St Lucian tourism to take off

The Caribbean destination of St Lucia could be on the radar of more international property buyers thanks to a series of new flights to the island. British Airways is increasing its direct flights from London from three to five times a week from October 2009. Before last year, the airline only flew to the island indirectly twice a week. Earlier this year, German airline Condor announced the launch of its first direct flight to St Lucia from Frankfurt from November 2009, and US low-cost airline Jet Blue revealed its plans for a service from JFK airport in New York. Offplan Property Abroad are assisting people to invest in St Lucian property at The Marquis Estate, a luxury 5star golf and spa resort including an 18 hole Gary Player Golf Course.

Prices start from £130,000GBP

Brazil scores well with investors.

Greg Walters is Director of Offplan Property Abroad Ltd and ROC Investments, which specialise in selling 5star luxury spa resorts for property investment in some of the best locations in the Caribbean and tourist destinations worldwide.

Why is Brazil such an excellent investment opportunity?
It's got some of the finest beaches in the world, the most robust economy in South America and a rapidly expanding middle class. Anyone who is anyone in the hotel world is trying to get into Brazil right now. Over the last few years I have seen Brazil transform into a huge attraction for investors. As an emerging property market Brazil currently sits on the brink of a boom period. Besides natural beauty, cultural diversity and hospitality, improvements to Brazilian infrastructure have made it one of the best tourist destinations in the world. it has excellent direct flights from the UK, Europe and the US, making it a convenient holiday destination. This accessibility increases potential investment yields and along with the low cost of living, great quality of life, fantastic climate and rich culture, contributes to Brazil's success. Brazil has also been selected to host the 2014 football World Cup and more recently the Olympics in 2016.

What do you think are the best economic indicators the Brazil is a good investment in the long term?
There have been major changes in the economy of Brazil and the country has seen steady and continuous growth. In the past Brazil suffered from very high inflation rates and over the last 20 years these have slowly but surely come down to 6.5% and remain very stable at that level, even during the current economic crisis.

What advantages does this mean for investors?
Political stability has brought inflation under control and Brazil's rapid growth in tourism is creating a huge demand for property. While Brazil remains on a steady growth curve, I would urge investors to catch this promising market from the very start, while prices remain low and high returns on investment are inevitable. Brazil is attractive because of the levels of returning capital, the open economy with low competition costs, low risks and high yields. Foreign investors can also move their money in and out of Brazil easily.

What parts of Brazil are most foreign buyers investing in?
For holiday destinations the majority of investment is in the North East of Brazil, such as Bahia. Bahia is perceived as an upmarket resort and the ecological aspect of the location is very important.

Why was Bahia chosen for the resort in Brazil?
Bahia is the favourite holiday destination for Brazilians because of its year round climate, pristine beaches and excellent infrastructure. Without Doubt you will find many of Brazil's finest beaches and resorts in Bahia. Porto Seguro is Brazil's number two tourist destination after Rio, giving you an idea of the cache Bahia has for Brazilians. Salvador is Brazil's number two most visited city, The Bahian Coast has its fair share of upmarket destinations - The Garapua Beach Resort is located on Tinhare Island just off the coast of Salvador.

Your invitation

You are cordially invited to join us during our 3 day event "Creating Wealth through Tax Efficient Property Investment in the Caribbean"

"How to invest with little or no money down"

"How to use your pension fund to buy property"

Join us for 1 of our 2 seminar presentations or our open day where you can meet our property investment specialists and pension experts.

Seminar Presentation

Date: Thursday 3rd September 2009 Time: 7.00pm arrival - tea, coffee and biscuits

7.30pm presentation followed by buffet luncheon and drinks.

Location: Our headquarters, Hilton Hall, Hilton Hall, Essington, Staffs, WV11 2BQ.

Open Day

Date: Friday 4th September 2009

Time: 10.00am till 3.00pm refreshments served all day

Location: Our headquarters, Hilton Hall, Hilton Hall, Essington, Staffs, WV11 2BQ.

Seminar Presentation

Date: Saturday 5th September 2009

Time: 11.30am arrival - tea, coffee and biscuits12.00pm presentation followed by buffet luncheon and drinks.

Location: Our headquarters, Hilton Hall, Hilton Hall, Essington, Staffs, WV11 2BQ.

Places are limited. Please RSVP by calling 01902 722 930 or emailing invest@offplanpropertyabroad.com

We look forward to hearing from you.

Off Plan Property Abroad

A Taste of Margarita

According to an article written in the Los Angeles Times and the Economist magazine, oil rich Venezuela is the fastest growing economy in the world behind China.
The trade balance is currently a positive $22.1 billion. That’s A LOT OF MONEY for a country with a population of only 26 million people. Even more impressive industrial production is up 23.1%. That’s mostly local money.
As a result, confidence is high locally, hence the political calm. Instead of taking money out of the country, local business leaders and government are keeping it in and putting it into things like manufacturing, expanding/upgrading infrastructure, and controlling prices (97 octane gasoline is US 11 cents a gallon, for example).
So far as President Chavez and any perceived anti-American attitude is concerned, there has been a lot of the propaganda caused by the US government and its policies. The Chavez government was against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, but then again so were many other countries, some of them supposed allies of the USA.
With the government committed to increasing tourism and Article 301 of the Constitution, no discrimination is allowed between local and foreign investors. Juridical Stability Agreements are another incentive provided for in the Investment Promotion and Protection Law and its regulations.
Margarita Island is “tax free”, situated in the Caribbean (off the hurricane trail) and the largest of Venezuela’s 72 islands. It is not as well known as it’s neighbours Trinidad and Tobago but Margarita has already managed to become a “hot spot” for many Europeans and has rightly earned recognition as the “Pearl of the Caribbean”. With around 1.7m visitors last year and an average temperature of 30c, Margarita Island a 12 month of the year holiday destination. Spanish is the local language yet Margarita is a fusion of Caribbean and South American cultures, which is clear to be seen during Carnival season.
Combined with the opportunity to buy investment property from £55,000 Margarita is already well on the way to becoming a major property investment market and has attracted regular media attention recently. According to sources, top international boxer Joe Calzaghe has also invested in property there.
With good road infrastructure, low cost of living, fantastic Beaches, Shopping Malls, Casinos and major Hotel chains, Margarita Island is ready and waiting for the shrewd investor. Property prices are still cheap but there has been a steady rise over the past 2 years as the demand for new builds increase to meet the requirements of international tourism.
First Choice Holidays and P&O Cruises now feature Margarita in their brochures and many European airlines fly directly to the island, with more set to follow. The interest in Margarita Island has not gone unnoticed by major International Hotel Groups who already have a presence on the Island.
As with all emerging markets cheap property prices will not last forever and it is generally those who have insight and courage to “get in early” that will benefit. However, buying into the right type of project is also essential if you are looking to maximize capital growth and rental income.
For information on Margarita Island please click here.

Mortgages in Brazil

Until relatively recently, mortgage lending in Brazil was highly restricted, due to a combination of limited products, chronically high inflation rates and a prolonged financial crises that impacted confidence in the financial market.
There are only 6 operational lending institutions and the market is dominated by one major player, the main lender in Brazil has been the Caiza Economica Federal (Brazil Central Bank) which originates 70% of Brazilian mortgages, financing USD $11.2 bn of Brazils total USD 16bn residential mortgage market. The remaining 30% is serviced by private and state-owned multi-chartered banks. There is a sever housing shortage in Brazil, and population growth rates (0.98% in 2008) mean that this deficit will grow from 7.2 million to 12.45 million in the next 15 years. Brazil owner occupier rates were 73.7% in 2004, a level which is not thought to have changed significantly in that time. In 2005, 594,000 properties were sold domestically in Brazil; out of this only 38% were financed with mortgages.
The government of President Lula has devoted to resources to tackle the housing shortage. His main aims and results were the provision of more funds for the purchase of affordable homes, increase of housing loan-products and making bank finance available that would relieve real estate developers from the burden of lending money and thus exposing themselves to credit risks and additional operation costs. As interest rates maintain their downwards trend in Brazil, competitors have started to introduce diverse products able to compete with the Caiza Economica Federal. These retail banks are showing an increasing ability to service every-large portions of the population, which will likely result in more widespread use of loan products such as mortgages in the medium and long term.
With demand for new build property and real estate prices both set to continue increasing in the coming years in line with the country demographic growth, the increasing stability of the local economy and the increasing access to credit, investors and developers operating in the Brazilian domestic housing market should see several years of plenty ahead of them.

Click here for property investments in Brazil. http://www.offplanpropertyabroad.com/development/garapua-beach-resort.php

Beckham Academy Satisfies Brazil's Eco-Criteria

Growth in Brazil continues full steam ahead, creating even better prospects for investors and potential overseas property buyers. One thing remains contestant; the country’s policies to maintain high standards in eco-tourism and development laws, while keeping a close eye on irregularities to the latest rules and regulations. David Beckham’s planned academy has passed the government’s strict scrutiny to provide an interesting contribution to the Natal area.
A recent project to be approved by the authorities is Mr David Beckham’s very own Football Academy. British newspaper, The Daily Mirror, announced earlier this week the former England captain’s decision to launch a Beckham-branded football centre in Cabo Sao Rogue, near the popular tourist destination of Natal. The project is due to be completed in 2014, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, and will boast a mini-stadium, small sports complex, training facilities and accommodation. The academy is sure to become a major attraction for tourists worldwide, suitably boosting this area’s fast growing investment climate.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian authorities are scrutinizing all licenses granted on new developments in a bid to ensure internal environmental policies are met. The first international eco-resort to be put under the microscope is “Grand Golf Natal”.
Local newspaper, ‘Tribuna Do Norte’, explains that State prosecutors have requested IDEMA (Institute for Environmental Protection) to declare void the pre-license agreement for the development. Prosecutors became suspicious upon receiving a report from IDEMA, created in just over two months, that neither explains the environmental impact of the resort, nor gives details on water supply to the development, or appropriate ways to treat waste.
Brazil is evidently implementing efficient and real changes in its development policies. With the corruption of such policies a difficult prospect, the Brazilian environment is ensured a protected future. This sets the path clear for fantastic new eco-friendly infrastructures, such as the Beckham Academy to boost visitor numbers and rental returns.

A Guide to Property Investment in Greece

From its beautiful coastlines to its mythical landmarks, Greece is a country whose history and legends have ignited the imaginations of many around the world for centuries.
Greece’s Stable Government Lends Itself to Bolstering Property Investor Confidence
Greek’s parliamentary democracy has been in place since 1975. Whilst the country has experienced strained relationships with some of its neighbours from time to time, its relationship with most European countries is quite strong. The overall stability in the region and its strong government very much inspire property investor confidence.
Greece’s Longstanding European Union Membership Inspires Confidence in Investors, Holidaymakers and Expats Alike
Greece has been a member of the European Union since 1981. Its standing in the organisation and its adoption of the euro both work well to inspire investor confidence. The common currency with much of Europe does ease the buying process in Greece for property and makes it simpler for many Europeans to handle financial transactions. Whilst Brits still have to deal with exchange rates, the overall economic stability and strength of relations between Greece and the UK inspire property investor confidence and make investment attractive.
Low Buy-In Prices Make Greece Very Attractive to Investors
The cost of investing in property in Greece is extremely attractive. The buy-in prices right now are under GBP 40,000 for off-plan purchases. Resale villas and flats can even be found in the GBP 20,000 range in some areas. Even in Athens where the prices tend to be higher, it is feasible to find very attractive flats for well under GBP 50,000. Keep in mind that higher-end properties do fetch higher-end prices of course. The potential for growth in the property market in Greece remains quite high as well. Rental yields are estimated in the 7% range in popular areas such as Athens and Crete. The reasonable buy-in prices and attractive rental yields combine quite well to make buying property in Greece attractive.
Comparable and Favourable Cost of Living Makes Greece Very Attractive to Holidaymakers, Expats and Investors
Whilst the major Greek cities such as Athens tend to cost a bit more interms of living expenses, the overall living expenses for residing in Greece are considered below Northern European prices. Major purchases on things such as automobiles are much more expensive, but the basics of living are not. This is very good news for retirees and expats who want to cater to them. Outside of the major cities expats report savings of as much as 30% over Northern Europe on the basic necessities of living.
Ease and Affordability of Access Raise Greece’s Appeal for Property Investors
Getting to Greece from European countries is generally not a problem at all. With very easy access for EU citizens and reasonable airfares from major airports all over the world, travel to Greece is attainable for many. To make this even more so the Greek government has recently made an appeal to low-cost carriers to make accessibility even more attractive. Rigth now, an airfare from London to Athens is about USD 400 for a roundtrip which isn’t terribly high. The ease of accessibility is very appealing for holidaymakers and expats. This of course is good news for investors with buy-to-let strategies in mind. The accessibility is being taken advantage of by holidaymakers. The Greek tourism industry is valued at an estimated USD 51.8 billion for 2007. Demand in Greece is anticipated to grow by nearly 4% per annum through to 2017 according to the World Travel & Tourism Council as well.
Greece’s Legendary Geography and Climate make it a Favorie for Investors, Expats, Retirees and Holidaymakers
From the historic home of the gods on Mt. Olympus to its beautiful Aegean, Ionian and Mediterranean sea coastlines, the beautiful Greek landscape appeals to many holidaymakers, expats and retirees. The country’s climate is considered ideal by many people who prefer warmer, milder weather patterns; Greece enjoys mild, we winters and very warm, dry summers. The geography and climate help make Greece stand out as a tourism destination, which also appeals to investors wiching to target the nation’s tourism industry for their returns.
Greece’s Incredible History Keeps its Attraction Level High with Property Investors
The Greek culture is one of the oldest and most widely studied and fabled in the world. From its arts and literature to its governmental philosophies and beyond, Greek history and culture has impacted countries all over the globe. Interest in the country, its culture and history remains incredibly high. This bodes well for its sustainable tourism draws. With college courses and indeed complete lines of study dedicated to the study of ancient Greek history, the appeal of the nation has long been in place. This is very good news for investors who are interested in catering to the holidaymaking market.
Favourable Tax Structure Makes Greece Very Attractive to Investors
The Greek government is working very hard to stabilise its property market and put programmes in place to protect buyers from unreasonable prices that have hurt other attractive markets. Once such protection is a new capital gains tax set at 20% if property is resold within the first five years. The number decreases to 10% after 5 years and 5% after 15. Whilst this is not attractive for investors with buy-to-flip strategies, it is good news for those who are looking at strategies that involve holding purchases. The concern of the Greek government with regard to keeping its property market stable is very encouraging for buyers and does inspire confidence in terms of sustainable and stable growth.
Ease of Relocation Makes Greece Attractive to Retirees, Expats and Investors
Greece welcomes foreign property investors, retirees and expats. EU members are allowed to buy in the country and live in Greece permanently. Visas and residence permits are required for stays longer than three months. Whilst investors are welcomed, Greece does not look kindly on speculation. The country has established rules that dissuade over-exuberant international buyers. The overall landscape and atmosphere however, do make Greece quite attractive to buyers, expats, retirees and holidaymakers. The buy-to-let potential and buy for eventual resale potential is high. Early penalty taxes for flipping property too quickly do not make this particular strategy very attractive in Greece.
Greek’s Legendary Atmosphere and Friendly, Spirited People Make the Country Very Inviting Overall
Greek culture has been legendary for its warm, friendly nature since Homeric times. The Greek people welcome holidaymakers, expats and investors interested in their culture. Their friendly, spirited nature makes visitors feel welcome and wanting to return. This is very encouraging for investors who want to appeal to holidaymakers and who require a sustainable base of interest.
From its beautiful coastlines to its mythical landmarks, Greece is a country whose history and legends have ignited the imaginations of many around the world for centuries.
The country’s constant holidaymaking appeal and affordable property market make it very attractive to investors with a variety of strategies possible.
For further information please visit us at:- http://www.offplanpropertyabroad.com/development/halcyon-hills.php