Return of the British buyer in Spain

by Georgina Spain

 

According to statistics from the leading British developer in Spain, Taylor Wimpey de España, the British home buyer has returned to the Costas this summer, with leads and property enquiries up 80% in August 2010 compared to August 2009 and visits from Brits on viewing tours to the property developments have also rocketed by 67% compared to the same period last year.
 
Despite the challenging market conditions Taylor Wimpey Spain has also seen sales increase for the first 8 months of 2010. Developments in Mallorca and the Costa del Sol have sold out leading to the launch of new developments in these regions.
 
Victor Sague, Sales & Marketing Director or Taylor Wimpey de España comments,
 
“Over the last couple of years there has been very limited development, especially in the prime locations in Spain, for example, Mallorca and the Costa del Sol. It is in these destinations that we are now seeing demand for quality and well priced property increase and with limited stock now on the market, in some areas property prices are already starting to rise in response to the demand. We have found that there has always been the interest throughout the downturn, however, buyers have been waiting for the market to bottom out before they invest. In the premier destinations, like Marbella, this is without doubt now the case hence the spike in interest and serious buyers.”
 
Victor continues,
 
”Oversupply of property has been suffocating many areas of the market, however, buyers should understand that this is a localised problem, the Spanish market is currently very fragmented. Spanish first residences in and around cities such as Madrid account for much of the oversupply and on the coast the situation varies from region to region, town to town even.
 
“As I have always said… the best units in the best resorts will always sell. For those looking to purchase a bargain home in a prime resort location, they will be disappointed. Yes, prices have adjusted by 20-25% over the last couple of years but there are signs that prices are stabilising and there is still a demand for these desirable locations and now increases in asking prices are reflecting this. Many interested buyers have sat on the fence for the last couple of years, sensibly watching the market, in my opinion, now is an excellent time to buy to make the most of the reduced prices and excellent stock property on offer.”
 
For more information contact Taylor Wimpey de España on 08000 121 020 or visit them at www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.
 
 
— ENDS —
 
Developments sold out:
·         Can Roses, Palma Mallorca
·         Port Verd, Mallorca
 
Reduced stock:
·         1 unit remaining at Las Encinas de Los Arqueros, Costa del Sol
·         4 units at Los Robles 1º phase (Marbella area)
·         3 in Valle de Alenda (Costa Blanca)
·         3 in El Puerto II Phase I
·         2 in Los Altos de Camp de Mar (Mallorca)
 
New developments/ phases released:
·         La Floresta de la Mairena/ Costa del Sol            – 11 out of 23 propertiessold off plan
·         Los Robles II / Los Arqueros/ Costa del Sol       – 4 out of 18 unitssold off plan
·         Las Brisas de Alenda/ Alicante                          – Released last week
·         Los Altos de Camp de Mar Phase II                   – 4 properties

Statistics reveal British motivations for buying property in Spain

by Georgina Spain

 

Figures recently released by British developer Taylor Wimpey de España point to changing trends for those purchasing in Spain. Traditionally known for being one of the top retirement destinations, the statistics reveal that Spain is now attracting younger couples and families. It is also confirmed that one of the most popular hobbies whilst on the Costas is golf.
 
This year so far, 80% of buyers are aged between 30 and 55 years of age, with only 19% of purchases coming from the over 55s. This compares with 68% and 31% respectively in 2009 which suggests that more families are looking to own in the Mediterranean favourite.
 
The proportion of those looking for a holiday residence or a second home has gone up to 75 per cent, which was below 70 per cent in previous years and the number of people looking for a home in which to retire has dropped down to 4% to reflect the decrease in over 55 buyers. Interestingly, despite the economic down turn the numbers of those investing in the Spanish property market has held steady at 13% from 15% in the last couple of years. We can extrapolate from this that Spain has always been a popular destination for investors and the interest is still there from buyers looking to make the most of the reduced prices and turnkey stock in prime locations.
 
Since 2007 however, property budgets have reflected the reduction in disposable income for Brits. Today 72% of buyers purchase a home costing between €150,000 and €250,000 whereas in 2007 this figure was nearly half that and 45% spent between €250,000 and €350,000. Today only 20% are looking to spend this amount and only 5% are prepared to spend more than €350,000. Typically, 60% of buyers look to purchase two bedroom properties, with around 40% desiring three bedrooms.
 
The figures on the pastimes in which the English like to partake when abroad also make for interesting reading and partly explains why Brits flock to certain parts of the country. The statistics show that most English people love the Balearic Islands including the hotspot Mallorca. 45% opted for this popular holiday destination and their golf courses, stunning weather, classy beaches and high class shops. The pull for visitors is very strong with around 23 million passengers passing through the Palma de Mallorca Airport annually and an additional 1.5 million arriving by sea. The Costa del Sol comes very close with 41%. Taylor Wimpey de España has a stronghold in the popular Marbella region of the Costa del Sol, they are one of the only developers launching new product after selling out of their other developments. It would seem the prime locations are still as popular as ever and good property in excellent locations still sell regardless of the economic climate.
 
Golf, by an overwhelming majority is the hobby that draws the English to the Costas, with a whopping 78 per cent placing it top of their list. According to recent surveys, at least 80,000 golfers from around the globe visit Mallorca to play annually. Over the last couple of years however, other hobbies have also started to prick the interest of the English, with hill walking, water sports and tennis being increasingly regarded as important holiday home activities. The consistent demand for outdoor activities has helped to ensure that resorts offer excellent facilities for visitors and owners alike.
 
Victor Sague, Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España comments, “The figures extracted from our client database of buyers between 2007 and 2010 show clearly that more and more families are looking to Spanish hotspots like Mallorca or the Costa del Sol for holiday and second homes, with two bedroom properties for under €250,000 appearing to be the most popular choice. The range of outdoor sporting activities, golf facilities and water sports, with high class restaurants, bars and shops, has always been a huge pull for Northern Europeans to Spain, along with the relaxed way of life, warm year round climate and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. We of course seek to only provide homes that our clients demand so I recommend Pollentia Mar in Mallorca for those seeking their own slice of Spanish life that ticks all the boxes.”
 
Pollentia Mar, Puerto Pollensa, Mallorca
 
Pollentia Mar located in the seaside town of Puerto Pollença is a two and three bedroom apartment complex, just 50 meters from the beach and Pollensa’s famous Voramar promenade. Mallorca and its north coast has a variety of very good golf courses and almost every view from the area incorporates the spectacular view of the Sierra Tramontana mountain range or the beautiful bay of Pollença. Pollença is just 35 minutes from Palma de Mallorca. These properties are available now from €220,000.
 
Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Increased accessibility highlights growth in popularity for Mallorca

by Georgina Spain

 

Mallorca, the largest of the Spanish Balearic islands is set to receive more British visitors in 2011 as new flights scheduled from across the UK (Southampton and Edinburgh) are announced by Thomas Cook and Jet.com.
 
The Chief Executive Officer of Thomas Cook UK & Ireland, Ian Derbyshire, comments,
 
“With its mix of beaches, great weather, fantastic food and entertainment, Mallorca is a fantastic option for families, couples and groups.”
 
And so the airline has planned a weekly Saturday flight service from Southampton to Palma next summer beginning on 28th May 2011.
 
Jet2.com has also recognised the demand for flights to the island by announcing an increase in the number of scheduled flights from 2 per week to 5 per week for the duration of the 2011 summer season.
 
Victor Sague, Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, the largest property developer in Mallorca for over 50 years, enthuses,
 
“The British low cost airlines are responding to the increase in visitor numbers that Mallorca has experienced in recent years. 23 million visitors pass through Palma de Mallorca Airport today compared to 6.7 million in 1997. Despite this growth, Mallorca remains one of the most glamorous destinations in Spain, frequented by celebrities and holiday makers alike, drawn in by the charm of the traditional stone villages, the buzz of the marinas and outstanding golf resorts.
 
 “Mallorca offers year round sunshine, Blue Flag beaches and marinas, the relaxed Spanish way of life and a lower cost of living, just some of the reasons that people decide to buy a home this stunning island. 45% of all our enquiries for Spanish homes are for Mallorca and 75% are for holiday homes. Additional flights to Mallorca will certainly benefit our clients; it improves accessibility for them and also widens the goal posts for rental opportunities. With more summer holiday makers there will be more demand for accommodation.”
 
Taylor Wimpey de España currently has 6 developments on the market in Mallorca to suit every taste and budget. For instance you could choose an apartment in Palma, easy to rent, close to the heart of the city and its exciting nightlife for €143,900 or you could select a detached house by a golf course less then 1km from the beach for €410,000.
 
Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 
— ends —
 
On the Market:
 
Edifici Alber, Palma, Mallorca
1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments available with various local amenities including commercial and health centres and schools. Close to the city centre this is an investment property in a great location built to a high standard creating a balance of modern and comfortable living. These properties are available now from €143,900. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.
 
Los Altos del Golf, Andratx, Mallorca
Los Altos del Golf is a Taylor Wimpey’s development nestled in the heart of the golf course of Andratx. It consists of 16 large detached houses split into 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties. All the properties have generous proportions and offer either spectacular golf or sea views.
 
Our high quality development is only 800 meters from the famous Camp de Mar beach. The development has been designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and 3 communal swimming pools.
 
These properties are available now from €410,000. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information. If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

Mallorca – the Global Ocean Race and the property race

by Georgina Spain

 

Already renowned as a luxury location favoured by the yachting and sailing communities with classy restaurants, gorgeous properties and of course the magical Mediterranean Sea, Mallorca has just been announced as the start and finish of the Global Ocean Race 2011-12. With over twenty entries from at least eleven nations it puts the Island on a new international stage. Although many boating enthusiasts are attracted by the facilities, many more stay for the beautiful climate, excellent food and luxury premium property close to the marinas.
 
Now, the Great Race announcement looks set to start another race in property as rental prospects surrounding the Race begin to climb and Mallorca is firmly put back in holiday home purchaser’s sights. Visitors will be clamouring to stay close to the Spanish Island’s shoreline in desirable locations including Puerto Portals. Even the bars and restaurants here ooze wealth and pleasure such as Wellies, Bistro Key West and Tristans which boasts two Michelin stars.
 
Mallorca is particularly proud of it coastline and puts a great deal of effort into maintaining and improving its beaches and marinas. This year eighteen marinas have been awarded a Blue Flag, one more than last year. Spain as a whole has been given more awards than any other nation with a total of 605 and according to the Association for Environmental Education the Balearic Islands have secured the largest increase this year across the whole country with eighty-five in total.
 
The combination of glamour and the outdoor lifestyle in Mallorca is highly appealing and has not escaped the attention of the A List celebrities. Many celebrity homes are dotted around the area and TV stars and famous personalities can be spotted in bars and restaurants in the Port.  One or two even own boats here including Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell in EastEnders), former Blue Peter presenter Anthea Turner and her husband Grant Bovey, and nightclub owner Peter Stringfellow.
 
Dining and drinking aside there are also many popular leisure activities on offer in the area of Puerto Portals such as scuba diving, water-skiing and of course sailing, all of which are year round hobbies in Mallorca with mild winter climes. For those who prefer to keep their feet on terra firma there are also activities such as beach volleyball and cycling. In addition, festivals and exhibitions showcasing sports cars, flowers, books and comics provide a continuous stream of activities throughout the year with family groups and children specifically catered for. The traditional Spanish celebrations throughout the year are events not to be missed, the locals and visitors alike all come together on prominent religious dates in Mallorca and across Spain.
 
Unsurprisingly, the increasing desirability of all that Mallorca has to offer has pushed up visitor numbers markedly throughout the years. In 1960, Majorca received half a million visitors but by 1997 this had increased to 6.7 million. Today, around 23 million passengers pass through Palma de Mallorca Airport with an additional one and a half arriving by sea. With such a demand on the island, more than half of the population works in the tourist sector, accounting for approximately eighty per cent of the Mallorca’s GDP.
 
Like with any international event, the tourism sector will put huge efforts into the opening and closing ceremonies and it will be no different for the Great Ocean Race in Mallorca. With support from Government bodies and corporate partners, the build-up to the start and finish of the race will be spectacular. The Island is highly regarded in the world of water sports and already hosts premium yacht racing events such as the Copa del Rey, the Palma Velas as well as the Superyacht Cup. It has high-quality marine services, fantastic sailing conditions, stunning scenery, a rich maritime history and a vibrant onshore scene.
 
Taylor Wimpey, who has over fifty years of property development experience in Mallorca, has just completed a new residential complex close to the marina in Puerto Portals. Victor Sague, their Sales & Marketing Director says,
 
“The local area is already noted for being fashionable, desirable and fantastic for boat owners and beach lovers alike. News of the Great Ocean Race will only increase demand for this attractive location. With one year to go until the race begins, savvy buyers have the opportunity to purchase their holiday home today and with only a few units remaining buyers need to act quickly.
 
“Mallorca’s property market has not been affected by the recession like some regions in mainland Spain mainly due to the lack of stock available compared to the demand for homes on the Island. Spain as a whole is a very fragmented market and good locations and quality property will always sell well whatever the market conditions. International events just add to their appeal. We’ll certainly by reserving our front row seats for the Race next year!
 
 
Portals, Puerto Portals, Mallorca
This new residential complex consists of 7 luxurious and spacious 3 bedrooms properties of approximately 143 m2 with 34 m2 terraces. The complex has private underground parking spaces, lush communal gardens and a communal swimming pool. The ground floor properties have a private patio area and the rest have magnificent terraces. The properties provide fully equipped and furnished kitchens, with top quality finishes. The Royal Bendinat Golf, whose president is King Juan Carlos I of Spain is close by.
 
Taylor Wimpey de España’s luxury apartment complex is very well connected by road to Palma de Mallorca by the Ma-1 motorway and only 15 minutes drive away. It is also well connected to the Son Sant Joan international airport, with excellent connections to UK and most European cities.
 
These properties are available now from €600,000. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

The attraction of Marbella welcomes the attraction of Obama

by Georgina Spain

 

Marbella, in the heart of the Costa del Sol, is one of the most popular, best known and most glamorous locations in Spain. Its reputation for attractions, weather and celebration tempts people from across the world, including celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffith, Joan Collins and Sean Connery. This year however the glamour has inched up a notch with a presidential seal of approval.
 
Michelle Obama has arrived in Marbella for what the White House has described as a four-day "private, mother-daughter trip with long time family friends". That’s no surprise to the increasing number of Britons who are choosing to holiday or live in this attractive and sunny part of the world. Indeed, recent figures released from Málaga Airport show it has experienced a 2.2% increase in passenger numbers between June 2009 and June 2010. In addition, figures from primelocation.com reveal that internet searches by Britons for Spanish property have increased over the same period by a whopping 151%. In fact, Spain accounts for a third of all searches.
 
Why is it then that interest for this small corner of Spain never wanes? Cities like Marbella have numerous attractions enticing all nationalities; this stretch of coast boasts several Blue Flag beaches, there are beautiful parks and designated national parks for the great outdoors experience along with plenty of bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and clubs for evenings out.
 
The thriving nightlife in the city attracts many thousands of visitors every year. Marbella town is a fantastic place to experience traditional Spanish festivities especially important religious celebrations such as Easter, Christmas and New Year. Plus there are many events and festivals throughout the year celebrating food, music, film, fishing and more, including summer bull fights and horse and carriage rides. Whether Michelle Obama and her daughter decide to experience this lively side to Marbella is yet to be seen but what certainly remains true is that Michelle Obama vacationing here adds even more chic and glamour to the fashionable resort.
 
The impact of the economic problems of 2008 affected Spain nationwide; however, with the nature of Marbella’s high profile, this region’s economic climate has been documented more than most with particular attention to the property market. Agents and developers have suffered in the down turn with some devastating effects. However, for some developers there has been a resurgence in demand for second homes over the last twelve months which they have attributed to the more realistic pricing developers have adopted to maintain property interest. One of these developers, Taylor Wimpey de España, is seeing huge sales success having sold a quarter of the homes in its La Floresta de la Mairena residential complex in the last four months.
 
As a result of the increased buoyancy of the market they have decided to invest in a new development in Marbella (Benahavis) close to Puerto Banus. Taylor Wimpey de España has launched Los Robles II, which is just two kilometres from the luxury hotel where Michelle Obama is currently staying. This new real estate project at the Los Arqueros Golf Resort & Country Club will begin construction this summer.
 
Since 1997 the company has sold more than 1,200 homes in the area and currently has reserves of land for 650 new homes. Despite the more than fifty years of experience in Spain, the global economic circumstances presented a new challenge to the business, explains Victor Sagué, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España,
 
“Times were difficult but the sales results we saw with La Floresta was a pleasant surprise. We discovered that the secret is actually just about decent, sensible pricing which reflects the circumstances and realities people are facing.”
 
The business has fared well despite the economic downturn, with over 95% of its stock of buildings in the Costa del Sol sold.
 
“When there is a major crisis of confidence among buyers as has been the case recently, the strength of the brand plays in increasingly key role. The more uncertain the times, the more security people want and that is particularly true when it comes to such a significant purchase of a property,” says Sagué.
 
Los Robles de Los Arqueros II, Benhavis, Costa del Sol
 
Los Robles de los Arqueros (Phase 2) is a new Taylor Wimpey development situated in one of the best areas of Marbella, the prestigious Los Arqueros golf course. The residential complex has stunning sea and golf views, wide streets, beautiful gardens and the look of a Mediterranean village. It consists of only eight apartment blocks, all just three storeys high and crowned with spectacular penthouses that have a magnificent terrace and pergola.
 
Apartments come with 2 or 3 large bedrooms with 2 bathrooms and luxury finishes. The complex features a lift, swimming pool for children and adults, community gardens,
underground parking, storage and 24 hour security.It is surrounded by a prestigious golf course with 18 +9 holes. The homes have large terraces with spectacular views over the golf course and sea. Completion of the project is scheduled for the 1st quarter of 2012.
 
Los Robles de los Arqueros is located in a prestigious area of the Costa del Sol, close to Marbella, the famous port of Puerto Banús, San Pedro de Alcántara and the beautiful landscape of the Ronda hills.
 

These properties are available now from €232,000, Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com for more information.

Nice and easy! Improved accessibility increases popularity of south of France…

by Georgina France

 

Having served over 100 million customers since its launch on 14th November 1994, Eurostar – the high-speed train link between the UK and France and Belgium – recently celebrated its 15th birthday. Announcing that in the past 15 years they have totted up mileage equivalent to 338 journeys to the moon the service has opened up Europe to a much wider audience, allowing travellers greater choice and making their trips to the continent easy and hassle-free.
 
The Eurostar service and its attributing ease of accessibility is a key reason why France has become renowned as a top global tourist destination, with the World Tourism Organisation announcing that it was the most popular tourist destination in the world in 2008 with 79.8 million visitors, as well as being a very popular destination for second home owners.
 
With its cultural treasures, wealth of gastronomic treats and air of sophistication, Paris is not only the country’s capital but also France’s top tourist destination, with the Eurostar service connecting directly to the city from three destinations in the UK. Succeeded only by Paris, however, the city of Nice on the Côte d’Azur or French Riviera has been ranked as the second most popular destination for tourists in France, according to the CRT Riviera Côte d´Azur – Observatoire du Tourisme.
 
Especially ever-popular with British holidaymakers, and those buying property outside of the UK, the city of Nice in the south of France is famous for its long sandy beaches and glamorous sea-fronts and has certainly benefited from increased accessibility in recent years.
 
Kirkor Ajderhanyan, MD and Owner of Agence 107 Promenade, agrees,
 
“Since the launch of the Eurostar service 15 years ago as well as the improved road network and flight routes in recent times, Nice – and the Côte d´Azur in general – has benefited greatly by a growth in tourism. Always having been popular due to its stunning scenery and sophisticated Promenade, improved accessibility certainly makes for more people visiting the region and this is good news for those investing in property in Nice as they are able to rent out to the tourist market as well as use the property personally.”
 
Connecting services from the Eurostar offer customers the chance to travel from the UK to the south of France by train in approximately 8-9 hours. Departing from St Pancras International in London, Ebbsfleet International or Ashford International in Kent, travellers take the Eurostar to either Paris or Lille and then a connecting TGV train to the beautiful Nice-Ville Station. Travelling by train allows a stress-free journey that is most suitable for those looking to enjoy the French scenery but still arrive at their destination on the Côte d´Azur the same day, as well as those conscious of their carbon footprint as the Eurostar is a carbon-neutral way to travel, generating just one tenth of the CO² of an equivalent flight. A single fare from St Pancras International to Nice, costs from £58 one-way.
 
Alternatively, the more traditional means of travel to Nice would be by plane – jetting off from destinations across the UK and arriving at Nice-Côte d’Azur Airport, the second largest airport in France with October 2009 seeing 854,607 passengers pass through. With a range of carriers flying to Nice, there is a wide choice of charter and scheduled flights available. Air France, for example, is one scheduled carrier that operates a service to Nice from 225 world cities, and having seen a successful summer 2009 with an increase of 14% in passenger numbers, this a suitable option for those based outside of south-east England as well as those interested in a short journey-time to the south of France, such as families with children.
 
When flying, however, the choice does not have to be limited to scheduled flights, for those looking for greater flexibility and a more luxurious travel option, private jets also offer services to Nice. This option is clearly for those with deeper pockets but as Jon Ingi Jonsson, Managing Director of private jet company Icejet comments,
 
“Aircraft charter is not just for the super rich… Our Dornier 328 aircraft can carry a large group in comfort with a generous 750kg cargo hold with enough space for all their luggage, ski gear or golf clubs. At a more cost effective price than a Gulfstream 4 or 5, Falcon or Challenger 600 Series it is ideal for the short-haul leisure market.”
 
If, however, you see your holiday starting the moment you leave home, driving to the French Riviera may be the option for you. Travelling to the south of France by road allows time to enjoy the French scenery and make the most of the travelling time as well as the time spent at your destination. There are many classic routes through France that can be enjoyed by car, taking travellers through the rolling hills of Provence’s wine-country and quaint French villages, with views of breathtaking mountains and vineyards. Nice is an easy destination to reach as it is connected by a motorway route that has five entrances to various parts of the city and the surrounding area: Promenade de Anglais, Saint-Augustin, Saint-Isidore, Nice-Nord and Nice-Est.
 
With so many easy ways to reach the south of France and to take advantage of its accessibility and popularity, there are also various choices when investing in property in and around Nice. In central Nice, in the heart of the city Place Masséna, is a beautiful third floor two bedroom apartment, with entrance, American kitchen, living room, bathroom and terrace of 35 sqm. In excellent condition, the apartment is on the market at € 560,000.
 
Alternatively, if the famous Promenade des Anglais is more your scene, a seventh floor apartment on the seafront might well be the ideal choice. With living room, two bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, separate WC and balcony with sea views, the apartment is close to the town and is for sale at €228,000.
 
If, however, you would rather be situated outside of the hustle and bustle of the city itself, a villa next to the famous village of Saint Paul is available, with a private pool and flower garden as well as three bedrooms, three bathrooms, living room with fireplace, dining room and an independent studio. With 175 m² of living space on a plot of 1550m², the villa is in good condition and on the market for €950,000.
 
For further information on any of the properties, and other options available, contact Agence 107 Promenade on 00 33 4 93 44 83 83 or visit www.107promenade.com.

Make a reservation – Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness reserve´s first completed lodge welcomes shareholders

by Georgina France

 

The Limpopo-Lipadi Game and Wilderness reserve in Botswana is reaching a pinnacle in its development. The first of six lodges, River Camp, has been completed and will welcome its visitors, a select group of shareholders, in early March 2009.  
 
Combining the concept of outdoor living with a rustic industrial design, River Camp creates a unique environment with stunning views of the Limpopo River. Comprising a selection of 2 and 3 bedroom fully furnished units set around a central facility which includes a kitchen, boma (communal area), dining room and swimming pool River Camp will offer guests the option of privacy or community living. The units will be serviced daily and guests can self cater or make use of one of the reserve´s chefs.
 
In keeping with the ethos of sustainability at Limpopo-Lipadi the building materials used have been carefully considered. A blend of natural canvas, copper and rusted metals combine to create a camp which is suited to its surroundings. Internally, the markings of the Woodland Kingfisher (blue and black) have been incorporated into the colour scheme of browns, greys and natural creams and the modern approach to the interior has been softened with key pieces of African art created by local craftsmen.
 
Founded nearly 5 years ago the reserve is the vision of a group passionate about the African bush, ecology and true sustainability. “We are very excited about what this year will mean for the reserve” says Alan Marneweck, founder, director and shareholder of Limpopo-Lipadi. “We have worked very hard to make the reserve a welcoming place for shareholders and their guests and we look forward to the feedback that we get from them as the first lodge is occupied this March.”
 
And this is what makes the reserve so unique. Individuals from all over the world own these 32,450 hectares of land found in the malaria free Tuli block of eastern Botswana. Entry level investment in this project is $195,000 and all that is required alongside the finance is a real passion about Africa, its people, its animals and making a sustainable reserve a reality.
 
It’s not just the shareholders who will be enjoying a new home however as alongside River Camp, as part of Limpopo-Lipadi´s corporate social responsibility programme, a new staff village has been constructed on the reserve providing high quality accommodation for the employees, most of whom are from the local communities. The staff village has been constructed using the eco friendly sandbag technique which limits the use of carbon emitting building products and subsequently reduces the reserve´s carbon footprint, a key sustainability factor. Limpopo-Lipadi employees are now enjoying structures that are cool in summer yet warm in the winter unlike the typical corrugated tin dwellings in the surrounding villages as well as new, transferable skills such as the sandbag construction technique.
 
Marneweck continues: “There are plans in the future for an expansion of the land known as the Limpopo-Lipadi Game & Wilderness reserve, construction of a boutique commercial lodge and more schemes to introduce endangered species but right now we are celebrating this significant stage in the reserve´s story.”
 
And the story of the people of Botswana is not as far from the UK as one might think as Alexander McCall Smith, the prolific Scottish author of the No.1 Detective Agency is about to release his ninth book of the series, “Tea Time for the Traditionally Built” in April 2009. The first book which has been adapted into a TV film and was aired on UK screens in March 2008 brought the African bush and its people right into the nation´s homes. Due to the success of the film, the BBC has recorded a second series which is due to air in winter 2009.
 
As Limpopo-Lipadi embarks upon a new chapter, for its local and international employees and shareholders the greatest hope is that this will be the first in a long series of exciting and significant steps for the reserve.
 

If you would like any further information on Limpopo-Lipadi please call 0871 244 5152 or visit www.limpopo-lipadi.com .

The Go Zone gains more celebrity interest as national treasure Jamie Oliver films in the area

by Georgina United Kingdom

 

The recent celebration of Thanksgiving that occurred in the USA on November 27th gave the area of the Mississippi Delta another excuse to do what it does best and get creative with its culinary skills. In the run up to the festive season it seems that good food and dining play a big part in southern culture all year round, with fresh seafood on its doorstep and the unique French – Cajun delicacies all being found on local menus.
 
Food is something greatly associated with the USA in general but in a recent report featured on the MHRA (Mississippi Hospitality and Restaurant Association) website and in the New York publication ‘Reuters Life!’ things are also changing in the way that the USA ‘do’ food. With the old slogan “big is best” being put to one side in favour of the meze or tapas style of eating being adopted by many restaurants it seems that the little things are making the biggest difference.
 
Chef John Kinsella, president of the American Culinary Federation and senior chef instructor at Midwest Culinary Institute in Cincinnati says: "The trend of small plates is definitely hot, including offering tasting menus of small portions of food, wine or other alcohol beverages. The trend I have seen as the fastest growing of 2008 is the alternative-source ingredients — local produce, organics, sustainable seafood, grass-fed and free-range items."
 
Chef John Kinsella’s comments echo that of our very own Jamie Oliver who has just returned from New Orleans following a whistle stop tour of some of the areas most prolific restaurants including Café Du Monde, an original French Market coffee stand that is over 100 years old.
 
A recent post on Jamie Oliver’s website says: “I had a chance to meet Jamie at Cafe Du Monde in New Orleans while he was filming a new show for British TV.
It was an amazing moment for me as he was one of the biggest influences when I first started getting into cooking. You get very few chances to meet someone you admire.”
 
The Jamie Oliver team can reveal that filming was being undertaken for Channel 4 but have no further information to release at this time.
 
Whether it is Brad Pitt and his ongoing support of the regeneration of the GO Zone, the area that was directly affected by hurricanes Rita and Katrina or Jamie Oliver, our very own national treasure, drawing our attention to the area, it is good to see that interest in a region still recovering from the hurricanes that caused so much damage has not waned.
 
Danny Silver, Principal of Property Direct America a company making a big difference in the Go Zone by producing eco friendly steel framed houses goes onto to say, “On my recent visit to the area it was great to see the progress that is being made with the building of homes for the people returning to the area. The communities are so strong and it seems that as people work together and as individuals invest it truly is the small things that are making the big difference to people´s lives.”
 
For more information on the Go Zone and how you can invest in this area please contact Property Direct America on 0207 043 0792 or visit www.propertydirectamerica.com.

How healthy is your home? – FEMA brought to task over post-Katrina trailers

by Georgina United States

 

The old adage ‘an Englishman’s home is his castle’ is not just country-specific, with the home in all cultures typically being a place of security and refuge but also something to be proud of and even a representation of who we are as people. Outwardly, we employ all manner of different techniques to make our homes look the very best – wallpaper, paint techniques, stencilling, unusual furniture and furnishings for example – but underneath this bold exterior, the question remains: how healthy is your home?
 
This is clearly a question that is important to many homeowners, with programmes like Channel 4’s ‘How Clean is Your House?’ making stars of presenters Kim and Aggie and in turn raising awareness of the issue of the healthiness of houses. Through such popular programmes it has come to be realised that a home needs to be not just outwardly beautiful, it has to be healthy too, and certainly not have a negative effect on occupants’ health. With illnesses such as eczema and asthma being linked to environmental factors such as dust, detergents and mold, it is important to dig beneath the surface of a house to eliminate any potential factors that could be contributing to household illnesses and to try and make the home once again the bastion of wellbeing that it once was.
 
This is an issue that has become very relevant in the southern state of Mississippi in the USA. Following hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 which brought devastation to many parts of this region, especially along coastal stretches, the government body FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) issued around 100,000 trailers to people displaced from their homes in the aftermath of the storms. Only meant as a temporary measure and built to last approximately a year, three years on around 15,000 of these homes remain due to a lack of built and affordable housing. Not only a problem because these families, often with young children, do not have a permanent dwelling to call home, these trailer-properties are also at the centre of a growing public health concern.  
 
Since 2005, FEMA has received more than 11,000 complaints from residents who claim that their trailer is making them sick. With reported symptoms including headaches, running noses, breathing difficulties and fatigue, the infamous formaldehyde is reportedly to blame. This chemical is also a known carcinogenic (according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)) and therefore there have been great concerns raised over the safety of the government owned properties. This lead to an independent test being conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from December 2007 to January 2008 in which a sample of 519 inhabited trailers in the Gulf Coast area were tested and the report results did not make for welcome reading,
 
“Based on what we found and on scientific reports about health effects linked with formaldehyde exposure, CDC recommended that FEMA move residents of the Gulf Coast area displaced by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita out of travel trailers and mobile homes”. This is due to findings of average levels of formaldehyde in the trailers some four times higher than usual: readings of 77 ppb (parts per billion) compared to a normal home reading of 10-20 ppb, all of those studied having some readings that would have an effect on sensitive people and around 5% having levels of an extent to make a healthy adult ill.
 
These results combined with government-set rules including a limit on formaldehyde releases for mobile homes but not trailers, has lead to a lawsuit being brought against both the trailer manufacturers and FEMA. Not only this but a recently released report by the Children’s Health Fund looking at the medical records of 261 children living in a Gulf Coast trailer park has found that 42% had been diagnosed with allergic rhinitis or upper respiratory infection and 24% had a cluster of upper respiratory, allergic and skin problems, thus adding to the case.
 
It remains to be seen if Republican Henry Waxman is true to say that "no one was looking out for the interests of displaced families living in FEMA trailers," but in the meantime it is hard to ignore the evidence being put forward. However, in true juxtaposition to the findings relating to FEMA trailers, BusinessWeek has recently named Biloxi – home to high numbers of displaced families – as Mississippi’s best place to raise children. Based on various factors including affordability, safety, local parks and recreational facilities, being voted family-safe, the city is now is in need of safe and permanent homes for returning residents and those desperate to escape the temporary FEMA trailers.
 
The building of new homes in the Mississippi area is increasingly more eco-focused as A-list celebrity and charity ambassador Brad Pitt has shown through his commitment to the building of 150 sustainable homes for the citizens of Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans through his Make it Right charity; he visited the neighbourhood on 2nd December where six families have moved into their new homes.
 
This green-focus on rebuilding the Mississippi area is also being shown in Bayside Park, Biloxi where 75% recycled steel-framed homes are being built with energy efficiency in mind – water purification systems and the most energy efficient laundry systems that eliminate the need for hot water within wash cycles for example. Foreign investment in these permanent homes is being encouraged, and properties for rent to the local community can be purchased from as little as £88,000 / $159,900.
 
For more information on investing in Bayside Park please contact Property Direct America on 0207 043 0792 or visit www.propertydirectamerica.com.

US Property Market Tops the Charts for Second Successive Month

by Georgina United States

 

The US is still a great draw for Brits looking to invest in property overseas, according to overseas property investment portal www.themovechannel.com. The site releases a ‘Top of the Props’ poll monthly based on the number of enquiries on the website for different countries and it was found that in October 2008 the US held the top spot, ahead of popular destinations including Portugal and Italy, and this for a second successive month.
 
As themovechannel.com have shown, the US continues to be a popular choice with Britons looking to buy both holiday homes and investment properties overseas and this was confirmed further still by the release of the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Profile of International Home Buying Activity 2008. From surveying 4,000 US realtors, this report showed that buyers from the UK accounted for 12.5% of foreign buyers in the country, ranking in second place only to bordering Canada.
 
The run-up to the new presidency and the optimism generated in response to Obama’s election campaign could have been one reason for this popularity but the high rental potential of certain areas of the US is also a great appeal to those looking to buy overseas, especially for investment. And according to Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (NAR), the US’ popularity with foreign buyers is set to continue for the foreseeable future. He estimates that within the next 10 years the number of foreign purchasers buying on American shores may well double to make up 6% of all US property purchases.
 
One region of the US that offers excellent investment potential is the ‘Go Zone’ or Gulf Opportunity Zone, along the Mississippi Gulf Coast – the region that was hit hard by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005 and is now making real headway with rebuilding and regeneration with the emphasis on stronger and more environmentally sound homes for the displaced families.  Not only a much-needed ongoing project being actively encouraged by the US government, these developments are also attractive as excellent rental opportunities for shrewd investors. Danny Silver, Principal of Property Direct America, which promotes real estate opportunities in the area explains,
 
“This is an excellent time to invest in property in the US. With increasing numbers of people looking Stateside for their real estate purchase, this is the time to snap up the bargains that exist in a deflated market. The Go Zone is an excellent area for investment, with firm rental returns on offer and high quality homes being built for the local people, there is real money to be made for foreign investors.”
 
One such project is Bayside Park in Biloxi, where steel framed, energy-efficient homes are available from as little as £88,000 / $159,900 with attractive rental returns. Excellent 90% loan to value mortgages are also available (subject to status) and for more information on joining the growing number of Britons investing in the US property market, contact Property Direct America on 0207 043 0792 or visit www.propertydirectamerica.com.