Living Survey 2008).
Given these findings and ever at the forefront of property programming, Real Estate TV are showing Uncharted Territory a series that allows viewers to discover new investment frontiers by taking them to places as far-flung as Romania’s Black Sea Coast, Fez in Morocco, Kerala in India, Placencia in Belize, and Buzios in Brazil. A behind the scenes look at property markets in less well known destinations, Uncharted Territory – presented by Juliet Morris – will help those interested in buying abroad in coming years to uncover a hidden gem of a destination, whether it be for use as a holiday home or for investment purposes.
For those interested specifically in buying overseas for investment – like the 42% uncovered by Cater Allen – Real Estate TV’s Next Big Thing series is essential viewing. Presenter Jo Sinnott visits up-and-coming destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Egypt, Ras al Khaimah and Ajman, Calabria and Cape Verde to look in depth at the reasons why these markets are set for property boom.
Watch Uncharted Territory on Real Estate TV Mondays at 9.30pm and Next Big Thing nightly at 8pm on Sky channels 262 and 263 and on demand at www.realestatetv.tv.

Ultimate tropical escape set to open

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

The opening of this year’s high tourist season on the tropical haven of Phuket will also see the opening of its newest high-end resort, the unique Village Coconut Island.

The Village is unique because of its location right on a golden beach on Koh Maphrao (Thai for Coconut Island). This island is just off the coast of Phuket yet, in terms of atmosphere, it’s worlds away – a quiet, idyllic retreat from the traffic, noise and crowds of the real world. This is the ultimate tropical escape.
Before the arrival of The Village, Coconut Island was a quiet backwater with a small, close-knit community living off fishing and rubber or coconut cultivation. It is still a quiet backwater with a small close-knit community, but now it has one of the world’s best resorts with superb five-star accommodation and facilities.
Another great secret advantage of The Village is that, because it faces east and is protected from the weather by the bulk of Phuket Island, it can be enjoyed year-round, unlike the west coast of Phuket, which is lashed by heavy rain and wind for months during the May-October monsoon season, making the beaches unusable.
The resort is the brainwave of Chris Gordon who, 25 years ago, founded Sunsail, one of the world’s top sailing holiday companies. Chris knows all about providing the best of fun on the water and top-notch accommodation on land – he’s done both with great success for decades.
Accommodation at The Village is currently all-villa, ranging from two bedrooms up to five. Most are absolute beachfront. Walk across the lawn in front – with its huge swimming pool – and you are on the sand, looking out at the magic of famed Phang Nga Bay with its skyline of soaring limestone islands.
Each villa has its own private garden and pool, outside terraces and balconies with superb views across the bay. A fully-equipped European kitchen allows families to eat “at home” if they wish. There is free Wi-fi Internet access, air conditioning throughout and flat screen TVs in living room and master bedroom, with satellite reception and DVD players.
For those who would rather not cook while on holiday, The Village has an excellent restaurant right next to the resort pool with its swim-up bar. There is also a patisserie and souvenir store, a convenience store for daily necessities, a superb spa and sauna, and a fitness centre. In addition there is daily maid service, and laundry and dry-cleaning services.
Guests can swim in their villa pool, the resort pool or the warm waters of Phang Nga Bay. Or they can jump into one of the canoes, dinghies and catamarans provided by The Village for the complimentary use of those staying there. Or they can take tours of the bay and its stunning scenery, boarding from The Village’s own pier.
There are no cars on Coconut Island; just a handful of quiet “tuk-tuks” for use by staff, so it’s serene and unpolluted. Everything necessary for a superb holiday is to hand, and guests need never leave the island.
However, for those who crave a round of golf or a shopping mall, or who would like to wander through the streets of old Phuket City or sample the nightlife of Phuket’s raucous entertainment capital, Patong, things couldn’t be easier. The Village has a complimentary shuttle boat service running 24 hours a day between the resort’s pier and the mainland. The trip takes just three to five minutes.
Villas can be booked by emailing res@thevillage-coconutisland.com or by calling +66 (0) 870 892 084. For details of villa sales on this stunning resort please email info@thevillage-coconutisland.com or visit www.thevillage-coconutisland.com.

Uncharted Programming Territory for Real Estate TV

by Kate United Kingdom

 

Now at home on a brand new channel on Sky TV and with an exciting and innovative new look to the brand’s online presence at www.realestatetv.tv, Real Estate TV is again forging ahead in its bid to bring the most informative, relevant and entertaining programming to its expanding audience. 
With the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) revealing that there was a 21% increase in the number of property purchases made abroad by Britons in 2007, it’s crystal clear that overseas real estate is still of primary interest to us all. As a result of this fact and basing their programming decisions on viewer demand, Real Estate TV are airing a new series about international property destinations entitled Uncharted Territory from the 15th of September.
Whilst many of us still prefer our holiday homes and overseas investments to be located in the likes of tried and tested Spain and France according to AIPP’s findings, the Association also reveals that a growing number of significant factors are encouraging us Britons to look further afield for our well priced international homes. Taking this information on board, Uncharted Territories is a series of programmes specifically aimed at all those who are seeking homes abroad slightly off the beaten track.
With the value of the euro still high against the pound and with confidence in some traditional markets such as Spain and Florida waning, locations as diverse as Brazil, India, Turkey, Slovakia, Slovenia and Belize are rising in appeal for those looking for a combination of affordably priced, quality real estate that represents an investment, whilst being located in an appealing location. However, much less is known about such emerging destinations when it comes to the transparency of their property markets, the purchase process, taxes, fees and even long term investment potential…that was until now. Thanks to the programme makers behind Uncharted Territorieswe can now become fully informed about every essential aspect of these exciting and diverse international property markets.
The new series of Uncharted Territories debuts at 9.30pm on Real Estate TV on Sky Channel 262 and 263 on Monday 15th of September, and with the assistance of experienced TV presenter Juliet Morris, viewers will learn about the potential, attraction and intricacies of the following markets: –
Slovenia, Slovakia, Hungary, Estonia, Latvia, Turkey, Romania, Poland, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, India and Brazil.
Tune in to Real Estate TV on Sky Channel 262 and 263 and on demand at www.realestatetv.tv to keep totally up to date with property markets at home and abroad.

Real Estate TV acquires broadcast rights to air ‘Hydra Executives’ in the UK

by Kate United Kingdom

 

Hydra Properties, one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, announced that it has awarded Real Estate TV (RETV), the independent TV channel dedicated to property, the broadcast rights to air ‘Hydra Executives’ in the UK. Over 17 million viewers across Europe are set to witness fierce competition among contenders from the UK and US teams, who will battle it out to win USD 1 million and a chance to begin a business venture in the UAE. ‘Hydra Executives’ is expected to add a different global flavour to the network’s current mix of programmes, while providing extensive international exposure to the developer’s initial foray into broadcast television.
 
Real Estate TV, which airs on Sky Channels 262 and 263 in Europe, will broadcast the show in cooperation with Showtime Arabia and Infinity TV starting mid October 2008. As the leading independent property channel in the UK, RETV has an audience of over 1.25 million viewers per month and enjoys a high level of credibility among its local and global audiences. The network has gained greater influence since joining News Corp’s Fox International Channels (FIC) in January 2008, which has further expanded the reach of its high quality and entertaining property programmes from the UK and around the world.
 
“The UAE has emerged as a strong player in the global real estate arena, and ‘Hydra Executives’ is a unique show that focuses on the vast opportunities that are available in this country, especially in Abu Dhabi,” said Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, CEO, Hydra Properties. “Our association with a highly targeted network such as RETV will connect ‘Hydra Executives’ to viewers within the international real estate market and potential investors who can appreciate the investment prospects within the emirate.”
 
Broadcasting 24 hours a day, RETV’s wide range of property-based programmes include ‘The Next Big Thing’, which takes a deeper look at emerging real estate markets; ‘Focus’, which gives a detailed insight on the real estate opportunities within a particular area. As the newest addition to RETV’s program list, ‘Hydra Executives’ will provide not only entertainment by chronicling the pursuit for prestige and fortune of 16 determined individuals, but more importantly, present a broader perspective of the real estate landscape of Abu Dhabi, which is one of the fastest growing development markets in the world.
 
Speaking about the timing of bringing the series to a British audience, Steve Dawkins, Managing Director of Real Estate TV stated: “It’s a perfect addition to our programming because our audience is very interested in inspirational programming and entrepreneurial shows like Dragons Den are immensely popular. We understand that many who watch Real Estate TV also want to find out more about emerging property markets around the world.” 
 
The show will also be broadcast globally on our Video on Demand service at www.realestatetv.tv and we are expecting very high viewing figures because it’s a great show to watch.  “Expect to meet some real characters amongst the teams as well as viewing many locations around the United Arab Emirates.  In other words, expect to be entertained and informed.”
 
‘Hydra Executives’ was launched as a first-of-its-kind English reality-based series, which will be shown weekly on Real Estate TV starting mid October, 2008. Currently in its filming stages, the show will feature 16 contenders – 8 from the US and 8 from the UK – who will vie for the top prize. The exciting 13-week competition will chronicle the drama behind the teams’ and the individual contenders’ efforts to excel in given tasks and assignments, while learning about the real estate business in the process. 
 
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Real Estate TV majority-owned by Fox International Channels is the UK’s leading independent TV channel exclusively dedicated to the property and investor markets across the globe. The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Sky channels 262/263 and via the award winning free Video on Demand service at http://www.realestatetv.tv
 

Revealing the new Real Estate TV

by Kate United Kingdom

 

The multi award winning independent TV channel and multi-media company dedicated to all things property, Real Estate TV has a brand new look.
 
Available to watch on Sky channels 262 and 263 and on demand at www.realestatetv.tv, RETV, part of News Corporation’s Fox International Channels’ network and the Association of Property Professionals, is dedicated to providing information, inspiration and entertainment to property investors across the world. 
 
Since its formation in October 2004 Real Estate TV has developed in tandem with the property industries both in the UK and overseas and the channel has seen audience share grow to over 21 million in the UK and Ireland with the average viewing time now almost 25 minutes.
 
Steve Dawkins, Managing Director of RETV, comments, “Real Estate TV has grown to become a leading provider of quality, entertaining property programming and a trusted resource for potential property buyers. Our typical viewers are the kinds of people that like to enjoy life, are educated and look for trends and opportunities in different markets, seeking quality and added benefits. The sophisticated branding and new look user friendly website is designed to reflect our audience profile and compliment our programming.”
 
In line with the channel’s new look a number of exciting and topical series are currently airing including The Unsellables presented by Sophie Allsopp and Auction Squad as well as Uncharted Territory and Hydra Executives due to air soon. RETV’s own commissioned series, Next Big Thing has proved extremely popular also and in response to viewer demand a new news based show is planned for early 2009.
 
Steve Dawkins comments, “We strive to provide diverse programming and meet the demands of our audience. As the property market has developed both within the UK and internationally buyers have become more sophisticated and in turn so must the programming.”
 
In terms of an advertisement platform for property professionals, Real Estate TV provides the ideal multi-platform for brand owners to target property-focused consumers. With well respected companies such as Barrasford and Bird, TM Real Estate and Fidentia already working with the channel now is the time to take advantage of the on air and online opportunities available.
 
For more information tune in to RETV on Sky channels 262 and 263 or visit www.realestatetv,tv.
 

Premiership football club gets new premier owners

by Kate United Kingdom

Premiership English football club, Manchester City, has been taken over by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment.

An agreement has been reached between City’s owner, Thaksin Shinawatra, the billionaire former Prime Minister of Thailand, and Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, the CEO of Hydra Properties and a future member of the Club’s board.
Considered “a massive achievement for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi” this acquisition is sure to focus attention on the rapidly developing Emirate. Football fan Al-Fahim aims to make “Manchester City one the top four clubs in the Premier League” through investment in the Club and new players. 
And at only 31 years old Al-Fahim is no stranger to achieving his goals. Dubbed the “Donald Trump of Abu Dhabi”, Al-Fahim is a successful businessman with his real estate company, Hydra Properties, reportedly signing $2 billion worth of residential and commercial projects in the first two years of trading to become one of the Middle East’s fastest growing property companies.
But his ambitions do not stop there. His latest venture has taken the property game to a new level with Hydra Executives, a brand new TV series, which sees two teams of eight British and American contestants competing against each other in Abu Dhabi in a number of business related tasks.
Speaking about the timing of bringing the series to a British audience, Steve Dawkins, Managing Director of Real Estate TV stated: “It’s a perfect addition to our programming because our audience is very interested in inspirational programming and entrepreneurial shows like Dragons Den are immensely popular. We understand that many who watch Real Estate TV also want to find out more about emerging property markets around the world.” 
The show will also be broadcast globally on our Video on Demand service at www.realestatetv.tv and we are expecting very high viewing figures because it’s a great show to watch.  Expect to meet some real characters amongst the teams as well as viewing many locations around the United Arab Emirates.  In other words, expect to be entertained and informed.”
This Apprentice-style 13 part series, which will be aired in the UK on Real Estate TV (http://www.realestatetv.tv/on-tv/programme-information/hydra-executives_8680.html) in mid October, is presented by Hydra Properties CEO Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim and culminates in a head to head contest with the lucky winner receiving $1 million to fund their own property venture.
For more information on Hydra Executives, the contestants and Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim please visit http://www.realestatetv.tv/on-tv/programme-information/hydra-executives_8680.html or tune in to Real Estate TV on Sky Channels 262 and 263 from mid October.
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About Real Estate TV
Real Estate TV majority-owned by Fox International Channels is the UK’s leading independent TV channel exclusively dedicated to the property and investor markets across the globe. The channel broadcasts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on Sky channels 262/263 and via the award winning free Video on Demand service at http://www.realestatetv.tv.