International Property Buyer magazine
Editions: 
Search
Bulgaria, Market Update
Not long ago flights to Bulgaria were full of British and Irish property investors with money falling out of their pockets. The return flights were awash with people who had purchased what they considered a safe investment or a new home. Now the flights are full of Bulgarians returning from shopping trips to London. So what has happened to the investors and relocators?
Anne Boleyn – a visit to her childhood home
In the county of Kent, to south of London, are a series of stunning castles and stately homes dating back to medieval times. Some of them even date back to the end of the Viking era and the Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066. We have visited some of them, all within an hour's journey from London, and all open to the public most of the year. A journey in time and space. Our first visit goes to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Later we shall look at some of the others.
North Cyprus Government refuses to hand over deeds to buyers
As if the Oram's verdict is not enough to worry foreign buyers of property, now the North Cyprus Government are refusing to allow purchasers of undisputed pre 74 Turkish Title land and properties to have their title deeds. Is this a shot in the foot for the Turkish Cypriot government or a stab in the back for the purchasers?
Sweden - so much more than IKEA
Are you searching for that perfect location to buy your holiday home? Somewhere that has it all, beautiful summers with plenty of places to go swimming, peaceful forests for walking and in the winter pure white snow to rival any Christmas card? No, I am not talking about Canada, but somewhere a bit closer to home - yes that's right, Sweden. This northern European country with its silver birches and little red cottages has so much more to offer than IKEA and flat-pack furniture....
Illegal Playboy Club runs a place of ill repute on the Sunshine Isle
In a deserted area outside of Nicosia in Cyprus lies a number of nightclubs in what is popularly called Casino Alley where night clubs and casinos also operate brothels. One of them blatantly carries the name Playboy Club, with Playboy's own rabbit logo and trademark in a giant format on the outside.
Buy, buy American pie
For decades the American dream seemed to be up for grabs, something to be achieved by everyone, whether you had the money to buy into it or not.
The house, the car, it was all reachable, with a little help from your friendly bank manager. But it all turned out to be a pie in the sky and when the credit crunch hit, the great dream became an all American nightmare. But the new president and billions of dollars in stimulus packages has brought a new optimism. We talk to Swedish borne Stefan Elofsson who has been working in the real-estate business in Dallas/Fort Worth Texas for the last ten years and we ask him if he saw it coming.
Located roughly 90 miles from London and often described as the gateway to the west of England, the county of Wiltshire is steeped in history.
The land is dominated by Salisbury plain which is littered with the remains of ancient civilizations, from ancient burial mounds and chambers to the world renowned sites of Stonehenge and Avebury. Add to this walking and cycling routes and one of the most beautiful canal systems in Europe and you have an area that is well worth a visit.
Anyone who has spent time travelling around the UK would be able to conjure up the image of a traditional narrow boat. These vessels, with their distinctive design are quintessentially part of the English landscape and today they can be enjoyed by everyone. So if the idea of slowly gliding through beautiful countryside and stopping for lunch at a cosy pub sounds appealing, then why not hire a boat and experience a different sort of holiday.
Two luxury penthouse apartments have gone on the market in Hong Kong for 26 million Euros. Demand from wealthy mainland Chinese buyers and also foreigners have caused property prices in the top end of the property market to rocket.
While most of the world is still reeling from the global property collapse, Hong Kong steams ahead.
Cyprus is a paradise for sports divers, and that includes Northern Cyprus. With good visibility up to 30 meters and temperatures around 26 to 27 degrees Celsius, the season lasts from April almost up to Christmas. Small difference between high and low tide prevents under-tow and makes it safe even for beginners to go out in deep water. And there are plenty of diving-schools on the beaches in and around the port city of Kyrenia, with a wide range of offers for both beginners and the more advanced.
The UK property market has picked up in recent months according to the news reports. Properties are moving fast and final sales are even coming in above the asking price. Is all this just a blip or are we really seeing the beginnings in a rise in the property market again?
If we are, how will the next months play out in this most favourite of British Markets?
We talk to Richard Munro (M.N.A.E.A, D.E.A) a Director at London based Munro Lock Estate Agents, to get his thoughts on where things are heading.
Signs indicate that the housing market worldwide is heading towards brighter times. Apart from Norway, which has managed well through the global financial crisis thanks to government measures, there are reports now that countries like China, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, as well as Sweden, France and Hong Kong, have experienced an increase in house prices. Earlier Israel, Switzerland and Indonesia joined the list of countries in recovery.
North Cyprus, with its miles of unspoilt coastline and breathtaking backdrop of rugged mountains, has in the last few years attracted those looking to buy a cheap holiday home in the sun. But, this islands troubled history still casts long shadows and so it is a place where one needs to step carefully. With its complicated land issues and ever changing laws, the advice of a good independent lawyer is a must. We once more meet up with the lawyer Naomi Mehmet from Naomi Mehmet and Partners, to talk about the current situation and to find out what advice she can offer would-be property buyers.
