2016’s New Investor Tribes: Which of these dominant investor types are you?

by Charly World easyMarkets

Global broker easyMarkets defines the new investor tribes
Wealth preservers, guided investors, free thinkers and aggressors dominate the market
Tribal characteristics shaping investment preferences for 2016

Back in 2012, author Michael Pompian identified four categories of client when it comes to behavioural finance: the preserver, the follower, the independent and the accumulator. Now, global broker easyMarkets has taken the concept a step further and examined how these dominant investor types can be grouped into four investor tribes.

Hanaa El Moudden, Senior Market Analyst at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, explains,

“Understanding the various investor types can help new and experienced investors identify and join their respective tribe and enjoy greater success. It’s about knowing your characteristics as an investor and understanding how those will shape your investments in 2016.”

2016’s New Investor Tribes:

The wealth preservers

Goals: Financial security and wealth preservation

Behavioural orientation: Risk-averse, passive

The wealth preserver tribe has two clear goals when investing: maintain financial security and preserve wealth. Wealth preservers are the most risk averse investors. They are perfectly content avoiding high-risk investments and the high rewards they promise. For these investors, losses are rarely justified and losing gains is even less acceptable. Contrary to popular belief, the preserver tribe isn’t just concerned about the future. Rather, they’re extremely enamored with the short-term. They are meticulous and obsessive over short-term performance and seek to preserve every penny earned in the market.

Investments they are likely to be watching in 2016: gold and silver

The guided investors

Goals: Managed investment portfolio

Behavioural orientation: Passive, lacks interest in markets, disengaged from investment decisions

Guided investors invest out of necessity, despite not having a strong interest in the financial markets. This tribe generally refers to people who seek to build wealth passively through a managed portfolio or instructions from a financial professional. Guided investors generally don’t have their own ideas about the market and have no trouble admitting it. They simply recognize that investing should be part of their life in some way and seek out professional resources to help them achieve their investment decisions.

Investments they are likely to be watching in 2016: options

The free thinkers

Goals: Create wealth through independent analysis and active investments

Behavioural orientation: Active, analytical, risk taker

The free thinker tribe loves the financial markets and spends a great deal of time researching securities. Free thinkers are usually among the first to open up an online trading account and are less likely to delegate trading tasks to fund managers. Independents are what Benjamin Graham describes as active investors or individuals who buy and sell their own securities and continuously monitor their investment strategy. Free thinkers make a lot of time available to investing and are less likely to adjust their strategy because of changing investor sentiment. However, they need to avoid becoming too contrarian in their views, as this could cost them in the long run.

Investments they are likely to be watching in 2016: USD/CAD and DAX and dow30

The aggressors

Goals: Create wealth through aggressive investment strategy

Behavioural orientation: Aggressive risk taker, very confident, engaged in decision making

The aggressor tribe takes a highly active approach to investing. They embrace of a high level of risk and lack willingness to stick to a long-term investment plan. The aggressor is highly emotional and extremely confident in their abilities, making them more likely to adjust their portfolios and holdings in response to changing market conditions. Aggressors are active researchers who tend to dig a little bit deeper to find information than the other investor tribes. Unlike guided investors, aggressors are unquestionably the only ones steering their ship.

Investments they are likely to be watching in 2016: Energy commodities

Identifying your tribe

Your approach to the financial markets, risk appetite, investment interest and availability all play a role in dictating your investor tribe. The good news is all investor tribes may generate wealth in the financial markets. By understanding your behavioural orientation and level of interest in investing, you can start to piece together the best investment strategy for you.

If you’re just getting started in finance, you should learn as much as you can about the market and the risks and rewards associated with investing. By reviewing the different markets and opportunities involved, you can begin to embrace the tribe that best represents your interests.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Risk warning: Forward Rate Agreements, Options and CFDs (OTC Trading) are leveraged products that carry a substantial risk of loss up to your invested capital and may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure that you understand fully the risks involved and do not invest money you cannot afford to lose. Our group of companies through its subsidiaries is licensed by the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commission (Easy Forex Trading Ltd- CySEC, License Number 079/07), which has been passported in the European Union through the MiFID Directive and in Australia by ASIC (Easy Markets Pty Ltd -AFS license No. 246566).

The sky’s the limit as new luxury student accommodation arrives in Durham

by Charly United Kingdom Collegiate AC

Dragon Court in Durham will provide students with superb facilities and unique features including a top floor Sky Lounge and roof terrace (Collegiate AC)
Group study areas, SONOS wireless speakers and SONY video conferencing as standard (Collegiate AC)
Available from August 2017 with students welcomed for the 2017/18 academic year (Collegiate AC)

A new, purpose built student accommodation offering is set to commence construction next month in the historic, University city of Durham. In close proximity to Durham’s largest college, St Hild and St Bede, this project will see the regeneration of Ernest Place, Dragonville, set to be an exciting transformation on the east side of the city.

Dragon Court is set to provide everything a student could want whilst providing a style and facilities akin to their future professional living requirements. Dragon Court will form part of the UK’s leading luxury student accommodation provider, Collegiate AC’s new Prestige Collection, and will offer its residents an array of 5* facilities including a Sky Lounge with stunning views across the city.

Working in partnership with luxury student accommodation developer, Studious Investment Management, this new chic five story building will comprise of 362 rooms with a selection of cluster, studio and premium studio apartments.

Once residents of Dragon Court, students will be able to take advantage of the top floor Sky Lounge and its stunning roof terrace with dining rooms that open onto the terrace, as well as a private gym, cinema rooms and several study areas designed to help with both individual and group assignments.

The exclusive dinner party rooms will also be available for booking, providing a separate venue for students to create their own gourmet dishes or enjoy a takeaway from their new local. From a lively evening with friends to a quiet catch up with visiting family members, residents will be able to use the area for a variety of events.

The development of Dragon Court will be a welcome addition to Durham’s urban landscape with the regeneration of the site breathing new life into the local area. Its prime location, close to transport links and amenities, will be ideal for students wanting to move easily around the city, and will allow local businesses to benefit from their new neighbours.

Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to be working alongside Studious Investment Management and the local community. He explains,

“Dragon Court will provide Durham’s students with a unique living experience, enabling them to make the most of their university careers both studiously and socially. The lifestyle-led apartments and social spaces have been beautifully designed to create an environment where students can feel safe and looked after. I am excited to witness the commencement of construction and look forward to welcoming the first residents.”

Working with a local team, including Greenwell Design, Kinetic Engineers and Turner & Townsend, the project is due for completion in August 2017, perfect for those students requiring housing for the 2017-2018 academic year. StudioUS Investment Management have advised that a show apartment will be available to view from November of this year, allowing potential residents to see the style of the building and gain a greater understanding of this new, lifestyle-led accommodation for themselves.

For more information, visit www.collegiate-ac.com or contact Collegiate AC on 01235 250 140.

Pick perennially popular Portugal to minimise void periods and maximise rental returns

by Charly Portugal Ideal Homes Portugal

Investors can achieve 80% annual rental – Ideal Homes Portugal
Global Property Guide states 6.1% average yield in Portugal
Blooming UK visitor numbers to Portugal with a rise of 16.7% – Institute of National Statistics.

Tourism is performing well in Portugal at present with total overnight guests increasing by 8% to 17.4 million in 2015 according to Portugal’s Institute of National Statistics. The UK saw a 16.7% increase in visitors taking their total to 22.2% last year. This spells good news for property owners looking to let their homes in the sun out to holiday makers and secure a solid rental return in return.

Indeed according to Global Property Guide data from the end of 2015, average rental yields across Portugal stand at a strong 6.1% ranking the Iberian national 7^th out of 35 countries worldwide with yields the greatest in the Capital Lisbon. Their figures also confirm that apartments are currently showing greater yield increases over houses or villas.

One holiday home owner who is already reaping the benefits of a booming rental market in the Algarve is Clive Edmonds from the Forest of Dean. Clive bought a two bedroom apartment in Lagos, Portugal for €168,000 four years ago with a 100% mortgage. Clive was able to purchase the property at below market value and was looking for a long term investment for additional pension income and somewhere they could use for holidays.

Hot off the heels of a positive 2015, 2016 is looking to be a bumper year for the Edmonds as they have already secured 40 weeks’ worth of bookings for their apartment. Lagos is a town in southern Portugal’s Algarve region. It is known for its walled old town, cliffs and Atlantic beaches. Just over an hour from airport in Portugal, this pretty town has taken off as an affordable chic destination in the sun as savvy holiday makers looking for somewhere more affordable than the busy Golden Triangle* area and are heading for lesser known towns.

Clive explains why he chose this particular location,

“The Algarve in my perception is a high-quality desirable holiday location. The climate is good, there is lots of sunshine even outside of the summer months, the Portuguese are very friendly and eating out is never that expensive.

“The development known as Quinta Da Abrotea, caught our eye immediately. It was brand new, the swimming pool and gardens were attractive, and the build quality was very high. On top of that the size of the apartment and the huge sun terrace convinced me I wanted to buy it.”

Edmonds used local boutique agency Ideal Homes Portugal for the transaction. He had no experience of buying overseas before but as an accountant by profession, he was confident in his ability to project outgoings vs rental income.

“Ideal Homes were excellent and clearly had well-developed contacts in the Algarve and a team of highly professional staff. At no time were we put under any pressure during our inspection trip which is undoubtedly why we felt confident in proceeding.”

He offers some advice to people considering buying a home in the Algarve,

“If you’re planning on renting your property out, consider where you are buying and is it what holiday makers will want. I would also recommend not to scrimp on furnishings, buy the best you can for the purpose required within reason.”

Chris White, Founder of Ideal Homes Portugal responds:

“It makes our job worth while when I talk to clients such as Clive. Customers that have taken our advice and are delighted with the outcome are exactly what we aim to accomplish. Tourism in Portugal is flying and we are expecting many of our rental properties to have a bumper year. Holiday makers that had pursued more ‘exotic’ climes such as Egypt and Tunisia are returning in their droves to safe havens such as the Algarve.

“Mr Edmonds is a shrewd businessman, with our help he has secured a well priced apartment in a well built development which has superb facilities. It is close to a number of beautiful beaches, has a terrific choice of restaurants and the airport is only an hour away. Portugal has great flight connections year round to many international airports including the UK. This is exactly what holiday makers are looking for and exactly why we are looking forward to a busy but successful 2016.”

An example of a similar apartments to the one that Clive Edmonds purchased:

Impressive two bed luxury apartments with sea views, Lagos From €260,000

Porto de Mos Beach Apartments now for sale, built by a long established construction company, here in the Algarve. Past apartments have proven to be an exceptional and in demand choice for buyers.

These new apartments are situated close to the beach and offer wonderful sea views.

Two Swimming Pools
Gymnasium
Sauna
Air Conditioning
Central Vacuum System
Equipped Kitchen: Extractor, Oven, Fridge Freezer, Ceramic Hob, Dishwasher
Solar Boiler for Hot Water
Washing Machine
Thermal and Acoustic Insulated
Luxury Finish
Parking & Storage
Landscape Gardens

Lagos is a vibrant town full of historical interest. Praça de Gil Eanes, the square in the middle of the town, is often the setting for evening entertainment throughout the year. On Saturday mornings a market comes to the square with fresh fruits and vegetables, olives, honey, figs, almonds and local delicacies.

The beaches around Lagos are some of the most beautiful of the Algarve and can be reached in a 25 minutes walk from the centre of the town. However the local beach at Ponta da Piedade is a sheltered bay and has caves, rocks and wonderfully transparent waters – perfect for a day in the sun.

For more information on buying a property for rental income contact Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, or www.idealhomesportugal.com email sales@idealhomesportugal.com

* The Golden Triangle refers to an area in central Algarve between Quinta do Lago, Almancil and Quarteira is often encompassing Vale De Lobo, Vilamora and Quinta da Lago.

Holiday homes are pushing the boundaries of Europe – in more ways than one!

by Charly Turkey World easyMarkets, Universal21

Turn to Turkey to enjoy Europe without worrying about a Brexit (Universal 21)
Brexit debate is impacting on overseas property purchases (easyMarkets)
Smart homes and eco villas push the boundaries of real estate in Istanbul (Universal 21)

Everywhere you turn in the UK right now there’s talk of the potential impact that a Brexit could have, if the nation votes to leave the EU on 23 June. The debate has touched upon everything from the single market to travel restrictions, including the impact on those buying second homes overseas.

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at global broker easyMarkets, recently observed that,

“The Brexit debate is already influencing those thinking about buying property overseas, leading many of those considering purchasing a holiday home in Europe to pause their plans temporarily, pending the outcome of the referendum. Should the UK vote to leave the EU, this temporary pause may well turn into a longer period of uncertainty for those wanting a second home in Europe. Buying a holiday house that you plan to retire to one day becomes less attractive when you don’t know what the restrictions on living there might be in a few years’ time!”

The solution, according to Universal 21, is to buy a home in Istanbul. Istanbul’s largest management company, Universal 21 offers select apartments for sale in Istanbul, including luxury eco-friendly villas.

Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans more than one continent. Divided by the Bosphorus strait, the city sits in both Europe and Asia. It’s a heady mixture that has fascinated visitors for centuries. It’s also a fantastic solution for those looking to buy a second home outside of the EU, but also maintain easy access to Europe.

Istanbul’s homes don’t just push geographical boundaries. They also offer some of the world’s smartest and most eco-friendly residences. At Oceanic Bay View, concave roofs collect rainwater for reuse (the water is collected in a giant tank under the inner garden), electricity is generated through solar panels and a wind turbine (saving up to 60% in electricity consumption annually) and the entire villa’s systems can be controlled by computer or smartphone. Luxury is built into every element, from the Jacuzzi and sauna to the cinema room, staff quarters and organic winter garden.

If a luxury villa isn’t quite within budget, then Concept 21 offers an excellent alternative. Completed in 2015, the seven star resort offers contemporary two, three and four bedroom apartments centred around delightful landscaped gardens and an expansive outdoor pool area. The development comes complete with a host of amenities, including a cinema, children’s playground, basketball court, volleyball court, five a side football pitch, gym/fitness area, sauna, hamam, steam room, indoor pools and spa/massage area.

In these uncertain times, Turkey’s luxury property market offers some incredibly interesting options to those looking to bypass the whole Brexit debate and move forward with purchasing their dream home overseas.

For more information please contact:

easyMarkets: +44 203 1500 74 or www.easymarkets.com

Universal21: 0203 287 8700 or visit www.universal21.com

Mallorca celebrates place in the world’s top 10 best island destinations

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Mallorca named sixth best island in the world (TripAdvisor)
Foreign tourist spending in Balearics increased by 45.6% in February 2016 (INE)
Taylor Wimpey España launches new residential development on the north coast of Mallorca

2016 continues to be a significant year for the Spanish island of Mallorca as it becomes prominent on an increasing amount of holiday wish lists. A new entry for 2016, TripAdvisor’s latest installment of their Travelers’ Choice awards revealed that Mallorca is now the sixth best island in the world confirming its place as one of this year’s go-to holiday hotspots.

Mallorca has been celebrated for its variety of activities on offer, with something to suit everyone, as well as its picturesque scenery and idyllic beaches. And the most recent figures suggest that a growing number of tourists are choosing Mallorca as their 2016 holiday destination.

International tourist spending in the Balearics during February this year amounted to 170 million euros, according to the Tourist Expenditure Survey of the National Statistics Institute (INE), an increase of 45.6% over last February.The substantial increase in February spending in the Balearics was significantly higher than any of Spain’s other principal tourism regions.

Leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España has definitely experienced a growing interest for property on the island and are answering this rising demand with the launch of their newest development. Bahia Sant Pere is a Mediterranean-inspired residential development situated in the traditional north east coastal village of Colonia de Sant Pere, perfect for those wanting a more rural setting for their second home.

As a resident of the beautiful island himself, Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Wimpey Espana, is delighted that Mallorca is receiving global recognition as a first choice holiday location and predicts its popularity will continue to grow.

He explains,

“Mallorca’s inclusion in the latest TripAdvisor awards is a wonderful representation of its development as a leading tourist destination. We have certainly received an increasing number of enquiries in relation to the island with international visitors looking to experience all that Mallorca has to offer. As its popularity continues flourish we are delighted to launch a new development which brings its residents even closer to the real Mallorca.”

Less than an hour from Palma’s international airport, and only a short distance from the local fishing port and Mallorca’s golden coastline, Bahia Sant Pere is comprised of two and three bedroom apartments. From just €189,000 +VAT all apartments have two bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen with breakfast bar and the use of a private parking space. Each resident will have access to the development’s two swimming pools and luscious communal gardens.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the village of Colonia de Sant Pere allows visitors to experience the more rustic side of Mallorca, being the perfect location to enjoy both the stunning landscape of the mountains of the Peninsula de LLevant Natural Park and the beautiful coast with the white sandy beach of Sa Canova.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Viva España! Overseas buyers purchase more Spanish homes than domestic buyers

by Charly Spain Taylor Wimpey Espana

Overseas buyers’ purchases in the Alicante Province accounted for 50.6% of all Spanish residential sales in 2015 (Ministerio de Fomento)
Residential sales to overseas buyers in Alicante increased by 26% in February in comparison to the same month last year (INE)
Costa Blanca properties on Taylor Wimpey España website draw 31% more traffic in Q1 2016 visits than the previous year (Taylor Wimpey España)

After a thriving start to 2016, Spain’s property market looks set to reclaim its status amongst overseas buyers as it continues to go from strength to strength. According to the most recent property statistics published by the Ministry of Development (Ministerio de Fomento), the number of homes purchased by overseas buyers in Q4 of 2015 increased more than 10% in comparison with the same period in the previous year.

The report showed that throughout Spain one property transaction in every six is completed by an international buyer but it is the coastal regions that continue to prove substantially more appealing for those reviewing the market from overseas. In 2015, overseas buyers purchasing property in the Alicante Province accounted for 50.6% of all Spanish residential sales, surpassing annual domestic demand for the first time in years.

The latest figures from the National Institute of Statistics (INE) also highlight the increasing interest in the Costa Blanca region with February sales up significantly on the same month last year. Sales to international buyers in Alicante increased by 26%, confirming the upward trend of buyer activity in the region. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, recognises that the Costa Blanca is a favourite amongst overseas buyers and believes that its popularity will continue to build throughout 2016. He comments,

“International buyers, particularly Brits, have always been attracted to all that the Costa Blanca has to offer and we have definitely observed a rise in enquiries for property in this region. The traditional hotspots of Torrevieja and Orihuela are still very sought after and are performing extremely well, with prices for new build properties rising. There is demand from all over Europe, especially amongst UK, Swedish and Belgian buyers. Interestingly, other markets expressing an increased interest in this area are the Dutch and the French.”

The latest figures from Taylor Wimpey España show that during Q1 of 2016, visits to the Costa Blanca properties on their website increased by 31% in comparison to the previous year. The rise in enquiries this year emphasises that the growing demand for the already popular region is set to continue. Marc continues,

“With demand growing, this area is currently home to the most building activity in all of Spain. Although we are not quite at the same level as the heyday of 10 years ago, I believe that it is heading in the right direction and the future looks bright for Spanish property. Taylor Wimpey España have brand new developments in the region and we look forward to introducing all prospective buyers to everything that the Costa Blanca has to offer.”

The new Jardin del Mar residential complex is comprised of both two and three bedroom apartments and three bedroom duplexes, all with two bathrooms, air-conditioning and an underground parking space. Situated in the beautiful town of Javea, also known as the Pearl of the Costa Blanca, Jardin del Mar properties offer direct access to Primer Montañar Beach and its prime location means Alicante Airport and Valencia Airport, Manises, are both a 1 hour drive away.

Prices start from just €244,000, with every ground floor apartment opening onto a private garden whilst the duplex homes provide residents with breath taking sea views. Communal areas to be enjoyed by all include luscious gardens and a swimming pool. Shops and other local amenities are within walking distance, and a pedestrian pathway with a cycle lane passes right in front of the complex, connecting the Aduanas del Mar port with Arenal Beach, offering a perfect setting for strolling and admiring the spectacular land and seascapes of the Javea coastline.

For more information please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit http://taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Turkey’s construction sector reaches new heights as the housing market continues to flourish

by Charly Turkey Universal21

In the fourth quarter of 2015 the Turkish construction sector increased total turnover by 10% (TURKSTAT)
Residential property prices in Istanbul have increased by 140% in the last five years (Central Bank of Turkey)
Istanbul’s property market at the forefront of an increasing demand for new build projects (Universal21)

Turkey’s housing market is continuing to grow in strength with its construction sector laying the necessary foundations for a successful future. The most recent figures released by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) show that during the fourth quarter of 2015, the construction sector increased their total turnover by 4.5% in comparison to the previous quarter. When compared with the same period of the previous year, this increase stood at an impressive 10%.

These numbers suggest a successful progression within the industry, something that is inextricably linked with the current optimism surrounding the housing market. The impact of such growth in the construction sector is emerging within Turkey’s real estate industry, both having experienced a positive start to 2016.

According to the latest Housing Price Index for Turkey, published by the Central Bank of Turkey, residential prices have increased by 93% in the last five years. However, it is the Istanbul market that shines brighter than the rest, with a significant increase of 140%. Adil Yaman, Director of Universal21, the largest management company based in Istanbul, is confident in the city’s ability to remain at the forefront of Turkey’s flourishing property industry. He explains,

“Turkey’s construction sector is continuing to expand throughout the country with Istanbul’s property market at the forefront of an increasing demand for new build projects. Proud to be central to Istanbul’s growing real estate, we have certainly noticed an increase in enquires regarding new build properties and believe this demand is set to continue in an ascending trajectory.”

The most recent report from Colliers International, entitled Turkey Real Estate Review, highlights the importance of Turkey’s construction sector, explaining that “its potential for future growth and its increasing contribution to Turkey’s overall economy will continue hand in hand with urban transformation works and large scale infrastructure projects.” Adil concurs with this sentiment, commenting,

“Part of the success of Istanbul’s housing market is most definitely due to the progression of the city and the infrastructural developments that have been, and are still being, made throughout. These developments appeal to a growing city population, which in turn increases the demand for quality new build residential properties.”

One of Universal21’s projects currently under construction is Crest Plaza Residence. Situated in the Beylikdüzü district of Istanbul, Crest Plaza Residence is well-located for both transport links and amenities, with the beach just a ten-minute drive away and Istanbul’s Ataturk airport only a 20 minute drive away.

Formed of only two blocks of 11 floors and a total of 199 apartments, Crest Plaza Residence boasts a wide range of facilities including fitness centre, swimming pool, Turkish bath, steam room, sauna, health club, cinema room, meeting room, BBQ terrace, games room, library and children’s playground.

Starting at £60,000 with an easy payment plan there is a range of spacious one, two and three bedroom duplex penthouse apartments available. All either overlook the landscaped gardens or the newly appointed park soon to be completed and the project also has the benefit of 24-hour security, and with completion this month this is an ideal investment.

For more information about Universal21, visit www.universal21.com or call 0203 287 8700.

Spain enjoys flying start to 2016

by Charly Spain Ideal Homes International, Kyero.com

Spanish property portal Kyero.com records 25% Y-O-Y rise in sales enquires (Q1 2016)
Jet2 adds more flights to Girona increasing passengers numbers by 40,000 for summer
Spanish house sales roseby over 26% Y-O-Y in January 2016 (General Council Notaries)

The Spanish property market is set to have a great year if current figures continue, according to Kyero.com. The leading English-language Spanish property portal has already recorded a staggering 25% year-on-year rise in enquiry levels in Q1 2016.

Back in December 2015, Kyero.com predicted that 2016 would be a bumper year for Spain and it certainly looks likely with latest GDP figures showing a 3.4% growth, more than twice the Eurozone average, confirming the company’s forecasts for an economic rebound.

Martin Dell, Founder and Director of Kyero.com, comments,

“Our positive forecast for the year is looking probable at the moment. We suspected that there would be a rise in international property transactions and our latest data reveals that international buyers generated over 100,000 sales enquiries in Q1 2016. This confirms the upward trend reported by the Spanish Ministry of Development back in Q4 2015.

“Enquiry growth has been strongest on the Canary Islands (particularly Tenerife), while Alicante province retains the crown as top spot for overseas investors, attracting over 33,000 enquiries.”

The General Council of Notaries also published new statistics last week revealing that in January 2016 the number of house sales in Spain increased by over 26% compared to the same period in 2015. This amounted to 27,568 property transactions and highlighted the 28% rise in apartment sales and 33% in resales.

Sales Manager of boutique Spanish property agency Ideal Homes International, Andrew Jepson, concurred, commenting,

“We have had an influx of enquiries for both new build and resale properties in Spain since the start of the year. The majority of enquiries have been from British buyers who are feeling more confident in the market and we had a particularly successful show at A Place in the Sun Live in Manchester last month where we took 300 enquires and have already booked 10 inspection visits to Spain.

“Talking to buyers at the live event, it was apparent that those looking for a second home in the sun are being driven towards ‘safe havens’ such as Spain. Tourism is guaranteed, airlines regularly add more flights and the Spanish economy is on the rebound.”

Initiatives such as the Costa Brava’s ’Year of Golf & Gastronomy’, which is celebrating 50 years of golf in the region, help to drive tourists to Spain’s sunny shores. Budget airline Jet2 have added three more routes to Girona (the Costa Brava’s main airport) from Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle which increases passenger numbers by a further 40,000.

They say that Spain has something for everyone and this is indeed true, the diversity of properties available for sale is extreme. Today on the Costas buyers can choose from a land plot at €10,000 to a nine bed luxury villa at €20,000,000! Apartments though do start from a more modest €13,600 so there really is something for almost every budget.

Kyero.com’s Martin Dell concludes:

“Our agents are all telling us a similar story – enquiries are up, viewings are up and 2016 is going to be a bumper year in Spain.”

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com and Ideal Homes International: 0800 133 7644, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk

easyMarkets’ 5 Golden Rules of trading commodities for beginners

by Charly World easyMarkets

From food to fuel, commodities are the lifeblood of the global marketplace. They play an essential role in daily life and yet until just a few years ago very few people outside of the financial industry had ever considered trading commodities on the open market. Becoming a commodities trader seemed like a daunting prospect and one that was restricted to those willing to spend every waking hour in a skyscraper in the city.

Now, thanks to the power of the internet, accessing commodities and learning everything there is to know about the market has never been easier.

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easyMarkets, explains,

“With the evolution of CFD (contract for difference) trading, and the growth of online trading platforms, investing in commodities is now accessible to all. An increasing number of individuals are learning to trade commodities and appreciating how exciting, and how profitable, it can be.

“However, you do need to follow some basic rules in order to give yourself the best possible chance of success. It’s like any job or hobby really – the more you put into it, the more you are likely to get out of it!”

For that reason, the easyMarkets team has put together its five golden rules of trading commodities for beginners, so that all those with an interest in doing so can know where to start.

The easyMarkets 5 Golden Rules of trading commodities for beginners

1. Find the best commodity broker

The internet is awash with brokers. To find a good, trusted one, narrow your search down to a broker that: (1) has been in business for more than 10 years, (2) is regulated and (3) offers CFD trading. The first two are self-explanatory. The third one is explained in more detail below.

2. Trade CFDs

CFD stands for contract for difference, which is essentially a contract between you and a broker that says both parties will exchange the cash difference between the opening and closing price of a commodity. This makes commodity trading so much easier because you no longer have to pick up that bushel of wheat or gallon of oil you purchased in the market. You just profit from the price difference in cash. Only a few online platforms offer CFD commodities trading so you may need to shop around.

3. Study the markets

Commodity prices are influenced by a wide array of factors, ranging from supply and demand to government actions and even the weather. When trading anything, studying the financial news and checking price charts are important – and this is particularly so with commodities.

4. Diversify your trading

Diversification is a term you’ve probably come across quite a bit in researching the financial markets. Let us summarize it quickly for you: diversification is the process of using several investments in a portfolio in order to reduce your risk exposure to any one particular asset. In other words, don’t put all your eggs in one basket! Be willing to trade precious metals, energy products and agricultural goods. By doing so, you optimise your profit opportunities and ensure you’re not overly exposed to just one segment of the market.

5. Trend is your friend

This is a well-worn adage in the financial markets. What is basically means is that if a market is moving in a particular direction (being bought or sold off), then following the trend may be wise. Unless you have very good reasons to go against the trend, in which case you might be in for a windfall!

As a commodity trader, you should be constantly on the lookout for a trend, regardless of whether it’s up or down. In trading, a simple trend is defined (by Seery Futures) as a commodity reaching a 20-day high or low. If you apply sound money management rules, like limiting your maximum loss to a few percentage points, you may be able to ride the trend to profitability.

For further details visit www.easymarkets.com, email pr@easymarkets.com or call +44 203 1500 748.

Sheffield United Football Club kicks off Overseas Property Show

by Charly United Kingdom World Ideal Homes Portugal

Overseas Property Show comes to Sheffield on 16 & 17th April
Direct flights to Portugal and Spain now available from Doncaster Sheffield airport
Free show tickets available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com

Sheffield residents are gearing up for the arrival of the much-anticipated Overseas Property Show this Spring, with the free to attend event kicking off at the Sheffield United Football Club on Saturday 16^th and Sunday 17^thApril.

The Overseas Property Show is one of the most respected shows in the industry and regularly tours the UK connecting buyers with their dream homes abroad.

Sheffield residents thinking of buying a second home will be pleased to hear that budget airline Flybe have just announced new flights from Doncaster Sheffield Airport from just £75.99 one way to Faro on Portugal’s Algarve. Alicante and Malaga in much loved Spain also have regular flights to and from the South Yorkshire airport so the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are also terrific choices for people considering a place in the sun.

The Overseas Property Show provides visitors with access to experts on buying and owning property in Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and the US. It is ideal for everyone, from those dreaming of owning property abroad to those with a string of holiday homes and rental properties, looking to add to their portfolio.

The free-to-attend Overseas Property Show includes everything from holiday apartments to retirement villas and primary residences, with experts on hand to answer questions and discuss the merits of buying in their country of expertise.

Tickets are free and available at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency and show exhibitor Ideal Homes Portugal, will be available with his team to talk buyers through the advantages of property ownership in Portugal and how they can pick up that dream second home in the sunshine. Chris comments,

“Many people dream of owning a home overseas, but are nervous of where to start. The Overseas Property Show provides the perfect resource for them, as well as an invaluable tool for those who already own overseas but want to purchase further properties or expand their portfolio into a new country.

“People want to own property overseas for all kinds of reasons, from straightforward holiday homes to rental businesses that generate an income. Many also want a dual purpose property that they can use for holidays or rent out initially, then retire to in the future. At the Overseas Property Show we cater for all these buyers and more, sharing our knowledge and offering top tips and insights into the joys of owning property overseas with confidence.”

All are welcome at the Overseas Property Show. The doors at the Sheffield United Football Club in Bramall Lane will open at 10.00 am and close at 6.00 pm on both 16^th and 17^th of April.

For further details and to claim your free tickets, visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

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