A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

A picture is worth a thousand words – why great photography is essential in selling overseas property

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The concept of a single image being able to portray a situation or an idea more evocatively than whole paragraphs of text is not a new one. In fact, the old adage that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ dates back to the early 1900s. However, it remains just as relevant today as it was when the expression was coined.

This is particularly true when it comes to selling overseas property. The majority of potential buyers will use the internet to begin the search for their dream home overseas and in a marketplace crowded with information the perfect image can stand out like a beacon, calling to a buyer to find out more. In the same way, a poorly staged image can cause a property to be passed over with little more than half a glance.

“Good photographs are absolutely essential when it comes to selling overseas property,” observes Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director for leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “You need a photographer who can highlight the property’s features, both inside and out. If you build high quality developments, the images need to reflect that quality. Otherwise so much of your hard work is undone. Quite simply, poor imagery can result in fewer sales.”

For Taylor Wimpey España’s La Vila Paradis apartments on Spain’s Costa Blanca, the photographer needed to capture the light and space that flows through the apartments, as well as the sizeable swimming pool, golf views and sparkling sea in the background. The result was an excellent set of shots that truly represented the luxurious feel of the property.

So what makes a good image when it comes to overseas property? Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, should certainly know. His company lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents. He comments,

“When it comes to property photography I think I’ve seen everything, from the very worst to the very best! Good images can certainly help a property to generate more interest and sell faster, particularly on a portal like Kyero, where buyers are scrolling through lists of potential homes – it will be the one that looks instantly appealing that is likely to capture their interest first.

“The same is true of rental properties, which we also list on Kyero. Those that have the best pictures are usually the ones that are snapped up first. If a landlord has dressed the property nicely – that is, if it’s clean, tidy and well presented – then a few great photos will really bring it to life in the eyes of those viewing it online. They’ll be able to imagine themselves there, which is precisely the point.”

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, concurs.

“It’s all about selling the lifestyle associated with the property through the imagery,” he explains. “Many buyers seek to find at least a handful of properties they like before going to the expense of travelling overseas for a closer inspection. A property that shows its potential and that they can picture themselves in, will be one that sparks buyers’ imagination.”

Chris cites the stunning apartments in Salgados as an example. The private resort enjoys proximity to both beach and golf, with spacious apartments and wide terraces designed around enjoying the outdoor pursuits that the Algarve has to offer. Seven swimming pools and extensive grounds make the resort ideal for families, with an emphasis on health and happiness, which is precisely what the artfully staged photographs convey.

Selling property overseas is about more than selling houses – it’s about promoting a dream lifestyle that individuals can buy into. And for that kind of venture only the very best photography will suffice.

For more information please contact:

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Bolton chosen to host first Overseas Property Show of 2016

Bolton chosen to host first Overseas Property Show of 2016

World
  • First show of 2016 tour to be held in Bolton on 30 and 31 January
  • Bumper show to feature properties in Portugal, Spain, Florida and more
  • 2015 tour attracted thousands of would-be holiday home owners

After a hugely successful 2015 UK tour, which welcomed thousands of would-be holiday home owners through the doors over the course of the year, the Overseas Property Show is set to launch its 2016 schedule, with Bolton chosen to host the very first show.

Bolton’s Mercure Bolton Last Drop Village Hotel and Spa has been selected as the venue for the two day show, which will take place on 30 and 31 January 2016. The free to attend show will present local residents with the opportunity to explore their dream of home ownership overseas.

Featuring properties from Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, Italy and Florida, the first Overseas Property Show of 2016 will provide attendees with access to information on a huge range of homes, from studio apartments overlooking the sea to colossal villas in prime golf course locations.

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which exhibited at every show last year and plans to do so again this year, comments,

“It was fantastic to be part of the Overseas Property Show last year and to support so many individuals to progress their dream of owning a home overseas. I’m delighted to be taking part in the 2016 shows as well – this year is going to be even bigger and better.

“The beauty of the Overseas Property Show is the no-pressure approach. It’s a chance for all those planning or even just vaguely imagining owning a home overseas to come along and find out more about international property ownership. There are experts on hand to speak not just about property, but also about the legal aspects of overseas ownership and what it’s like to actually live in another country.”

This expertise has been invaluable to many of those looking to find out more about owning a second home overseas, buying commercial premises abroad and making the move to live permanently elsewhere as an expat. Even those with no desire to leave the UK can benefit from attending, as rental properties in European hotspots can be an excellent way to generate income and enjoy capital growth over the longer-term.

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Bolton this 30-31 January. From a four bedroom villa enjoying panoramic sea and country views in Portugal, to a sun-kissed Costa Blanca townhouse with pool, to a contemporary four bedroom townhouse near to Walt Disney World in Florida, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

Tickets are free to obtain and full details can be found at www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

“It’s going to be a great show to start the year,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about this bumper event and we are delighted to be able to start 2016 by assisting more visitors to pursue their dream of owning property overseas.”

For further details visit www.theoverseaspropertyshow.com, call (0800) 133 7644 / +351 289 513 434 or email info@theoverseaspropertyshow.com.

Hotspots Index: Buyers head back to Italy

Hotspots Index: Buyers head back to Italy

World
  • Rome most searched-for location in the world
  • Interest in France on the up
  • Paris enters Top 10 most popular hotspots for first time
  • Italy neck-and-neck with Portugal

Overseas buyers are heading back to Italy and France, reveals new research from TheMoveChannel.com. The portal’s Q4 2015 Hotspots Index saw Rome remain the most searched-for location in the world in the final months of the year. This is the third consecutive quarter that Rome has held the number one spot.

Italy’s rebound in popularity has been building throughout 2015, thanks to the country’s strong lifestyle appeal, which has been amplified by the weak euro. Favourable exchange rates have fuelled demand for all of Europe’s traditional property hotspots, with Spain and Portugal in particular stealing the limelight. Now, though, the tide may be about to change.

Portugal’s share of searches on TheMoveChannel.com reduced for the first time in Q4 2015, accounting for 11 of the Top 50 locations in the portal’s Hotspots Index. Interest remains high for Portuguese property, with the country accounting for four of the Top 10 locations. Indeed, Ponta Delgada rose 11 places in Q3 2015 to storm into the Top 10. It rose one more place in Q4 2015 to seize the second spot with 1.31 per cent of all location searches. Ericeira (1.21 per cent), though, slipped into fourth place, as Fiji’s Lautoka (1.27 per cent) overtook to take third.

Spain, despite accounting for eight locations in the Top 50 (up from seven in Q3 2015), saw Malaga slide into ninth place with 0.83 per cent. Cyprus and Greece, meanwhile, fell out of the Top 10 altogether, as buyers swapped their economically uncertain markets for old favourites.

Buyers have also returned to France in greater numbers, with the country entering the Top 10 for the first time in Q4 2015. Lyon raced 12 places up the chart to become the sixth most searched-for location (1.06 per cent), followed by Paris, which rocketed 28 places up the chart to become the seventh most popular location (1.02 per cent). Italy completed the Top 10 with another new entrant: Terni, the fifth most popular location in Q4 2015.

“The weak euro has been the defining story of 2015, sending buyers from overseas – particularly the UK and the USA – flooding into Europe’s property markets to snap up available opportunities. While Portugal and Spain have dominated demand for the majority of the year, France and Italy are starting to steal the show, their relatively stable markets stealing house-hunters away from the more uncertain bargain zones of Greece and Cyprus.

“France’s record low mortgage rates mean that real estate in the country is more affordable than it ever has been, especially in comparison to rising UK house prices. You would expect to see Paris in the Top 10 most searched-for locations in the world, so it is revealing that the French capital is now taking its rightful place in the Hotspots Index.

“Italy’s economy underperformed in Q3 2015, with growth reducing from 0.3 per cent to 0.2 per cent, while house price declines are gradually slowing, but the favourable exchange rate has kept the sentiment broadly upbeat among investors. Indeed, the country now accounts for 11 of the Top 50 locations on TheMoveChannel.com, neck-and-neck with previous champion Portugal.”

Click here to see the full Top 50 hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com in Q4 2015.

— ENDS —

 

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 800,000 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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Please contact Ivan Radford on ivan.radford@themovechannel.com or +44 (0)207 952 7221

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10 New Year’s resolutions for all traders

10 New Year’s resolutions for all traders

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  • Get your work/life/trade balance right
  • Don’t just talk about it – actually diversify
  • Know the economic calendar inside out

With 2015 drawing to a close, many traders are looking ahead to next year in hopes of either replicating their success or starting off with a clean slate. Regardless of their performance these past 12 months, it’s pretty safe to say that the New Year brings with it hopes of a better performance in 2016.

With this in mind, Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easy-forex, has provided 10 New Year’s resolutions that traders of all levels should aspire to in 2016.

  1. Get your work/life/trade balance right

In order to succeed at trading (or anything, really), you need to get your priorities straight. This means setting aside sufficient time for work, life, and in the case of a part-time trader, trading. By making a resolution to spend enough time away from the screen, you are making a commitment to balancing and improving your lifestyle. This will actually help you focus on your trading goals, avoid distraction and maximize your time while you’re actually trading.

  1. Read more

A learned trader is a more informed trader, and being more informed may help you succeed. The only way to become an informed trader is to read more, and then apply what you’ve learnt. This means reading anything and everything related to trading: fundamental analysis, technical analysis, trading books and news headlines are just a few examples. The free to download easy-forex ebook, Top 10 Stock Indices to Trade in 2016, is a great place to start.

  1. Plan every trade

Every single trade you take should be carefully planned. Successful traders don’t trade on a whim. They assess the markets, anticipate upcoming events and monitor the trends to understand a solid entry point. Before you go long or short on anything, ask yourself if you planned your move ahead of time. If the answer is no, stop right there.

  1. Really diversify this time

Every trader knows they need to diversify their portfolio to limit risk exposure, but few actually do it. Take a long hard look at your trades this past year and ask yourself whether you actually invested in more than one or two asset classes. At the end of the day, diversification is to your benefit. Your ability to smooth out risks from your portfolio can often mean the difference between success and failure.

  1. You may trade the economic calendar

We all know that technical trading is the bread and butter of most successful traders, but that doesn’t mean they rely solely on the charts to pick winning trades. Today’s financial markets are more influenced by the economic calendar than at any time in recent memory. Economic data and monetary policy news matter. Your ability to react quickly to news events and predict the outcome may set you up for some positive gains. In 2016, endeavour to start each day by reviewing the economic calendar.

  1. Define your loss limit

What if I told you that successful traders don’t always pick winning trades? This happens more often than you think. The point is, losses are bound to occur in trading. Picking a bad trade isn’t the end of the world if you’ve defined your loss limit. If you’ve failed repeatedly, at some point you may need to stop trading and reassess your strategy. What’s the maximum loss you can absorb? Figure it out. That’s your loss limit.

  1. Try something new

A lot of traders don’t diversify because one or two asset classes are all they know. As a trader, it’s important to dip your hand in different markets from time to time; this will not only help you diversify, but also may capitalize on opportunities provided by other markets. By the end of the year, you should be comfortable trading at least one other asset class. Remember to approach new asset classes very conservatively at first. You may consider trading in a demo account before you put down real money.

  1. Draw trend lines

Being a trader in the digital age is amazing because you have literally dozens of charting tools available at your disposal. Whether you specialize in forex, stocks, commodities, options or any other asset class, there’s free charting software out there for you. Setting up daily charts, drawing trend lines and performing technical analysis should be performed every day.

  1. Identify warning signs

As a trader, you’re actively engaged in trading. You’re not keen on simply cost averaging index funds year after year. You want to participate in the markets and make multiple trades on a daily or weekly basis. In that case, you need to learn to identify the warning signs. Using tools like the MACD may help you identify trend reversals so that you can respond quickly and effectively.

  1. Be profitable

Remember, the purpose of trading is to make money. At the end of 2016, you will have hopefully made more money than you lost. So before you dream about millions, ask yourself whether you’ve broken even in a calendar year, let alone made a handsome profit. Being conscientious about the bottom line will keep you focused and motivated. It’ll also teach you to master your trading psychology. This goal is so simple but so fundamental to trading. Don’t lose sight of it!

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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).

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

Ugandan Prime Minister Ruhakana Rugunda announces groundbreaking of Jakana Heights in Kampala

World

The complex is set to offer outstanding accommodation alongside high investor returns, with values predicted to rise by 35% on today’s prices before completion at end of 2017.

The Rt. Hon. Mr Rugunda recently celebrated the groundbreaking for an ambitious and prestigious new apartment development in Buziga, the first of its type for the area which will provide a new lifestyle concept for the Ugandan capital of Kampala.

Marking the launch of the development the Prime Minister recognised the importance of such a development to Kampala’s economic growth and future business success.

The development is a first for Buziga where this type of luxury accommodation has not been available before.  The 76 apartments, including five penthouses and 71 one, two and three bedroomed homes, takes advantage of one of the highest points in Kampala, boasting spectacular views across Lake Victoria.

Jakana Heights affords a landscaped garden setting, extensive leisure facilities including a pool, gym and exclusive clubhouse. Offering a new lifestyle concept, the complex will also provide occupants with high quality business and event facilities alongside on-site shopping for residents.

The design work was commissioned for the international development company ProAfco Developments Ltd by a Ugandan architectural team who envisioned building a complex to meet family life and business life needs all within the one site. The complex combines this lifestyle ambition with quality leisure and social facilities.

Explaining the vision behind the development, Clive Kefford, CEO of ProAfco said,

“The project was specifically designed for the growing Kampala business community and their families as well those living outside Uganda wishing to have a home from home on regular visits or for their future retirement.

“Our research showed a high demand for a new approach to home and business life which was not being catered for in Kampala.  At the heart of making this a possibility was finding the perfect location, one that offered easy access to the city while benefitting from beautiful surroundings and open living.  Jakana Heights provided the perfect spot and the inspiration for our development”.

The property is set on an exceptional site commanding stunning views, landscaped gardens and easy access to the centre of Kampala.  The land was originally owned by Dan Jakana who has partnered with ProAfco to develop the site.  The complex’s name has a double meaning, taking Dan’s family name creating a memorable legacy for his mother and also the name of the well known local bird representing the freedom and natural beauty that has inspired the design and ambition of the development.

The style of the complex has taken elements of African and modern aesthetics as its guiding design principles. Every attention has been paid to detail to provide a comfortable home but with a sophisticated design.

Nearly 20% of the apartments have already been reserved off plan including one of the exclusive penthouses.  Expert predictions rate the home’s value well above the current average market with an expectation that the apartments’ value will rise by at least 35% by the time the property is completed at the end of 2017.  Experts who have valued the development expected yields to range up to 15% on the current prices.  Starting prices for a condo apartment are from $125,000.

Apartments are for sale through Property Frontiers who can be contacted on +44 1865 202 700 or at www.propertyfrontiers.com.

2015’s greatest financial market shock

2015’s greatest financial market shock

World
  • China’s stocks climbed more than 59% before the market stalled
  • Chinese GDP growth still projected to be between 6.8% and 7.1% this year
  • Chinese GDP to keep growing until at least 2060 (OECD)

No year is ever entirely smooth for global financial markets and 2015 has certainly been no exception. Markets fluctuated between euphoria and dismay, with the Chinese stock market generating its fair share of both.

Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easy-forex, comments,

“China has been the scene of possibly the greatest shock to financial markets in 2015. Prices in Shanghai hit a six year high in the spring, with investors clamouring for more exposure to Chinese markets. The result was a climb of more than 59%, but when the Chinese economy stumbled, the picture changed very quickly.”

While Europe and the United States where pumping money into the market to boost liquidity, China decided it needed to repatriate some of its capital, by selling off its US treasury holdings. This effectively began quantitative tightening and before long investor demand for Chinese stocks had plummeted, with values declining rapidly.

As growth began to stall, with the purchasing manager’s indices beginning to show contraction, the slides increased. Suddenly China’s euphoric first half of the year had turned to a tale of shrinking trade data (both imports and exports) and tumbling prices. A wave of selling and negative sentiment in late August followed multiple attempts by regulators to stem the tide of stock liquidation.

Investors were prevented from shorting stocks and at one period stock trading was halted. Stocks dropped more than 43%.

It was then that the People’s Bank of China came in with another rate cut. The bank dropped its benchmark rate and reduced reserve requirements. Almost before anyone could blink, Black Monday came along, with the market experiencing one of the biggest crashes of recent years.

Chinese stocks continue to gyrate and it will be some time before they stabilize, but the long-term outlook isn’t too glum. Certainly, China’s economy is contracting, but GDP growth is still expected to be somewhere between 6.8% (International Monetary Fund figure) and 7.1% (World Bank figure) for 2015. The International Monetary Fund has projected that it will dip to a low of 6.0% in 2017, before beginning to rise again. Even the OECD’s long-term forecast doesn’t see growth falling below 1.55% in the next 45 years. Easy-forex’s Nikolas Xenofontos concludes,

“The future for China does look broadly positive, but then it did right up until the moment the market crashed so spectacularly earlier in 2015. It just goes to show how quickly things can alter in such a complex and ever-changing world. I don’t think anyone would have predicted at the start of the year that China would be the scene of the world’s greatest financial shock in 2015.”

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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 best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

The best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

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  • Got €50k? Head to Spain (Kyero.com)
  • For €100k seek out the Cypriot sun (Ideal Homes International)
  • Make Portugal your choice for €150k (Ideal Homes Portugal)
  • Try island living with €200k or more

The turning of the year is always a good time to start dreaming of sun-drenched beaches, the sound of the ocean lapping at the shore and lazy evenings spent eating al fresco while a warm breeze rustles through the leaves of nearby citrus trees. It’s a particularly popular pastime in the UK, where it can rain for days on end while plentiful sunshine is available less than three hours away by plane.

Europe’s attractions are many and varied for those looking to pick up a dream holiday home and you don’t need a huge stack of cash in order to turn the dream into a reality. Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, comments,

“There are thousands of Spanish properties available for under €50k. Nor are they just remote country houses in need of vast repairs. €50k gives you plenty of choice in Spain these days. You can pick up a three bedroom townhouse, a six bedroom country cottage or a city apartment with a shared pool – there are literally thousands of possibilities.”

For buyers looking to spend closer to €100k, Cyprus offers excellent value for money. Ideal Homes International offers a range of properties in good locations for that amount, including this light and airy two bedroom apartment in Pafos with shared pool. Founding Director Chris White observes,

“Cyprus has got some real bargains at the moment and the stunning climate is perfect for those looking for a holiday retreat away from the rain and cold back home. The market is unlikely to move much over the next few months, which means UK buyers can take their time to research the area they would like to own in without fear of getting priced out of the market while they do.”

Chris White also runs boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal and has chosen to make Portugal his home. It is there that he recommends buyers with €150k look for their dream holiday home in 2016.

Portugal’s Algarve is easily reachable from airports all over the UK and offers in excess of 300 days of sunshine annually, making it an ideal year-round destination for second home owners. €150k is enough for a two bedroom apartment with huge terrace and garden in the popular city of Portimão, or a three bedroom duplex with pool in Albufeira.

But when it comes to spending €200k or more, it has to be island living, says Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey España. A resident of the Balearic Islands himself, Marc explains,

“There’s nothing like owning property in an island location for achieving ultimate relaxation, which is precisely what a holiday home should provide. For many people the sea has a calming effect and Mallorca’s plentiful restaurants, shops, beaches, golf courses and marinas really do offer something to suit all tastes.”

Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of stunning holiday homes on Mallorca, from two bedroom apartments with direct beach access from €235k at Costa Beach, to spectacular frontline townhouses with cliff top communal infinity pool from €625k at Cala Magrana Mar.

With such a wealth of property available so close to home, it’s clear that short-haul European destinations are going to enjoy immense popularity during 2016 when it comes to holiday home ownership overseas.

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Ideal Homes: 0800 133 7644, +351 289 513 434, www.idealhomesinternational.co.uk or www.idealhomesportugal.com

Taylor Wimpey España: +44 08000 121 020 or www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

‘Saint’ Nik’s top picks for investing in commodities in 2016

‘Saint’ Nik’s top picks for investing in commodities in 2016

World
  • Gold bulls wake up
  • Oil bears roar into 2016
  • Copper calls it quits

It’s that time of year when children up and down the country are getting excited about Saint Nick’s imminent annual trip down the chimney with his sack of toys. But it’s not just Father Christmas who is spreading seasonal goodwill. In the spirit of the season, Nikolas Xenofontos, Director of Risk Management at leading online trading services provider easy-forex has shared his top picks for investing in commodities in 2016. He comments,

“There are three commodities to watch closely as we head into 2016: gold, oil and copper. They bear watching for very different reasons, but all three may have an influence on global financial markets over the year ahead.”

2015 has not been kind to gold and as we head into the expected US rate hike in December, things are looking even worse (the better than expected US jobs data from November was enough to convince investors that a rate hike is certain). The result was a multi-year low for gold of $1,075 per ounce – down 9% in just two weeks.

Gold rallied as a result of the terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November, with investors rushing for the shiny safe haven and pushing the price back up past the $1,200 mark and confidence around the precious metal has remained surprisingly high. Increasingly, investors are taking the view that gold really can’t fall much more than it has, even in the face of rising interest rates.

The result is likely to be one of two scenarios. Either the Fed doesn’t increase rates, which is bullish for gold, or rates are increased but the hike has been expected for so long that decreases have already been priced in. After an awful 2015, 2016 may just be gold’s year.

While 2016 is looking positive for gold, the opposite can be said for oil. The global glut has seen prices dip below the $40 per barrel mark on numerous occasions and current stockpiles are in the region of three billion barrels. Easy-forex’s Nikolas Xenofontos observes,

“Demand for oil is rising, especially with 7% growth forecast for India, but output is rising too. With US shale outputs, OPEC keeping up supply and the expectation of Iran oil entering the markets, even turbulence in the Middle East and ongoing terrorist events are unlikely to save oil prices from new lows during 2016.”

Copper’s outlook is also bearish for 2016. Prices have halved since the highs seen in 2011, with falling Chinese demand having a huge impact. China consumes 40% of the world’s copper and also influences global metal prices through speculation. With demand for copper (which is used mainly in wiring) at such a low ebb, prices will need to continue falling enough to stimulate rebalancing. Until then, it’s bears for the red metal.

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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).

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

Cyprus Portugal Spain United States World ,
  • Portuguese property prices due to rise 5% p.a. for next 5 years (RICS/Ci)
  • Florida property values up 8.2% over past year (Zillow)
  • Portugal, Spain and Florida are hot picks for 2016 (Ideal Homes International)

Over the past decade, the landscape of the overseas property market has changed vastly. Property entrepreneur and Founding Director of Ideal Homes Portugal and Ideal Homes International Chris White has been selling property through the good times and the bad. After a turbulent 10 years, he believes the overseas property market has finally reset itself – and that now is the time to look to the future.

In Portugal, where Chris White is based, the market crashed spectacularly following the events of 2006/07, along with residential real estate markets around the world. Lesser estate agents would have crumbled (many did) but Ideal Homes Portugal stuck with the market through the hard times and came out the other side even stronger. Today, the flourishing agency employs 35 staff, selling properties across the Algarve as well as in the capital Lisbon.

Chris comments,

“There were some tough years in the middle of the past decade, but it’s wonderful to see the Portuguese property market back on an even keel again now. Prices look set to rise at a comfortable rate over the next few years. I’d say capital growth of 3-5% per year should be achievable for those who invest in the market during 2016.”

Data from the RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey concurs. The August 2015 report suggested that prices would increase by roughly 5% per annum over the next five years. At present, a lovely two bedroom townhouse with private pool in Quinta do Lago can be picked up for €375,000.

Spain, as well as Portugal, has seen its property market reset itself over the past decade, although prices in Spain have been slower to recover. For buyers in 2016, this presents an excellent opportunity, according to Ideal Homes International’s Chris,

“Prices are rising in Spain, but many areas are still priced below their peak. There aren’t as many opportunities there as there were a year or two ago, but Spain is certainly still a good bet if you’re looking for a real estate market that has the potential to keep expanding over the next few years. The Costa Blanca would be my particular tip for those looking for a second home in the sun that can double as a savvy investment.”

At Orihuela, two bedroom/two bathroom off plan apartments are available from €129,900. Due for completion in December 2016, the apartments will each feature two large terraces, as well as community gardens, sea views and two large swimming pools (one heated).

Florida is another area that’s now back in the game, according to Ideal Homes International. A modern, four bedroom townhouse in Kissimmee, ideally located for access to Walt Disney World, costs just $285,000 (€252,000). Part of an exclusive gated community, the home includes a private pool area, screened in patio and comes fully furnished.

Prices in Florida have risen by 8.2% over the past year, according to Zillow, while data from the National Association of Realtors in June 2015 showed the US market passing its 2006 peak to reach record highs.

Back in Europe, the other country that Chris White of Ideal Homes International has flagged up for attention is Cyprus. Chris comments,

“Cyprus is an interesting prospect as a place to buy a holiday home in 2016. The market there has been incredibly quiet there this year and we don’t expect huge increases in prices over the next 12-24 months. However, what Cyprus does have to offer is fantastic value for money. If you’re looking for somewhere with great weather where your money can go a lot further, then Aphrodite’s isle is an excellent choice.”

As an example, a two bedroom villa in Konia, on a small complex of just six homes with a shared pool, can be picked up for €149,000.

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.

What’s in store for 2016? Leading online trading services provider easy-forex reveals predictions for the New Year

What’s in store for 2016? Leading online trading services provider easy-forex reveals predictions for the New Year

World
  • Oil set to drop below US$40 per barrel
  • US stocks to continue positive trend
  • Dollar to surge following likely December interest rate hike 

Leading online trading services provider easy-forex has just revealed its predictions for 2016. According to the company’s Strategist, Nima Siar, oil could finally break US$40 per barrel, while gold might move below US$1,000 per ounce.

He comments,

“Both oil and gold are going to receive a lot of attention in early 2016, with prices expected to continue their downward trend at least over the coming couple of months. We may see both commodities breaking significant price points, with WTI oil dropping below US$40, which is only a little way above the breakeven price for some oil producing countries. High oil production and slowing global demand, as well as falling seasonal demand, are behind the latest decline in price.

“Gold is also likely to drop below US$1,000, although we could see some interesting movements during the latter half of 2016.”

Speaking in easy-forex’s latest ‘Hot Topic’ video, Siar also covers global currencies and US stocks. The regularly produced videos are part of easy-forex’s commitment to enabling anyone with an interest to trade. It’s an ethos that has seen the company go from strength to strength since its inception in 2003, with offices now in major financial centres around the world including Shanghai, Limassol, Warsaw and Sydney.

One of the reasons for easy-forex’s success has been its provision of a vast array of training resources for its traders. From training videos to demo accounts, forex ebooks and trading simulators, the company works hard to open up trading to would-be traders around the world. That includes forecasting where currencies are likely to be headed, as Nima Siar continues,

“Last week’s better than expected non-farm payroll figures in the US increased the likelihood of a December interest rate hike which would be the first such move by the Fed since 2007 and is likely to send the dollar surging. With that being said, last week the GBP/USD saw a sharp 2.47% decline, which was its largest this year and many analysts expect sterling to lose further ground in the near term. The next downside target is now looking like 1.47.”

Like many analysts, easy-forex also sees the euro falling further, to 1.0450 against the dollar in the short term.

The picture looks brighter when it comes to US stocks. After the markets rallied hard in October, the seasonal strength of Thanksgiving and Christmas is expected to keep the positive movement flowing until early 2016.

For further details visit www.easy-forex.com, email pr@easy-forex.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).