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Is Egypt’s Real Estate Sector Really Worth Investing In?

Feb 5

Posted by admin in Real Estate

Oh how I love a question that’s so easy to answer?is Egypt’s real estate sector really worth investing in?

Too right it is!

There are so many positive aspects of the property market in Egypt that make the entire sector an exciting place to be right now that anyone serious about venturing into an emerging overseas real estate market should be focused on Egypt for at least the medium term.

First things first let’s remove the confusion ? Egypt is not a country plagued by terrorism, drought or famine ? it’s a stunningly beautiful, ancient and interesting country with a coastline that is brushed and caressed by both the Mediterranean and Red seas. It is also one of the most exciting and exotic countries in closest proximity to Europe giving investors a massive potential tourist audience to target; it is also a country that can genuinely boast year round sunshine on its Red Sea Riviera which means it offers investors year round potential for profit.

If these are not reasons enough alone for a property investor to get curious about Egypt, how about the fact that Dubai based mega property developers Emaar have just committed millions of dollars to the Egyptian residential real estate market place in Cairo? Or what about the fact that the Egyptian government have slashed property related taxation costs to make the whole process of owning real estate in Egypt that much more affordable for more people?

You can add to this the fact that inward foreign direct investment into Egypt is at an all time high, the country is receiving higher annual visitor intake than ever before and the country is enjoying its best relationships with Western governments in documented history if you like.

Furthermore the amount of investment and economic confidence in Egypt is opening up a wealthy and growing middle class sector who are keen to afford property for sale and rent in Cairo and Alexandria in particular, and this gives an investor a local resale market to target in the medium term which further boosts the long term potential of an investment made into the real estate sector which is currently dominated by the tourism market.

It’s a fact that the highest rental incomes achievable for a real estate investor in Egypt right now are from tourist friendly properties along the Red Sea and Mediterranean coastlines ? properties that are well located and facilitated are most in demand from the tourism market looking for short term lets. But there’s also a growing retirement market in Egypt that’s attracting great attention and giving real estate investors another potential revenue stream to explore.

Egypt really is the place to be for real estate investors looking for immediate income and medium to long term capital growth and resale potential – and because the property buying process for foreigners in Egypt has become more affordable and more transparent in very recent years, the numbers of investors examining the market and exploring its possibilities is set to rise and rise.

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3 Reasons to Own Rental Properties in College Communities – Part 2

Feb 4

Posted by admin in Real Estate

Having personally experienced the pleasure of owning rental properties in a college (university) town, there is a wealth of reasons to locate one’s properties in a community that houses a center of higher education. Listed below are just three of the myriad reasons a rental property owner should add college-town rental properties to their portfolio.

* This article is part two of a two-part series

4.) Good Tenants - Of course there are exceptions to this rule, but most college-town tenants are excellent tenants. They pay their rent (and utilities if required) on time, take care of the property, and are often very courteous to the property owner. From personal experience, pharmacy, legal, and engineering students are often the best tenants because they are constantly bogged-down with complicated homework; leaving them little time or want to party (they are also the most driven to succeed which also indicates a lack of partying).

5.) High Tenant Turnover - Is this author kidding? Since when is high tenant turnover a good thing? Welcome to the world of rental property management in a college town. In this atmosphere, high turnover is a key to one’s rental success. First, every year there is a plentiful supply of new tenants, making it relatively easy to re-rent a property. Having tenants leave every one to three years gives the property manager the opportune time to slightly raise the rent, thus increasing the property’s income. Often, the new tenant doesn’t even realize the rent has been raised.

6.) Inflated Property Values - This benefit is a double-edged sword. Property values in college and university towns are almost always higher the surrounding areas because of the increased demand for property within the town. This is good once one owns the property and begins experiencing the power of equity, but it is before one owns the property that it can be very dangerous. DO NOT over pay for a rental property in a college town. Run some numbers (often a net income evaluation) and make sure that the property will produce income at the given purchase price. If one over pays for a property, they have already destroyed their cash flow potential, so be careful.

College towns are great towns for rental properties, but a few precautions should be taken before jumping in. First, investigate the town to make sure that there are enough tenants to go around and that the school is growing; not shrinking. Secondly, colleges and universities that have excellent graduate programs are more preferable, because they get older students that almost always live OFF campus. After satisfying the above two precautions, one is ready to enter the lucrative niche that this article’s title describes.

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Fort Lauderdale Residential Real Estate – Home Sales Highest Ever!

Feb 2

Posted by admin in Real Estate

Fort Lauderdale Real Estate Condos

As 2005 comes to a close, the hottest Florida real estate market in history shows no sign of cooling off. I’m pleased to report that research shows that home sales in 2005 were the highest ever recorded.

Called the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale is filled with beautiful waterways that wind through million dollar estates. Part of the charm of this city is its mixture of older and more modern architecture. For new residents, single-family and multi-family housing, condominiums, waterfront homes and apartments are available.

Did you know that Fort Lauderdale is evolving into a 24-hour city with diverse residential housing, and outstanding educational, cultural, retail, and entertainment opportunities? Spurred by the renovation of the beachfront, the development of Riverwalk, and huge infrastructure investments by the city and Broward County, business is booming?and not just the tourism business.

Fort Lauderdale Condos and Hotel Condos

Fort Lauderdale’s early redevelopment projects brought recognition, instilled community pride, and began to redefine the city as an emerging center for business, culture, leisure, and recreation.

Today, Fort Lauderdale is going thru another major redevelopment. The major players are world renowned names such as Donald Trump and The W hotels (by Starwood hotels). These names investing in Fort Lauderdale beach Condo Hotel developments, are indication of Fort Lauderdale status as a city to watch. The popularity of Fort Lauderdale beach brought visitors from around the world. For Hotel Condos in the area, current occupancy rate in session is over 90% and year-round is about 72% and it’s on the rise.

Investors have been snapping new Condos and homes in Fort Lauderdale. Last year, residential real estate in Fort Lauderdale appreciated over 30% and the forecast for next year is 21.9% according to CNN. Fort lauderdale beach new construction projects include, world class Trump International Hotel Condo Resorts (Trump International hotel is rated number 1 in the USA), the W Hotel Condo in Fort Lauderdale (the fastest growing hotel in the world), St Regis Hotel Condo, Las Olas Beach Club (will be the only condo residences on Fort Lauderdale Beach front).

As a leading Fort Lauderdale realtor, I have great confidence in the real estate market in Fort Lauderdale and the major players investing large capital in the area would confirm my belief. Fort Lauderdale homes, condos, new construction, preconstruction are excellent and safe investments.

Whether, you’re buying real estate for personal use or for investment, this is a great area to enjoy unmatched life style.

Andrew James is a top realtor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mr. James has been a consistentant multi-million dollar producer. He’s been investing in real estate for over 20 years. prior to being a full time realtor, He was an engineer consulting for fortune 100 companies on interent business inteligence and risk management strategies. The last few years, Andrew has been very active investing in PreConstruction in South Florida. He has done very well for his clients and himself. He has very close relationships with major developers as a client and a realtor. This has been beneficial to his clients and enabled him to get first knowledge of new exciting opportunities.

Although, Andrew has one of the highest sales volumes of PreConstruction (he has earned awards for his Sales Records), he still believes in providing personal customer service. At anytime, a client can call Andrew’s cell phone and they can reach Andrew to ask him for advice or discuss real estate market condition and trend. He has been successful in selling clients listings in a record time using his expertise

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The Most Exciting Property Market in Europe

Feb 1

Posted by admin in Real Estate

Montenegro, poised on the brink of EU accession acceptance, is undoubtedly the most exciting country in Europe for property investors today.

The wealth of potential in the market stems from the fact that real estate in Montenegro is massively undervalued, it is growing in demand from those seeking an affordable holiday home in the sun, Montenegro is growing in popularity as a holiday destination, the country is aligned for EU acceptance and the local economic reforms entered into by the government of Montenegro are resulting in strong and sustainable levels of foreign direct investment.

The climate in the property market in Montenegro right now is therefore incredibly ripe and it is attracting real estate investors from around the world.

Immediate gains can be realised from the rental of suitable coastal properties to the fledgling but burgeoning tourism market, with longer term rental income likely from well appointed and located apartments in the main towns in this tiny gem of a European country.

Medium to long term the property market in Montenegro is likely to reward a patient investor with substantial capital growth because as the local economy is boosted by inward foreign direct investment, so the numbers of companies relocating to Montenegro increases and so the demand for properties to purchase goes up. Furthermore as the local economy is strengthened and the local people become wealthier in real terms, they will present an investor with a second tier to the market to target over the medium to longer term.

Montenegro was once a country frequented by the European glitterati, the famous, the beautiful, the royals and the rich, but many years of strife resulted in the oppression and depression of a nation and its people. Thankfully gone are the days when Montenegro suffered at the hands of the war hungry and Montenegro and its neighbouring countries have settled down so much that they are all either fully fledged members of the European Union or poised on the brink of entry. The years during which the country suffered are over and the unrivalled wealth of stunning architectural and geographical beauty that Montenegro is home to is once again drawing the crowds from across Europe.

Montenegro is truly a beautiful gem of a nation and one that is beginning to shine and sparkle once again making it the perfect place for property investors seeking substantial potential for profits and gains.

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Slovakia: An Overseas Property Investment Story of the Future

Jan 27

Posted by admin in Real Estate

Overseas property investors looking for the next emerging market should investigate Slovakia. The world bank in 2005 stated that Slovakia had the fastest transforming business economy and the trend is set to continue.

About Slovakia

Slovakia landlocked republic in Central Europe bounded by the Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, and by Austria. Slovakia is modern European country with a deep rural tradition. Geographically, it is primarily a mountainous country with numerous winter activities. Bratislava is its capital and largest city.

Buying property in Slovakia an overseas property opportunity.

Overseas property investors looking for the next emerging market should investigate Slovakia. The world bank in 2005 stated that Slovakia had the fastest transforming business economy and the trend is set to continue.

Overseas buyers welcome in Slovakia

Slovakia lifted all restrictions on property acquisition on 1 May 2004. All foreign nationals can acquire real estate or land in Slovakia directly, without having to set up a company and have a local legal signatory. The minimum amount of equity required is generally 30% of the purchase price. Alternatively, you can use the equity in your existing property or simply arrange a loan at home.

Where to buy in Slovakia

Bratislava, Slovakia’s capital and largest city, is one of the rare places offering you exceptional capital growth potential AND increase in rental income at the same time. Quaint and jovial with a surprisingly rich cultural life, Bratislava is a capital city without the usual congestion. The High Tatras are a magnificent range of European mountains (only second to the Alps in elevation) dotted with villages with deep peasant traditions.

How to buy property in Slovakia.

Once you found your Slovakian property be prepared to part with a deposit of 10%. This is required by the buyer to start the buying process. A pre purchase agreement is signed by both parties. A surveyor will complete a report and provide this to the seller’s solicitor who will then prepare a contract of sale. It is important to have any agreement signed translated. The title deeds are then transferred to you after a period of about 4 weeks. Agents? fees are between 1.5 and 3 percent.

Slovakian Climate

Slovakia has a continental climate, with four distinct seasons. Winters are typically cold and dry, while summers tend to be hot and humid. The average daily temperature range in Bratislava is -3? to 2? C (27? to 36? F) in January and 16? to 26? C (61? to 79? F) in July; temperatures tend to be cooler in the mountains. Bratislava receives an average of about 650 mm (about 26 in) of precipitation annually. In areas of high altitude, snow is often present for as many as 130 days each year.

Travelling to Slovakia

Depending on the country you come from and the reason you come to Slovakia for, you may need an ID card, a passport or even a visa in order to enter Slovakia.

Citizens of the European Union should be able to travel with their ID card only. Contact embassy of the Slovak Republic in your country for more information.

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Costa Rica Property for Sale – Prices up 300% in 10 Years, and more to come

Jan 26

Posted by admin in Real Estate

If you’re looking to buy property as an investment, then the property for sale in Costa Rica offers you the chance to make substantial gains in the coming years – with low risk.

Buying Costa Rican property is inexpensive and easy – and prices are on the move.

Here we look at Costa Rica property for sale, and the importance of location – which will help you make even bigger capital gains on your investment.

So, when you’re looking at the Costa Rican property that’s for sale, what do you need to consider for making the big capital gains?

The Last 10 years have Shown 300% Growth

The biggest change in the Costa Rica property for sale during the past decade is that prices have doubled, or tripled in many locations ? and the good news is – it’s still cheap!

Costa Rican property prices range considerably:

. 1/4-acre beachfront home sites ranges from $50,000 to upwards of $200,000.

. Beachfront homes range from $165,000 upwards.

. Seaside condominiums range from $55,000 to $250,000 – depending on size and geographical location.

. Just inland – maybe a 10-minute walk to the beach, two-bedroom, two-bathroom, homes start at $40,000 – and single-family building lots start at $6,500

. Less expensive deals can be found in more remote areas – such as the northern Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica’s southern region.

Popular Places

Most realtors agree that the best turnover, and fastest-selling properties are generally located in the Central Valley, and along the Pacific coast – and it’s here that you can get the best capital gain on your investment.

Although the Central Valley covers just five percent of Costa Rica, it contains the vast majority of the country’s population. Therefore, property prices around the greater metropolitan area (including San Jos?, Alajuela, Heredia and Escaz?) – where many of the country’s businesses and services are located, tend to be among the highest in Costa Rica.

Generally, the farther away from town you go, the lower the prices of property for sale will be. The exception to this rule is the central and northern Pacific coast – where a number of major developments are underway.

Property for Sale in Costa Rica – the Secret of Big Returns

Here you need to get out your map of Costa Rica, and look at areas set to increase in value – simply watch for changes in the infrastructure that will boost property prices.

Buying property that’s for sale in Costa Rica can give you great returns – but if you build in advance of important building projects that will enhance local amenities – and the quality of life, will make you even more money.

So, what sort of changes in the infrastructure are we referring to? Let’s look at three projects currently underway that look set to increase property prices in adjacent areas:

New Freeway: Scheduled to be completed shortly. The freeway will link the largest cities to the Pacific Coast – generating an increased flow of traffic and buying interest in areas with easy access to the freeway.

New Marina: The largest marina in Costa Rica will be completed shortly in Quepos.

New Airport: A new international airport is coming to the town of Orotina in the near future.

When buying property for sale in Costa Rica, being in ahead of the crowd – before an important part of the infrastructure is completed, will enable you to take advantage of the increased demand for real estate in the areas that these changes will benefit.

Buying Property that’s for Sale in Costa Rica is Straightforward

The government encourages investors ? they place no restrictions on foreigners. In fact, foreigners are entitled to the same ownership rights as Costa Rican citizens. When you factor in low costs, and no capital gains tax, overseas buyers will continue to buy the property that’s available in Costa Rica.

Property for sale in Costa Rica as an investment

Buying property currently for sale in Costa Rica can be a rewarding experience. The future looks bright – as the big fluctuations in property prices that you see in the United States, doesn’t happen in Costa Rica.

Based on past history, prices either go up by at least 10 percent per year – or at worst, stay the same. When the real estate market is in a downturn, properties don’t tend to go down in value – they stay static – making this a low risk way to invest.

Currently, the chances of a downturn in the market now look slim ? due to the rising number of investment property buyers.

If you want to double or triple your money in the next few years, think about the Costa Rican real estate market – and buy some building lots or property.

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New Jersey Real Estate – The Garden State

Jan 23

Posted by admin in Real Estate

New Jersey is often miscast as a less than nice place to live, when the truth is the garden state motto is accurate. New Jersey real estate prices reflect Atlantic Ocean influences.

New Jersey

With the crooning of Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey has been depicted as a non-descript home of industry. Take a ride on the turnpike in the north and you’ll agree. Simply put, parts of the state are unattractive, but much of the rest is very nice. New Jersey is that odd location where you want to avoid the bigger cities and live in the smaller towns. They represent gems on the eastern seaboard with low prices relative to the region. Move to New Jersey and you’ll be close to areas such as the gambling at Atlantic City, beaches on the Atlantic and large cities such as New York City.

Princeton

Home to the famous and respected Princeton University, the town of Princeton is simply beautiful. You’ll find older historic homes, castle-like buildings and green, overgrown landscaping. While this is definitely a college town, the atmosphere fall more towards the study of intellectual discourse than toga parties. Home to such notable individuals as Albert Einstein, Princeton is a surprisingly quiet and a good place to raise a family.

Atlantic City

If gambling is your game, Atlantic City is the spot on the East Coast. Sitting on the coast, this is the home of over the top casinos with a heavy influence of Trump. To be honest, Atlantic City is a take it or leave it place. The city has gone through major economic swings and is heavily influenced by the seasons. The winters can be depressing, but spring and summer can be a hoot with a mass of tourist livening up the area. Atlantic City is often described as a poor man’s Las Vegas, but it is more akin to the Reno area without the skiing and mountains.

New Jersey Real Estate

New Jersey real estate prices are all over the map. Prices range from the mid $250,000s to as high as the $900,000s for homes. You’ll need to research the prices in your area of interest.

On a positive note, appreciation rates are strong in New Jersey. On average, real estate appreciated at a rate of over 16 percent in 2005.

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