Spanish property news

Spain’s Costa Cálida – price properties well and they will sell

The property buying public are after bargains and that’s exactly what they’re getting on the Costa Cálida. Price two bedroom terraced villas on an established golf community from as little as 50,000 euros (approximately £46,000) and they will sell.

Director of Mercers’ Mazarron office, Gerard Rees, explains, “The bottom line is that price drives sales and our discounted properties offset any exchange rate concerns. In euro terms, prices at our most popular resort, Camposol Golf, have fallen by about 30 per cent.  Meanwhile the vendor is content with repatriating increased funds back to the UK. While buyers may have dried up on other Costas, here on the Costa Cálida we have no shortage of lifestyle buyers who are unaffected by the recession and looking to take advantage of bargains.”

Gerard continues, “On Camposol Golf in particular we have resale properties priced about the same as new in 2002. Loan-to-value rates currently being offered by Spanish banks are also back to their old levels.  For UK buyers this means now around 50 per cent – 65 per cent and for Spanish nationals 65 per cent plus. Although not good, this is exactly how it was for us in the 1990’s right up until the early 2000’s with most of our buyers borrowing in the UK, having the cash or a combination of the two.  So really we are going back seven or eight years in terms of pricing and bank lending.

Once lending increases then house prices will return to where they were 18 months ago within a fairly quick time frame. In the meantime prices have certainly bottomed out.”

 

Rosa Villa is a real bargain on the Costa Calida

Rosa Villa, Camposol, Mazarron, Costa Cálida

 

With Camposol Golf’s average Rosa style villa selling for 155,000 euros, this 95,000 euro example is Mercers’ best bargain. Comprising two bedrooms and two bathrooms, the detached home is on a 400m² corner plot providing plenty of scope for a swimming pool.  The property is delivered fully furnished, is fitted with air-conditioning and has a spectacular rooftop solarium with views across the countryside and surrounding mountains.

Price just 95,000 euros (approx. 86,000 pounds)

Neptuno Villa, Camposol, Mazarron, Costa Cálida

Neptuno Villa is on the market for €160,000

Exceptional three bedroom three bathroom Neptuno style villa set on a 285m² plot within the popular Camposol Golf resort.  The detached home has all extras from hot and cold air-conditioning to a solar panel for hot water and satellite television.  The rooftop solarium has wide countryside views and furniture including white goods and a luxurious outdoor Jacuzzi is included in the asking price.

Price 160,000 euros (approximately £146,000) and open to offers

Contact Mercers on 00 34 968 199 188, UK Local Rate 0845 017 7805, email ccsales@spanishproperty.co.uk or visit www.spanishproperty.co.uk

Spanish property buyers could save thousands of pounds following UK agent’s link with leading foreign currency specialist

News of a link forged between the Cheltenham-based Spanish property firm The Almanzora Group and leading foreign currency and international payment specialist Axia FX of London means that the buyers of new properties in resort, village and beach locations in south-east Spain could save thousands of pounds.

The Almanzora Group – which acts exclusively as the principal agent in northern Europe for the for the development companies comprising the Almanzora Bay Group which is building in the Almeria region of Spain – says that its new partnership with Axia FX will give potential buyers a fast-track link to currency exchange rates which could save them significant sums on the cost of buying their properties.

They are at Desert Springs, Europe’s only international award-winning luxury family resort and championship desert golf course, the traditional fishing village Villaricos and nearby Playa Marques, known for its seven kilometre long Great Sandy Beach, El Playazo.

Simon Coaker, The Almanzora Group’s sales and marketing manager, says: “We are selling properties ranging from apartments, townhouses and cottages to villas, beach houses and country houses at prices from €178,000 to more than €1 million, but with the Euro and Pound Sterling virtually at parity, favourable exchange rates are essential when calculating the total purchase cost.

News of a link forged between The Almanzora Group and Axia FX means that the buyers of new properties like these in south-east Spain could save thousands of pounds.

“With Axia FX having access to Interbank rates, they can ensure the prices the client receives are much better than they would have received from their bank, providing him or her with considerable savings. In fact, for Almanzora’s clients, Axia FX will guarantee an improved rate compared with that received from any high street bank.

David White, managing director of Axia FX, said: “We will ensure that clients of The Almanzora Group always receive excellent service and we are able to fix quoted rates for up to one year in advance.”

For more information about the properties available, call The Almanzora Group on 01242 680299 or visit http://www.almanzora.com

For full details of the services offered by Axia FX, call Tim Sullivan, head of private clients: on 0207 093 7852 or visit http://www.axiafx.com

Axia Fx

Axia Fx was formed in April 2006 and commenced trading in June 2006 with the sole aim of making Foreign Exchange as simple and cost effective as possible. Having started life alongside a parent company, it has recently become a privately-owned company under the stewardship of David White.

The company’s head office is in the Canary Wharf area of London ensuring the company has first hand access to all market information gleaned through its global network of traders, economists, officials and market participants.

The Almanzora Group

The Almanzora Group, a subsidiary of the Robert Hitchins Group, acts exclusively for the development companies which comprise the Almanzora Bay Group. The Almanzora Group Ltd is the principal agent in northern Europe, including the UK and Ireland, marketing new properties developed by The Almanzora Bay Group in resort, village and beach locations.

http://www.travelsupermarket says the best ways to get to Spain are:

There are many non-stop flights into Southern Spain as follows:

• Malaga – the major gateway with multiple daily non-stop flights year round from up to 20 UK airports with Easyjet, Ryanair, Monarch, British Airways, Aer Lingus, bmibaby, jet2, Flyglobespan and flybe
• Granada – non-stop flights with Ryanair from Stansted, Liverpool and East Midlands – frequencies vary but operate year round
• Almeria – non-stop flights with Monarch from Birmingham and Manchester with Monarch, Easyjet from Gatwick, Ryanair from Stansted, bmibaby from East Midlands and jet2 from Leeds. Most services on this route are summer only
• PLUS Gibraltar – non-stop daily flights with Easyjet from Gatwick, British Airways from Heathrow and Monarch from Luton and Manchester

Flight times to Southern Spain are two and a half to three hours
Prices are from as little as £5 one ways when seat sales are on with carriers such as Ryanair. Average prices are around £80 to £150 return.

For more information, go to: http://www.travelsupermarket.com

© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Overseas Property Round-Up

Hamptons International Hosts Exclusive India Property Show

This is a unique chance to be the first to view leading Indian developments

Hamptons International, one of the UK’s premier international residential agents, will be hosting an exclusive property event: ‘The India Property Show’ from 31st October – 1st November (10am-6pm) at its head office – 32 Grosvenor Square, London W1.

The property event will uncover some of the fantastic developments currently available for sale in India

Commonwealth Village

and will provide customers with the very latest information on India as well as the chance to discuss investment opportunities first hand with Hamptons International’s leading property experts.

Working in partnership with market-leading developers across India including – Emaar MGF, Spire Edge, AIPL, ANR Infrastructure, Santa Fe Realty, Ace Projects, Godrej and Wadhawa – the Hamptons International ‘India Property Show’ will showcase the very best and latest property available.

Many of the properties have not yet been released to market – so the event will offer visitors the chance to be one of the first to preview them.

Rob Bruce, Research Manager – Hamptons International comments “India offers a very exciting opportunity to buy into the new economic powerhouse and the fourth largest economy in the world with GDP accelerating year on year. Forecast growth in the Indian economy and the recovery of Indian real estate are driving rental yields equal to those in London, with average yields as high as 4.7% for New Delhi and Mumbai apartments.”

Dean Foley, International Sales Manager – Hamptons International, comments, “India has always been a major market for Hamptons International, given the UK’s long and close ties with this incredible country. We have certainly seen, over the last few months, an up-turn in the amount of transactions completing by our UK NRI clients due in part to long-term growth plans and affordable real estate. We anticipate this interest to go from strength to strength over the coming months and years.”

To register your interest for this exclusive event please contact Hamptons International on +44 (0) 20 3179 9900

The Cotton Bay Marina & Golf Resort – Sal, Cape Verde

Cotton Bay pool and villa

Luxury beachfront 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments and duplexes and 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom villas in Sal, Cape Verde in a stunning eco-complex boasting swimming pools, a green park and sports complex.

Prices for apartments start at £93,658/ €99,843 and villas start at £447,060/€476,584. For more information contact Experience International free on +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com.

Sierra Nabq, Sharm El Sheikh

Situated in an area of great historical interest and natural beauty this resort will attract buyers looking

Sierra Nabq

for sun or adventure. Sierra Nabq Resort is available as one, two and three bedroom apartments all overlooking pools and many offering a roof terrace or a private garden area. This complex benefits from ten swimming pools and is close to a hypermarket and shopping mall.

Property prices start from only 360,000 EGP (£40,380 Euro 44,050 approx.) to 800,000 EGP (£89,740 Euro 97,890 approx.) For more information on this first-class property contact Experience International free on +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com

Fijnbosch Estate, St Francis, South Africa

Luxurious 2-bedroom and 4-bedroom properties situated on the Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in an exclusive gated community. Prices range from £142,680/€178,677 to £227,220/€284,500 and for more information please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit http://www.bw-international.com.

Samanah Country Club, Marrakech

Samanah Country Club 2

Just 8km from Marrakech International Airport, Samanah Country Club includes a Jack Nicklaus-designed private 18-hole golf course and a range of 3- to 6-bedroom villas and riads, traditionally designed. Prices start from £284,554/ €357,000 to £1,723,674/ €2,162,000 and for more information contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

Azulara, Funchal, Madeira

Azulara Resort comprises of 112 imaginatively designed apartments finished to the highest standards with enviable panoramic sea views. The 5-star resort affords all the luxury amenities Experience International clients would expect including a spa, gymnasium, swimming pools and exclusive Members Club.

This is a fresh opportunity to invest in the up-and-coming European market of Madeira. The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments range in price from €251,530 – €429,038.

For more information contact Experience International on 020 7321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com

Amendoeira Golf Resort, Alcantarilha, Algarve

Amendoeira Golf Resort

Two and three bed apartments and three, four or five bed villas set on the Amendoeira Golf Resort in Silves, against the magnificent Monchique Mountains. The resort boasts two golf courses, one of Nick Faldo design, and excellent facilities. Prices from €450,000/£426,294 to €1,800,000/£1,705,178. For more information, please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit http://www.bw-international.com

© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Exceptional properties in Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt

Samanah Country Club, Marrakech, Morocco

In a quiet environment with unique views, the Samanah Country Club is just 8km from Marrakech International Airport and 14kms from Jema El Fna square and covers an area of 692 acres.

The project includes the creation of a private 18 hole Jack Nicklaus designed, par 72 golf course, with private access to the golf course guaranteed by a system of playing rights, limited to 600, available for Samanah property owners. This world-class golf course will cover approximately 100 hectares and will be adapted to the natural environment, it will be both demanding for those who fancy themselves as the next Tiger Woods, but will also prove a delight to play for the less experienced.

Samanah Country Club

The Samanah Country Club will also include three five-star hotels, a spa, swimming pool and a main square which will be the heart of life at the resort, which will include shops, restaurants, bars, crafts, and games. Architecture, ‘upmarket’ equipment and services will be the strong points of this exceptional resort. A high range service will be offered to clients with a rental managing agency, resale estate managing agency, an activity desk, concierge services and maintenance.

Four variations of villas are offered, from three to six bedrooms, each one enjoying a private pool, vast landscaped garden, and large terraces. Two different styles of Riad will also be available – the traditional Moroccan home, at whose heart is the internal patio, with luxurious terraces, private hammam and pool. Inspired by the Moroccan traditional model, all homes will combine comfort, luxury and modernity. Villas interiors are designed using volumes, colours and materials chosen to highlight the Moroccan way of life and to combine comfort, harmony and well-being.

Prices start from £284,554/ €357,000 to £1,723,674/ €2,162,000 and for more information contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit http://www.bw-international.com.

The Dunes at El Kantaoui, Tunisia

Situated on Tunisia’s ‘Gold Coast’, within easy reach of its most exclusive resort, Port El Kantaoui, The Dunes resort is a beachside development situated between the two main airports offering direct and inexpensive flights to major European cities.

The development itself comprises of studio, one, two and three bed apartments in a low rise setting in a prime residential area close to all facilities including a 36-hole golf course, marina and restaurants.

The Dunes is directly located next to glorious white sandy beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The Dunes

The resort offers an on-site world class Thallasso Spa facilities including an indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, a sauna, gymnasium and beauty and massage treatment rooms with discounts (20%) for residents.

The Dunes at El Kantaoui is a gated 5-star resort offering 24hr security and concierge facilities as well as on site amenities including a restaurant, snack bar, supermarket, bank, bakery and a rental management company.

Properties make an excellent investment choice starting from only £20,646 for a studio apartment. Call Experience International on +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com for further information.

Azzurra, Sahl Hasheesh, Red Sea, Egypt

Located on the highest peak of Sahl Hasheesh, Azzurra, meaning ‘sky blue’ named after its spectacular location, has magnificent views over the golf, valley, Sahl Hasheesh bay and the Red Sea.

The 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments at Azzurra, with oriental architecture and contemporary styles, range from35sqm to 193sqm and offer infinity-edge swimming pools, terraces and private courtyards. 90% of apartments have sea views (with golf valley, pool or bay view) with remaining 10% with golf views.

To ensure the perfect place for relaxation and recreation, Azzurra is a gated community and self-contained destination offering a choice of facilities. Its outdoor activities and attractions are numerous, from; cascading swimming pools, children’s playgrounds and scenic walking and jogging trails running within its private ground offering residents a lifelong impression of an unforgettable holiday in an exceptional location.

The resort is within easy walking distance from the beach as well as the old town and night life area, ideal for holiday makers looking for the perfect relaxation retreat as well as the more active traveller with numerous activities including golf and diving nearby.

Azzurra

Sahl Hasheesh itself is better known as ‘The Jewel of the Red Sea’ and is wonderfully positioned to take advantage of this unique part of the world and all the Red Sea has to offer. It is also an emerging tourist resort comprising of luxurious hotels and resorts, golf courses and a beach front promenade making it one of the most popular holiday destinations for Europeans and locals alike. Hurghada’s International Airport is only 14km away.

Property prices start from only £55,075. For more information on this first-class property contact Experience International free on +44 (0)207 321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com.

© Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog, 2009. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Stewart Andersen and Stewart Andersen’s Property Blog with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

News updates

Swiss house prices increase as permit rules are set to change

House prices in Switzerland have increased this year by more than 4%, according to figures from the Swiss National Bank.
Single-family homes increased by 4.5% in the year from January 2009, and resale rental apartments rose 4.3%.

A 3-bedroom duplex apartment in Ovronnaz, Canton Valais, Switzerland

Andrew Hawkins, head of international at Chesterton Humberts, believes these increases stem from: “A controlled market where ownership is highly regulated and a corresponding level of supply and demand. Switzerland didn’t have a price boom, unlike markets such as the UK or Spain.
“The continued interest from non-resident foreigners has kept house prices rising at a manageable amount. Also, as the economic crisis hit, locals transferred overseas investments into the more stable local property market, driving prices up at a steady level.”

Foreign property laws
While Switzerland has traditionally been difficult to buy into because of the federal government’s system for issuing permits, from 2010 each canton will have the power to set its own foreign property laws.
“Giving cantons the responsibility for making their own property acquisition rules is a positive for foreign buyers,” says Andrew. “We expect faster transfer times for property titles, making property ownership easier and therefore more desirable, so we expect that prices will continue to steadily increase.”

Fully furnished chalet, Vercorin, Canton Valais, Switzerland

Chesterton Humberts sells a range of property in Switzerland, including:

•    A three-bedroom chalet designed in traditional Swiss style, with modern interiors. This chalet is located in one of the highest spots in Vercorin and offers unparalleled views over the Rhone Valley from Sierre to Sion. The chalet has two terraces, including one with Jacuzzi. Price: CHF 2,000,000 (approx. UK£ 1,118,637).

For more information, call: Chesterton Humberts – Tel: 020 3040 8210 or on-line at: http://www.chestertonhumberts.com

Post Office launches new international bank to bank money transfers

Transferring money between UK and overseas bank accounts is set to become significantly easier following the launch of the new Post Office® Overseas Property Money Transfer service.

The new service offers customers peace of mind by enabling them to fix at a favourable rate of exchange for up to a year, giving valuable protection against volatile currency fluctuations. And because the Post Office offers this service online, people can transfer money from the comfort of their own home to wherever they need it to be in the world.

Anyone needing to transfer money to an overseas bank account can benefit from the service. It’s ideal for:
•    Repayments on a foreign mortgage
•    Deposits or costs associated with buying, selling or maintaining a property abroad and paying utility bills
•    Bringing money back to the UK after sale of an overseas property
•    One off payments such as a wedding venue or emigration
•    Regular payments – transfer pensions, salaries or even school fees, removing the hassle and expense of frequent individual transactions from a bank.

The Post Office Overseas Property Money Transfer service offers competitive exchange rates, with 0 per cent commission and no hidden charges, plus it will reimburse customers for any charges that the destination bank may impose, meaning that customers can expect to save hundreds of pounds a year*.

Buying in bulk

Sarah Munro, Post Office head of money transfers, said: “Until now, many users of international bank to bank money transfer services have found it to be an expensive business, with limited options for small transfers.  They have often been unable to capitalise on the great rates offered by currency specialists because they weren’t buying in bulk.  And they were also at the mercy of volatile currency markets, making it harder to get the most from their money.

“The Post Office Overseas Property Money Transfer service offers customers the ability to fix at a competitive exchange rate, giving them peace of mind for up to a year, which is a real advantage in current markets.  We calculate that with 0% commission and our competitive exchange rates we will be saving customers a serious amount of money if they’ve just sold their house or are paying a deposit on a new property.”

For anyone wanting to make a cash money transfer abroad, the Post Office still provides the MoneyGram service. This offers cash transfers to over 176,000 destinations worldwide from any one of 11,500 Post Office branches.

Anyone wanting to find out more about Post Office Overseas Property Money Transfer should go to http://www.postoffice.co.uk/moneytransfers or by calling 0800 180 4702. Transfers must be a minimum of £500 and are limited to £10,000 online. There’s no transaction limit for transfers made over the telephone. The Post Office Overseas Property Money Transfer service is provided by HiFX PLC.

Based on a monthly transfer of £700 over a year customers could save £528 by going to the Post Office:
High Street Bank
Monthly Transfer fee £30 = £360.00
Post Office
No charge

High Street Bank
Commission 1.5% = £126.00
Post Office
No commission

High Street Bank
Receiving charges up to 0.5% = £42.00
Post Office
No charge

High Street Bank
Total bank charges £44.00 = £528.00
Post Office
Free

Golf fanatics flock to Turkey

Turkey provides some of the newest and most exciting courses, many being championship level and most within easy reach of each other. Golfers have realised the tremendous benefit of 300 days of sunshine a year with the average temperature even in December, of 16 degrees centigrade.

Now the European Challenge tour will be played in Turkey in 2010 at the Carya Golf Club which was established in 2008 and in Belek the World Amateur Golf Championship is to be held in 2012.

Turkey was awarded “Best Golf Destination in Europe 2008” by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) putting Turkey ahead of other European golf hotspots including Spain and Scotland. “This is largely due to Belek, the home of championship golf in Turkey”, says Robert Nixon, executive director, Nirvana International. “This is a beautiful region enhanced with beautifully maintained, top quality golf courses, making it a golfer’s paradise”.

Ideal for renting

Taking Belek as a prime example of golf courses available, there’s the Tat Golf Club, The Gloria Golf Resort, The Robinson Club, Nobilis, Cornelia Nick Faldo course and Papillon Golf course which is a new Colin Montgomerie Golf Course. In addition there is Kaya Eagles Golf club and Lykia Links Golf and of course the National Golf Course.

NIRVANA golf 7 Gem Golf Villas

It’s worthwhile considering the possibility of owning a property there. You could buy as part of a syndicate or for personal use and of course, such a property in a prime location is ideal for renting when not in personal use.

Belek is an ideal spot for relaxation and is famed for its pine trees which fill the air with a glorious scent with plenty to do including yachting, windsurfing, scuba diving, walking, bird watching and exploring the area’s rich history. The mountains too are easily reached and there is even the opportunity to go skiing 120km away at Saklikent Ski Resort.  There are also some superb beaches dotted along this coastline.

Currently being offered is an exclusive development of brand new homes at Gem Golf Villas in Belek located in the heart of championship golf in Turkey and just 500 metres from the National Golf Club and close to the Sueno Golf Club.

Year round flights

There’s a choice of two different house types (Villa A and B) all immaculately presented and built to a high standard. Villa A has a slightly bigger floor area than Villa B. 14 of the villas are offered with a shared pool with seven of the homes having private pool and parking. The development is surrounded by attractive landscaped grounds. There is 24-hour security on site and Gem Golf Villas is close to Belek beach, mini market and shopping mall. Belek town is 2 km from the resort and offers many shops and restaurants. Antalya is 30 minutes drive. There is a shuttle bus service for transfer to golf courses, beach or Belek town centre. Antalya Airport, which provides all year round flights to and from the UK, is just 25 minutes drive away and transfers are provided.

Gem Golf Villas, Belek.

Prices

Detached villas with four bedrooms and two bathrooms (1 en-suite)

Type A – some with private pool start from £200,000

Type B – villas with shared pool start from £180,000

Contact Nirvana International on: 01189 744 950/955 or at www.nirvanainternational.com

Nirvana International is a member of AIPP and NAEA International incorporating FOPDAC.

Tunisia – new kid on the block

Rapidly emerging as one of the most serious locations to consider for property investment purposes in the Mediterranean region, Tunisia is something of a new kid on the block for property seekers but it’s relatively fresh property market is built on incredibly strong fundamentals making it worthy of much closer inspection. Peter Richards investigates.

Tunisia offers visitors 700 miles of sandy beaches, a dramatic and ancient history, conservation parks, botanical gardens, acres of golf courses, water parks, scuba diving, historic souks, stress-relieving thalassotherapy spas and the mysterious Sahara. If you’re wondering why you’ve not heard of Tunisia before as a location for holiday home investment purchases, part of the reason is that the nation has recently just finalised legislation allowing for the transparent freehold ownership of real estate by foreign citizens; however, that’s just part of the picture. In the past Tunisia has preferred to focus its internal efforts on reforms to introduce political pluralism and therefore stability, and to boost and reinforce the economy.

Local transport...

The government was wholly focused on the creation of a robust and stable nation before it sought international investment as it wanted to have the right platform in place to attract sustainable fiscal commitment.  Now it’s benefiting from hindsight and learning from the triumphs and also the trials of similar markets such as Egypt and Morocco, and Tunisia is going forward to create a healthy property-based economic sector.

As Tunisia’s economy has been ranked the most competitive in Africa and the Arab World in the Global Competitiveness Report from the World Economic Forum, and the International Monetary Fund predicts impressive GDP growth in Tunisia for the coming years making the nation’s growth predictions one of the highest in the Mediterranean region, serious investors are beginning to turn their collective and focused attentions on Tunisia.

A healthy property market

With its 1,100 kilometres of sun caressed Mediterranean coastline, its fabulous resorts, incredible history, pristine beaches and well established tourism industry which is on target for an average annual growth rate of 4.3 per cent over the next decade according to the World Travel and Tourism Council, Tunisia has everything in place to build a healthy property market based largely on tourism.

The nation is already easily accessible from across the whole of Europe; for example there are daily scheduled flights from the UK that take less than 2½ hours to reach Tunisia. It’s also a country not solely reliant on British tourism – therefore there is demographic diversification in terms of visitor arrivals which lessens an investor’s risk and broadens their letting potential base.

Time to cool off...

Tunisia is currently negotiating an Open Skies Agreement and there’s speculation that low cost flight operators such as Ryanair will follow – should it happen this will be yet another massive boost for both tourism and property market potential.

In terms of the potential already in place for an investor, according to Steve Worboys, managing director of Experience International: “There’s strong and increasing demand for straightforward summer holiday accommodation in the most popular resorts such as exclusive Port El Kantaoui on Tunisia’s Gold Coast, and this is attracting investor commitment but what’s more, the government is now actively working on the development of alternative types of tourism in Tunisia which further opens up investment potential.”

For example, Tunisia is the second most popular nation in the Mediterranean after France for thalassotherapy and the nation’s government wants to begin the further development and promotion of such alternative and high-end forms of tourism to draw greater numbers of wealthier visitors. This will have a double impact for an investor; it will give them greater demand to promote their property and it will potentially allow for rental yield growth as wealthy demand will increase pressure on property availability, thus inflating underlying rental rates.

Golf tourism

Tunisian cuisine is based on the use of olive oil and spices with the appropriate quantities of ingredients blended together. All recipes use natural products and simple ingredients of a high quality. These simple ingredients are used to make refined dishes. Frozen foods are shunned and the emphasis is on fresh, wholesome ingredients.

Couscous is the national dish and is served with vegetables, lamb, poultry or fish. The couscous is steamed and served covered in a sauce. The ingredients of the sauce give each type of couscous its own unique taste.

In restaurants customers will always be served fresh bread, olives and harissa, which is a hot chilli dip, made of crushed, dried red peppers, garlic and spices. This is also the mainstay of many Tunisian dishes.

Popular red wines are Vieux Magon, Chateau St Augustin and Sélian, while popular whites include Chateau St Augustin and Ugni Blanc. Rosé wines, such as Cote ux de Carthage and Chateau Mornag are also popular.

Golf tourism is another high-end area being actively developed, with five courses coming to completion across the nation’s key resorts in the coming five years. Investors who want to get in ahead of the curve are being attracted to one of the most attractive golf resorts in ever-popular Port El Kantaoui.

The Dunes Golf & Sand Resort is a beautiful beachside development situated within reach of two main airports that offer direct and inexpensive flights to major European cities. The apartment development is therefore highly accessible and is close to all main facilities such as a 36-hole golf course, marina and restaurants.

The Dunes

The resort also features a thalasso spa, indoor swimming pool, Turkish baths, sauna, gym, beauty and massage treatment rooms, a restaurant, snack bar, supermarket and a rental management company. Properties make an excellent investment or second home choice starting from only £20,646 for a studio apartment.

Call Experience International on 020 7321 5858 or visit http://www.experience-international.com for further information.

Also, try the website: www.cometotunisia.co.uk for general information about the country or phone 020 7224 5561

Tunisia encore

The BW Group confirms that Tunisia is emerging as the next property market to take off – prices are low, just like they were in Morocco five years ago and the country is ideally positioned geographically. It serves as a gateway between Africa and Europe, especially France. This stable Arab country is regarded as more Mediterranean in nature with its prime spot on the beautiful Mediterranean coast.

It was only in 2006 that the real estate market opened up to foreign ownership and The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts an annual increase of 4.3% between 2009 and 2018. This may be even higher since tourism rose by 4.7% during the first half of 2008 and is set to continue rising.

The BW Group has announced the launch of its new fractional development in Tunisia, The International Riviera, which will create a new destination in itself and in fact a whole new city. The International resort development comprises 60,000 wholly owned and shared properties as well as a casino complex, golf, spa, marinas, retail and several well-known hotel brands.

The International Riviera resort development has affiliated with The Registry Collection – the largest luxury exchange programme which allows fractional owners to swap their usage time to stay at its other destinations around the world.
With waterfront property in high demand and the world’s natural resources limited, this is an opportunity to co-own one of the 50 water villas.
Contact details are available at: internationalriviera@thebwgroup.eu

News Update

An Almeria development

Almanzora Group has completed holiday homes ready for occupation in the Harbour Lights waterfront development in Villaricos, one of the most sought-after locations on the Almeria coast in south-east Spain.

Villaricos is a traditional fishing village located on the coast between the Almanzora River and the Sierra Almagrera. It was once a Phoenician port and, in the nineteenth century, a silver mining boom town.

Today its two harbours are busy with fishing boats and, following new developments to accommodate an expanding local population, Villaricos has around 19 restaurants, cafés and bars. Most are Spanish and the village has retained its very Spanish character.

“Current market conditions mean that prices are at their lowest for six years with the price of a two-bedroom apartment at Harbour Lights at €147,500, a discount of almost one-third (30 per cent) off the list price,” says the firm’s sales and marketing manager Bridget Rosser. “Would-be owners who buy now will be put on a fast-track to completion to ensure that they are able to enjoy using their new holiday home this summer.”

Traditional small Spanish town

Currently available at Harbour Lights, the waterfront development overlooking the Esperanza harbour and a five-minute walk from the sandy Villaricos beach – are two-, three- and four-bedroom apartments and townhouses.

Designed in a style which reflects many aspects of traditional small Spanish town and village architecture, they are built in private and secure gated communities, around courtyards and a swimming pool, as well as around formal Spanish plazas, with orange trees, water features and quiet seating areas.

Villaricos is easy to reach thanks to three international airports. There are flights from the UK to Almeria Airport, around 40 minutes away from Harbour Lights by road, Alicante Airport (less than two hours away) and Murcia Airport (80 minutes by car). Airlines currently flying to the region include Ryanair, easyJet, Monarch, Jet2, Jetair Fly and Thomas Cook.

For more information call The Almanzora Group on 01242 680299 or visit the website:www.almanzora.com