AB Property Marketing wins Taylor Wimpey de España Public Relations Account

by Charlotte Ashton Spain ,

 

Specialist property public relations agency, AB Property Marketing, has won the prestigious Taylor Wimpey de España account adding to their overseas property client portfolio.
Taylor Wimpey de España, part of Taylor Wimpey plc, is the only major UK house developer in Spain and currently they are one of the only developers to be building and launching new property developments in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca.
Víctor Sague, Sales & Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España comments,
“2010 benchmarks over 50 years that Taylor Wimpey have been building in Spain. Since the company’s establishment in Mallorca the company has developed to fulfil client demands, expanding into the costas on the mainland and also broadening the product offering. One thing the company has never lost sight of is its ingrained ethos of ‘peace of mind’. The exceptional customer service and the delivery of quality properties have meant that more recently we have emerged from the recession, a slightly trimmer version of what we were 5 or 10 years ago but as strong and reliable as ever.
Moving forward we are making key partnerships to assist us in maintaining and developing the brand and driving sales leads. We know from client feedback that the desire to buy abroad is still there and that our customers are happy with Taylor Wimpey de España, 98% surveyed said they would buy with us again. So we are looking to reach out to new customers, nurture our owner relationships and increase our visibility in the market as it stands today. One of the ways we intend to do this is through promoting the company through the UK and Irish media and from AB Property Marketing’s proven track record of delivering PR results we are confident working with them will help us achieve this.”
Amanda Sharples, Director or AB Property Marketing continues,
“On behalf of the ABPM team, we are looking forward to working with such an established and reputable developer, they are certainly a prestigious brand and have proven themselves a reliable developer in Spain. We have identified several areas in which to aim for increased media reach and publicity on and offline for Taylor Wimpey de España in order to further enhance the brand and to generate sales leads. Above all it is always a pleasure to work with such positive and professional people in the industry.
For further information about Taylor Wimpey de Espana, services and properties or alternatively to enquire about public relations services contact AB Property Marketing on 01737 222334 or visit www.abpropertymarketing.co.uk.
Agents please contact Taylor Wimpey de España on 08000 121 020 or contact the UK Agent Manager directly on marc.pritchard@es.taylorwimpey.com . Visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com.

Groundbreaking new Dominican Republic resort commences construction

by Charlotte Ashton Dominican Republic

The close of 2008 saw a new beginning for an exciting project in the Dominican Republic, with the laying of the first stone at the prestigious Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort.

On the 29th December, the President of the Dominican Republic Leonel Fernández and Prince Albert II of Monaco were joined by government ministers, officials and Punta Perla president Ricado Miranda for the initial ground breaking and stone laying ceremony at the site of this much-anticipated new resort.
The Punta Perla Resort will be focussed around the principle of luxurious living and is set to have something for everyone – with high hopes of bringing increased tourism and spending to the Dominican Republic economy. As President Fernández recognised at the launch ceremony, the timing of the start of the new project is heartening for the country,
“Dominicans will emerge victorious thanks to the climate of peace and the investment projects in the pipeline”.
This positive feeling exemplifies a hope for the future that the project represents for the people of the Dominican Republic which, given the difficult financial times of late, is most welcome.
As construction of the Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort commenced, eyes were drawn to the project’s plans for the future – ambitious and exciting plans that include three signature golf courses, the construction of one of the largest inland marinas in the Caribbean, a luxury Beach Club with swimming pool carved into a coral base at the edge of the sea, an equestrian centre, championship polo club, tennis club, aqua park, casino and cinema and shopping complex. And with ‘green’ features that include the harvesting of rainwater and the recycling of grey water for irrigation, the resort is set to be an impressive project, that has already captured the hearts of many – including Prince Albert II who is said to be impressed by the resort as an example of environmentally-friendly tourism that will act as the blueprint for similar projects in the future.
The start of construction at Punta Perla comes at an exciting time for the Dominican Republic, with the last quarter of 2008 having seen a huge $10.4 billion investment in the tourism sector, and the Dominican Republic Tourism Ministry reporting the highest ever number of tourists visiting the country – at 4.3 million. This has lead to Minister Francisco Javier Garcia saying that,
“tourism is consolidating itself as the ´locomotive´ of economic development in the Dominican Republic”, not only excellent news for residents, but also for those looking to invest in new projects such as the Punta Perla Resort.
Mark Andrew, Managing Director of Emerging Earth who are master agents for the development, agrees,
“With positive results having been reported in the Dominican Republic tourism market in 2008 and funding of the sector increasing further still in 2009, the numbers of people visiting the country to take full advantage of its tropical climate, rich culture and pristine sugar-coloured sands are on target to grow and grow. This is therefore an excellent time to invest to fully benefit from the projected increase in visitor numbers and the Punta Perla Resort with its great choice of properties and facilities that are second to none.”
The Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort boasts a wide variety of different property types throughout its beach, marina, tropical gardens and golf complex, from one, two and three bedroom apartments, two and three bedroom villas and two bedroom bungalows, to one and two bedroom townhouses and two and three bedroom penthouses. All properties are set within the gated resort with private terraces, private Jacuzzis / splash pools, marble and solid wood flooring throughout, air conditioning and kitchen appliances. Properties also come with the added benefit of no stamp duty, capital gains tax or tax on rental income payable and investors can also opt for an 8% guaranteed rental return over five to ten years. Prices start at £163,550 / $245,000 to £935,280 / $1,400,000.
For more information on the new Punta Perla Golf, Marina and Spa Resort contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.

Getting the best of both worlds – investing in Apart-Hotels

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

Now, more so than ever, there is a myriad of ways in which to purchase property, be it freehold, leasehold, through fractional ownership or as part of a fund or syndicate. But in today´s financial climate, investing in Apart-Hotels is increasingly becoming an attractive method of purchasing property for the long term whilst accumulating money in the short term.

Apart-Hotels are a cheaper alternative to staying in a traditional hotel yet combine the benefits of serviced hotel living with the flexibility and space of an apartment. Stays are booked through familiar hotel booking systems and expected hotel services such as room and maid service are available. They are proving particularly popular with families on holiday wanting additional space, privacy and the option of self-catering, businesspeople working overseas and early stage relocators. The new Caracola Beach & Spa Resort on Isla Margarita is such an Apart-Hotel development which is appealing to investors looking to capitalise on the burgeoning tourism market,
Isla Margarita is a small island off the Venezuelan coast blessed with sandy beaches and plentiful sunshine. It is becoming increasingly popular with Europeans and Britons in particular, who are now the third most important overseas tourist market. The 50 plus beaches dotted around the 106 mile coastline, coupled with the fact that 94% of days feature at least six hours of sunshine, make the island an affordable and exciting alternative to the traditional Mediterranean destinations.
The island is easily accessible from North, Central and South America as well as Europe. Visitor numbers were 2.3 million in 2007, a high figure compared to the population of just 436,000. The island is famed for its water sports, particularly wind and kite surfing but also boasts exceptional tax-free shopping, an outstanding 18 hole golf course, scuba diving and snorkelling facilities, as well as hiking amongst the varied scenery which ranges from mountainous rainforests to sand flats.
The Apart-Hotel properties available at the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort are modern and stylish and located in an area with a shortage of high quality accommodation. All rooms will be furnished, come with air conditioning and will be built to exacting standards. The resort, built frontline on one of the most beautiful and picturesque beaches on the island, will also be close to restaurants, shops and other amenities. The properties will be fully managed by the resort to ensure high standards, making them a genuine ‘arm-chair investment’ for short as well as long term letting if desired.
The concrete benefits of the Caracola Resort are also matched by the financial ones. The Apart-Hotel investment scheme allows those who take part to enjoy the very attractive taxation benefits afforded to islanders; indeed, the island is a duty and tax haven. Investment in the Caracola Beach Resort is also compatible with the self-invested personal pension plan (SIPP), allowing purchasers choice in how to invest. .
Mark Andrew, Managing Director of Emerging Earth, comments:
“Isla Margarita is a beautiful, tropical destination and our Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is set to take advantage of the expected increase in travel and tourism to this exciting Caribbean island. The Apart-Hotel is an excellent way of combining the benefits of the apartment and hotel experience and investors can be sure to yield high and consistent returns well into the future.”
About the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort, Isla Margarita
 
The Caracola Beach & Spa Resort is situated on Isla Margarita, known widely as the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, just off the North East coast of Venezuela. It benefits from being outside of the hurricane belt and also from a consistent climate average of 27 degrees, with a soothing sea breeze and little or no rain. Isla Margarita boasts a variety of natural scenery, from mountainous terrain to lush vegetation to over 300km of long white, typically Caribbean, sandy beaches and it is for this reason that it has been a popular tourist destination for around 30 years.
The Resort is situated on Caracola Beach (Caracola is a Conch shell indigenous to Isla Margarita), a long golden-sanded beach with sparkling waters on the edge of the island’s main town, Porlamar. The area offers a large amount of activities to interest all visitors, including an excellent 18 hole golf club at Isla Bonita, open all year and with breath-taking views, excellent windsurfing, scuba diving and snorkeling facilities, exceptional shopping facilities offering fantastic tax-free value, and for those that enjoy hiking, the island’s varied scenery allows exploration of mountainous rainforests one day and sand flats the next.
The Caracola Beach & Spa Resort comprises of a variety of apartments and duplexes spread across 15 floors, most with stunning views of the beautiful Caribbean beach. The development boasts excellent facilities that include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, chill-out areas, spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high end retail outlets and beautifully landscaped gardens. All apartments are 1 or 2 bedroom and have air conditioning, are spacious with large terraces, fully furnished and come with a guaranteed rental return of 7% pa net for 10 years. This investment purchase is SIPP qualifying and offers tax efficient freehold ownership. Prices start from €79,000/ £63,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.

For more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.

Brits look towards the South American Mediterranean

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

 

The latest figures released by the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela show that Europeans, and especially the British, are increasingly falling in love with the best kept secret in South America. Located off the North East Caribbean coast of the country, it comprises three picturesque islands with a total population of less than half a million. Figures from the Nueva Esparta tourism corporation, Corpotur, show a 3.42% increase in visitor arrivals (2,045,143) to the state for the period Jan – September 2008.
 
´State of New Sparta´ as it was named in 1864 measures 50 miles by 12 and its main land mass is Isla Margarita founded in 1525. The state’s name comes from the heroism shown by its people during the Venezuelan War of Independence, thought similar to that of the Spartan soldiers of Ancient Greece. Isla Margarita, known widely as the “Pearl of the Caribbean”, benefits from being outside the hurricane belt with an average climate of 27 degrees Celsius. It boasts little rain, a variety of natural scenery from mountainous terrain to lush vegetation and over 200 miles of sandy beaches. The area around the main town, Porlamar, offers a large number of facilities and activities for visitors including an 18 hole golf course, shopping, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling and hiking. For this reason it has been a popular vacation destination for around 30 years.
 
These once undiscovered islands and their rich history is something more and more people are travelling to experience. In 2007 2.5 million people visited Isla Margarita alone, over five times its population. However, this masks the full story. Nueva Esparta has remained largely hidden to those from outside the area as most visitors come from mainland Venezuela. 91% of visitors in 2008 thus far arrived from Venezuela, suggesting a still traditional destination unspoiled by western tourism. Nevertheless, word of mouth about the islands and their status as an undiscovered haven is increasingly reaching more and more potential visitors further afield.
 
Since 2001, the percentage of hotel rooms occupied by visitors to Nueva Esparta has more than tripled to 76%. Europeans are the most enamoured by the islands, making up the vast majority of international visitors. 60,000 Europeans make the journey compared to only 25,000 from the rest of the world. The tourism figures also revealed the love affair an increasing number of Britons are having with Nueva Esparta. Now the third major international tourist market, nearly 10,000 British tourists visited the islands during the last year. This represents a 38% increase on the previous 12 months when around 6,500 Britons visited.
 
In addition, other northern European countries have also discovered Nueva Esparta and Isla Margarita. The Dutch, Danish and French are nearly as eager as the British, with the keenest Europeans coming from Germany with around 15,000 visitors. Like their ancestors hundreds of years ago, Europeans are increasingly interested in Nueva Esparta. This is particularly the case with northern Europeans looking for an alternative sunny island retreat from the Mediterranean norm, with a Caribbean style twist as well.
 
Significantly, a further reason accounting for the increase in British and European visitors to the islands is their accessibility from major cities and airports. The third most popular of all charter flights to Nueva Esparta is the First Choice flight from either Gatwick or Manchester airport which in the first eight months of 2008 brought almost 9,000 people. With its activities, facilities, views and beaches it offers a competitive and distinctive alternative to the familiar European destination. Whether it is for holidaying, visiting or retiring it represents an interesting new location as well as an untapped buy to let opportunity.
 
Mark Andrew, Managing Director of Emerging Earth who is marketing the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort near Porlamar, said:
 
“Isla Margarita in Nueva Esparta has remained undiscovered for most tourists across the world but this will not be the case for long. Over the last five years Europeans have become increasingly attracted to this unspoiled part of the world, a part that reminds them of the best of sunny island living. Demand among Venezuelans for accommodation sees no sign of abating either and their continued fascination with the islands demonstrates the reason why more and more outsiders keep returning, particularly those from Europe. We expect demand for property and accommodation over the next few years will continue to grow, above all for apartment resort developments where facilities and close by tourist attractions are plentiful”.
 
 
Notes for Editors:
 
Caracola Beach & Spa Resort, Isla Margarita
 
The Caracola Beach & Spa Resort comprises of a variety of apartments and duplexes spread across 15 floors, most with stunning views of the beautiful Caribbean beach. The development boasts excellent facilities that include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, chill-out areas, spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high end retail outlets and beautifully landscaped gardens. All apartments are 1 or 2 bedroom and have air conditioning, are spacious with large terraces, fully furnished and come with a guaranteed rental return of 7% pa net for 10 years. This investment purchase is SIPP qualifying and offers tax efficient freehold ownership. Prices start from €79,000/ £63,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
 
For more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.
 

Shoring Up An Offshore Bricks and Mortar Investment

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

With Reuters reporting that the Bank of England is suffering increased pressure to cut interest rates later this year, many British based investors are looking for a safer, more secure haven for their hard won investment capital. With the bottom having fallen out of the UK housing market for the time being, the British currency taking a hammering and overall economic concerns dragging the FTSE down as well, increased numbers of sagacious investors are looking overseas, and indeed offshore, for the best investment options.

Even British resident and domiciled investors who reside onshore in the UK – and who are therefore subject to British taxation on global income and gains – are finding that there are offshore investment options open to them that could prove potentially highly profitable. The Caribbean island of Isla Margarita, which physically lies off shore from Venezuela, is a specific location where investors are now discovering that there are offshore investment opportunities in a potentially highly lucrative property investment project.
The project in question is called the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort, and it’s being developed specifically with international investor interest in mind. Located on Venezuela’s offshore island of maximum tourism potential, the development is prime location, front line, high grade and epitomises everything one looks for in terms of a potentially highly lucrative property investment asset. And in addition to the obvious appeal of Caracola from a rental return and base underlying price appreciation angle, the sale of units within the development to overseas investors has been structured in a taxation and financially advantageous package.
As an investor at Caracola one is buying an offshore property investment asset; the company behind the creation of the resort and the concept of its investment potential has created a watertight structure for the tax efficient and secure sale, profit realisation and resale of apartment units at Caracola. Investors purchase their property assets through an individually owned offshore company in the form of a Wyoming Limited Liability Company (LLC). The benefits and advantages to the investor of purchasing in this way are manifold and yet simple. 
Mark Andrew, the Managing Director of Emerging Earth, the company behind the marketing of this exceptional opportunity explains: “the use of a Wyoming LLC allows the purchasing investor to legitimately avoid local income, land registry and capital gains taxes.  What’s more, it ultimately makes the sale of property assets easier as the investor sells the shares of their company rather than the physical property that the company owns, thus legitimately avoiding local exchange controls which can otherwise hinder the remittance of investment profits abroad to the investor’s country of choice. By using an offshore company to purchase your offshore property assets on Isla Margarita therefore, you can transfer income and profits to any destination you choose, and because a Wyoming LLC is truly an offshore company, it is not liable for any taxes anywhere in the world.  The final benefit is that Wyoming LLCs provide complete anonymity to company owners and beneficiaries as they do not have to publish details of ownership, membership or even trading activity.”1
From the outset the creation of the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort has been driven by its ultimate investment potential. Therefore not only have the developers placed every effort into the creation of a stunning resort style paradise on the sun caressed shores of the beautiful Caribbean island of Isla Margarita, they have ensured that the sale, rental and resale of all units within the resort are fully optimised to be 100% tax efficient and to provide investors with the very best and most acute profit potential. 
The resort itself comprises of 1 and 2 bedroom, fully furnished, spacious and air conditioned apartments which are for sale from €79,000/ £63,000 and which come with a guaranteed net rental return of 7% per annum for 10 years.  The resort is located in a front line position to ensure that apartments have the best Caribbean views and access to the beach, and onsite the amenities are five star, comprising as they do of restaurants, bars, swimming pools, chill-out areas, a spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, high end retail outlets and beautifully landscaped gardens. So not only is this prime investment of maximum profitability potential given its low starting prices, prime location and five star status, but it comes with rental guarantees for 10 years, it is SIPP qualifying and it allegedly offers tax efficient, secure freehold ownership options to investors. For more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com

1 This information relating to the perceived benefits of a Wyoming LLC and purchasing property through such an entity is directly taken from the information supplied by Emerging Earth, however British resident and domiciled investors who have a reporting liability to HMRC are advised to contact HMRC or the FSA for advice.

Budget Airline Cutbacks Spell Good News for Traditional Property Markets

by Charlotte Ashton United Kingdom

 

Recent events in the travel industry have seen multiple budget airlines and travel companies cease trading.  2008 has seen the end of XL, Zoom, and Oasis to name a few and passengers have been left stranded at many destinations. 
 
With concerns over the future of Italian flag carrier Alitalia and Willie Walsh, British Airways CEO, predicting that up to thirty more airlines could soon follow suit, it seems that the future looks uncertain for the remaining small airlines and their flight routes. And for potential overseas property owners considerations of accessibility seem to now be more important than ever. 
 
For traditional second home markets with well established scheduled and charter flight routes, countries like Spain, Portugal, France and Cyprus are unlikely to suffer in the same way as newer, up and coming destinations. Also, rising fuel costs are likely to impact less on short-haul destinations and places accessible by ferry, rail and by car than locations dependent on newly introduced air routes. 
 
One well established second property destination, the Spanish region of Murcia, just two hours flight time from the UK, is showing little sign of trouble. The local San Javier Airport serviced by several carriers, (easyJet, BA and Monarch,) continues to report healthy passenger numbers with some 1,645,886 passengers flying into San Javier in 2006 (Civil Aviation Authority) and with a second airport due to open in Covera during 2009, it seems doubtful that travellers to Murcia and surrounding property hotspots like Cartagena and Lorca, will find themselves without adequate transport links.
 
In fact, estimates suggest that Covera Airport will be used by one and a half million passengers during its first year in operation, although this conservative figure is expected to triple in the short to mid-term (typicallyspanish.com). The region is also becoming increasingly accessible thanks to developing rail routes linking to Lorca, Murcia and Cartagena. 
 
Local property expert Mike Hamilton, Sales Director of Casas de Lorca, predicts that this spells good news for the region and property owners alike: “The ease of accessibility to Murcia is a real positive for the region’s property market. Murcia remains a perennial favourite with investors and the excellent value for money of property is liable to keep the interest of holiday home buyers also.“
 
Murcia certainly is excellent value for money with the average house prices for the province currently sitting around €210,300, below the national average of €240,000 (Kyero.com) and you really can get more for your money. Take the luxury Casa Málaga  bespoke villas offered by Casas de Lorca for example; set on five acre plots in and around the traditional town of Lorca, these 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villas are being sold off plan and are available from a starting price of €256,000 (£203,300). For more information on these and other properties within Murcia and Lorca, please visit: www.casasdelorca.net or alternatively call 0844 734 8057 to speak to a Casas de Lorca representative. 

Oil rich Venezuela diversifies economy

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

 

Lying off the northern shore and forming part of the Republic of Venezuela, Isla Margarita is emerging as a tourism and property investment hotspot in 2008 as the profile of this stunning Caribbean island gains in international strength. 
 
The natural appeal of the island is undeniable; it typifies the perfect Caribbean island fantasy in most people’s minds with its blend of palm fringed beaches which give way to the warm waters of the Caribbean whilst being backed by dramatic, lush mountain peaks; and on top of this the island is a duty free port.  However, the true fundamentals that support an investment commitment in this specific location may not be quite so obviously apparent as the natural charms of the island at first glance.
 
The economy of Isla Margarita is intrinsically linked to the overall economy in Venezuela, and the good news is that the nation as a whole is seeing its economy go from strength to strength on the back of the oil reserves that the country has in abundance.  Few people are aware that as one of the top 10 oil producing nations in the world, Venezuela’s fiscal strengths are increasing continually as oil prices rise – and at the same time, the intelligent government is working hard to lessen the nation’s overall reliance and dependence on just oil for the longer term.
 
In much the same way as Dubai has already done for example, Venezuela is optimising its oil revenues by putting oil generated income back into the development of other economic sectors for the long-term stability of the economy in the country.  One of the main areas witnessing significant and increasing investment is tourism, and as one of the nation’s most treasured and desirable destinations, Isla Margarita is receiving a great deal of this investment.  According to the Vice Minister of Tourism: “Our goal is to position Venezuela as a sustainable tourism product…Nueva Esparta State [of which Isla Margarita is the most significant island] is very important for our strategic plan given that it has a geographic location popular around the world, i.e., the Caribbean.”
 
According to the latest figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, the investment the Venezuelan government is ploughing into the development of a sustainable tourism sector is paying off to the tune of an average annual increase in already strong tourism numbers of 11.7% this year, rising to 13% in 2009.  For an investor looking at a market where there is already an incredibly strong, oil rich and proven economy and yet where there are emerging economic sectors of equal potential, Isla Margarita is quite possibly unrivalled.
 
According to Mark Andrew, the Sales Director of international real estate agency Emerging Earth and an expert on the Isla Margarita real estate market: “Savvy property investors are enjoying the exciting opportunity that is emerging on Isla Margarita.  This is an affordable, accessible Caribbean destination that lies outside the hurricane zone and which is protected and enhanced economically speaking by an incredibly wealthy financial backer, namely one of the world’s top ten oil producing nations, Venezuela.  It’s a location that has already been made highly accessible and highly attractive in terms of the sophistication of infrastructure in place on the island, and now as big business comes in and develops resorts and promotes the appeal of the destination globally, the upside pressure on demand for real estate for sale is beginning to be felt acutely.  Isla Margarita is a hot property prospect and increasing numbers of international investors recognise this.”
 
One development of specific appeal and typifying the type of high-end real estate coming to the market in this Caribbean paradise is the Caracola Beach & Spa Resort which affords residents stunning views of beautiful Caribbean beaches.  The development boasts excellent facilities that include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, high-end retail boutiques and beautifully landscaped gardens.  All apartments are fully furnished and come with a guaranteed rental return of 7% pa net for 10 years.  This investment purchase is SIPP qualifying and offers tax efficient freehold ownership.  Prices start from €79,000/ £63,000 for a one-bedroom apartment. 
 
For more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.emergingearth.com.
 

We Sell Sea Shells on the Sea Shore

by Charlotte Ashton Venezuela

The stunning Caribbean island resort of Isla Margarita off the coast of Venezuela has been discovered!  Long since hidden from the wider world, it is possible to fly to the island directly from the UK, Europe and the US, or to fly to Caracas which is just a 35 minute transfer time from the island itself.

 
Situated in the Caribbean yet outside the region’s hurricane zone, Isla Margarita is a paradise on earth that deserves to be discovered because of its inimitably perfect climate, its pristine beaches, the fantastic infrastructure, the friendly local people and the quality of life that you can sample on the island. 
 
Unsurprisingly, now that Isla Margarita has been more widely discovered, it is enjoying a booming period of tourism interest and this has kick started an emerging and highly successful property market.
Forming part of the state of Nueva Esparta, Isla Margarita is a typical Caribbean getaway.  It is encircled with palm fringed white sandy beaches, and the interior of the island is dramatically mountainous in places and typically rich in dense flora and exotic fauna.  Isla Margarita’s perfect 300km coastline is lapped gently by the cerulean Caribbean Sea waters, and the entire island is blessed with an average of 344 sun-kissed days every year, making it a truly wonderful holiday or retirement hotspot for all nationalities.
 
Once a visitor arrives in Isla Margarita after around a 9-hour flight time from the UK they are immediately struck by the peace and beauty of their destination, and by the sincere warmth and hospitality of the people.  There is so much to do and see on the island that a typical two-week vacation will never be enough!  There are the places of interest to visit such as La Asuncion with its ancient church and historic buildings, the Restinga National Park or vibrant town of Porlamar where you will find the ancient heart of the town has been given a new lease of life thanks to the growing numbers of visitors and residents Isla Margarita is welcoming annually.
 
Newly added amenities, facilities and infrastructure mean that there are also golf courses, hiking and horse riding trails, spas, restaurants, bars and fantastic tax-free shopping experiences to be had on Isla Margarita as well.  These benefits of visiting this stunning and accessible Caribbean paradise, coupled with ever improving accessibility and concerted public and private efforts at raising international awareness of the attraction of Isla Margarita, mean that visitor numbers have risen from 1.5 million per year back in 2005 to 2.5 million last year.  And the increase in tourism numbers is having a very positive effect on what is already a strong economy.  GDP growth rates in Isla Margarita averaged 11.3% per annum between 2004 and 2007 for example, and now that the location’s property market is really beginning to emerge strongly, there is nothing to suggest that these strong levels of growth won’t continue.
 
According to Mark Andrew, the Sales Director of international real estate agency Emerging Earth and an expert on the Isla Margarita real estate market: “property investors are being particularly attracted to the high-end opportunities on the island where tourism interest is more intensely focused.  At the moment there is a deficit in terms of the supply of suitable condominium accommodation in higher end resorts, and demand is exerting upside pressure on the real estate market, making strong capital growth and rental yield figures realistic and achievable.” 
 
One development that is proving hugely popular with investors is the Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.  A caracola is a conch shell indigenous to Isla Margarita and the Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is a fabulous development with exceptional investor options.  Encircling a long golden-sanded beach on the edge of the island’s main town of Porlamar, the resort comprises of apartments and duplexes with stunning views of the beautiful Caribbean Sea.
 
The onsite facilities, like the real estate for sale, are first class – they include restaurants, bars, swimming pools, a spa, gymnasium, beauty salon, luxury retail outlets and beautifully landscaped gardens.  All of the properties for sale are 1 or 2 bedroom units and they come fully furnished and with a guaranteed rental return of 7% per annum net for 10 years. 
 
As an investment purchase the units are SIPP qualifying and offer tax efficient freehold ownership, making them of maximum interest to a rapidly growing investor base.  Prices start from just €79,000/ £63,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, and for more information, please contact Emerging Earth on 0845 604 1208, email team@EmergingEarth.com or visit www.EmergingEarth.com.