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Purchasing Property In The Euro Zone
By: Karl Hopkins

The main aim behind the creation of the Euro currency was the creation of greater political solidarity within the EU, but by having a common currency participating member states have additional benefits such as the elimination of currency fluctuation risks, transparency of pricing, reduced transaction costs and increased market expansion opportunities for greater inter-Europe trade.

The introduction of the Euro as a physical currency back in 2002 went quite smoothly, and until now the Euro Zone enjoyed a relatively strong and stable economy.

However, some experts believe those seeking the best value for money in the current climate in terms of the property they can buy, the Euro Zone is not necessarily the best place to be looking. The strength of the Euro against both the pound and the dollar has some say, taken the shine off the traditional overseas property markets in countries such as Spain, France and Italy.

Plus Europe's worrying state of stagflation, (stagnant growth combined with inflation), is causing concerns about the overall Euro Zone economy and member nation's forecasts for the near-term, an increasing number of astute buyers are looking further afield to see where the better property deals are to be purchased and where a more affordable lifestyle can be enjoyed. Below are some key markets to consider:

Turkey
According to Dominic Whiting from Buying In Turkey Collection, Turkey is an exceptionally good choice for those who specifically want the ease and affordability of European accessibility but who want to buy outside the euro zone and its current economic instability.

He said: "The cost of living in Turkey and the cost of buying property is a fraction of what it is across the Euro Zone, and what's more, as Turkey aligns itself for ultimate EU entry, anyone buying in Turkey today is essentially gaining all the benefits of a European purchase without the resultant economic headaches caused by a strong euro and high levels of inflation."

Buying In Turkey Collection has for example, Dream Village, a development of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, duplexes and villas with private gardens and swimming pools set in the area of Tuzla on the Bodrum peninsular. Conveniently close to the golf courses and airport, the prices start from 59,000 pounds / 75,000 euros.

Spot Blue has a villa development for sale in Gocek close to the local marina and with their own private swimming pools, parking and gardens at prices from 115,000 pounds / 160,000 euros.

USA
Thanks to the US dollar's demise against the pound, America is certainly a favourite with British buyers looking to get more for their money abroad. However, pockets of the American housing market are to be avoided as over supply and lack of mortgage financing is stifling potential at least for the short-term. Astute buyers are looking for dollar priced property in locations where there is reason for strong and increasing demand.

Canada
If America does not appeal because its economy is suffering, John Prior, MD of Undiscovered Properties argues that there is only one alternative worth considering, Canada.

To suit someone seeking attractive property for both lifestyle and potential rental reasons, the Louisbourg Resort Golf and Spa might be the answer.

The resort has The Fortress18-hole championship golf course, complemented by a par 3 18-hole course, both designed by Nick Faldo. Located on the island of Cape Breton, Louisbourg is just 2km from the shore and close to the mountains so that residents can enjoy everything from fishing, whale watching, hunting, watersports, skiing, diving, snowmobiling and hiking.

The properties that are available for sale will be built to the architectural preference of the purchaser with 2, 3 and 4 bedroom styles available with a range of 8 architectural designs to choose from. Each lodge property comes with a basement, sauna and Jacuzzi. Prices start from 215,000 pounds / Canadian 438,512 dollars.

Bahrain
Those who have seen how the Middle Eastern property market in Dubai has rocketed and who want to get in on the next wave of property success in the region are targeting Bahrain.

Barton Wyatt International is marketing Riffa Views, the first residential golf resort in Bahrain. There are 870 high-end villas all set around the Colin Montgomerie designed 18-hole championship golf course. For sale are a range of townhouses and villas with between 2 and 5 bedrooms.

Riffa Views include a country club with a Boris Becker tennis academy, a health centre, community centres and sports and outdoor leisure activities including hiking and bike trails and water sports. Other features include a shopping mall and Fun Land for the children. Prices start from 260,000 pounds / 342,200 euros through to 1,800,000 pounds / 2,300,100 euros.

Isla Margarita
Isla Margarita in the Caribbean is, according to Mark Andrew from Emerging Earth, property an island that is particularly attractive for British and European buyers because some of its best property projects such as Caracola Beach and Spa Resort are soon to be priced in the weak American dollar.

He said: "Isla Margarita is just the perfect location for an investment property in a rapidly up and coming resort. The island benefits from the fact it is outside the hurricane zone yet well within the Caribbean and therefore of maximum appeal to all those going in search of warm seas, perfect soft sand and an ideal climate for most of the year."

The island is seeing massive increases in tourism numbers and there are tax breaks for buyers plus insurance bond backed guaranteed rental returns of 7 percent pa for 10 years. Properties for sale are apartments and duplexes. There are on site restaurants, bars, swimming pools, chill-out areas, a spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high-end retail outlets and landscaped gardens.

All apartments are 1 or 2 bedroom, come fully furnished and are also SIPP qualifying for British buyers who want to include property within their pension. Prices start from 79,000 euros / 63,000 pounds and are soon to be available in US dollars.

Egypt
Egypt offers European and British buyers one of the closest locations to Europe and the Euro Zone with year round sunshine, which has helped Egypt emerge as a tourism and property hotspot.

The Egyptian property market can be considered young in terms of international investor interest, and the nation certainly offers buyers a chance to get in now and potentially profit for the longer terms as tourism arrivals are set to increase over the coming decade. For sale in Egypt from Experience International and located on the Red Sea Coast 15 minutes from Hurghada International Airport is the Veranda project.

Veranda, situated on a white sandy beach, is a gated resort with 24-hour security and a wide range of facilities including swimming pools with waterfalls, tennis courts, restaurants, a luxury spa, a gym and a cocktail lounge.

Properties range from one and two bedroom apartments to three bedroom townhouses and four bedroom villas. Prices start from 60,750 pounds and allow the British buyer to secure their purchase in pounds sterling.

Malaysia
Also from Experience International is an opportunity in Malaysia which is a nation emerging as one of the strongest economies in Asia with growing tourism appeal.

The level of tourism demand presents Fly to Let investors with the chance to profit from rental returns, and it has ongoing property based interest from affluent expats seeking property for sale giving any buyer a strong exit strategy.

Experience International has a development for sale called Golden Palm Tree Water Villa in Sepang. It is located on what has been dubbed 'the longest coastal paradise in Asia,' the Golden Palm development is an exotic Gold Coast resort with properties having the unique architectural feature of being situated on stilts and being constructed out over the sea.

Facilities include swimming pools, a gym, spa and a library. Prices start from 147,709 pounds.

Brazil
Brazil is buzzing both economically and in terms of the attention it is receiving from overseas investors. In southern Brazil the Rio de Janeiro housing market is proving massively popular with investors seeking long-term rental units, and in Northern Brazil on the East coast the tourism market is booming.

The accessibility of the destination has already massively improved, and as a new international airport is nearing completion, so savvy investors know that the record growth the market in the region of Rio Grande do Norte has already seen will very likely continue as the region opens up to even greater numbers of visitors.

The Pipa Hills resort from Experience International comprises of 3 bedroom villas set in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and 200 metres from the centre of the town of Pipa Beach.

The development is also very close to Pipa's pristine beach and it has luxury amenities such as a lagoon, swimming pools, bars and restaurants all on site. Prices start from 131,152 pounds.

Botswana
For investors seeking an alternative market opportunity the Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness Reserve is a unique investment opportunity in the heart of the southern African country of Botswana.

The reserve covers an expanse of over 80,000 acres with various lodges located throughout the reserve - but the properties themselves are just a slice of what the project offers purchasers. As an investor into the reserve one contributes to a unique and internationally acclaimed ecosystem model that Limpopo-Lipadi's founders hope will set the standard in conservation sustainability in the 21st century.

An investor into the project effectively owns part of the game and wilderness reserve and can visit as often as they like, be part of the decision making process of the reserve or just simply enjoy the many diverse ecosystems.

Investment capital will be used for everything from further land purchase to the development of the lodges, camps and two commercial tourism properties for the introduction of paying guests to the reserve.
There are different levels of investment involvement that one can commit to from a purely financial point of view, entry level investment is 195,000 dollars, but the difference that you can practically make and the benefits that you can personally witness and enjoy are limitless.

Thailand
The appeal of Thailand is indisputable which is why it has an incredibly strong tourism market.

Buyers who want to tap into the high-end might like to consider The Village development on the Maphrao Island, Coconut Island, Thailand. The luxurious property development has been carefully designed to ensure that all properties enjoy views of the Indian Ocean whilst at the same time homes are situated around waterways and palm groves.

The Village is a haven for water sports lovers, with its own pier for boating enthusiasts and it has boat storage and quick launch facilities.

Fishing, diving, snorkelling and general exploration of the Phuket Islands are also activities available from the resort development. Phuket's golf courses are a short boat ride away, and the resort has a private beach for sunset walks, all day sunbathing and swimming.

Prices for a sea view villa with two bedrooms, two en-suite bathrooms, one guest bathroom, a spacious living area and swimming pool start from 302,950 pounds / 18,950,000 THB.

Is Real Estate Investing Right For You?
By: Mark Walters

The business of real estate investing, contrary to many late night TV programs, can be very complicated.

It is in no way a get rich quick project. For many, real estate investing is just another failed career and it may not seem clear why. However, real estate is an actual business and requires the same amount of time, effort and energy as running any other type of business.

There is a common misconception that when the real estate market is doing well, anyone involved can make a small fortune. Sadly, real estate investing is much more complicated than that.

If you are considering a career in real estate investing, there are a few things that need to be taken into consideration that will help ensure your have a successful and profitable experience.

First, real estate requires a lot of time. If you already have a job and you are not willing to devote an additional 4 to 8 hours per week establishing your new business, real estate investing may not be for you.

This is not something that can be done "only when you feel like it" and be expected to yield profits. The market is always changing and growing, so every individual investor needs to stay on top what's happening in their local area. You can do that buy talking to a few home sellers every week.

You will quickly learn how to deal with sellers, but you will also find out if buyers are plentiful or scarce in certain areas. That is valuable information that can put you far ahead of other investors.

Money is a huge consideration when deciding if real estate investing is right for you. One of the exciting aspects of real estate is that anyone can get started with very little cash. When you don't have money or borrowing power you must make up for that with hard work and continuing education.

One of the most popular avenues to successes is rehabbing properties. The key is learning how to buy single family homes or small apartment complexes and renovate them to increase their value. That not only takes effort, but at least some cash.

Short term loans from friends or family often make this type of business very appealing. But don't fool yourself. You must have the self-discipline to work night and weekends until your project is finished. It's hard work, but if you have the proper determination you will be very well rewarded.

Business skills are also needed for real estate investing. Generally, investors stay personally involved in the business they create rather than leaving everything in the hands of other members of their team. You will be making investment decision, dealing with sellers, negotiating contracts and managing tenants. Of course, you might consider hiring someone to do much of this work for you, but the more people you hire the less money will go into your pocket.

Yes, you can start small and work your way to a real estate fortune if you are willing to learn at the school of hard knocks. Most people make the mistake of never getting started in real estate, because they never believe they have all the required knowledge.

Here's a news flash! You will never know every thing there is to know about real estate investing. You must learn on the job and to do that you have to begin talking to people who have property for sale. Ask questions and listen. Do that often enough and you will soon be able to recognize a good deal when you stumble across it.

Every investor should build a library of real estate investing material. It is something you will refer to again and again over the years. Do a little hunting in used books stores and online at sites like AbeBooks.com, BookDepot.com and Alibris.com. Or the Websites that specialize in real estate investing information like CashFlowInstitute.com.

You will pay just a few dollars for the same information that would cost you thousands at a real estate guru's seminar.

Promise yourself you will begin talking with home sellers this week! Begin by asking why they are selling, what they will do after selling and what their plans on for the sale proceeds?

Do that often enough and you will soon be able to recognize a profitable purchase when you find it. You will be on your way to real estate investing success.