5 romantic places for Cupid’s arrow to strike this Valentine’s Day

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

With Valentine’s Day approaching, romance is unquestionably in the air. While masses of tourists rush to warmer climes for a short break with their loved ones, savvy property buyers are looking for something a little longer lasting.

According to overseas property marketing expert, Charlotte Ashton, MD of AB Property Marketing, “Investors are increasingly looking for something more for their money – places that will capture their hearts as well as their wallets!”

Ever the romantic, Charlotte divulges her top 5 places for Cupid’s arrow to strike this Valentine’s Day:

While France is a clear first choice, savvy investors are looking beyond the obvious charms of Paris for something more exclusive and idyllic and Le Village – Canal du Midi offers just that. The picturesque region of Languedoc is the location of this active living resort for the over 50s, the first of its kind in France from The Villages Group. The area is brimming with romance. Whether floating along the scenic Canal du Midi, enjoying an intimate dinner for two in an unforgettable bistro in an ancient stone walled city or taking a bike ride and stopping alongside a mineral spring for a picnic while you admire the thatched roofed cottages dotted around the patchwork landscape, the region has it all. With The Village Group’s maisons available from just €215,000, investors can indulge in the amour of France in this delightful bucolic setting.

In neighbouring Spain, Taylor Wimpey España offers a range of properties that will set investors’ hearts on fire. Las Brisas de Alenda in Alicante is a private complex of glamorous three bedroom townhouses set over two floors, with spacious terraces and generous private gardens that are perfect for candle-lit outdoor dining. The Spanish sunshine is ideal for a quiet stroll along the wonderful nearby Costa Blanca beaches or for endless lazy days spent relaxing by Las Brisas de Alenda’s swimming pool.

Another key romantic location for Taylor Wimpey España is Maryvilla, Calpe’s most inviting and peaceful area. Here the Montesol residential complex offers a selection of two bedroom/three bathroom houses with gardens, roof sun terraces and hydro massage baths for ultimate romantic relaxation. The Montesol properties are available from €258,000, while the Brisas de Alenda townhouses start at just €155,000.

For investors looking for romance a little further afield, Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa – the jewel of the Balkan – on Albania’s stunning Adriatic coast is ideal. This magnificent five star resort village offers apartments from as little as €38,000 for a studio, as well as deluxe apartments, all sited against the secluded white sands and crystal clear waters of Lalzit Bay. With spacious designs, beautiful marble interiors and swimming pools/Jacuzzis, the villas offer the height of luxury and romance in a beautiful sheltered setting hidden away from the crowds.

Of course no round up of romantic locations would be completed without a mention of Italy. Long-hailed as one of the world’s most dreamy holiday destinations, Italy offers history, culture, fabulous scenery and fine food and wine. The country’s Le Marche region has all of this and more, with unspoilt hills rolling gently from the Adriatic Sea to the snow-capped peaks of the Sibillini Mountains. Family-run Appassionata has made Le Marche the base for its fractional ownership investment portfolio, centred on the delightful five acre Estate Giacomo Leopardi. Investments in the larger of the two houses on the estate – Casa Leopardi – are currently available for the special price of £175,000 for a one tenth fractional share.

As well as exclusive use of the house, landscaped gardens, swimming pool and all-weather tennis court for five weeks per year, owners receive a share of the produce from the estate’s vineyards, olive groves, truffle orchard and lavender plantation. With stunning panoramic views, this secluded location offers the ultimate romantic getaway for smart investors and also makes the perfect surprise Valentine’s Day gift as three male owners have found.

As if Charlotte’s selection does not offer investors enough romance, she is also eagerly anticipating the launch of A Passion for Homes (www.apassionforhomes.com), the new interactive website for people passionate about property, homes and design. Set to launch on 14th February 2013, the site will offer insights into the latest luxurious properties that are sparking investors’ interest.

————————————ends——————————

Editor’s Notes:
For more information on The Villages Group please visit www.thevillagesgroup.com or call + 33 1 4007 8625.

Taylor Wimpey España can be contacted on 08000 121 020 or 00 34 971 706 244, or by visiting www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

For more information on Lalzit Bay Resort and Spa please contact 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Appassionata can be contacted via 0039 073 465 8775 or by visiting www.appassionata.com.

13 ‘must haves’ in your home for 2013

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

Barton Wyatt, the leading Estate Agent in Virginia Water acts on behalf of high net worth individuals looking for homes in North Surrey and South Berkshire. Their clientele are predominantly those who will fly first class and stay in seven star hotels around the globe.
Second class is not in their vocabulary and these captains of industry, celebrities and even royalty know what they want and make sure they get it. Working with such lucrative buyers on a daily basis, the team at Barton Wyatt have used their unique insight to produce a succinct list of ‘must haves’ for every home in 2013.
1.       Dress to Impress
Literally no one at this high-end level would consider a house without a substantial dressing room in the master suite. A recent study by De’Longhi revealed that 45% of modern women choose a walk-in wardrobe as the ultimate status symbol but Barton Wyatt would put this figure at 100% for their clients and they usually want two – a his and hers versions ideally decked out in beautiful oak paneling. A well fitted and kitted dressing room screams luxury and glamour at prospective buyers.
2.       Time for Tea
The latest in kitchen wizardry is the constant boiling tap. Gone are the days of waiting for the kettle to boil, at the push of a lever choose between filtered boiling and chilled water which appears almost instantly from the same tap. And it is worth mentioning that they can be more economical to run than a conventional kettle which often heats more water than is actually needed.
3.       Thank you for the music
No home is complete without a state of the art music streaming system. Modern homes these days will have speakers cleverly sunk into the ceiling of many of your rooms. These unbelievable music systems will wirelessly manage all your music; you can create playlists and individually control the volume in every room.
4.       Bath time
The absolute luxury for those with enough space in the home is to have a Mr and Mrs bath-suite. Busy executives are likely to be dashing through the bathroom at the same time in the morning and having your own space is as good as it gets for ensuring a calm and peaceful start to the day.
5.       Wine o’clock
A top end home would be incomplete without a wine cellar. Either designed within the basement or quite often fitted as an after build project. A watertight, pre-cast cylindrical system that´s sunk into the ground, it can be located anywhere from kitchen to conservatory, workshop to study. Built to house in the region of 1,500 bottles you might want to consider the fun you would have just filling it! 
6.       We gotta move these colour TV´s
Televisions are one of the items in most homes that have changed more than anything else in the past 10 years. Out with the old bulky CRT and in with massive flat screen 3D HD TVs. The size and sheer number of TV’s in your home will be of great importance to your children even if it is not for you. The new standard size for a home in Wentworth is nothing under 80”, however the 108” models are starting to drop in price and are the new in-thing, it will not be long before ‘whole wall’ models will become the very latest in TV fashion. And a serious show-off you might have their own private cinema room, a TV in the Jacuzzi, the end of the bath or even as a splash back on your cooker!
7.       Get green fingered
There is nothing more impressive to a prospective client than being met by the sight of a fabulously maintained and well thought-out garden. New homes built and not landscaped will not attract the big money. Savvy developers spend huge amounts on planting established trees, box hedging and on occasion some lavish topiary will work wonders for a sale.   With all this greenery going on a built in irrigation system will be a must to keep those lawns the perfect shade of green. The latest new homes are designed with water collection from the roofs and driveway fed into vast underground storage tanks to make sure you are as environmentally friendly as possible.
8.       Petrol Heads
Garaging might seem a little dull and purely functional but let’s be honest if you are living in a multi-million pound home there is a good chance that you will have a few cars floating around and they need housing. The fanciest garages are hidden underground – one particularly fabulous one had a car lift to whisk the cars underground and away from prying eyes. Here below the house was parking for 4 or 5 vehicles at a car friendly temperature to keep them pristine.
9.       Super-size means super quick sale
Traditional homes were built with small rooms to keep them warm but with the advent of under-floor heating and huge capacity boilers small rooms are a thing of the past. The houses that race out the door at Barton Wyatt have massive super rooms up and downstairs that give houses a tremendous feeling of light and space. These rooms will incorporate a lavish kitchen, dining area and seating for many guests as well as huge master bedroom suites. 
10.   A safe as houses
State of the art security is all the rage for your mansion-pad. Your home might not be MI5 HQ but keeping you and the family safe is going to be a priority. With some homes designed with panic rooms, CCTV cameras littered around the grounds and a direct phone to the police, this might seem a little over the top however, for some families, especially royalty, this might be a good investment.
11.   A helping hand
Busy families with busy lives often means a live-in nanny or house keeper is required to keep things ticking over and they will require accommodation. For the absolute best results staff accommodation will include its own entrance and en-suite bathroom with a kitchenette. This way both you and your staff get their own space and this living space can also be used at some point to accommodate an ageing relative or a grumpy teenager.
12.   I’m hanging on the telephone – not any more
The drive for universal mobile phone coverage has seen masts hung from every street corner and disguised as fir trees, clocks and even church windows. Now miniature versions containing a 3G transmitter and receiver have been made available for your living room. Don’t worry the radiation levels are minimal, no more than a regular Wi-Fi router and you can connect the ‘mast’ to your router enabling it to carry the calls, emails and mobile Wi-Fi through your existing broadband connection.
13.   The cupboard was bare
Have you ever dreamed of having too much storage space? Well this is a very in-vogue thing to impress your friends. Throwing open the cupboards of your new home to show them just how much space you have has become a sign of luxury. To be bang on trend the items hanging should all match and be colour coded too!
 
For more information or advice on the 13 ‘must haves’ for your home in 2013 talk to Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or visit www.bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Fury over Property Live closure at Surrey NAEA meeting

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Sparks flew yesterday in usually sedate Surrey as the county’s NAEA members expressed their anger at this week’s announcement of the closure of Property Live. 

 

Attending the quarterly meeting of over 60 Surrey NAEA and ARLA members in Guildford was NAEA MD and President Mark Haywood who acted as ‘messenger’, relaying the Board’s decision to close the association’s Members Only portal at the end of January 2013 due to poor performance.
 
 
Launched 4 years ago and rumoured to have cost Members in excess of £2 million, Property Live was the long-awaited portal dedicated to NAEA members. Well supported across the country and intended to be a real alternative to major portal players, there was widespread disappointment and dismay in Surrey upon hearing about the closure with one member at the meeting exclaiming, “Property Live was the best Member benefit we’ve had for years or maybe even ever!”
 
 
The Board’s decision to cease operations at Property Live from the end of the month was taken after much discussion with low volume of lead generation cited as the reason although concerns over the management and availability of sufficient marketing budgets were also voiced at the meeting by Surrey NAEA members. 
 
 
Surrey NAEA Chairman, James Wyatt, comments, 
 
 
“With over 90% of property buyers starting their search online and the likes of Jessops and HMV going into administration because of the seemingly insatiable growth of online consumerism, it seems madness that the NAEA Board has decided to close the main online presence of the NAEA!
 
 
“Our Members here in Surrey bought into and supported the Property Live model for 4 years with some even cutting ties with the likes of Rightmove and Zoopla, where does that leave them now? As the ones who funded this ambitious project, the Board has a duty to provide a full and detailed explanation about the decision to its Members.”  
 
 
With the NAEA retaining the Property Live URL pending further discussions according to Mark Haywood, questions have already been raised as to the future of the portal? 
 
 
Sentiment was clear in Surrey with Members holding a long heated debate and concluding that a viable commercial future was possible for Property Live but that it needed to be discussed with the Board as a matter of urgency.  
 
 
James Wyatt concludes, 
 
 
“Within minutes of hearing the news about Property Live’s intended closure I received a number of emails from interested parties keen to take the now defunct site on. It will be very interesting to see what steps the Board takes next.”
 
 
So with this latest news of yet another property portal going to the wall, it seems that there’s nothing, even the 14,000 strong members of the NAEA and ARLA, can do to stop the might of the Rightmove and Zoopla – even if it is much to the displeasure of NAEA Members.
 
 
For more information please contact Surrey NAEA Chairman James Wyatt at Barton Wyatt on 01344 843 000 or email jw@bartonwyatt.co.uk.

Top of the Props: Buyers feel Hungary for the first time

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Hungary entered TheMoveChannel.com’s top 10 property destinations for the first time last month, according to the latest Top of the Props report. The country was one of the biggest climbers in the overseas portal’s rankings, rising nine places to become the tenth most popular country with real estate buyers.

 

Hungary accounted for 2.28 per cent of all enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com in November. Its share of enquiries only rose by 1.38 per cent, but that small increase was enough for the country to overtake fellow climber Germany (up by 10 places to 14th) and familiar markets such as Greece and Thailand. Indeed, Hungary received more enquiries than Bulgaria, which has been a regular presence in TheMoveChannel.com’s top 10 since it broke through in summer2011.
 
 
France saw a similar jump in interest, with its share of enquiries increasing by 1.3 per cent. That rise proved equally decisive, as France leapfrogged Portugal to seize third place behind investor favourite Spain. Following the USA’s surprise takeover at the top of the table in October, Spanish property saw its popularity slip again, losing 4.9 per cent of enquiries. Indeed, real estate in Spain accounted for 15 per cent of enquiries, the lowest share recorded by the country since February 2012.
 
 
That dip, combined with France’s rise in popularity, was enough to see the gap between the long-standing eurozone rivals more than halve from 10.8 per cent (October 2012) to 4.53 per cent.
 
 
 
As the end of a financially turbulent year approaches, small shifts in buyer demand are enough to see significant reshuffles in the Top of the Props rankings. Indeed, Cape Verde’s enquiries increased by just 2.01 per cent, causing the country to catapult back into the Top of the Props top 10 – the third time it has been in the top rankings in the last 14 months.
 
 
But a surge in appetite for property in Hungary caused the biggest rumble in the charts. 
 
 
Jean Liggett, Director of Properties of the World, explains the country’s growing appeal:
 
 
“It is not surprising that Hungary has popped into the top 10. Unlike the traditional second home investments including Spain, Portugal and Florida, Hungary has a stable property market where there are no big peaks and troughs, just a very steady growth.
 
 
“Importantly, the growing middle classes in Hungary and its seven adjacent countries of Austria, Slovakia, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia make Hungary an ideal holiday destination as well as an investment opportunity. The middle class of this region like to go on holiday and buy properties in their back yard.”
 
 
The Hungarian government is also focusing on boosting tourism to attract investment into the country, Liggett adds. 
 
 
“With Hungary, one is buying into a whole new culture that is unique in Europe. Thermal therapeutic waters there have created a medical and wellness tourism, which, along with the history, wine and friendly locals, will help Hungary to grow in popularity over the next decade.
 
 
“One of the newest resorts to be developed with this template is Saloc International Resort & Spa situated at Egerszalok in the heart of a famous wine region. The UK based company is developing a resort that will include a Hotel Spa based on calcium thermal waters, sports, a leisure and wellness centre as well as offering a high return for investors.”
 
 
The full breakdown of the top 40 is as follows:
 
 
 
Notes to Editors  
 
 
Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.  
 
 
The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
 
 
Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.
 

Bilbo Baggins invites you to visit his home in Middle Earth – Wizard´s Thatch

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

To coincide with the cinema release of the prequel to ´The Lord of The Rings´ trilogy, ´The Hobbit,´ why not star in your own mystical adventure with a stay at the Wizard´s Thatch?

This award-winning boutique hotel situated in the quaint Cheshire village of Alderley Edge, takes its name from a local legend involving a Wizard, King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

 

Comprising three self-contained luxurious 5 star suites, Wizard´s Thatch is often described by visitors as the home of the mystical hobbit, Bilbo Baggins due to its unique character and interior design.

 

Owner, Ian Lambert explains,

 

"Customers always comment on the spell binding experience of staying here, as like living in a scene from The Lord of The Rings!" They expect Bilbo Baggins to enter and say ´No more adventures please!´ But Wizards Thatch is an adventure – you´ll step back in time and its centuries old aura will cast its spell on you."

 

Aptly named The Wizardry, The Camelot and The Merlin, allow yourself to be swept away by the luxurious magic of each suite. All three hold their own indulgent character, featuring original beams, sumptuous sheepskin rugs and four poster beds draped in red and gold tapestries.

 

Equipped with an LCD TV, DVD and CD player, and radios with iPod docking stations, you can enjoy every modern convenience within a beautiful period property. 

 

This 400 year old thatched cottage lies at the foot of The Edge, a reputed mystical sandstone outcrop which stands guard over the Cheshire Plain at Alderley Edge. It has been described as " Without doubt the most characterful, atmospheric and romantic place to stay in all of England."

 

Alderley Edge is adjacent to beautiful National Trust countryside and at the top of the hill, The Edge has some of the finest views across the Cheshire Plain towards the Peak District. Here lies the famous Wizards Inn along with its old oak and beech woodland. You can see prehistoric and Roman copper mines, visit The Devil´s Grave and treat yourself to a traditional afternoon tea or a glass of a local brew.

 

Nearby are a host of other National Trust properties such as Tatton Park, Little Moreton Hall and Lyme Park – the location of ´Pride and Prejudice.´

 

Manchester International Airport is just minutes away, as well as nearby motorway networks – the M6 & M56, which makes it an ideal central location for visiting the North West.

 

Dogs are allowed strictly by request only, no hobbits.

 

For further details including tariff please phone 07951 602969, email enquiries@wizardsthatch.co.uk or visit www.wizardsthatch.co.uk
 

Investment Watch: Dominican deal rivals Spanish resorts

by World

One Dominican deal rivalled several Spanish resorts last month, reveals TheMoveChannel.com´s latest Investment Watch, as a beach development in Puerto Plata received almost as many enquiries as apartments in Murcia’s La Manga.

Spain remains the top property destination on the site, confirms the monthly report, which proves that apartments in La Manga are irresistible to buyers: the Las Lomas Village resort was the most popular listing in October 2012 for the third month in a row and has been a firm member of TheMoveChannel.com´s top 10 listings since June.

But while Spain dominated the chart, accounting for three of the top 10, last month introduced a surprise contender: the Dominican Republic. One-bed condos in a beachfront complex in Puerto Plata attracted the second highest number of enquiries on the site in October – the first time the country has ever appeared in the Investment Watch rankings.

The resort, located by the tourist magnet of Playa Dorada, combined holiday home appeal with 9 per cent guaranteed rental return to attract buyers´ attention, a package that competed head-to-head with Las Lomas´ fully-managed flats. Indeed, even with Spain´s discounted price tags, up to 50 per cent down on 2007 levels, Puerto Plata´s Palm View Resort was £1,003 cheaper.

Was it just a one-hit wonder? Simon Peck of Best Overseas Property, who are handling the Dominican Republic property, explains its appeal:

"The project continues to sell very well as it is unique for a number of reasons. Firstly, there is genuine 100% funding. Only £6,995 capital is required as a contribution to the closing costs. Secondly, the resort is already built so completion of purchases is generally around 2 months. Investors do not have to wait for a couple of years as they do on most similar resorts. The resort has enjoyed 73% occupancy over the last 12 months and is already 95% booked for this winter´s peak season. The Dominican Republic accounts for one third of all tourism to The Caribbean. Investors from over 20 countries are currently proceeding as the 100% funding is available to all nationalities, subject to status, and the investment with guaranteed returns is cash flow positive from day one."

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson adds: "It´s no coincidence that both of October´s big players are offering 100 per cent funding. The battle of the resorts may rage on, but it proves that in this cash-strapped investment climate, the right finance package can make all the difference."
 

The top 10 investment properties for October 2012 are as follows:

 

 

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack´s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.
 

Glasgow’s multi-billion pound regeneration extends to student housing with the refurbishment of Central House in the city centre

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Scotland’s largest city, home to some 1,750,000 people, Glasgow is a city in constant change. From the significant urban regeneration seen in the 1960’s which resulted in the city being awarded European Capital of Culture status in 1990, to today’s 21st century transformation in the form of the £6 billion Clyde Waterfront Regeneration project, no corner of Glasgow is forgotten and that includes its ever growing student population.

Boasting a rich educational heritage, Glasgow is home to four main universities including the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world, the University of Glasgow with 23,000 students from more than 120 countries. Ranked 3rd in the UK by the International Student Barometer with undergraduate satisfaction levels of 90% and 54 in the QS World University Rankings 2012, the University of Glasgow remains in the top 1% of institutions in the world.

The city does however have a chronic shortage of student accommodation with only 9,395 purpose built beds for 52,255 full time students who attend the four main higher education institutions. As the experts at Jones Lang LaSalle report, “the undersupply of dedicated student accommodation in Glasgow nearly rivals that of London” and the city has been identified as an “undersupplied market” by Savills due to the chronic shortage of 42,760 beds.

As Ray Withers, Chief Executive of multi award-winning property investment agency, Property Frontiers, explains,

“As a rapidly growing university city, attracting both domestic and increasingly international students, the need for purpose built student accommodation is higher than ever. CBRE states that the undersupply could be as high as 9 full time students for every bed space and despite having 2,595 beds in the pipeline, demand far outstrips supply and it is this fundamental imbalance which should drive prices consistently higher.”

Indeed UK student accommodation has never been more attractive to investors with a record breaking £2 billion already ploughed into the sector so far this year according to CBRE data and with local student letting agent, G4 Properties stating that “demand for student accommodation in Glasgow is extremely high and year upon year since 2009 the number of student enquiries that we have dealt with has risen steadily” the outlook looks positive.

Looking to the future, Withers comments,

“Having sold over 500 student property units to date across the UK, we have not only seen the market grow rapidly but also how the demands of today’s higher education student population have shaped the type of purpose built properties being constructed. From small single rooms to ensuites as standard and spacious studio apartments, our research reveals that students’ accommodation expectations have risen considerably in recent years and that is why we are proud to present next generation student living at Central House, Glasgow.”

Exclusively available through Property Frontiers, Central House’s high calibre studios are exactly what today’s students want yet remains one of the lowest priced student studios projects on the market today. Located in the heart of Glasgow city centre, just minutes from the train station, campuses and banks of the Clyde, an existing building will be fully refurbished into 66 self-contained studios available to rent from £125 per week. In addition to the spacious studios, the building will also meet the communal needs of the students with an entertainment and games room, landscaped outdoor terrace, laundry rooms, a concierge and CCTV as well as broadband throughout.

Not only attractive to students but investors alike, Central House offers 9.2% NET yield assured for 3 years as well as full management by the developer with a 15 year track record in residential & student property and local student letting agents, all for a £53,500 requiring a deposit from just £31,750.

With limited units available, contact Property Frontiers today on 01865 202 700 or visit www.propertyfrontiers.com for more information.

 

Investors re-elect America Top of the Props

by Charlotte Ashton United States

Investors have re-elected America Top of the Props, reveals TheMoveChannel.com.

As millions of US residents rushed this morning to pick their President, buyers on the overseas property portal faced no such dilemma in October. Over one in five investors voted for US real estate without question last month, making it the most popular property destination in the world for the first time since December 2011.

The support for US property was so strong that not even Spain, America’s long-standing real estate rival, could compete. After seizing the top job back from the US at the start of 2012, Spanish property saw its biggest share of enquiries yet in September. But despite this late surge in the polls, votes for the US outstripped the eurozone’s most popular destination by 1.01 per cent last month, accounting for a record 20.91 per cent of all enquiries– the largest share ever recorded by a country since Top of the Props reports began.

Turnout was also strong for another young candidate, as investors came out in force for property in the United Arab Emirates. 1.38 per cent of enquiries on TheMoveChannel.com went to UAE real estate. It may be a small percentage but it was enough to push the market up the polls by five places, climbing into TheMoveChannel.com’s Top 10 for the first time, an overwhelming vote of confidence in the Emirates’ stable economy, reinforcing its status as a safe haven for investors.

But even as buyers turn to places as far-flung as Dubai, the world’s spotlight is trained on America. And thanks to key states such as Florida, TheMoveChannel.com’s property ballot only has one clear winner.

Director Dan Johnson comments: “Go back several years and US property always came out on top of TheMoveChannel.com’s polls. It is only in recent years that Spain and the eurozone have dominated the overseas real estate market.

“But over the past year, the US has become the main rival to Spain’s lifestyle appeal. It replaced France as buyers’ second favourite property destination several months ago. Now the country’s recovery is really gathering steam, that demand keeps on increasing. The country’s own figures say it all: sales are up; rental yields are up; housing starts are up; market confidence is up; and investors are hurrying because prices are rising too. Hurricane Sandy’s tragic destruction will set back short-term recovery in certain states on the East Coast, but the national real estate outlook remains positive.”

Johnson adds: “By re-electing Obama, voters are saying that they have faith in the President’s housing policy, that the Democrats are helping the economy to recover. Investors’ votes on TheMoveChannel.com show exactly the same thing. It may have been a closely fought contest, but this month’s Top of the Props is a landslide victory for property in the United States of America.”

The full breakdown of the top 40 is as follows:
 

 

 

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com and the office address is 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Spitalfields, London, E1 6NN.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Property Inspector: Should you buy a haunted house?

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, taking a closer look at global real estate each month.

Do haunted houses give you the creeps? Don’t be afraid of no ghosts, says TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector, because they can be a spooktacular investment – as long as you don’t mind the odd bump in the night. 

In this month’s podcast, the Property Inspector interrogates psychic detective Bonnie Vent, whose website San Diego Paranormal Research allows owners of haunted houses to advertise their home for buyers interested in paranormal properties. And the smart money, Vent reveals, is in bed and breakfasts.

“I’ve had this real estate page up for about 6 years now,” she tells the Property Inspector, “and what I’ve noticed is that haunted bed and breakfasts are where there’s added value. To have a haunted reputation is always a good thing because people like the idea of coming to stay there. It’s very different to wanting to buy a haunted house and live there permanently until death do them part!”

Spooky Lawsuits

But ghosts in the attic can be a real estate curse as well as a blessing. When selling a property, paranormal activity can lead to legal complications – and, in some cases, lawsuits.

“There was a case in the UK, where I think people are much more open to these things than other places. This couple from another area bought a house and they were very excited because they got a great deal and they moved in and the neighbours all said: ‘Oh, so you’re the ones who bought the haunted house!’ Well, it was very commonly known in that area, so the buyers sued the sellers for not disclosing the information and they actually won the case. Not because it was haunted, the courts can’t decide that, but because it was widely known in the local community. So the buyers got out of the property deal.”

Indeed, in the USA, different states have different laws regarding the disclosure of information about properties for sale. Are sellers required to be honest about ghosts?

“There is no law that relates to haunted property,” explains Bonnie, “but there are laws about disclosure of murders and suicide and things of that nature. Now, for example, in the state of California, if there has been a death on the property within the last three years, you have to disclose that. They call them stigmatized homes.”

A little activity goes a long way

The legal euphemism may sound daft, but smart money is often attracted to houses with horrible histories, which tend to sell for less money. Is that discount a result of buyers negotiating, or do sellers have to lower the price to attract investors in the first place?

“If you already know it’s a stigmatized home, usually that’s the agent,” adds Bonnie. “They will go out and get consultants to do a valuation and they have all these formulas they use based upon what happened there.”

Of course, with that lower price comes a higher risk of living in a haunted home. But the odd floating table or two doesn’t bother some investors, she reveals:

“Some people will buy stigmatized homes, not caring or believing if that activity exists, but just to save money! A lot of people contacting me looking for haunted houses are actually looking for cheap houses. They say they’re OK with a little bit of activity as long as it’s Casper: The Friendly Ghost!”

She adds: “In San Diego, we had a very famous incident involving a mass suicide in a mansion and they reduced the value of the house over and over again but nobody wanted it because it had such a bad feel to it. Ultimately, they wound up destroying the house and building something else on the land.”

The Man in the Mirror…?

Sometimes, intrepid buyers can strike lucky and end up with a celebrity spirit under the stairs. Michael Jackson’s former house, which was recently sold, has been associated with paranormal activity ever since his death – something Bonnie has personal experience of.

“There have been reports of lights going on and off without anyone there and music coming out of the house,” she reveals. “A lot of people believe Michael is still there – and I’m one of them. I was in communication with Michael a couple of hours after he passed away. He asked me to take him to the house and walk him through it because he was still confused about what happened, but that’s easier said than done in the living world!”

But even the King of Pop’s ghost can’t stop the paranormal price drops. “They were asking $24m for the mansion,” continues Bonnie. “The purchase price was something between $17 and $20m.”

Not afraid to enter the world of haunted real estate? Bonnie Vent gives TheMoveChannel.com’s Property Inspector her top five tips to picking up paranormal property:

 

Paranormal Activity? 5 Key Tips to Buying a Haunted Home

Always look for logical explanations

“There are tried and true things that people report as paranormal activity. Usually it’s electrical, lights going off and on, that kind of thing. We’ve all grown up with spooky stories and we tend to jump to those as an explanation. On the other hand, it can be very basic things like the wiring’s bad in your house! You always want to look for logical explanations. I had one case where they were experiencing lights going off and on and they were scared, but actually they had a problem with ants. These ants were walking back and forth across an outlet and causing the lights to short circuit!”

Don’t just look at the property

“There are lots of factors you need to look at – it may not be the house, it may be the property it sits on. Paranormal activity could even be caused by people in the house. Poltergeist activity, for example, a lot of that comes with teenagers. They’re emotionally upset because of the hormones and that energy goes out into the atmosphere and lingers, because we’re made of energy as living beings. And the same is true of those that have passed over. They retain their personalities. Some like to linger because they really love their home and don’t want to leave and others have unfinished business or are looking for some form of resolution. It becomes a complicated issue when you sell the house because the new owner may come into the home and not experience anything whatsoever.”

Beware of spooky vibes – even in fake haunted houses

“I used to work with someone very heavily involved in the haunted house attraction industry. I went to a convention and talked to these people. They’re known as ‘haunters’.  Now, these haunters will look for spooky looking houses. You don’t have to be psychic to feel a spooky vibe and they look for that and augment it. So sometimes when you’re going through a fake haunted house, people have actual experiences… “

Be careful who you sue

“There was another case in the United States in New Jersey that wound up on a television show, and I think made the press in the UK too. It was the first case where someone sued over not being told that their house had paranormal activity. It was a rental case and the judge said there was no way the court could rule on whether the property was haunted or not – they lost the case and had to pay three months’ rent!”

Do your research

“If you’re trying to avoid a situation where maybe there’s something wrong with a property, then as always, if it looks too good to be true and the price is really cheap and you can’t figure out why, you might want to check the home’s history…”

Click here to listen to the full investigation, or subscribe to the TheMoveChannel.com’s podcast in iTunes.

Notes to Editors

Founded in 1999, TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with than 400,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

The website address is http://www.TheMoveChannel.com  and the office address is 45 Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2LX.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.

Property Inspector image courtesy of Snowshot.
 

How to make a smooth move to the best place to live in Europe

by Charlotte Ashton World

Imagine sitting out on the terrace of your stunning apartment, enjoying a beautiful view of the sea accompanied by the cool summer breeze gently passing against your face. Is it any wonder then that this dream lifestyle is so highly sought after, with Portugal recently being voted the best place to live in Europe and 3rd best in the world according to a survey carried out by Natwest Bank.

The desire for a better life has led more and more people, particularly British citizens, to move abroad, with Portugal working hard to become an attractive destination for wealthy, highly qualified individuals who are prepared to invest and work in the country. As a result of Portugal’s charm and quality of life, the nation remains in the top 5 property destinations for property buyers according to data from overseas property portal, TheMoveChannel.com, ranking 4th in September 2012.
Ben Taylor, author of new book ‘Moving to Portugal’ comments,
“When it comes to moving abroad, Portugal has long ranked as a popular location, with many expats choosing The Algarve for its 300 days of sunshine per year, 200km of coastline and quality housing.
“Relocating overseas it is a big step and is something that needs a lot of consideration. For my wife and I, Portugal made the ideal overseas living destination with quaint villages, beautiful beaches and easy access to friends and family back in the UK. Moving here was one of the best decisions we ever made, but at times it was tough. Our book documents the life of two people who have been through the whole experience – we think the best advice comes from the people who have lived through it and came out the other end.”
For those thinking about relocating abroad why not take a look at Ben Taylor’s top ten tips to ensure a smooth move.
1. Choose the Right Area
There’s no such thing as too much research when moving abroad. Find out all there is to know about your chosen destination and consider the fact that a place that is perfect for holidays may not be so ideal for year round living.
2. Visit Several Times
You must see your intended new home at its worst as well as its best – this means visiting in the depths of winter as well as the heat of summer.
3. Research the Employment Situation
Never move abroad without knowing exactly how you are going to support yourself. Many dream destinations (including Portugal) are places where employment is extremely scarce. Don’t be one the many expats who returns home penniless after just a few months.
4. Join the Forums
You will find expat Internet forums for every conceivable destination. Join them, get involved, and get to know people who have already made the move. These people can be a great source of information and support.

5. Think of the Practicalities
You must know all the details about healthcare, taxation, motoring and education. For example, someone moving to Portugal should know that healthcare isn’t an automatic entitlement (until social security is being paid), and that cars are far more expensive than in most other European countries. Research is the only thing that can protect against unpleasant surprises.
6. Decide what to Take
Shipping goods costs money, but so does re-buying things. As soon as you know you are moving, it is time to take stock and make some big decisions. Few expats look back and wish they had shipped more possessions – most find themselves with boxes still unpacked years later.
7. Consider Renting
If you own property in your home country, you can always rent it out on a temporary basis, and do the same abroad until you are sure you are making the right decision. There’s no need to burn all bridges.
8. Try more than one Area
If you do decide to rent initially, there’s nothing to stop you trying 6-12 months in a number of locations – perhaps you can’t decide between country and seaside living, so why not experience both?
9. Leave Cleanly
You can avoid plenty of hassle down the line by making sure your departure is organised – speak to the local tax authorities, obtain copies of medical records and set up mail redirections. You may, however, wish to leave bank accounts open, in case they prove difficult to reopen if you move back.
10. Learn the Language
It is said that you will never truly appreciate a country’s culture until you speak its language. Absorb yourself in the language of your new home and make every attempt to learn – it’s only polite, and your new neighbours will appreciate it.
For more top tips or information about the author, Ben Taylor, who describes himself as ‘an aspiring travel writer, competent cook, Microsoft certified techno-geek, music obsessive, and recent migrant from rainy London to sunny Portugal’ why not read his award-winning blog – Moving to Portugal (www.movingtoportugal.org), call +44 208 133 5244 or email ben@movingtoportugal.org.
To order the book in paperback (RRP £8.99): http://tinyurl.com/portugalbook
To order the Kindle version (RRP £5.45): http://tinyurl.com/portugalkindle