Commercial real estate has been hard hit during the current property downfall, alongside the residential sector. The general outlook appears similar in various commercial markets around the world, with ever increasing supply exceeding demand.

With the condition of the real estate market being a focus for general all round bad news in various worldwide markets, finally the moment has been reached when economists originally predicted they would be able to gauge the severity of the market. From this position they claim to be in an improved position to advise on the sector’s immediate future.

Technically it should only be a matter of months before the general public is informed whether the commercial sector will continue with a bleak outlook, or if it will start to regain some positivity. With the state of the residential market acting as a gauge for the outlook of the commercial sector, the first half of 2009 produced positive results in comparison to the past two years of downfalls.  From these findings, the overall real estate market could finally be looking up.

Unfortunately despite the positive outlook of the residential sector and the connections it presents for the commercial market, things aren’t going to spring back to normal over night. In the USA commercial property sales dropped by over 70% in 2008, a dramatic fall in the market that is expected to take years to rectify. (more…)

Although the list of stunning features of the Oase Luxium development is desirable and extensive, the investment features of Oase Luxium stand out as a project not to be ignored.

The developer has gone to incredible lengths to ensure, for what seem like the first time in a long time, buyers are getting their money’s worth.

A 150% guaranteed buy-back offer 5 years from the completion of construction enables peace of mind, a readily established exit strategy, and best of all: guaranteed returns despite any potential turn in the market.

Looking at the current facts and comparing them with the future potential of the Turkish real estate market, it doesn’t seem likely that the sector will fall flat. Perfect for the current economic climate, a guaranteed buy-back ensures against any potential unknowns. (more…)

When relying on financial assistance when investing in real estate in overseas markets, understanding the differing practices between established and emerging markets can assist with obtaining the ideal loan for the type of market being entered into.

Emerging markets tend to be countries with a local economy developing at a rapid pace. Coming in line with their established market counterparts, property prices offer unbeatable bargains with rapidly increasing capital growth potential. The security of an established market coupled with a steady and affluent domestic sector enable slower growth and higher prices, yet with increased long term benefits.

Mortgage financing is not always available in many emerging markets, yet the low entry levels and property prices in these countries can often assist with avoiding the necessity of obtaining loans. The initial boom of the real estate market in Dubai provides a good example of an emerging market where financing assistance was not available. (more…)

Turkey is currently undergoing preparations to becoming the next European golf tourism hotspot. The present lack of operating courses in comparison to typical golfing destinations such as Spain and Portugal, is soon to be rectified with major expansion plans for Turkey.

The majority of courses currently present in the country are connected to hotels in the Belek area of the Mediterranean coast, with one course also operating in Bodrum. The remaining courses are located in Istanbul.

The tourism council understands the attraction of golf tourism to European visitors and property investors, creating plans to transform the country into a key golfing destination. The Turkish Golf Federation has designed plans for the creation of 100 courses within 4 years, aimed at generating returns of US$1 billion per year. (more…)

The practice of a multi currency mortgage involves using the fluctuations in currency exchange rates to obtain the best interest rates on mortgage repayments. Switching a mortgage into a different currency when beneficial changes in foreign exchange occur, can theoretically reduce the amount of the loan, along with the amount of interest due to be paid on the loan.

Just as mortgages that are obtained in foreign countries for purchasing foreign property reflect the interest rates of that particular market, multi currency mortgages are designed to obtain the best conditions of the exchange market to the benefit of the client.

The ideal moment to switch between currencies is decided by specialist financial brokers, with a comprehensive understanding of the exchange market. Due to the volatile fluctuations of currency exchange rates, mortgages based on these principles are entirely reliant upon the direction of exchange rate movements and the specialist knowledge of the broker.

Many currencies may be used in multi currency mortgages, although most commonly they tend to switch between the Pound Sterling, US dollars, Japanese Yen, Euros and Swiss Francs. While it may seem like an ideal practice for reduced rate mortgage payments, many risks can be associated with these loans. (more…)

The idea of purchasing an investment property in an emerging market is very attractive to many who are beginning to create an investment portfolio.  As the prices of the properties are inevitably lower than those in an established market, lower potential financial loss will result from any associated risks.

An emerging market is essentially one that has recently opened up to attract foreign buyers, bringing increased income through foreign direct investment to the country. This investment also assists with developing and establishing a tourism market, which may not have previously existed on a wide ranging scale.

Changes in governments are usually one of the main steps the emerging country has taken to better develop itself towards higher world standards. As an example, over recent years countries in Eastern Europe presented great opportunities for investors, as the countries began to open their doors to foreign investment. Better standards of living were generated, along with increased tourism, improvements in infrastructure and many other beneficial factors. (more…)

The past year has witnessed much speculation over the world economic downturn and the resulting greater consideration placed upon financial expenditure in every economic market.

While investing in overseas property has inevitably seen a decrease in figures, it has not been from lack of interest. There are various considerations, with some people convinced that prices will drop to bargain levels, although bargain-hunting is more likely to produce these results than a general all round drop of market prices. Others are simply waiting for their finances to be released from previous, not well thought out investments.

The closing down of many companies in the real estate sector during the past year has provided investors with a better position to seek out those companies who really do know what they are doing, from those who simply set up shop as it appeared as an easy way to make fast money. (more…)

Despite the slowing of interest in the Bulgarian real estate market from British clients in the past year, the sector has fared better compared with similar near-by markets. Tourism has steadily grown in the country at a rate of around 6.5% per annum, appealing to larger variations of the mass market in recent years.

Bulgaria was in fact, one of the few regions that experienced positive growth in 2008, slowing down only in the final quarter. The country is only beginning to realise its full potential for tourism and real estate growth, enabling more extensive attractions than simply skiing and beaches.

Russian investors are currently looking very favourably towards Bulgaria as the ideal location for Casino tourism. Having long been a favoured holiday destination for wealthy Russians, the Bulgarian market could be set for massive expansion. Already attracting many Turkish and Greek visitors, the Bulgarian casinos in popular tourism regions are planning huge expansion projects, as a bid to capture the Russian market. (more…)

Having faced its fair share of ups and downs over recent years, the international real estate market appears set to mature. Following excessive amounts of speculative buying from first time investors, buyers are becoming increasingly aware of realistic growth opportunities. Due to this, guaranteed buy-back offers on new developments have become harder to encounter, mostly due to the volatility of many emerging and established markets in recent times.

The idea of a guaranteed buy-back scheme is generally based on a contractual offer from a development company. The developers agree to re-purchase the property for a set percentage of the price, after a set period of time.

Guaranteed buy-back offers are most likely to be featured in strong emerging markets, where the chance for capital growth over the short to medium term is very high. If a developer is guaranteeing to re-purchase a property for a specific percentage within a certain time period, serious analysis of the market will have been carried out to ensure strong potential profitability for the developer. (more…)

Understanding the full regulations relating to purchasing real estate in Brazil is important, enabling a comprehensive knowledge of the commonly referred to ‘ease of purchasing’ process. Here we attempt to provide a greater insight to potential buyers of the processes involved, providing increased clarity for personal assurance.

It has been mentioned several times that there are no restriction on foreign purchases in Brazil. While this is correct for the average investor wishing to buy a holiday home or apartment, yet some restrictions do apply on rural land.

If purchasing rural land through a company, the use of the land needs to be directly related to the company’s functions, such as agriculture or industry. Foreign individuals purchasing rural land in Brazil are required to migrate within three years of acquiring the land.

Another area of clarification is the compulsory use of a legal representative. While it is not a compulsory requirement by law, it is highly recommended. The extensive amount of documentation to be checked through, ensuring a property fully complies with legal regulations is best clarified by a Brazilian based lawyer. (more…)