From one Golden Week to another: easyMarkets looks at gold’s rollercoaster 2016

From one Golden Week to another: easyMarkets looks at gold’s rollercoaster 2016

by Sophie Evans World
  • Gold futures up by 5.7% since China’s February 2016 Golden Week
  • Highs of $1,400 per troy ounce possible in the short term
  • US monetary policy uncertainty having notable impact on gold prices at present 

National Day Golden Week will see workers across China down tools for a week of celebration. On 1 October, National Day celebrates the founding of the People’s Republic of China, followed by seven days of holiday that many spend travelling, feasting and enjoying time with family members.

China celebrates two Golden Weeks every year, with Chinese Lunar New Year Golden Week having taken place from 9-13 February 2016. With a focus on all things gold, Sun Yu, Dealing Room Manager at pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets, has been considering the journey that gold prices have been on between that last Golden Week and this one. He explains,

“It has been a rollercoaster year for gold prices. Since the last Golden Week holiday February 9-13, the yellow metal has entered into bull market territory and set fresh multi-year highs. But the rally has been anything but steady. As we approach the second Golden Week holiday of the year, gold prices are on a downward spiral amid confusion about US monetary policy.”

Gold futures surged during the February Golden Week, adding 3.3% to $1,239.40 a troy ounce. By 16 September, the futures price was up another 5.7% to $1,310.20. Several key developments occurred in between, not the least of which was Britain’s shocking decision to leave the European Union (EU) on 23 June 2016. The vote triggered the biggest stock market selloff in history, wiping out more than $3 trillion from the global exchanges in just two days. Investors quickly entered into risk-off mode, sending gold prices to 27-month highs. Prices would continue higher over the next several weeks, reaching a new high of $1,372.60 on 2 August. That was the highest settlement since March 2014.

Gold prices are now down nearly 5% from their August highs, but expectations are high that they will ascent to new heights quite quickly, perhaps even reaching $1,400 over the short term. Much of this will depend on US monetary policy. It’s a coin toss whether the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates this year, according to the Fed Fund futures prices.

The Fed is widely expected to continue hiking interest rates over the medium term, despite the vast majority of other major central banks working to ease monetary policy. Higher interest rates might be a boon to the US dollar, but at the expense of greenback-denominated commodities such as gold. easyMarkets’ Sun Yu continues,

“Gold is one commodity to watch carefully as National Day Golden Week approaches. We’ve seen a price increase of 25.22% since January and there’s certainly scope for further rises, but sensitivities to the activities – including the predicted activities – of the Fed will remain influential in the short-term.”

 

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).

 

No Brexit blues for Ideal Homes International as overseas property agency expands 50%

No Brexit blues for Ideal Homes International as overseas property agency expands 50%

by Sophie Evans World
  • Ideal Homes International team expanding from 50 to 75 staff in 2016
  • Portuguese prices have risen for 10 consecutive months (RICS/Ci)
  • 55% of Lisbon properties now selling in less than 6 months (Confidencial Imobiliário)

Leading Algarve real estate agency Ideal Homes International has been enjoying a spectacular summer. In fact, the whole of 2016 has been positive, according to Founding Director Chris White, whose team is on track to grow by 50% over the course of the year.

With an already large roll call of 50 at the start of 2016, Ideal Homes International has enjoyed a bumper year so far. The company’s mix of residential, commercial and ultra-luxurious overseas properties has proven so popular with buyers from the UK, Ireland, Portugal and elsewhere, that the team is set to reach 75 staff by the end of 2016.

Portugal’s housing market is enjoying a sustained recovery, with buyers newly confident about its longer term prospects. Prices have risen for 10 consecutive months according to the latest RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey. Meanwhile a new report from Confidencial Imobiliário has highlighted growing demand in the capital: more than half of the homes in Lisbon (55%) have taken less than six months to sell. Around 20% of homes sold in less than three months.

Down in the Algarve, the market has certainly been buoyant over the summer, with Ideal Homes International taking on 10 new staff in the last two months alone. From exquisite villas, such as this spacious, light-filled villa with pool for €1.4 million in Loulé, to countryside retreats such as this villa with stables, paddocks and pool for €980,000 in Lagoa, the region is awash with stunning properties that make the most of the Algarve’s fantastically sunny climate.

Chris White comments,

“It’s been a great year for the Portuguese housing market with strong demand from both domestic and international buyers. We’ve definitely not seen any ‘Brexit blues’ so far as buyers from the UK are concerned. Portugal’s winning combination of sun, sea and sand – plus great golf, waterparks, beautiful mountains and food – continues to strike a chord with those looking for the perfect holiday home just a short hop from the UK.”

Nor is Portugal the only market that the Ideal Homes International team is focusing on. Seafront apartments with generous pools and city apartments close to the beach in Spain have been selling well all year, while other global markets are being considered by the team.

“We’re getting very close to adding a fantastic new location to our offering and opening up another market to our buyers in the UK, Ireland and elsewhere” is all that White will reveal. “Watch this space for further news!”

With 75 staff in place and a new country on the horizon before the end of 2016, it will be exciting to see what more the Ideal Homes International team achieves over the course of 2017.

For further details call Ideal Homes International on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email info@idealhomesinternational.co.uk or visit www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk.

Birmingham lines up post-Brexit housing plan, with a little help from its friends in China

Birmingham lines up post-Brexit housing plan, with a little help from its friends in China

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • Birmingham population grew 9.5% in past decade (Census data)
  • Country Garden to invest £2 billion in Birmingham projects
  • UK is most popular destination in Europe for FDI (Department for International Trade)
  • HS2 and Birmingham Smithfield redevelopment are key opportunities (Property Frontiers)

As the youngest city in Europe, with 50% of its population under the age of 30, Birmingham is a city full of drive, ambition and entrepreneurialism. This is already clear from the city’s booming life science, creative and tech industries. Now, Birmingham is lining up to show the rest of Britain’s cities how to future-proof against the coming economic uncertainty when the UK finally begins the formal process of leaving the EU.

Birmingham’s attractions as a place to live and work mean that its population is booming. According to Census data, the city’s population grew by nearly 100,000 in the decade to 2015, equating to a 9.5% increase. With people continuing to be drawn to the city, planners believe that 80,000 new housing units will be required by 2030. Birmingham City Council leader John Clancy has taken matters in hand and has just spent a week courting investors in China and Hong Kong.

The trade mission has yielded impressive results, with Chinese property developer Country Garden pledging to invest £2 billion in Birmingham’s economy over the coming years. Housing stock and projects related to the HS2 railway have been identified as top priorities.

Councillor Clancy sees Chinese interest in Birmingham as a key means by which the city will secure its economy (so far as possible) to weather the Brexit storm. He comments,

“There may be a downturn next year, or the year after, there might even be a recession and I want to ensure, like London did last time, that we come out of the recession ahead of the rest.

“For that, we need to have the capital ready to come in and projects ready to go.”

Britain’s uncoupling from the EU may be a painful process for the country’s economy, but investment from overseas can help to soften the blow. Pre-Brexit vote figures from the Department for International Trade have shown that the UK is the most popular destination in Europe for foreign direct investment, with the 2015/16 financial year seeing 2,213 inward investment projects secured, an 11% rise on 2014/15. It is Birmingham’s hope that the continuation of such investment will ease the Brexit process.

Even before the Councillor’s visit to China and Hong Kong, Chinese interest in Birmingham investments was already high. Ray Withers, CEO of Property Frontiers, comments,

“Birmingham is a city packed with potential. It’s not just HS2 that’s drawing investors in. There are some fantastic regeneration projects underway, like the Birmingham Smithfield masterplan, which will see a vast area of the city centre brought up to date, creating a vibrant, modern area for Birmingham’s markets. Chinese investors are keen to be involved in the future of such a leading city and we’ve seen interest in everything from flats to football as part of this trend.”

Property Frontiers’ latest Birmingham development, The Divine Collection, has certainly piqued the interest of Chinese investors: so far 50% of Property Frontiers’ apartments in the building have been reserved by Chinese buyers. Priced from £165,000, the hand-picked selection of apartments offer buy-to-let investors the very best that the development has to offer. Residents will be able to enjoy the 483 sqm roof terrace with city views, as well as their beautifully finished individual apartments in the heart of Digbeth, Birmingham’s most on-trend location.

For more information about investing in Birmingham’s Divine Collection, contact Property Frontiers or call +44 1865 202 700.

Innovative new dealCancellation product from easyMarkets to democratise trading like never before

Innovative new dealCancellation product from easyMarkets to democratise trading like never before

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • 66.6% of traders are NT (intuitive-thinking) types (Elite Trader)
  • dealCancellation breaks through psychological barriers to trading for the masses (easyMarkets)
  • Making trading accessible to all has never been closer (easyMarkets)

 

Trading is an exciting business and one that requires a particular combination of determination, drive and daring. A survey by Elite Trader found that 66.6% of traders were classed as NT (intuitive-thinking) when it came to their Myers-Briggs classification. Other personality types were far less likely to become traders: just 3.1% of traders were SP (sensing–perceiving), 6.3% were SJ (sensing-judging) and 12.2% were NF (intuitive-feeling). The poll shows clearly the link between successful trading and certain personality traits.

The risk involved in trading has traditionally been seen as the reason why the industry tends to attract only a certain type of individual. However, a game changing new product from pioneering forex and CFD broker easyMarkets is about to turn that on its head: dealCancellation allows clients to ‘cancel’ losing deals within an hour after opening them and have their original investment refunded. The new tool incurs a fee of a few pips when the deal is opened, but provides the trader with the opportunity to save much more by cancelling the losing trade.

Nikos Antoniades, CEO of easyMarkets comments,

“This is a bold new feature that no one else is offering. Essentially it means that you can open a deal and if the deal starts losing, you can cancel it and have your losses returned. It’s as simple as that.”

dealCancellation follows 13 years of innovation from easyMarkets, which has been seeking to democratise trading since 2003. The company was the first to offer a web-based platform, credit card funding, no minimum deposits and great trading conditions including free guaranteed stop loss and tight fixed spreads.

Director of Risk Management Nikolas Xenofontos sees dealCancellation as the logical next step. He explains,

“We believe in making trading accessible to all. It’s a principal that we’ve stayed true to since the company was founded. dealCancellation means that the psychology of trading has shifted. It allows individuals who are more risk averse than the typical trader to have the confidence to trade, as they know they can cancel a losing trade within an hour of making it. This knowledge provides significant reassurance, particularly to those who are new to trading and those with a cautious approach to it. dealCancellation also provides more experienced traders with the confidence to up the stakes in their trades.”

dealCancellation will be available to all easyMarkets traders from 20 September 2016.

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).

dealCancellation© Option is an ORE patent pending under the patent “Easy Cancellation Option” application number 62334455.

UK’s most liveable city, Manchester sets its sights on the world, from tourists to property investors

UK’s most liveable city, Manchester sets its sights on the world, from tourists to property investors

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • New direct flights to connect Manchester with Houston, Phuket, Mauritius, Goa and San Francisco
  • Manchester highlighted as UK’s most liveable city (Economist Intelligence Unit)
  • Strong economy and professional workforce make Manchester ideal for buy-to-let investors (Surrenden Invest)

Manchester has once more been declared the UK’s best city to live in, beating its rival northern powerhouses and London in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Ranking.

The city also made it into the top 50 most liveable cities on the planet, with everything from safety, the environment and healthcare to infrastructure and educational resources considered.

Manchester’s growing population certainly supports the Economist’s ranking. According to government figures, Greater Manchester’s population is swelling by nearly 50 people per day. World Population Review names Manchester as the sixth largest city in the UK, the second most populous urban area and the third largest city economy.

Nor is it just Manchester’s permanent population that has swelled in recent years. Visitor numbers reached 115 million during 2014, according to Marketing Manchester, an increase of nearly 100 million visitors since 2002, when the city attracted 18 million annually.

A sweet sound, musical tourism is an increasingly important part of Manchester’s offering. In 2015, live music events were attended by 1.9 million visitors, 700,000 of whom travelled to the city from elsewhere. The events added more than £140 million to the city’s economy, based on figures from Oxford Economics for UK Music.

New flights are opening Manchester up to international tourists as well. Direct flights between Manchester and China became available in June 2016, with the city’s tourism venues and organisations encouraged to take China Welcome Training in order to make the most of this new source of visitors.

Singapore Airlines is also adding a new route, with its first transatlantic flight from the UK departing from Manchester to Houston on 30 October 2016. Direct routes to Phuket, Mauritius and Goa are also expected to come online this winter, thanks to Thomson Airlines.

The expansion of routes and capacity will continue into 2017. Emirates has announced plans to deploy a third double decker aircraft for its thrice weekly flights between Manchester and Dubai from 1 January, replacing the current single decker craft and increasing capacity by 2,198 seats per week. Manchester is already the second most popular UK airport for Emirates’ passengers, with only London Gatwick proving busier. 2017 will also see Virgin Atlantic launch the first direct flight between Manchester and San Francisco.

International interest in Manchester is set to continue booming, with so many new routes available, but not all those heading to (or just looking at) Manchester from overseas are content with a holiday.

Jonathan Stephens, Managing Director of property consultancy Surrenden Invest, explains,

“Manchester is one of the most popular locations in the UK when it comes to foreign direct investment and when it comes to property investment, it’s the most popular city in northern England. It’s a great city to live in, is well connected (and due to be more so once the western leg of the HS2 rail link comes into play) and has a wealth of economic opportunities for professional tenants, which is a really important factor when it comes to buy-to-let property investment.

“And of course the post-Brexit dip in sterling’s value has made property in the city even more attractive to those buying in other currencies.”

Professional opportunities in Manchester include everything from the creative industries to new technology. Manchester Science Partnerships announced in July 2016 that it was committing £60 million of investment in its biomedical centre of excellence, Citylabs, which it runs in partnership with Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The move will create some 750 jobs and is representative of companies’ confidence in Manchester’s credentials as a strong economy with plenty of scope for expansion and a deep local talent pool.

The need to house those talented professionals is what has made Manchester such a popular location with buy-to-let investors. The city came top for rental yield in England and Wales between 2010 and 2016, according to LendInvest’s Buy To Let Index, with an average yield of 6.8% over the period.

According to Surrenden Invest’s Jonathan Stephens, investors (both domestic and overseas) are keen to snap up off plan properties in key areas of the city, such as the new Halo development on Simpson Street. The combination of prime central location, allocated parking, landscaped courtyard and beautifully styled apartments is proving popular with investors looking for strong returns.

One Cross Street has also caught investors’ attention. Prices for this city centre development range from £225,000 to £245,000, with 6.2% NET assured return and completion due later this year. The highly sought after period conversion will blend character features with contemporary city living.

For further details, visit www.surrendeninvest.com, email info@surrendeninvest.com or call 0203 3726 499.

British appetite for Spanish retirement properties unaffected by Brexit

British appetite for Spanish retirement properties unaffected by Brexit

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain downloaded 2,000+ times in 6 weeks (Kyero.com)
  • Inbound visitor numbers to Spain to exceed 80.3 million by 2012 (Canadean)
  • Brits aged 55-64 outstrip other nationalities in searching for property in Spain (Kyero.com)

Newly released data from Spanish property portal Kyero.com has revealed that the British appetite for retirement properties in Spain remains strong, with Brexit seeming to have done little to dampen the plans of older Brits to spend their golden years in the sunshine.

Launched just six weeks ago, the Kyero.com Expert Guide to Retiring in Spain has already been downloaded more than 2,000 times. The figure indicates the strength of the level of interest in Spanish retirement properties, from apartments with pools in Marbella to luxury villas on islands like Tenerife.

Meanwhile, data from visitors to Kyero.com has shown that those approaching their retirement in Britain are more likely than their European neighbours to seek out the perfect property in Spain.

36% of Brits who searched Kyero.com in July and August 2016 were aged between 55 and 64 years old. That compares with 33% of French, Belgian and Swedish site users in the same age range, 32% of Dutch users, 24% of Germans and 20% of Italians.

Kyero.com Director Martin Dell comments,

“Brexit doesn’t seem to have curbed British buyers’ enthusiasm for purchasing property in Spain. We’re still seeing a high volume of searches from retirees and soon-to-be-retirees who are looking for an escape from the colder winter weather in the UK. Spain offers the ideal solution – it’s a quick and cheap flight away, there’s almost year-round sunshine and a balmy climate in many areas and the healthcare is excellent. Whether buyers are looking for a holiday home for occasional use or a more permanent abode, interest in Spain remains very strong.”

Spanish tourism figures certainly reflect the country’s continuing popularity with holidaymakers. Spain has topped the global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index ranking for the first time, according to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report 2015, while inbound trips increased by 4.8% for the year, to a total of 68.1 million visitors.

The Iberian country looks to be on track to remain a key tourism destination for the rest of the decade, with Canadean’s Travel and Tourism in Spain to 2020 report projecting growth at a CAGR of 3.3% over the course of 2016-2020. Such an increase would result in inbound visitor numbers reaching 80.3 million by 2020.

Rising visitor numbers bode well for the Spanish property market. International buyers accounted for 18.02% of all property transactions in Spain in Q1 2016, according to the Ministry of Development. Kyero.com’s Martin Dell comments,

“Many visitors to Spain cannot resist the country’s charms. Spain offers a wealth of activities for tourists, from beautifully designed golf courses to all the pleasures of the seaside. Rising international visitor numbers spell out a healthy future for the country’s property market, as tourists look to purchase their own slice of the sun-kissed Spanish lifestyle.”

For further details, visit http://www.kyero.com/.

Birmingham: the perfect city for students who want to make the most of their University life

Birmingham: the perfect city for students who want to make the most of their University life

by Sophie Evans United Kingdom
  • More students call Birmingham home than any other UK city except London (The Telegraph)
  • Birmingham has one of the highest percentages of under 25s in Europe, almost 40% of the population
  • Collegiate AC launch contemporary university residence in the city’s buzzing Selly Oak student district

 

A new guide to the University of Birmingham, published by The Telegraph, has revealed that Birmingham is home to more students than any other UK city, with the exception of London. In fact, the number of undergraduates, postgraduates and young professionals that call the city home is rapidly increasing and now almost 40% of the population is aged under 25, one of the highest percentages in Europe.

 

Such a youthful population means that the city is perfectly prepared for the student lifestyle, with cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, bars, galleries, clubs and museum offering a huge range of both educational and entertainment options. In order to meet the expectations of new and existing students, Birmingham’s student accommodation is constantly evolving to suit to those looking for a stylish lifestyle that makes the most of such a vibrant city.

 

800 Bristol Road is the newest addition to Birmingham’s student residences, and will certainly be the envy of many of its predecessors. Part of the UK’s leading luxury student accommodation provider Collegiate AC’s Prestige Collection, 800 Bristol Road will provide students with the perfect environment for study and socialising.  In the heart of the city’s buzzing Selly Oak student district, the property offers contemporary, spacious studio apartments with en-suite shower rooms, kitchens and desk areas.

 

As well as state of the art sleeping quarters, students will also be able to take full advantage of the exclusive on-site facilities. The residents’ club lounge provides the ideal atmosphere for listening to music and relaxing in good company, an on-site cinema will ensure you can watch the latest movies in comfort and style and an exclusive dinner party room that will allow you to show off your culinary talents… or simply to get together with friends for a delivery pizza feast.

 

With a beautiful new show flat now available for viewings, Heriberto Cuanalo, CEO of Collegiate AC, is delighted to see the project come to fruition and is confident in the university lifestyle it can offer Birmingham’s student population. He comments,

 

“800 Bristol Road will provide 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 carefully designed to create an environment where students can feel safe and looked after. Having now seen the show flat, I am very much looking forward to welcoming the first residents in the new semester.”

 

From £193 a week, with high speed broadband and Wi-Fi throughout the property, 800 Bristol Road is the perfect home for students who want to get the most out of their university accommodation. With a modern setting and a welcoming environment, 800 Bristol Road will provide a home away from home for its residents.

 

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

What has Brexit done to financing your dream property in Portugal?

What has Brexit done to financing your dream property in Portugal?

by Sophie Evans Portugal
  • House price growth accelerating and rents rising (RICS/Ci)
  • 50/50 split between cash buyers and borrowers (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Algarve has 1.5 million summer residents, but just 451k permanent (Statistics Portugal)

According to the latest RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey, agents in Portugal are reporting accelerating house price growth and higher rents. Whether you’re buying a holiday home for personal use with a view to making capital gains over the course or your ownership, or a rental apartment to serve as an income-generating investment, market forces indicate that now is the time to spring into action. But has Brexit thrown a spanner in the works for those looking to obtain a Portuguese mortgage to finance their property?

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, thinks not. He comments,

“The UK’s vote to leave the EU hasn’t made it harder for Brits to get mortgages in Portugal. The banks here are still financing and the mortgage process has thus far been unaffected by the whole Brexit development. In fact, as the market here has picked up, the banks have become more lenient when it comes to their lending criteria, so if anything it’s becoming easier for UK citizens to obtain Portuguese mortgages.”

Ideal Homes Portugal’s own mortgage offering is certainly striking a chord with buyers. The company has reported that around 50% of their clients currently are buying with mortgages, while the other 50% are making cash purchases. Many of those opting for loans to finance their purchases are investors looking to pick up one or more properties in the tourist mecca of the Algarve.

The Algarve has been a popular international tourist spot since Faro Airport opened in 1965. Since then, the airport has expanded along with the region’s popularity, with a record 6.4 million passengers passing through it in 2015. That’s compared to a resident population of just 451,006, according to Statistics Portugal. Add to those figures the 3 million or so domestic holidaymakers who head south to the Algarve and it’s easy to see why the region has such a need for rental accommodation. In fact, the Algarve’s population trebles over the summer months, to around 1.5 million people.

With low rates and 90% loan to value available through Ideal Homes Portugal, borrowing to fund the purchase of an investment property in Portugal is a simple and affordable process. Some of the most stunning new apartments that have piqued buyers’ interest are those at Lagos Marina. Lagos is one of the most visited cities in the region and home to one of the Algarve’s most beautiful beaches, Praia Dona Ana, where boatmen putter slowly around the cliffs, showing off the caves, rock formations and azure waters to family groups, while locals dive for squid and other seafood delights. There’s also the enormous expanse of Meia Praia, with its surfers, windsurfers and trendy young things topping up their tans.

The eastern end of the Algarve is also becoming more popular with visitors and hence with property investors. The pretty fishing village of Cabanas de Tavira is packed with tourists over the summer months, along with a growing crowd of shoulder season visitors who aren’t restricted to school holiday times. Both short-term and long-term rental apartments are increasingly sought after. A two bedroom home in a development just a couple of minutes’ walk from the picturesque waterfront with its winding boardwalk is available from €139,000. With a gym, table tennis table and pool on-site, the development is perfect for family holidays, making it a popular choice with both investors and those buying a second home purely for personal use.

“It’s a win-win situation at the moment,” concludes Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White. “The combination of 90% mortgages and low rates means that buyer’s don’t need a large deposit and the monthly repayments are really affordable. We’re finding a lot of people are looking to Portugal in order to obtain an income from their holiday home as well as to use it for themselves.”

For further details call Ideal Homes Portugal on 0800 133 7644 or +351 289 513 434, email enquiries@idealhomesportugal.com or visit www.idealhomesportugal.com.

Royal Mallorca

Royal Mallorca

by Sophie Evans Spain
  • Mallorca hosts a wealth of famous faces; from European royalty to Hollywood A-listers
  • Marina Golf provides luxury townhouses perfect for a celebrity style getaway (Taylor Wimpey España)
  • Budget buyers can find their own piece of the Mallorcan Dream in the Northeast of the island (Taylor Wimpey España)

The Balearic island of Mallorca has attracted the world’s rich and famous for centuries. From Frederic Chopin, to Agatha Christie, Grace Kelly to Kate Moss, Mallorca’s postcard-esque scenery has become a popular setting of both inspiration and relaxation for those in the spotlight.

This month is no different as Mallorca has welcomed King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain for their annual family holiday on the island. Staying in one of their residences, in the capital Palma, the family are expected to enjoy all that Mallorca has to offer until the end of August.

And it’s not just the monarchy who have chosen Mallorca as their go to holiday destination, a growing number of Hollywood royalty have also sought to spend time there. Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones frequent the Northwest of the island and fellow power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are said to have recently purchased a home situated on the Southwest coast.

For those ready to follow in the sandy footprints of today’s elite, leading Spanish homebuilder, Taylor Wimpey España have an array of properties perfect for a celebrity style getaway. Their Marina Golf complex is less than 30 minutes from the Mallorcan capital of Palma and is located next to the celebrated Santa Ponsa III Golf Club.

This new Mediterranean style village has spacious, 3 bedroom townhouses with private terraces, gardens and private parking spaces. In the communal area there is a swimming pool for the exclusive use of owners, surrounded by a solarium area with views over the golf course and a large communal garden. There are also changing rooms, showers and toilets.

Prices start from just €550,000+VAT and every townhouse has 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, with air conditioning, under floor heating in the bathrooms, double-glazing, a security door, TV aerial and satellite dish. In order to ensure the maximum amount of light the properties are southwest facing and have several terrace areas so the sun can be enjoyed for most of the day. All the properties also have large gardens where you can enjoy sunny Mallorca days and warm Mediterranean evenings.

Santa Ponsa is in a great location, surrounded by some of the top golf clubs on the island including Golf Santa Ponsa I, II and III, which are right next to the development, Golf de Andratx, Golf de Poniente and Bendinat Golf. It is also near the coast, in an area dotted with beautiful coves and beaches and some of the island’s most exclusive marinas such as the Puerto Adriano, designed by Philippe Starck, just 1.5 km away and has a wide variety of elegant bars and restaurants and some of the most exclusive designer stores.

For those with a more modest budget, Taylor Wimpey España’s most recent development is the gorgeous Bahia Sant Pere. The development is a Mediterranean-inspired residential complex situated in the traditional north east coastal village of Colonia de Sant Pere, perfect for those wanting a more rural escape for their second home.

Less than an hour from Palma’s international airport in the Northeast of the island, 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 €193,000 +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.

Whether it’s a relaxing holiday or a journey of inspiration, Taylor Wimpey España will help find the perfect property to fill the requirements of each buyer.

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 34 971 706 972.

Overseas investors still in love with the USA

Overseas investors still in love with the USA

by Sophie Evans World
  • US property most popular for international investors
  • Overseas buyers return to Greece
  • The Philippines emerges as rising star of 2016
  • Demand for Dubai real estate stays strong

Overseas investors are still in love with the USA, reveals TheMoveChannel.com’s latest Top of the Props report. US property stole back the number one spot from Spain in July 2016, becoming the most sought-after country on the property portal, for the sixth time this year.

American dream still going strong

The recent vote by the UK to leave the European Union has seen both the pound and euro weaken against the US dollar, but international investors around the world refused to be deterred from their American dream in the month following the referendum’s result.

US property accounted for 1 in 12 of all enquiries (8.1 per cent) across the month, climbing two places in TheMoveChannel.com’s chart to overtake both Spain and the UAE.

“America’s residential market continues to enjoy strong capital appreciation, fuelled by low mortgage rates, steady employment growth and limited supply,” explains TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson. “Investors are therefore still turning to affordable markets with high returns, such as Detroit, and perennial hotspot Florida. Commercial property in New York is also a significant driver of demand, thanks to the country’s stable and steady economy growth.”

Europe not down and out

While the UK is preparing to leave the EU, investors have lost none of their appetite for the continent’s real estate. Despite Spain’s slide into second place, enquiries remained strong for European property in July, with familiar favourites Portugal, Italy and France all in TheMoveChannel.com’s 10 most popular destinations.

Buyers returned to Greece, with the country’s share of enquiries hitting a 19-month high in July. As a result, the country climbed five places from 14th to ninth. Interest in Germany is also at a record high, with the country entering the Top 5 for the first time. Bulgaria and Cyprus both entered the month’s Top 15 destinations too.

“The relatively weak euro means that European real estate remains a highly attractive prospect for international buyers, whether from outside the EU or in the UK. Rising values in Spain and Portugal, low mortgage rates in France and the timeless lifestyle appeal of Italy are still drawing investors, while Germany’s growing economy and Greece’s low prices mean property is good value in both countries. Seven out of July’s Top 10 destinations are in Europe; proof that the continent has lost none of its clout.”

Dubai demand stays strong

Away from Europe, demand for Dubai real estate remains strong, with the UAE continuing to move up and down within TheMoveChannel.com’s Top 10 destinations.

According to data from the Dubai Land Department (DLD), British nationals are the third largest group of investors in the city’s property, with experts welcoming the recent price correction for residential property, as the market moves from speculative to end-user investment ahead of 2020’s Word Expo.

“Dubai has become a regular presence in TheMoveChannel.com’s rankings in 2016, appearing five times in seven months,” comments Johnson. “The UAE’s appeal has been boosted by its improving transparency. According to JLL, the emirate is now the most transparent property market in MENA.”

The rise of the Philippines

The Philippines has been another rising star of 2016, with the country re-entering the Top 5 destinations on TheMoveChannel.com in July. This is the third time the islands have appeared in the Top 10 this year.

With both the Philippines and UAE removed from the unfolding EU situation, will they become new favourites for post-Brexit investors, or is July’s rising interest just driven by strong opportunities?

“While Dubai’s residential real estate is on course for recovery in 2017, July’s activity was particularly driven by commercial property,” adds Johnson. “Office vacancy rates are falling and demand for space remains high. Opportunities such as a co-working development in the city are opening up new avenues in the emirate’s economy.”

Ray Withers, CEO of specialist international property investment company Property Frontiers, which has recently brought the Portofino Ocean’s Edge resort to the market, attributes the Philippines’ appeal to the country’s record-breaking tourism figures.

“Demand for high end hotel accommodation in the Philippines has never been greater and the country is racing to increase supply enough to keep up with demand. With high quality new resorts required in key tourism hotspots, international investors are keen to buy into the Philippines now in order to be part of the wave of new construction that is required to service the increased level of visitors. JLL’s finding that the Asia Pacific region is the most improved in the world for real estate transparency has furthered this significant trend of international demand for resort investments in the Philippines.”

 

Click here to see the full top 40 property destinations for July 2016.

 

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Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 1.4 million listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.

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