Invitation: Discover how to capitalise on the Capital’s thriving hotel market at an exclusive London Hotel Investors Evening

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Well-respected property investment company Property Frontiers would like to invite you to join them at one of the Capital’s most prestigious landmarks to find out how you can capitalise on London’s booming hotel market.

Completely free to attend, the seminar will demonstrate how investors can achieve double digit returns from their latest opportunity– The Royal Albert Dock Hotel, branded by Holiday Inn Express – whilst enjoying the most spectacular views London has to offer from the iconic Gherkin in the heart of the city.

Here you will learn about one of the most lucrative investment opportunities yet, where as an investor you can purchase a hotel room on a 199 year leasehold for £125,000 and along with an established Holiday Inn Express brand, can enjoy a projected 10.5% net income by year 5 as well as a defined exit strategy.

At the highest private members club in London on the 38th floor, Property Frontiers chief executive Ray Withers and his team as well as their development partner Alliance Group invites you to ask any questions you may have about their project face to face whilst enjoying complimentary drinks.

With limited pre-launch units remaining and a price increase due imminently, please RSVP by Monday 28th November 2011 to Charlotte Ashton on +44 (0) 207 952 7227 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk to confirm your attendance at this exclusive London hotel investor’s evening.

Guaranteeing buyer interest: Think Online Property’s Top tips for best describing your property

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

Rudyard Kipling, once said “words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind” and never was this truer than in the property sales world where promises of the perfect home are pledged to the potential buyer. However, on occasion ‘perfection’ isn’t always the case leading to the consumer watchdog, Office of Fair Trading (OFT), recently warning estate agents against failing to mention a property´s genuine characteristics early on.

Of course, vendors want to ensure a sale with many asking “what’s the best way I can sell my house?” Indeed, the journey begins by reaching for the thesaurus and deciding on what attention grabbing words can be used to paint the most attractive picture of the property.

With OFT claiming that some agents appear to be providing “misleading” information and are failing to meet the relevant consumer protection law, high street estate agents are now tightening their lips a little, wanting to ensure that they do not create a misleading impression of a property.

Peter Joseph, Founder and MD of Think Online Property, a leading online estate agent, comments,

“At Think Online Property, our approach to selling is a little different. As well as our handy new free value my home tool we also offer a great service that delivers an accurate description of your property. Once the seller has provided us with their own listing, we edit the information in such a way that focuses on best highlighting the properties genuine characteristics using carefully selected attention grabbing words.”

For those looking for some helpful advice on how to make a private house sale, award winning online estate agents and property description wizards Think Online Property has these essential tips to answer the question “how do I sell my home?”

TOP Tip 1 – State good characteristics of your area

It is always a good idea to mention a distinctive characteristic of your area or road, for example “A charming period house set in a quiet tree lined road in the popular area of Leigh on Sea.” If your area holds local events or has a great community spirit this might also be worth a mention.

TOP Tip 2 – List nearby services

If you are located near a great school, make sure you say so. So many schools have good Ofsted reports these days, so if a school close to you has a respectable academic record, include it in your listing.

Additionally, good transport links are often a vital consideration when buying property so if your home is situated reasonably close to a train station, tube line or has accessible roads then it is worth mentioning. For example “easy access to the A127 provides easy and quick access to London “.

TOP Tip 3 – Everybody needs good neighbours

Unless your property is detached, neighbours will be a consideration for potential buyers. If you do have delightful neighbours make sure you point it out. The more personal you can make a listing sound the more the reader will imagine themselves in your property.

TOP Tip 4 – List the Key Selling Points

Some things that are worth giving extra personal details on are any of the ‘key’ selling points that everyone looks for when buying a property.

ABPM now representing The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France

by Charlotte Ashton France

AB Property Marketing, the UK based leading property PR agency, is pleased to announce the representation of The Villages Group – a new concept for active over 50’s living in France.

Brought to the market by established marketers/developers Property Direct France, the concept for The Villages Group has taken four years of research and development to create the first active living resorts in France dedicated to the over 50’s. Designed for living, the Villages situated near existing French communities in Bordeaux / Perigord, Canal du Midi and Provence offer one-level eco-friendly homes set within outstanding natural environments with full on-site amenities.

Danny Silver, MD of The Villages Group, explains,

“The Villages Group draws inspiration from the established +50 active living resorts which have become so popular in the US and Australia.  Accommodating only residents of 50 years and above, The Villages are geared up for active living with purposefully no medical or nursing facilities on-site. All Villages are English speaking and bring together like-minded people looking to enjoy the wonderful French way of life.”

Sales begin in mid-2012 with houses from €165,000 in three stunning locations across southern France, owners of homes at The Villages are able to fully enjoy all on-site amenities including tennis courts, gymnasium, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and quality entertainment. Uniquely residents do not only own the land and freehold title of the property but also a full equal shareholding of the entire Village.

Charlotte Ashton, Director of AB Property Marketing, comments,

“Having worked with Mr Silver and the Property Direct France team before we are very excited to be promoting this new concept. France remains one of the most sought after second home and indeed relocation destinations in the world with more and more people attracted to the relaxed pace of life, charming natural landscapes and lower cost of living.

“Dedicated communities for over 50’s have been well established in other western nations and it is exciting to be able to introduce this to France.”

For more information or media enquires on the active lifestyle living concept, The Villages and indeed locations in which they are situated please contact the team at ABPM on + 44 (0) 207 952 7227 / + 44 (0) 1737 222 334 or c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk. High res masterplan images and expert market comment are also available upon request.
 

Top of the Props: Germany gains buyers’ trust

by Charlotte Ashton Germany

Germany is earning property buyers’ trust, this month’s Top of the Props report from TheMoveChannel.com suggests. Germany has entered the top ten most popular property destinations for the first time ever, as the country offers a reassuringly stable market for investors.

Germany jumped four places in the overseas property portal’s rankings to take the tenth spot, joining the familiar faces of Spain, France, Portugal and the USA. Germany accounted for 2.19 per cent of all enquiries received by TheMoveChannel.com in September, replacing the small island of Cape Verde, which dropped 12 places after its surprise entry into the top ten last month.

Unlike the short-term surge of interest in Cape Verde’s smaller economy, the popularity of German property has been growing for some time. An established member of the Eurozone, Germany has been consistently drawing more enquiries from investors for three months in a row, rising seven places in TheMoveChannel.com’s chart since July.

Director Dan Johnson comments: “The high yields and low prices have long made German real estate a recognised investment for property buyers, but it seems that the wider climate of uncertainty across Europe is pushing buyers to consider more stable markets, such as Germany.

"Consumer debt is relatively low and the inherently more cautious banks are somewhat less likely to get drawn into the debt crisis than their European counterparts and it´s maybe this longer term security that is inspiring confidence in buyers.”

Berlin Capital Investments explained Germany’s growing appeal: “The property market has shown investors that there is a safe and secure option in Europe. Berlin property prices have grown 7 per cent in the last 12 months and this coupled with a strong demand for high class rental apartments make Berlin a very attractive investment opportunity.”

With interest in Europe’s traditional markets on the up, the newest member of TheMoveChannel.com´s top ten is a sign that trust is returning to some areas of the Eurozone.

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 45 Lafone Street, Shad Thames, London, SE1 2LX.

Contact Dan Johnson on 0207 952 7650 for further information.
 

ABPM now representing award-winning online estate agency – Think Online Property

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

Leading property PR agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd (ABPM) is proud to announce representation of Think Online Property, the award-winning online estate agent offering  vendors an easy, stress free alternative method of selling their home from as little as £345, VAT FREE!

Headed up by Peter Joseph, Owner of established award-winning Essex based high street estate agent, Think Property, Think Online Property is looking to the future of the property sales process, in effect removing the middle-man, the high street estate agent, and marketing individuals’ properties directly, using the same online tools as traditional estate agents.

As Peter Joseph explains,

“With the average estate agent’s fee for selling a property in the UK at £3,500, we think it’s time for a change, and with over 90% of buyers now starting their property search online, that is exactly what we are doing. Think Online Property offers the ultimate combination for a private house sale – an outstanding traditional estate agency with the latest full marketing on all the major property portals and online media sites, complete transparency and a service we feel is second to none for a fraction of the normal industry fees.”

Vendors can select from three fantastic value Price Options starting from just £345 depending on how much they wish to pay upfront. Vendors submit their property details to Think Online Property whose NAEA qualified team ensure the property is marketed on all major UK property portals including Rightmove, Primelocation, FindaProperty, Zoopla, Globrix, Nestoria and Fish4homes in addition to many more.

Utilizing the popular Gold package of £345 paid up front with 12 months of flexible marketing and no other selling costs payable upon completion, vendors can save up to £4,150 in fees on the sale of a typical £250,000 home. In addition each client is assigned a qualified Think Online Agent, a free “value my home” report, professional and unlimited photography, bespoke floorplans, arrangement of viewings, handling and negotiating of offers, full buyer check including verification of financial position and a weekly sales progression report once a sale has been agreed.

Charlotte Ashton, Director of ABPM, comments,

“We are delighted to be working with Think Online Property, offering a refreshing and innovative alternative method of selling your house. Traditional estate agent fees of 1.5% can add a considerable amount to vendor’s budgets and in these times of current economic hardship a more affordable option I’m sure will be welcomed by many.”

Peter Joseph is available for interview on the role of online estate agents in today’s market place as well as commentary on specific markets and sales trends. In addition testimonials of the Think Online Property service and case studies are available upon request.

For more information please visit www.thinkonlineproperty.co.uk, call 0844 381 4787 or read the Think Blog.
 

The perfect match: How Golf properties have bucked the trend and proved resilient for investors

by Charlotte Ashton World

Mediterranean countries such as Spain have been at the forefront of developing golf properties catering for a largely northern European market, one that wishes to combine golf with a pleasant and reliable climate. Indeed, for many savvy buyers, purchasing a golf property is usually a decision made more on the quality of life enhancements which add to the location´s value and desirability than about putting balls.

In Spain, while KPMG’s Golf Benchmark Survey reveals that under half (49%) of golf courses in Europe, the Middle East and Africa were profitable in 2010, properties on golf courses have still  fared better than other comparable properties on the coast in the face of economic hardship seeing properties without a golf environment decrease 30% – 35% in value in comparison to a 20%  maximum decrease in price for a golf property.

But what is it that draws many property hunters to the greens and fairways of a golf course?

Even though three-quarters of British buyers do not play the game, there are still a number that do, with KPMG’s Golf Benchmark study revealing that the number of players in Europe, Middle East and Africa has been growing at around 5% every year for the last two decades, highlighting the popularity of the game.

Meanwhile, in response to huge demand for golfing holidays, Spain has one of the widest selections of golf properties to choose from, many of which have developed into golfing ‘communities’, offering sophisticated outdoor living without the isolation. It is the ideal environment for the young, growing families and even those in retirement, simply because it offers community spirit, wide open spaces, access to a course, club houses, restaurants and other amenities with many communities offering special course membership rates and green fees to the homeowners and impeccable maintenance of the surroundings helping the property keep its value.

From a financial perspective, a property on a golf course can be a very sound investment. Golf is a game that can be played throughout most of the year, giving opportunities to generate a year-round rental income from the masses that demand a golfing holiday including not only the British but local Spaniards, Scandinavians and Germans. In particular in the last two years, people from northern European countries with other currencies stronger than the Euro have started to demand and buy golf properties along the Costa del Sol helping prices remain stable during 2010 and 2011.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of leading house builder Taylor Wimpey de España, comments,

“Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole course designed by the Spaniard Severiano Ballesteros who is considered one of the best players in the world, is one example of a quality golf course that has performed remarkably well.  We developed and sold during the last 11 years more than 1,200 apartments, villas and detached villas in Los Arqueros Golf Course. This year Los Arqueros celebrates its 20th anniversary and we are very proud to be in the official ranking of the Costa del Sol as the 3rd most popular golf course of 2011.”

So if you’re thinking about buying a golf property in Spain to perfect your swing or fill your pockets from rental opportunities why not take a look at what’s on offer:

Los Altos del Golf is a Taylor Wimpey de España development located in Andratx, Mallorca nestled in the heart of the golf course. It consists of 16 large detached houses split into 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties. All the properties have generous proportions and offer either spectacular golf or sea views.

The development has been designed in the style of a small Mediterranean village with coloured façades, verandas, spacious terraces, gardens and 3 communal swimming pools. These properties are available now from €489.000. Contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com  for more information.  If you reside outside of the UK you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

La Quinta Golf & Country club brought to you from Spain’s leading internet based estate agency, Spanish Hot Properties affords 2 bed and 2 bath apartments and villas from €555,000 in one of the most important golfing centres in Europe and one of the most popular clubs on the Spanish Costa del Sol hosting the Ladies European tour from the 15th to the 18th September 2011 as well as the European Senior Tour from the 27th to the 30th October 2011. For more information contact Spanish Hot Properties on 0207 558 8355 or visit www.spanishhotproperties.com.

Lastly, award winning estate agent Barton Wyatt brings you golfing heaven at Arcos Gardens. Located in Jerez, Spain, Arcos Gardens range from 2 en suite bedroom townhouses with prime views to 3 bedroom villas and the luxuriously appointed 4 bedroom villas overlooking the 10th and 17th holes and surrounding countryside, with their own communal pools and golf membership worth €30,000. Prices start from €354,400 to €1,411,100. For more information, please contact Barton Wyatt on 01344 843000 or visit www.bw-international.com.

The secret is out! Established UK and Overseas property investment agency, Property Secrets, appoints AB Property Marketing

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

Property Secrets, the established and highly respected property investment agency dedicated to offering exceptional and valuable advice and guidance to those looking towards taking on property investments, has appointed market leading PR agency, AB Property Marketing.

Working closely with Owner, Director and experienced property investor, Alan Forsyth and the team at Property Secrets, AB Property Marketing will be shouting loudly about the companies’ ethos of ‘unveiling the truths of property investments’ both in the domestic market and overseas.

Alan Forsyth, Director, comments,

“We at Property Secrets hold a wealth of information on investing in property and offer advice and guidance to our clients through our extensive due diligence and personal experience. Our aim is to educate investors and therefore we produce up to date books such as ‘Buy to Let Secrets 2011’, ‘Property Tax Secrets’ and ‘Property Auction Secrets’ as well as Market Profile and Performance Reports, daily news posts on our website, regular e-newsletters, blogs, videos, seminars and forums.”

From their Head Office in Nottingham, Property Secrets offers a number of high yielding buy-to-let investments primarily in the north of the UK including Liverpool, Manchester, Hull, Newcastle and Glasgow as well as attractive deals overseas in cities such as Detroit and Istanbul.   They also present refurbishment projects for clients to invest – with recent successes in Cornwall and North Wales.

Commenting on ABPM’s appointment, Director Charlotte Ashton remarks,

“We are delighted to be appointed as the PR representatives of Property Secrets. Having known the company since its inception we have seen the client base grow and grow as has the range of investment opportunities available. It is a pleasure to be working with such a knowledgeable and proactive team.”

What can Property Secrets offer the media?

  • Expert comment and opinion on a wide range of markets from Director Alan Forsyth
  • The very latest UK and Overseas property news from the team of experts
  • Insight into UK property trends, buy-to-let and student accommodation
  • Detailed product information
  • High resolution imagery
  • Case studies
  • Interviews
  • Seminar speaking
  • B2B comment for trade press

For more information on Property Secrets or Media Requests please contact Charlotte at ABPM on c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk, call + 44 (0) 845 054 7524 or visit the ABPM Media Centre at http://www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk/html/media_centre.php.

Emerging market specialist property agency, Gem Invest, appoints AB Property Marketing

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom ,

Established international property PR & Marketing agency, AB Property Marketing Ltd, is delighted to announce that it has been appointed by emerging market specialist agency, Gem Invest.

With offices in London and Cyprus, Gem Invest utilises years of experience to presents clients with the very best investment opportunities with the minimum of risk. Focusing on emerging markets led by domestic demand for rentals and resales, Gem Invest offers investment opportunities in Turkey (primarily the economic powerhouse of Istanbul), Cyprus, France, Romania, Hungary and the UK.

Alexander Tomlinson, Director of Gem Invest, comments,

“Gem Invest was created with the specific aim of sourcing affordable and secure overseas investment property for clients who wanted to be in a position to make an informed decision. We undertake extensive research into each overseas properties investment we market and unless the deal ticks all our boxes we will not present it to our Clients, most importantly we also look at the exit strategy.”

Having over 6 years experience in promoting property in emerging markets such as Turkey, Romania and Hungary as well as more established destinations including France, Cyprus and the UK, AB Property Marketing will assist Gem Invest with their Marketing strategy as well as lead generation and brand profile through Public Relations.

Commenting on the appointment, AB Property Marketing Director, Charlotte Ashton, enthuses,

“We are delighted to have been appointed by Gem Invest to represent them in the UK and Ireland. Gem Invest offer so much more than standard overseas investment agencies with research, due diligence and client care at the heart of their business. We are very much looking forward to helping them set a new benchmark for quality in this industry.”

What can Gem Invest offer the media?

  • Timely, newsworthy press information on emerging markets including Turkey, Cyprus, France, Hungary, Romania and the UK
  • Expert market comment and opinion from Director Alexander Tomlinson
  • Detailed product information
  • High resolution imagery
  • Interviews
  • B2B comment for trade press

For more information about Gem Invest and all media enquiries please contact Charlotte at AB Property Marketing on + 44 (0) 0845 054 7524 / +44 (0) 7968 779663 or email c.ashton@abpropertymarketing.co.uk.

For the highest rental returns this season look to French ski property in the Three Valleys

by Charlotte Ashton France

 

Dig out those snow boots, dust off those skis and practice those parallel turns – the 2010/2011 ski season is just around the corner. But with hundreds of resorts to choose from, where is the best place to buy a French ski property?
According to the latest data from leading holiday rental site, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, investors seeking high rental incomes should look at the Three Valleys which boasts the highest average weekly rental rate of £1,200 for a 2 bedroom chalet.
Despite ranking fourth most popular resort within the French Alps by number of enquiries, the Three Valleys, home to the prestigious ski resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires, trumps neighbouring Tignes Sainte Foy, Les Arcs and Portes du Soleil where average rental incomes are only £1,130, £970 and £960 per week respectively.
Ed Scott, ski enthusiast and French Alps property expert at Experience International, comments,
“It’s not hard to see why chalets in Les Trois Vallées or Three Valleys are so popular. It’s the largest ski area in the world with more than 600km of ski slopes, 120km for cross-country skiing and 183 ski lifts. With a top elevation of 3,230m, snowfall in the Three Valleys is very reliable but just in case there are 1,920 snow cannons in place.”
The resort of Les Menuires, located in the Belleville valley of Les Trois Vallées, in particular offers French ski property owners strong rental incomes. Situated at an altitude of 1,850m, the vibrant resort enjoys a long ski season thus maximising rental potential. Most ski slopes start or finish close to the town creating a friendly and lively atmosphere in the piste-side bars and restaurants and the resort is very popular with the French as well as international visitors.
Les Chalets du Doron, with its picturesque riverside setting, has proved some of the most sought after French ski property for sale. Comprising two individual chalets, the charming architecture of these properties will reflect the traditions of the region and blend with the natural stunning Alpine landscape. The ski lift is located less than a 10 minute walk enabling easy access to the slopes.
Only two luxury chalets remain at Les Chalets du Doron from €780,000 for a 2/3 bed and €1,250,000 for a 3/4 bed. For more information about this superb French ski property development contact the experts at Experience International on + 44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk. 
 

El Gouna shines as Egyptian holiday hotspot

by Charlotte Ashton Egypt

 

Despite the global downturn, it seems that Egypt remains one of the most sought-after holiday destinations with a 13% increase in the number of British visitors according to the latest data from the ONS’s International Passenger Survey.
 
Comparing British passenger numbers to the same time last year, the UK Office for National Statistics revealed substantial growth in the number of all-inclusive holidays to Egypt booked by Britons.
 
The Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada remained popular but according to leading holiday rental site, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals, it is the area just north of Hurghada, El Gouna, which is shining as the Egyptian holiday hotspot with a 92% rise in booking enquiries so far in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
 
Steven Worboys, MD of Egypt property experts, Experience International, remarks,
 
“El Gouna is a beautiful, up and coming resort on the Red Sea coast offering an unrivalled lifestyle. With 10km of golden sandy beaches, islands, crystal clear lagoons and a warm year round climate, it really is the perfect holiday destination.”
 
El Gouna’s popularity as an exclusive tourism destination is reflected in the high demand for rental accommodation. According to HomeAway Holiday-Rentals data, the average weekly rate for a 2 bedroom property in El Gouna is £480, considerably higher than nearby Hurghada at £270 and Sharm el Sheikh at £280, which should excite property owners.
 
One development in particular which is proving an investor’s dream due to its premium location and 2 year rental guarantee is Ancient Sands Golf Resort. Set around an 18-hole Karl Litten designed championship golf course the spacious homes of Ancient sands afford stunning views of the mountains, golf course and crystal clear lagoon waters.
 
Highly popular, buildings 1 and 2 are already sold out however studio apartments are now available in building 5 from £117,000. There are a wide variety of amenities on-site including spa centre, Quintessentially concierge service, restaurants, bars, swimming pools, tennis academy and children’s play area.
 
For more information about buying in the Egyptian holiday hotspot of El Gouna please contact the experts at Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.co.uk.