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Expats in shock – homes sold at Auction
Home owners in North Cyprus are in shock as their properties are sold at auction. Thirteen homes already sold with more to follow.
Is Istanbul ripe for investment?
With an official population of 12 million and an unofficial count of nearer 15 million, this city teems with life. Yet it does not take long to see that this is a city in dire need of renovation and rejuvenation, and this is exactly what is happening. You only have to look at what has happened in London and countless other major cities over the past 30 years to realise what is possible.
Top ten cheap Holiday Locations close to Home
Many people this year are only now looking for a holiday destination due to uncertainty in the economy. Not only that, but they are looking to keep a lid on the budget. The travels companies are slashing their prices in an effort to bring in customers, things are hotting up and there are bargains to be had.
Aphrodite Beachfront
In 2006 I came to North Cyprus for the first time. The reason for the trip was to view and possibly purchase an apartment at a development that had caught our attention. Being aware of all the land issues that affect both sides of this island, it was very important to us that the project was to be built on secure Pre 74 Turkish Title land.
The chosen location was in an area that had been completely ignored by other developers.
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.
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.
The County of Kent, south of London is rich in history. Not least, here you'll find some of the most magnificent historical castles and stately homes across England. We have previously written about Anne Boleyn's childhood home, Hever Castle, so this time we will look more closely at some of the other historic castles and fortresses that are worth a visit.
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.
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....
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.
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?
Issue 5