London versus the world! What can you get abroad for the price of an average property in the capital?

London versus the world! What can you get abroad for the price of an average property in the capital?

by Charly Portugal Spain United States , , ,
  • Average London house price is £514,097 (Gov.uk)
  • This is enough for 3 detached villas with pools in Spain, with €80k change (Kyero.com)
  • Or 2 5-bedroom resort homes with pools in Florida (Ideal Homes International)
  • Cliff-top townhouses with infinity pool in Mallorca also an option (Taylor Wimpey España)

According to the UK government’s December 2015 House Price Index, the average property in London now costs £514,097. Based on a quick Rightmove search, £514,097 is enough to purchase a new build one bedroom flat in Newham, a two bedroom flat in a converted house in Acton or a four bedroom mid-terrace house in Tottenham in need of some serious modernisation.

But what could you get for the same money overseas? £514,097 is worth just over €656,151, or USD $743,053, at today’s exchange rate, which opens up a wealth of property options to those looking to buy on the continent or even further afield.

Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes International, explains,

“There are some fantastic bargains to be had when it comes to overseas property at the moment. Portugal and Spain are offering incredible value for money and are just a short hop on a plane from the UK, making them ideal locations for second homes or investment properties that you want to keep a close eye on. For fans of the US, Florida is also offering some serious bargains and is a perennially popular destination thanks to its winning combination of sun, sea and theme parks.”

In Portugal, €650,000 is enough for a four/five bedroom villa in the hills at Soalheira, 10 minutes from the beaches and golf courses of Vilamoura and just two minutes from the town of Loulé. The villa comes complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, pergola sunbathing area, pool house and gardener’s bathroom, two double garages, ocean views, grill house with sink, fridge and BBQ, cinema room, wood burning fire and under-floor heating in the two bathrooms. A far cry from a run-down terraced house in Tottenham!

For beach bunnies, the Spanish island of Mallorca is the ideal location. There, €625,000 will buy a premium frontline townhouse with incredible sea views, close to the golf courses and marina of Porto Cristo. There are just seven spacious three bedroom townhouses on the Cala Magrana Mar development, from leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, which also benefits from a communal infinity pool and sunbathing area, designer fixtures and fittings and the latest security features.

Another option for those with €650,000 to spend is to invest in more than one property, which is easily achievable for this budget in both Portugal and Spain. Martin Dell, Director of Spanish property portal Kyero.com, comments,

“It’s staggering what you can get in Spain for the price of an average London property. Those looking for rental investments can pick up a whole string of properties in idyllic coastal locations for that kind of money.”

In the pretty seaside town of Javea, for example, detached villas with pools can be bought off plan for £189,800, with scope for the buyer to personalise the layout, with the build completed within 5-7 months. Instead of a one bedroom flat in E16, a buyer could pick up three of these villas and still have €80,000 left in his pocket.

Over in America, a buyer can easily pick up two five bedroom villas with pools in the hugely popular Kissimmee area of Florida for $743,053, the equivalent price of the average London home. Resort homes with screened in pool and spas in gated communities just a few miles from Walt Disney World are available for between $350,000 and $450,000. Certainly food for thought for all those thinking about buying a home in London at the moment!

For more information please contact:

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

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

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

Overseas Property Show has Birmingham in its sights once more for 2016 tour

Overseas Property Show has Birmingham in its sights once more for 2016 tour

by Charly World
  • First Birmingham show of 2016 tour to be held on Sat 6th and Sun 7th February
  • Birmingham highlighted as top destination for 2015 show
  • As seen on SKY TV, MORE4 HD, CH4 and HOME CH

The hugely successful Overseas Property Show is opening its doors to the public once more, as the 2016 UK tour kicks off, following an excellent round of shows in 2015. Birmingham’s Holiday Inn Birmingham Airport has been chosen to host the second show of the 2016 tour, which will take place on Sat 6th and Sun 7th February.

The free to attend Overseas Property Show, as seen on SKY TV, MORE4 HD, CH4 and HOME CH, is the opportunity for individuals to explore their dream of home ownership overseas, by talking to property experts from around the world at a convenient local venue. Birmingham was the show’s most-visited city during 2015 and the first 2016 show there looks set to be even bigger and better than those held last year.

The 2016 Overseas Property Show will focus largely on properties from Portugal, Spain and Florida, with a handful of opportunities in countries like Italy and Cyprus thrown in for good measure.

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

“The Overseas Property Show is a great way to connect with people looking to purchase property overseas. Some are after a second home, others are looking for an investment property and others want to take the plunge and start a new life abroad. Whatever the motive, it’s always a really useful experience for them to have access to experts in overseas property ownership. We’re also on hand to answer lifestyle questions too – anything from the price of milk to local food specialities!”

This expertise is invaluable to many of those looking to find out more about owning a home overseas, as is the broad range of properties on offer. Buyers can enjoy browsing a wide range of beachfront apartments, golf villas, resort villas and country retreats, along with a number of entirely unique homes, such as a renovated windmill in Portugal’s central Algarve.

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Birmingham this 6-7 February.

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

“The 2016 tour is going to be fantastic,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about these bumper shows and we are delighted to be able to reach out to more individuals and enable them to pursue their dream of owning property overseas.”

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

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

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

by Charly Portugal Spain World , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact:

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

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

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

Bolton chosen to host first Overseas Property Show of 2016

Bolton chosen to host first Overseas Property Show of 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Portugal’s world-beating golf courses keep the country’s property market at the top of the table

Portugal’s world-beating golf courses keep the country’s property market at the top of the table

by Charly Portugal
  • Portugal crowned World’s Best Golf Destination (Wold Golf Awards)
  • Golf tourism bookings increased for 80% of operators during 2014 (KPMG)
  • Golf tourism driving luxury property sales in Portugal (Ideal Homes Portugal)

Portugal’s Algarve is blessed not only with stunning beaches and almost year-round sunshine, but also with some of the world’s leading golf courses. In fact, the World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony in late 2015 crowned Portugal the World’s Best Golf Destination for the second year running.

Held over three days, the prestigious ceremony allowed guests to enjoy use of Portugal’s Quinta do Lago golf resort. Known for its stunning courses and immaculate golfing villas, such as this stylish five bed contemporary property with its own pool, Quinta do Lago also benefits from an excellent array of glamorous bars and restaurants and high end boutique stores, as well as a lush natural environment.

Former Dragon’s Den star and keen golfer Duncan Bannatyne is one of those who have opted to take their love of the game seriously by purchasing a golf property in Portugal. Last year he purchased an idyllic five bedroom villa with pool and sea views in the upscale golfing haven of Vale do Lobo. The resort’s proximity to Faro airport, its relaxing atmosphere and the nearby pristine sandy beaches were all influential factors in Bannatyne’s choice of property, as well as Vale do Lobo’s award-winning golf course.

His associate Chris White, Founding Director of Ideal Homes Portugal, comments on the resorts’ enduring popularity,

“Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo epitomise the natural beauty and the challenging nature of Portugal’s many excellent golf courses. It’s one of the country’s most well-known resorts and is a huge draw for golf tourists from around the world. Naturally, property at Quinta do Lago is highly sought after, but there are some fabulous options spread out across the Algarve for those who love the fairways. São Lourenço near Almancil is one of my personal favourites.”

A four bedroom villa with swimming pool and 9,000m2 of private grounds in São Lourenço, enjoying views over Laranjal golf course, can be bought for €1,995,000.

Portugal is certainly not alone in benefitting from a rise in golf tourism. According to KPMG’s report on Golf Tourism Growth Trends, 80% of golf tour operators experienced an increase in bookings during 2014. The report highlights the popularity of Portugal and Spain for golf tourism, as well as mentioning the ongoing prominence of well established destinations like the US.

Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White comments,

“The impact of golf tourism on Portugal’s property market is not to be underestimated. We saw a significant growth in demand for golf properties during 2015, with buyers seeking out luxurious residences that are perfectly placed to allow them to enjoy their golfing holidays to the full.

“Nor is it just Portugal that is enjoying this trend – our sister company Ideal Homes International has experienced strong interest from golfers in properties in Spain and Florida over the past 12 months.”

With the pound continuing to hold strong against the euro, both Portugal and Spain offer excellent value for money for holiday home buyers. The booming golf tourism sector is on track to continue driving forward the property market in both countries, as overseas buyers flock to pick up the perfect golf property while the exchange rate means they can get significantly more for their money.

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

The best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

The best places to buy holiday homes in 2016

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information please contact:

Kyero.com: www.kyero.com

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

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

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

10 years on, the overseas property market resets itself

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

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

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

Chris comments,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts agree – Portugal’s property market is booming once more

Experts agree – Portugal’s property market is booming once more

by Charly Portugal
  • Sales up 79% at leading Algarve estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal
  • Sales volumes showing monthly growth at fastest level since 2010 (RICS/Ci)
  • Investors overtake second home owners as main buyer group (Ideal Homes Portugal)

The recently released September 2015 RICS/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey (PHMS) has revealed a swiftly moving market, with sale indicators pointing to the fastest level of monthly growth in sales volumes since they survey began in 2010. A sustained rise in demand has led to an acceleration in prices, with the market seriously gathering momentum.

On the ground, agents are equally positive about the state of the market. Chris White, Founding Director of boutique estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, comments,

“Portugal’s property market is booming once more! Sales have increased hugely this year and we’ve seen a significant shift in buyer profile as increasing numbers of investors realise the potential of the Portuguese real estate sector.”

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2014 Ideal Homes Portugal sold a total of €14 million worth of property. In the first nine months of 2015, sales have already topped €25 million, an increase of 79%. Over the same period, the total number of properties sold by the company has increased by 69%.

In 2014, 90% of those buying property in Portugal through Ideal Homes Portugal were looking for a holiday home. Now, just 40% are after second home, while 50% are after an investment property (with the remaining 10% of buyers looking to relocate).

Two bedroom apartments costing around €200,000 are the most sought-after type of property. That kind of money is sufficient to buy a two bedroom penthouse apartment just a short walk from Praia da Rocha beach, one of the Algarve’s largest stretches of sand, backed by an array of shops, bars, restaurants and a glamorous casino. The same amount could also be used to purchase a two bedroom townhouse on a closed condominium with pool.

The Ideal Homes Portugal data also reveals an upturn in the mid-market property sector, for homes costing between €400,000 and €1,000,000. €400,000 is sufficient to purchase a superb two bedroom apartment with 100m2 roof terrace and shared pool on a luxury resort near Carvoeiro. For just under €1,000,000, buyers can enjoy a five bedroom detached villa with heated swimming pool close to the beaches and golf, in Varandas do Lago, Almancil.

Resale properties are currently outstripping new builds, with the Ideal Homes Portugal figures showing a 40/60 split in favour of resale homes. The findings are in line with the August 2015 RICS/Ci PHMS, which reported faster growth for the existing dwellings market than for new builds.

The massive surge in interest, particularly from British buyers, is thanks in large part to the on-going favourable exchange rate.

“Buyers are feeling safer in the UK market and are thus more confident about buying overseas,” observes Ideal Homes Portugal’s Chris White. “They’re looking for somewhere to invest in property that’s close to home and that means they can take advantage of the pound’s continued strength against the euro. Portugal is the obvious choice.”

RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn also recognizes the increased confidence in the Portuguese market. He comments,

“The September results show the ongoing improvement in market activity is gathering steam. This is being driven by consumer confidence toward making major purchases reaching a post-crisis high as the economic backdrop continues to brighten.”

The swift pace of the market certainly shows no indication of slowing down. At Ideal Homes Portugal, the team hosted 61 client visits during the month of October 2015, compared with 44 in the same month the year before. After a difficult few years, it seems as though the Portuguese housing market has finally found the confidence that it was lacking, with investors and second home buyers looking to pick up a property swiftly in order to take advantage of rising prices.

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

Ideal Homes Portugal supports Dragon’s Operation Smile whilst in I’m A Celeb jungle

Ideal Homes Portugal supports Dragon’s Operation Smile whilst in I’m A Celeb jungle

by Charly Portugal

Whilst former Dragon Duncan Bannatyne languishes in the jungle, his friend and ally Chris White, founder of Ideal Homes Portugal  has been dreaming up a way to support him.

Duncan has been facing some interesting challenges including handling the rather tricky Lady C whilst competing on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, but he seems to be doing a terrific job of being peacemaker in the camp.

His close friend Chris White was with him the day before he flew to meet Ant and Dec in Australia.

White says:

“I was supporting Duncan’s charity, Operation Smile at a dinner in Hastings on the Friday night before he jetted off Down Under. With the charity foremost in his mind, he’s committed his ‘I’m A Celebrity’ fee to Operation Smile.  Duncan is currently planning the charity’s next mission to Ghana to change the lives of children suffering from hair lips and cleft palates, raising £139,000 for this project which takes place this winter.”

Back in his Portuguese home, pondering his friend’s fate in the jungle, White has decided to further support the charity by donating a generous €1,000 towards Operation Smile every time Duncan wins a vote.

He hopes this action will help keep Duncan busy in the jungle and is a way of aiding this wonderful charity that gives so much back to children who wouldn’t ordinarily receive this life changing help.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this fabulous charity can visit the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/The-Bannatyne-Charitable-Trust/.

For further details of Operation Smile, visit www.operationsmile.org.uk.

For more information on this project please feel free to contact Chris White on info@idealhomesportugal.com or call 0800 133 7644. 

Final Overseas Property Show of 2015 to be held in Birmingham

Final Overseas Property Show of 2015 to be held in Birmingham

by Charly World
  • Last show of 2015 tour to be held in Birmingham on 28 and 29 November
  • Bumper show to feature properties in Portugal, Spain, Florida and more
  • Previous Birmingham show attracted more than 400 visitors

After a hugely successful 2015 UK tour, the Overseas Property Show is set to draw to a close with a bumper show in Birmingham on 28 and 29 November. The free to attend show will be held at the Ramada Birmingham Sutton Coldfield Hotel, presenting local residents with the opportunity to explore their dream of home ownership overseas.

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

Chris White, Founding Director of boutique real estate agency Ideal Homes Portugal, which has exhibited at every show this year, comments,

“It’s been a fantastic year to be part of the Overseas Property Show. The Birmingham show earlier in the year saw some 400 visitors attend and we’re excited to be expecting similar numbers at this final show.

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

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

So whether it’s advice, guidance, a second home or even a commercial property investment that you’re after, the Overseas Property Show is the place to be in Birmingham this 28-29 November. From a four bedroom villa enjoying panoramic sea and country views in Portugal, to a detached home with shared pool on a small complex in Cyprus, to a contemporary four bedroom townhouse near to Walt Disney World in Florida, the Overseas Property Show has it all.

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

“It’s going to be a great show to end the tour,” concludes Chris White. “The team is really excited about this bumper event and we are delighted to be able to assist plenty more visitors in pursuing their dream of owning property overseas.”

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