Latest statistics of housing sales in the US have shown a decline in the final weeks leading up to the completion date of the real estate tax credit. Set to expire on November 30^th, the tax credit was designed as a boost for the real estate sector, providing first time homebuyers with an US$8,000 rebate on property purchases.

The sudden decline in sales has provided further evidence to the government that the tax credit was in fact assisting with the growth of the market over the past months. Demands for an extension of the credit have been under consideration by the government, expected to announce a final decision in the coming weeks.

Following the decline in property sales over the past month, it is predicted that the decline will continue without the incentive from the tax credit. As property prices continue to remain low, those with the capacity to purchase under current economic conditions are unlikely to rush into immediate sales without the additional benefit of the tax credit incentive. (more…)

For the past 15 years, Cancun has thrived as one of the most desired overseas real estate investment and relocation hotspots for North American second home buyers. In recent years, the dream of owning property along the Yucatan Peninsula has also become increasingly attracting European investors.

Many buyers making their initial enquiries into the tropical paradise become confused when trying to understand the Mexican real estate trust agreements, otherwise known as a Fideicomiso. The processes involved in acquiring Mexican real estate are relatively straight forward, yet a little bit of initial knowledge can go a long way in comprehending the regulations relating to the purchasing processes.

As Cancun and the majority of the most sought after investment and relocation areas of Mexico are located along the coastal regions, they also fall into restricted zones. While previous to 1994 foreigners were not able to purchase real estate in Mexico, the changes in the law to attract foreign investment were accompanied by the zoning restrictions. Areas of Mexico falling into these restricted zones include any land within 50km of the coastline, or 100km of the country’s borders. (more…)

The introduction of SIPP qualified overseas property investments has assisted in the encouragement of increased investment options, with tax advantages and the possibility of deciding upon your own investment options for your pension fund plan.

Self Invested Personal Pensions (SIPPs) are regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and allow holders to manage their own investments from their pension funds rather than having their finances managed by a chosen fund in the more traditional sense. This is a great alternative to those who are experienced in overseas property investments and wish to manage their own futures.

While it is not only property investments that are legible for the SIPP portfolios, the potentially higher capital growth on property, especially in the long term and from emerging markets, the gains can be far greater than stocks and shares. (more…)

Property Letting Overseas focus primarily on the Spanish long and short term rental property market. A partner site of Property Investing Overseas, the sites have been designed to work in collaboration, assisting investment and lifestyle clients in the ever appealing emerging and established real estate markets.

The recent release of the new Property Letting Overseas web portal fills a long awaited niche in the market for comprehensive long and short term rental listings in the Spanish real estate market.

Set to expand in the near future to cover the extensive range of real estate investment locations currently covered by the parent site Property Investing Overseas, the success and growth will ensure all clients and agents are provided with optimum services from this professional company. (more…)

Established markets for real estate investments are currently undergoing scrutiny for their continuation as ideal long term options. Traditionally considered to be the safest selection for long term growth potential, market downturns of recent times have caused a turn-around in many buyer’s opinions.

The situation has created opportunities for several emerging markets to prove their staying power as genuine contenders for long term strength. The strong gains and market stability traditionally reserved for established markets has, over recent times, shown a true test of each market’s genuine worth.

Profits eventuating from previously strong markets have dropped, often to the point of severe losses, causing investors to look at newer markets. Turkey has shown itself to be a strong contender against more traditional investment markets, such as Spain. (more…)

Egypt continues to thrive as a preferred emerging real estate investment market, having continuously attracted growing numbers of buyers since the introduction of the mortgage market in 2001. Europeans are amongst the largest group of property investors to Egypt’s Red Sea Riviera, assisted by budget priced, direct mid-haul flights from many major European cities.

Italians, Russians and Germans are amongst the largest groups of holiday makers to the Red Sea Riviera, where some of the best diving opportunities can be found. The Red Sea coast has been developing extensively over the past decade to create an attractive resort destination, benefitting real estate investors to this ideal emerging property market.

The investment attraction of Egypt’s real estate market has grown extensively, assisted by the booming tourism market. Bargain priced properties constructed to European standards have been attracting buyers, often with guaranteed rental yields in new developments, catering to the steadily growing tourism market. (more…)

Interest in the Turkish real estate market continues to soar, with the first half of the year seeing continued demand from buyers keen on the extensive range of benefits the market offers.

The main demand from clients has been for new and off-plan properties in the coastal regions such as Bodrum and Kusadasi. Interestingly, holiday home purchases have been the most sought after investment option amongst buyers in the Turkish real estate market.

While investors are aware the Turkish property market can produce some lucrative returns as a short term opportunity, many buyers are taking the less risky approach to investment. Combining the various appealing attractions of the Turkish property market, mid to long term investments have become the most popular buying option. (more…)

As interest continues to generate for the purchase of Turkish real estate investments, one area of confusion for many first time buyers is often surrounding the necessary military clearance procedures. Military clearance is required by all foreign nationals purchasing real estate in Turkey, prior to the title deeds being transferred into the new owner’s name.

The process of military clearance is simply to ensure that the property being purchased is not located within a restricted zone. Once the clearance has been obtained confirming the property is located within a permitted area, the application to purchase is automatically accepted.

Areas affected by military restrictions include military land and areas of national security, historical areas and land of cultural value, mining and agricultural land, land in ecological and biological sensitive areas, registered forest areas and important areas for energy purposes. (more…)

Global mass tourism has been a strong influencing factor in the expansion of foreign real estate investment around the world. Emerging markets with growing mass tourism appeal have gained investor interest for strong rental yields, bargain property prices, fast capital growth potential and high demand enabling good exit strategies. Continued success with economic growth in these markets largely depends upon the lasting appeal of the tourism sector.

Locations with the greatest potential for continued mass tourism and real estate investment growth are those offering year round sunshine, attractive beaches and golfing options. Areas of fast growing interest tend to be in locations within a short or mid haul flights of the tourism sector client base. Currency exchange rates can also have an effect on the popularity of specific locations, as fluctuating rates offer either benefits or disadvantages to certain areas, increasing or decreasing the seasonal attraction.

As tourism interest increases in emerging market locations, property prices tend to rise dramatically over a relatively short period of time. The surge in investment demand enables impressive returns to those buyers entering the market at the earliest stage of expansion. This is also considered to be one of the riskier alternatives, as the success of the tourism sector is yet to be established. (more…)

Obtaining financing to take advantage of one of the best moments in recent history for acquiring real estate has become one of the biggest hurdles for potential buyers to overcome. While only two years ago lending practices were at their most lenient, the sudden turnaround has been dramatic.

More so than ever before have personal credit ratings been such a prominent deciding factor of banks and lending societies. Screening potential clients to avoid future problems with repayments has lead to one of the most difficult moments to obtain financing.

While it is arguable that improved access to financing will assist in balancing the excessive falls in real estate purchases, it is expected to be only a matter of time before restrictions on lending practices ease. Many buyers are keen to access the current market to take advantage of the exceptional property prices available, yet are held back due to limited access to lending and long term employment security. (more…)