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Why Dubai Has Got a New Breed Of Property Investor

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Mon, 10 May 2010 13:06:28 -0400

My experience with investors buying in Dubai extends since 2004 when one of my websites (Homesgofast.com) which promotes international real estate found that the property market had huge potential. Many of our UK based investors did not even hesitate to put a deposit down on a sure fire bet of an off plan property that was going to make them a fortune. Yes it worked many flipped got out and made a great deal of money. House prices seem to go up every year driven by hungry developers demanding more money from even more hungry investors.

That Was Then

I felt at the time that Dubai was different and the bubble would not burst , investors were no buying these luxury apartments with a mortgage but with their own money nothing could go wrong!

Down payments followed by stage payments made it a consumer friendly place to buy real estate. Then human nature took over instead of buying one property investors bought 5 then 6 then 10 etc. It did not take too long before the overseas property investors fast become over stretched.

This Is Now

The Good new is that investors have changed no longer are they looking at Dubai for a quick buck. It's now about steady investors with an eye on the long term. Inspection trips and detailed information is the order of the day with investors carefully selecting the best of what is available. We see many prices at 2005 levels which obviously presents opportunities for those investing for the long term. Investing in Dubai by overseas property investors is set to return but it will be to a different type of international real estate investor buying in Dubai.

This could be the future

Dubai appears to have turned the corner with UAE officials stating that talks on reducing the $24.8 billion Dubai debt were going well and that no more major corporate restructurings were expected.

Confidence in Dubai's residential property market certainly appears to be returning with the Colliers International Q1 2010 House Price Index recording a 4% increase in house prices since Q4 2009. It is the third consecutive quarter in which the index has registered an overall increase, reinforcing a trend of market stabilization.

We can all learn from Dubai it seems...

Useful Resources

Dubai Real Estate

Hong Kong & Dubai House Price Story

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 03:08:01 -0400

The strength of the Chinese economy has now reflected in impressive house price rises in Hong Kong. According to the latest Knight Frank Global House Price Index Hong Kong the country with the highest growth was Hong Kong with prices rising by nearly 30%.Prices in Hong Kong and Mainland China increased by over 25%, driven upwards by a massive injection of liquidity into the economy by the Chinese government s fiscal stimulus package.

Meanwhile in the Middle East Dubai saw huge house price falls of some 42%. This should present good opportunities for those speculating with international real estate. However concerns for over supply and whether Dubai real estate prices has yet reached the bottom may deter investors.

Can we learn from what is happening in these regions , it seems government intervention is the key to strengthening the economy and the Chinese have got it right?

Useful Resources

Houses For Sale

Online Estate Agents

Why People Sell Houses

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 07:31:39 -0400

A UK property selling survey conducted by the National Association of Estate Agents found that divorce, debt, death and a new job were key reasons for people selling a property.

The survey also found that the majority of people looking to move home did so to get a bigger property 1000 estate agents were asked to find the top three reasons people gave for wanting to buy or sell a home. 41% of estate agents said needing to repay debt was a major factor forcing homeowners to sell their property, while 39% were buying or selling a home following a family death.

A Question For You!

I wonder if the reasons for selling a home is the same worldwide. The UK survey seems a little obvious what other reason top the list in your area?

Why People Lose Their Homes

See:5 Stupid Ways To Lose Your Home

Top Ten Awesome Crazy Homes From Around The World

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:03:42 -0400

Weird and wonderful homes from around the world from a UFO house in the USA to an upside down house in Poland

Online Estate Agency the Future of Real Estate

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:19:04 -0400

When it comes to the housing market and the Internet the UK presents a strange situation. All research indicates that 80% of buyers go to the Internet to find their next home. The figures for those selling online are dramatically lower with only 2-5% max selling online. So why the big difference? It could be said that maybe the Brits are very conservative and don't trust online estate agents. Others may suggest that the UK estate agency industry is so strong that new models cannot break into the maket.

I feel that the UK is virgin territory for new online real estate services that will help you sell your home and at the same time provide a service from a realtor.

Online agencies are not for sale by owner operations but more like a centrally based companies that can provide most of the services a traditional estate agent can supply but at a fraction of the cost. Lower overheads and a lack of fancy offices means many operate on a fixed cost basis

Is this model the future of real estate?

See examples of online estate agency in action here : Online Estate Agencies

Social Media Networking or Die

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:57:50 -0500

Some questions

Are you a bit skeptical about the power of social networking sites for your business in real estate?
Do you wonder what all the fuss is about and what has a tweet got to do with the condo you are trying to sell?
Is social networkingin your view simply a a place to meet someone new ?
Is social networking not applicable to your business as its a thing people in their teens do?

If you answered YES to any of the above I am going to give you a huge wake up call!

Most big businesses have a social media strategy and if you don't its only a matter of time before your online real estate activities become irrelevant.

Social Media Revolution

Social media has modernized the business community. Businesses are now able to reach consumers in a new way; through the internet. Social media has become appealing to big business as they know they can reach millions of people for the price of an article. Credible brands are utilizing social media to reach old customers, gain new ones and build or maintain credibility and reputation among consumers. Social media can take many different forms, including Internet forums, weblogs, social blogs, microblogging, wikis, podcasts, pictures, video, rating and social bookmarking.

I can show you why

This video will tell you why you need to get social marketing to survive in real state:

My top 5 places to sell your real estate

1. Facebook.

2. Twitter.

3. LinkedIn.

4. Myspace.

5. Youtube

Why The Chinese Push House Prices Up

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:20:00 -0500

The city of London UK has always attracted the super rich with buying power beyond the reach of your average millionaire. In the eighties oil rich Arabs bought into the London housing scene the nineties saw the Russians move in with shocking wealth. Now it is the time of the Chinese who have untold riches and who are splashing out on a little bit of London town.

A Hong Kong Billionaires has spent £33 million (USD$49,521,484.78) on a London property confirming that the new international property rich are coming from China. The purchase will have London estate agents seeking new ways in attracting the Chinese to their property portfolios that is for sure.

The latest purchase n was made by Chinese Billionaire Joseph Lau, who has a £2.5 billion fortune. He bought a six-floor mansion in Eaton Square, Belgravia(above). The white stucco house has its own cinema, a swimming pool, and gym and servant quarters.

House purchaes like this mean only one thing London property prices will be on the up and will not represent the rest of the UK. London will be like an island of unreal property prices within the UK

Related : Housing Market news

Why Smart Meters Don't Work!

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 04:58:49 -0500

A smart meter is an advanced meter that identifies consumption in more detail than a conventional meter

Over the next 11 years every household in Britain will receive Smart Meters, one for gas and one for electricity. This project will be one of the largest infrastructure projects to have taken place since the Second World War. Perhaps most importantly, lower bills through lower energy consumption. Good for the wallet, great for the environment and would compliments any Eco Friendly Home

Early signs suggest thta trials are going well with consumers monitoring the consupmption of energy in there homes in extreme detail. One smaller British utility comopany "First Utility's" will be offering free smart meter in coming months, as First Utility continues its roll-out of smart meters across UK households on a region by region basis.

Questions remain unanswered

Are these new meters really going tio save the planet?
The cost, production and distribution will be costly to the environment will this be better for the environment in the long run?
Will the advance of smart meter technology mean that suppliers can turn off your electricty remotely?
By the time it takes to distribute these devices in Britain surely they will be out of date?

When Second Home Ownership Is Bad

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:39:14 -0500

What does it mean when a housing market has an increase in second home ownership? The number of second homes in England rose by 2.6% in 2009 following a contraction in 2008 of -0.4%. This rise, which equated to 6,212 additional second homes, pushed the total to an all-time record of 245,384. Does this indicate further investment in second homes to let or an increase in wealth? Low mortgage rates in the UK could also be a factor as well as favorable currency exchange rates. On the down side it could be interpreted as difficulty to sell a second home with a lack of buyers seeking a typical second home.

From a social perpective does second home ownership mean real estate stock laying empty when others could do with a home. Does second home ownership push up house prices making it even harder for people to get a foot on the housing ladder?

Liam Bailey, head of residential research at Knight Frank, comments: "The number of second homes in England has been steadily rising over recent years. The recession and credit crunch saw this trend falter in 2008 - when the total fell by 912 (or 0.4%). The recovery in 2009 - with an additional 6,212 English second-homes, marked a return to long term growth.

More figures here : Second Homes Increase In England

Lowest Priced Real Estate Ever in Barbados

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 09:15:34 -0500

Barbados real estate tends to be at high end of the scale when searching for property to buy in the Caribbean. Barbados is home to celebrities and the rich who are attracted to the friendly nature of the people and unspoilt beaches not too mention the superb climate.

The small island that has attracted a huge amount of international real estate investment mainly from the UK, Canada and US. Recent property developments tend to be constructed with wealthy buyers in mind.

See an good example at Portico Barbados a contemporary apartment block on the beach with prices starting at a cool $4,950,000

Weston Resort Changes Everything

Weston resort Barbados presents rare opportunity to buy property in Barbados at prices not seen before in Barbados. It is an opportunity to benefit from the real estate market in Barbados where tourism can create a regular income for property owners. Imagine an Investment Real Estate in Barbados

Phase one includes 21 one to four bedroom apartments (many with sea views), large free-form pool area with sun terraces, plus beautifully landscaped gardens and pavilion house reception.

All just 40 metres from the beach and situated in 'The most charming and sophisticated of all Caribbean Island destinations'

Prices

1 to 4 Bedroom Gated Condominium Development

Price: USD 144,000 to USD 480,699

More Here Weston Resort, St James, Barbados

When Home Owners Don't Have The Right To Self Defence

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:22:32 -0500

British Musician, and TV presenter,Mylene Klass has caused a huge debate in the UK about a home owners right to self defence when an intruder breaks into their home. Unlike in the US where burglars are fair game upon trespass the British law is a lot more complicated.

Myleene Klass was warned by police for waving a knife at teenagers who were peering into a window of her house late at night. She was in the kitchen with her daughter upstairs when she spotted the youths in her garden just after midnight on Friday. She grabbed a knife and banged the windows before they ran away. British police warned her she should not have used a knife to scare off the youths because carrying an "offensive weapon", even in her own home, was illegal.

Klass's spokesman, Jonathan Shalit, said the former Hear' Say singer was "utterly terrified" by the intruders and "aghast" at the police warning. "All she did was scream loudly and wave the knife to try and frighten them off," he told the Sunday Telegraph. "She is not looking to be a vigilante, and has the utmost respect for the law, but when the police explained to her that even if you're at home alone and you have an intruder, you are not allowed to protect yourself, she was bemused."

British law allows for self defence but it has to be reasonable and proportionate and nothing to do with revenge. In the past British home owners have been jailed for assault as a result of what the law deemed as excessive force on Burglars.

Surely once an intruder steps into your house or real estate seeking to steal or harm you and your family they should lose all rights?

More on Video

Myleene "aghast" As Police Give Her Knife Warning - Free videos are just a click away

Why Spanish Real Estate Troubles UK Buyers

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:51:30 -0500

UK overseas buyers seeking retirement or investment made Spain the No.1 place for them to buy real estate abroad. It offered easy access by low cost airlines and affordable property as well as lower costs of living. 2009 saw a change in Spanish real estate fortunes and the withdrawal of the UK buyers interest on a huge scale.

It is fair to say that Spain's real estate market is in trouble with UK buyers. The Spanish property market has not only been victim of oversupply and house price falls but also a scandal concerning planning permissions reversals.

A survey by overseas property website Homesgofast.com found the number one concern for overseas buyers considering buying real estate in Spain were fears over planning regulations.

The survey targeted people that had inquired about buying a property in Spain over the last 12 months and received 1024 replies. 63% of respondents were located the UK. The results showed that second largest concern from buyers related to the decline in the Spanish property market and house values. The survey also uncovered a fear amongst international buyers concerning fraud and being victim of a scam

The survey asked "what was the number one concern when considering buying a property in Spain"

Survey results

36% - Planning permission issues

23% - Spanish property market / decline in house values

19% - Fear of being subject to scam/fraud

14% - Currency exchange fluctuation uncertainty

8 % - Other

In recent news around 800 British and Irish residents marched in Almeria after demolition orders were issued for eight expat-owned homes in the nearby town of Albox. The owners are appealing but it is feared many more homes are under threat after Spanish regional authorities' overruled planning permission. It is said that thousands of Britons have bought Spanish properties in good faith, only to find they were illegally built on protected land.

Is this an opportunity for other regions?

Will the Spanish property market bounce back?

Luxury Barbados Real Estate For Sale

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:55:45 -0500

Portico Barbados luxury real estate like no other

Portico Barbados has been awarded the prestigious 2009 Best International Apartment by International Property Awards in association with CNBC Arabia, as well as two five star awards for Best Apartment in the Caribbean and Best Development on the Caribbean. Portico Barbados was also honoured with three prestigious five-star CNBC Americas Property Awards in 2008 for Best Architecture, Best Development and Best Apartment (Penthouse) in the Caribbean, Portico is distinguished by its outstanding finishes, revolutionary design and modern take on island living.

Official The Best Apartments in the World

Front aspect of Portico Rear view of apartments

Available are Ten luxurious units featuring 3,500 sq. ft. of living and breathing space

three exceptional bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and spacious walk-in closets
master features double glass doors opening to private terraces and views of the Caribbean sea
fully-equipped open plan kitchens
spacious living areas luxuriously appointe with marble floors in an ivory coloured anitque finish
terrace with uninterrupted glass fronted balustrade and frameless sliding glass doors
heated Jacuzzis
underground parking
70 sq. ft. storage and wine facilities
separate staff-lunch area, including changing rooms, lockers, bathroom and shower facilities.

Video

Prices start from USD$ 4,950,000

Learn More at International Real Estate Portal Homesgofast.com: Luxury Real Estate Barbados

Does Rent to Buy Tick All the Right Boxes?

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 11:24:22 -0500

A new way to buy property is in its infancy in the UK, buyers and the general public are not fully aware of this brand new option called Rent To Buy.

It's an exciting concept and I am not sure where else in the world people Rent To Buy and the experiences that they have had. For me as an observer of everything real estate it seems like the silver bullet for those that cannot afford the huge deposits that are required today.

I believe that the Rent to Buy option is set to change the way buyers finance a purchase of their home and is set to take off in the UK, pundits are saying it is oneof the best ways to get on the property ladder .

So Why Rent to Buy?

The credit crunch has resulted in lenders becoming more stringent with their lending criteria. This has resulted in many people without large deposits or squeaky clean credit history unable to buy their own homes with a mortgage.

The Advantage of Rent To Buy

Makes the rent you pay turn into a worthwhile lump sum

Great for first time buyers

Ideal for those struggling to saving a deposit

Suitable for new Resident to the UK

Good for people with poor credit history or no credit track record

So what are the downsides?

Its difficult to find the disadvantages unless you know of any would be good to hear your comments

Note: Rent to buy is also known as Rent Now Buy Later, Rent2Own,Rent-to-Own, Try Before You Buy,Rent and Own,Own Now Pay Later,

Is This Good News For The Florida Housing Market ?

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 05:34:06 -0500

Great news from Florida for international real estate buyers and those seeking a lifestyle buy in the sunshine state. According to the Florida Realtors sales are on the up!

A total of 14,026 homes were sold in Florida during the month of November, compared to 8,694 a year earlier. There were a total of 4,889 condos sold in the month, more than double the 2,320 sold in November of 2008.

What may have driven this increase may be that in the month of November, 2009 the median sales price for existing homes in Florida was $139,000. That is a 12 percent decrease from the 2008 number, $158,000.

Some questions for Florida Realtors

The situation from my point of view living in the UK is not 100 per cent clear and it would be great to get some clarification:

Are prices now bottomed out in Florida?

Are distress sales driving the increase in activity?

Is this still a good time to buy or should overseas property investors hold on?

Is it one type of property that is selling well? if so what

Useful Resources

Find overseas property or promote your real estate to international buyers at www.Homesgofast.com

Florida realtor.com

Floridahomes4sale.co.uk/