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Why The Chinese Push House Prices Up

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:20:00 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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 -0600

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/

Why The UK & Canada Housing Markets Offer Confusion

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 20:30:54 -0600

The UK and Canadian housing market is sending out some confusing messages and I am trying to get to the truth from Canadian Realtors on the ground.

The UK property market sent home owners confusing messages all through 2009 with steady house prices increases being announced nearly every month. For those selling a property in the UK they would have thought this was a great time. But alas they were wrong as buyers were not in their abundance and banks were holding on tightly to their funds. Property valuations were very conservative causing home owners to reduce their selling prices just to add to the confusion. The media reported on a strong housing market but meanwhile the UK was and still is in recession.

I now see the same type of mixed messages coming out of Canada albeit from an outsiders point of view. Canada's housing market for the entire 2009 was a very strong one. Estimates indicate that approximately 465,000 homes were sold via the MLS, an increase of 7 percent over 2008. Average home prices also rose, about 4 percent to CA$315,000.

Global Real Estate Report.

According to the latest report on real estate trends by Scotia Economics they say and I quote "Canada still leads the pack among the markets we track," said Adrienne Warren, Senior Economist, Scotia Economics. "Inflation-adjusted average home prices in the July to September period were up 11 per cent from the same quarter a year ago, a dramatic turnaround from the 10 per cent yearly decline recorded in the opening months of 2009. "

see entire report Scotia Bank Report

Some Questions About Canada's Housing Market

Is Canada suffering a shortage of homes for sale?

Are home owners avoiding selling owing to lack of confidence?

Has the Canadian governments attempts to kick start the market responsible for these impressive statistics?

Is the Canadian real estate market more robust than others if so why ?

Useful Resources

Buy Sell of Find property in Canada with Homesgofast.com international real estate portal.

Keep up to date with UK Housing Market news

Canadian Real Estate Association YouTube

French Property Why The Brits Just Love It

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 21:13:55 -0600

The British love affair with French property is set to continue into 2010 but why do the Brits love France so much and can other regions pick up some tips?

The number one reason is France is very easy to get to with an abundance of low cost flights to France. For those who prefer not too fly Brits can choose to arrive in France by land or sea. The second reason is the region offers a great choice from beach type property, rural areas, ski property to city apartments it seem France has it all.

The housing market s stable without great price increases and get rich quick schemes. Property law is well established and has a proven track record so those adverse to risk feel safer to buy a property in France.

A huge consideration is the French lifestyle.France has been named the best place to live for the fifth year in a row by the US magazine International Living. Every January the magazine produces a ranking quality of life in countries throughout the world. The publication specializes in overseas re-locations and is well aware of international real estate and local housing markets in many countries across the world.

International Living ranked 194 countries for the 2010 edition in nine different categories. France received the highest marks for its healthcare system and freedom, and near the top for its infrastructure. The magazine praises Paris as offering the best of everything, as well as Corsica, Provence and several other popular regions.

French Guides and property. Lean more with a guide to Living in France at http://www.frenchentree.com or to find French Propertyfor sale at overseas property portal at HomesGoFast.com

Fortaleza Brazil Best Kept Investment Secret Revealed

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 07:38:12 -0600

Property in Brazil is all the talk for international investors but like many countries not all regions are equal and you need to tread carefully when considering a location. I am going to make your investment destination in Brazil easy by suggesting its best to invest in the North East Region of Brazil.

My recent visit to the North East region confirmed that exit strategies were as solid as a rock meaning when it came to sell your investment you have both local and international buyers to sell too.

City of Fortaleza

The northeast Brazilian region of Fortaleza in Ceara is my tip for the place to invest in Brazilian Real Estate . I recently visited the city which for me is the gateway to real estate bargains ideal for international property investors seeking low priced well placed land or real estate.

Fortaleza, the fifth largest city in Brazil, is the capital of Ceara state. The city and state are located on the northeast coast of Brazil, just south of the Equator. Fortaleza is one of the most popular domestic tourist destinations, and is growing as an international tourist hot spot as well with over 250,000 visitors from abroad in 2009.

The city and its outlying areas have some of the best beaches in the world. The combination of warm, dry weather, great beaches and a modern city make for an ideal place to buy a holiday home or retirement villa, and the area continues to grow in popularity as an investment location.

The coming years should see Fortaleza and the surrounding area become even more popular than they are today.Find Investment property in Brazil

Video of Fortaleza

Why Caribbean Real Estate Is All About People

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 06:10:05 -0600

Caribbean real estate is all about how you feel!

I know many Europeans reconsidering their investment plans for holiday homes and vacations are now looking at the Caribbean. With Arctic like conditions here in the UK it seems winter sun is what its all about.

I was asked where in the Caribbean would I recommend and for me its all about how you feel when you visit the various islands.

Some Caribbean islands have been dogged by violent crime and I have found a few that almost resent visitors. What is the point in buying a place where you don't feel comfortable. When it comes to sell your dream Caribbean real estate your buyers may also feel the same way. Tourism will plummet if the island has a nightmare reputation.

So go where you feel comfortable, and I don't mean to an expats community that locks you in from the locals. Gated communities are fine but are they hiding the real problem with the island, the people?

The Caribbean is offering buyers right now lower than ever prices and they will be keen for your money, so take my advice and check how do you feel before any commitment in the Caribbean

Useful Caribbean Real Estate Resources

Find Property for sale in:

Has Trinidad & Tobago Made a Mistake with Investors?

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 08:26:43 -0600

Direct inward investment by overseas property buyers is a fantastic source of income for any country in the world. Regions that are good at attracting the worlds real estate investors tend to benefit from increased tourism and investment to bolster their economies. My experience shows that increased regulation serves to put buyers off and punishing investment with taxation means that buyers will go elsewhere.

Trinidad & Tobago real estate was one of our most attractive international investment hotspots for people from the UK, Canada, and the US. I have seen in the last 18 months a complete reverse and now with the new property tax laws proposed 2010 seems to be more of the same.

The Trinidad government concerned with its Tobago land being purchased by overseas investors laid down new laws that restricted ownership. The global slowdown ensued and then crime levels rose making the beautiful Tobago one of the hardest places to sell to an international audience.

International real estate buyers are allowed to buy up to one acre of property in Trinidad for residential use, as long as the transaction is paid for in an internationally traded currency, such as the United States dollars, said Nicole Ferreira-Aaron, a partner at M. Hamel-Smith & Co., a law firm based in Port of Spain. The same restrictions apply for leasehold properties. All foreign buyers must also give notice of their purchase with the Ministry of Finance. There is no special filing fee to do so, said Ms. Ferreira-Aaron; a buyer's lawyer handles the process.

Now owning a property in Trinidad and Tobago may be more expensive as the government seek to raise more revenue from increased property taxation. A new Property Tax Bill changes the basis on which taxes are levied on property from the annual rateable value (i.e. based on rates) to the annual rentable value.

Has the Trinidadian government shot itself in the foot for overseas property investment?

Property For Sale In London No Guarantees

Nicholas Marr (Marr International) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 04:39:31 -0600

London prime real estate has severely bucked the global trend by continuous price rises throughout 2009 caused by international buyers and a lack of inventory. Investors seeking to benefit from this in my opinion need to tread very carefully.

It seems that London housing is now bottoming out while London's occupational market is still very much struggling will serve only to bash consumer confidence.

I also feel also that with many sellers sitting on thier hands in 2009 London will see more properties for sale in London reducing the reason for the increase. International propertyinvestors may also feel that after sustained property price rises in 2009 London may no longer be palace to pick up a bargain.

As in all cases but in particular with Londons housing market past performance makes no guarantees for 2010