Overseas Property Investment Blog | Nubricks

Obelisk Launch Laguna Beach Tabatinga With 4 x Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Hoy
Chris Hoy, Great Britain?s triple gold medal cyclist at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and gold medallist in the 2004 Athens Games, will be joining the team of investors at award-winning Obelisk as they launch their latest project, Laguna Beach in Brazil. Now ranked among the most successful Olympic athletes in history, Chris has decided that investing in Obelisk?s luxury development is the most effective way to ensure his financial future. Chris? athletic achievements are well known throughout the world ? Commonwealth champion, world champion and now four times gold medal Olympic champion in numerous cycling disciplines. His hard work and dedication has translated into solid success, making the most of every opportunity presented. Following his string of 2008 triumphs, Chris is broadening his horizons beyond cycling to include property investment. ?I?ve had such tremendous success in cycling, but at 32 I must look to my future. That?s why I am seeking good investment opportunities, wherever they might arise.? Chris turned to Obelisk for advice and after some solid research and guidance, he decided that Brazil was the best place to put his money. ?It didn?t take much for me to see the light. Brazil is one of the world?s fastest growing emerging markets and its north east region is undergoing a massive boom in tourism. The investment potential is incredible.? Obelisk?s Laguna Beach development is located in the coastal resort town of Tabatinga, near Natal, Brazil. A place of breathtaking beauty, Tabatinga is quickly becoming one of the most important investment hotspots in north eastern Brazil. Laguna Beach was conceived with the Brazil?s luxury property market in mind. Located only 30 minutes from Natal?s international airport, the complex is comprised of 8 exclusive frontline beach bungalows with unrivalled views and private pools; 12 stunning deluxe villas, all with gardens, private pools and covered parking; 10 magnificent townhouses and 54 spacious apartments. Every home has the best in luxury finishes, is constructed to the highest of specifications and ocean views are standard. Prices start at £40,000 rising up to £221,000 for an exclusive beach bungalow. In creating Laguna Beach, Obelisk brought together some of the leading minds in the field of Brazilian property development. Natal born Laercio Bezerra de Araújo Filho is the Managing Director for Obelisk?s subsidiary, Brazil Beach. Luciano Barros, a founding partner of the architectural firm, Abreu & Barros Arquetetura, will bring his wide-reaching experience to the design of Laguna Beach. Both professionals have earned international reputations for their high quality and innovative projects that have been built throughout the north east region of Brazil. While Chris understands the brilliant investment value in his purchase, Laguna Beach also involves a lifestyle element. ?My life consists of a gruelling daily training schedule. When you couple that with all the travel, the competition and my other engagements, I need somewhere special to go and relax. At Laguna Beach I will have found that place.? Obelisk earned a solid reputation of being a market leader in providing expert comment, opinion and reports on overseas investment property and they were recently named Business Britain?s ?International Property Specialist 2008?. Obelisk?s intensive selection process ensures that their clients are supplied with only the best, financially secure property investments throughout the world, like Laguna Beach. News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk International Post from: Overseas Property Blog Obelisk Launch Laguna Beach Tabatinga With 4 x Olympic Gold Medallist Chris Hoy

Positive Cyprus Peace Talks Continue
Following a series of reunification talks scheduled weekly between the leaders of the Turkish Republic of Cyprus and Greek Cyprus since September 2008, recent news indicates discussions this month continue in “a very positive atmosphere”. Divided Nation The divide between the north and south of Cyprus ?the Turkish and the Greek sides - has been ongoing for 34 years, with discussions and proposals doing very little to change anything. But, with more reunification talks scheduled for November, there?s an air of optimism once again. Brief History The division in Cyprus began in 1974, when Turkish troops occupied its northern third, following a Greek Cypriot coup inspired by the military junta ruling Greece at the time. This led to the displacement of thousands of Cypriots and the establishment of a separate Turkish Cypriot political entity in the north. In the aftermath, the internationally recognized state of the Republic of Cyprus claimed sovereignty over 97 per cent of the island and all surrounding waters, with the UK controlling the remaining three per cent. Then, in 1983 the Turkish-held North declared itself the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Fresh Talks Greek Cypriot leader Demetris Christofias and Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat met again recently to continue their discussions in the UN-controlled buffer zone near Nicosia?s disused airport, which divides the island. A senior UN official described the meeting as “productive” and “fruitful,” adding that the two leaders agreed to resume negotiations on power-sharing in early October. The launch of negotiations marked the first major push for peace since discussions had stalled in 2004 when Greek Cypriots rejected a Turkish Cypriot backed UN peace plan. The aim of the fully-fledged negotiations is to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus problem and it?s believed that two recent factors have led to a greater motivation for an agreeable conclusion. Firstly, Cyprus has been accepted into the EU and changed its currency at the beginning of 2008 to cement its inclusion. However, Turkey is still negotiating its route into EU membership and is aware that a number of member states have expressed their desire for a resolution to the Cyprus conflict before they will support Turkey?s application. This has prompted a more open stance to discussion from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. New Beginning The second factor that is bringing the two sides a step closer is the change of government in the southern part of the island. Earlier this year a general election took place in which AKEL leader Dimitris Christofias replaced the Democratic Party leader, Tassos Papadopoulos. This ?changing of the guard? meant that Cyprus became only the second country in the world to have a democratically-elected communist government. Christofias is also pro-reunification and has expressed the need for a resolution sooner rather than later. Positive Signs There have been some positive steps made already this year. In April, in the capital city of Nicosia, there was the opening of the symbolic crossing at Ledra Street - closed since violence flared between the Greek and Turkish Cypriot communities in 1964 ? which was seen as a major confidence-building measure ahead of the talks. In May 2008, Mr. Talat spoke of his hopes for Cyprus re-unification, enthusing that there had never been so much chance for solution. However, he added that the he expected the toughest issues during the unification talks to be land and property. ?It is a very complex problem?, he said. ?30 to 40 years have passed, the properties changed owners many times and both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are very sensitive about this issue. Therefore it is a tough issue?. Reunification may boost the Turkish Cypriot economy, which could bring huge investment to the northern part of the island and facilitate infrastructure improvements that would bring the North up to the standards of the South. The tourism industry would also take off and the property market would inevitably benefit. With a new government in the south of the island and the north looking to encourage the acceptance of Turkey into the EU, there seems to be a momentum and desire by both sides to reach an agreement, which bodes well for the future of Cyprus. News submitted by Jon Moore, The Move Channel Post from: Overseas Property Blog Positive Cyprus Peace Talks Continue

Abu Dhabi Beating the Credit Crunch
At a time when many nations in the world are fearful of the credit crunch, it appears that Abu Dhabi is resisting the trend. At a time when many nations in the world are fearful of the credit crunch, it appears that Abu Dhabi is resisting the trend. One major local property developer is reporting Q3 profits three times more than a year ago and expectations are that the trend will continue next year, according to a recent Reuters survey. Abu Dhabi is part of United Arab Emirates (UAE), a federation of seven Middle Eastern states on the Persian Gulf. Abu Dhabi city is the capital of the UAE. Although it is one of the world?s largest producers of oil, Abu Dhabi has recently been trying to diversify its economy into other sectors such as the property and tourism markets. There are other reports which support the Reuters findings. In recent weeks, the government has pumped US$33 billion into the banking system. Fitch Ratings recently expressed its approval of the government?s moves to guarantee liquidity in the banking system and it believes it will be unnecessary to downgrade the emirate?s Long-term Issuer Default Rating. ?The risks of a UAE bank suffering a capital markets-driven liquidity crisis are limited as none of the banks are reliant on these markets. Their funding bases are predominantly based on retail and corporate deposits, with the balance as inter-bank borrowings and some limited debt capital market issuance,? says the Director of Fitch?s Banks team, Robert Thursfield. According to James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk, guaranteeing liquidity is an important issue for Abu Dhabi. ?In contrast to Dubai, where the earliest off-plan investment opportunities saw completion in 2002, the first completed units in Abu Dhabi will only be delivered in late 2009. Abu Dhabi remains a relatively new option for foreign buyers and lacks the market saturation of Dubai. It still remains an emerging market.? News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk International Post from: Overseas Property Blog Abu Dhabi Beating the Credit Crunch

Spanish Sierra Nevada Ski Resort Season Starts Early
Over 7000 skiers took Spain’s Sierra Nevada ski slopes a week early. For the first time in 20 years, the Granada based winter ski resort opened for business with bright sunshine and nearly 20 to 50cms of freshly fallen powder due to heavy snowfall the previous weekend. With sunny days and temperatures reaching 20º on the Andalucian Costa’s, a cheap fortnight of ski and snow might be the perfect credit crunch holiday solution. Sierra Nevada, where eating and partying is as important as skiing, is one the highest resorts in Europe in the mountains. It was set to open on Nov 22nd but the date was brought forward due to quantity of snowfall. With over 33km of skiable piste open, the Sierra Nevada resort is one of 15 new ski resorts added by specialist ski operator Crystal Ski for its 2008/2009 ski season. Crystal Ski, believes that the British skier is resilient and highly likely to take his/her holiday in spite of the economic outlook with its customers saying that they would not take a short break and would eat out fewer times rather than giving up their main winter holiday. Commenting on the findings, Chintan Mahida at new homes blog Nubricks.com, said ” Sierra Nevada is a perfect resort for families with low season ski passes costing just 32.50? per adult per day and proximity to both beach and ski offer more bang for your buck, in a time when holiday money needs to stretch further with cheap flights via Ryanair direct into Granada or Jet2 and Easyjet to the Costa Tropical airport in Almeria.” This winter Crystal also adds the Spanish ski resorts of Formigal, Spain?s largest resort which has recently expanded into four valleys. New direct flights to Huesca mean transfer time has been cut to just over one hour. This news continues to show that Spain offers much more than just its ‘Sunny Spain” image and with that in mind countryside property developments in Granada such as Mirador de Iznalloz priced at just 65,209? are being aimed at a whole new market of spanish property buyers. Post from: Overseas Property Blog Spanish Sierra Nevada Ski Resort Season Starts Early

International Golf & Resort Management unveil one of the most prestigious private residential communities in the world at OppLive
International Golf & Resort Management in association with Global Development will launch their luxury Anguillan development at the forthcoming overseas property trade show Opp Live at Excel on 25 and 26 November. The Long Bay project as it is known is an exclusive beach front club residence that combines luxury homes with first class concierge services. Exhibiting with Global Development Group, International Golf & Resort Management (IGRM) will unveil the Long Bay project at Excel, the trade fair for international property developers and sales agents. Michael Longshaw, the CEO of International Golf & Resort Management and former Managing Director of Brocket Hall, will announce details of the Long Bay project which is located close to the western tip of the island and take the form of an exclusive club residence. The luxury residential community will be situated on one of the best beaches in the Caribbean and feature 41 exclusive villas and 15 apartments with full concierge service together with beach club comprising swimming pool, tennis courts, restaurant, bar, gym and spa. Michael Longshaw is well qualified to lead the project having spent two years living in Anguilla managing the Cocoloba Hotel on Barnes Bay. International Golf & Resort Management has undertaken the market and financial study to determine the opportunity for Global and gone on to produce the master plan recommending the concept, standard, scale and range facilities as well as the best market positioning and target markets. Construction at Long Bay will commence early in 2009 with the building programme managed by Global and BCQS, a leading Caribbean project management company. IGRM will operate the resort upon completion in early 2011 which will include all aspects of managing the community including both the rental programmes and concierge service facility. “Anguilla has been on the tourist map for a considerable time, renowned for its powder white beaches, turquoise sea, fine dining and excellent golf facilities. With celebrities like Denzel Washington, Robert de Niro and Halle Berry visiting the island in recent years it is enjoying a growing reputation as a destination for luxury holidays and as a result there is now a strong demand for 5 star hotels and premium residential properties,” commented Longshaw. Tom Lutterell CEO of Global, added, “Rebecca Eggleton’s Altamer resort has been incredibly successful in creating an appetite for mega villas for the super rich in Anguilla. In association with the professional team at IGRM we plan to build a secluded, leisure-orientated residential community that will be at the leading edge of luxury tourism setting new standards in quality accommodation, amenities and hospitality while catering for the needs of wealthy travellers from all over the world who are accustomed to luxury, high levels of privacy and personalised service.” News submitted by Melanie Hickey, International Golf & Resort Management Post from: Overseas Property Blog International Golf & Resort Management unveil one of the most prestigious private residential communities in the world at OppLive

Celestica Residence, Jumeirah, Dubai: New Development
Celestica Residence is strategically located in Jumeirah Village - district 14 which will be at the heart of new Dubai. Located in an elegant and serene neighbourhood in Jumeirah Village, Celestica Residence offers spacious, well-designed luxurious Villas and apartments to transport you into a world of luxury and exquisite living experience. A contemporary residential structure with inspiring architecture, Celestica is an ideal home for those seeking an urban lifestyle in a serene community environment combined with world class infrastructure and proximity to all leisure facilities, one is bound to experience sheer living pleasure. Strategically located in Jumeirah Village Part of the G+4 Residential Development at Jumeirah Village Triangle Wide choice of living options - Loft apartments Retail outlets, health club, recreational areas, cafes and swimming pool Lush green surroundings with landscaped gardens Eco friendly, management Jumeirah village connected to Sheikh Zayed road by 3 arterial routes, Al Barsha road, Emirates road and Al Khail road Jumeirah village circle also connected to the internal tram network with links to the underground metro rail system Call P&O Homes on + 350 200 47474 to speak to an investment consultant about Celestica Residence, Jumeirah Dubai Post from: Overseas Property Blog Celestica Residence, Jumeirah, Dubai: New Development

El Rompido Costa de la Luz in Spanish Tourist Board Ad Campaign
Spain?s board is currently using the idyllic picture-postcard beach of El Rompido in Huelva in an international print advertising campaign. What better endorsement could local estate agents wish for? The role of a national tourist board is quite simply to highlight the country?s finest aspects, position it as a sought-after holiday destination and ultimately encourage both first-time and repeat visitors. Andrew Benitz, Director of Titan Properties whose head office is in El Rompido, comments, ?Relative anonymity has been both our strength and ironically our downfall over recent years. Whilst Spain?s big hitters ? Marbella, Madrid, Barcelona and the like ? have garnered the lion?s share of media attention over history, Huelva has gone largely unnoticed. This of course makes our coastline unspoilt, underdeveloped, natural and uncontrived but also means that second home hunters are potentially missing out on one of Spain?s hidden treasures. Hopefully the inclusion of El Rompido?s glorious beach in a global ad campaign will bring some much-deserved attention and education on the area.? At the western tip of Spain?s Costa de la Luz, El Rompido is essentially a fishing village on the estuary of the Rio Piedras which is protected from the Atlantic by a long spit of land called ?La Flecha? - The Arrow. Its presence creates both a safe anchorage for the fishing boats and also a perfect playground for water sports. The fishing boats are as active today as they ever were, sensitively trawling the waters for sumptuous seafood that ends up on the plates of the local restaurants, but the 10km of white sandy beach backed by lofty dunes and pine forests has attracted another crowd ? the discerning property investor. Gradually growing into a vibrant, energetic destination, El Rompido has much to offer for the holidaymaker. The village now has two Alvaro Arana designed 18-hole golf courses, the south inaugurated in 2003 and the north in 2006, and a brace of five star hotels ? one managed by the Set Hotel group and the other by El Fuerte. It even has a marina fringed with lavish million euro plus villas complete with private berths and fashionable bars and trendy boutiques, a marina that is one of four planned for the area. Titan Properties is promoting the newly launched Altos del Rompido. Occupying an elevated position, the 150 apartments and penthouses command impressive south facing views of the Rio Piedras estuary and Atlantic beyond. Built to high standards, the gated community offers a range of on-site facilities from an amazing feature ?lake pool? alongside adult?s ?length pool? and children?s pool to three paddle tennis courts and a handy bar-cafeteria. The homes themselves are arranged in separate buildings, 15 apartments each, and all have two bedrooms and bathrooms, large terraces of up to 58m² for the penthouses, central heating, direct external and lift access to avoid communal hallways and a parking space a-piece. Fitted kitchens and installed air-conditioning are available as extras. The village of El Rompido with its pretty square, shops, restaurants, cycle tracks, forest walks and those endless sandy beaches is within walking distance whilst Seville and Faro International Airports are both within an hour?s drive enabling swift direct access to much of northern Europe. Prices at Altos del Rompido start from 224,000 euros for apartments and 294,000 euros for penthouses and with completion not expected until June 2011 the off-plan stage payment terms and potential for capital appreciation are very attractive. News submitted by Sarah Drane, Titan Properties Post from: Overseas Property Blog El Rompido Costa de la Luz in Spanish Tourist Board Ad Campaign

Pipa Natura ? Completed Property with Off-Plan Payment Terms
The petite coral-coloured community of Pipa Natura is set at the heart of Praia de Pipa, one of Brazil?s best addresses, and comprises 17 two bedroom villas plus a couple of duplex apartments. Despite being ready to move into, the exclusive sales agents www.uv10.com have managed to ease the financial strain by negotiating some interesting payment terms. Off-plan property may suit the bold and the brave but for some it?s just nice to get down to brass tacks and sign-up for a home that?s built and ready to go. No surprises, no waiting and no need for a vivid imagination. However this does come with one snag, you?ve got to stump up the whole asking price and with somewhere like Brazil where mortgages are virtually non-existent that means finding a pile of cash. Step in Pipa Natura where you can have both your finished property and your off-plan payment terms? Clients can split 30%-30%-40% over six months and perhaps even longer on a case-by-case basis. And with prices from just 180,000 Reais (BRL) for a duplex apartment ? that?s around 65,000 euros ? the bank will not be broken. Pipa Natura?s two bedroom villas range between 116m² and 138m² in living space each with two terraces from which to soak up the literally endless summer. Living and dining areas are kept to the ground floor together with handy laundry area, guest bathroom and car-port whilst upstairs one of the two double en-suite bedrooms boasts a private terrace. Prices here start from just 306,000 BRL (approx 111,203 euros) or perhaps you fancy the fully furnished showflat for 336,000 BRL (122,183 euros). The one bedroom, two bathroom duplexes cover 67m² plus terraces and come with pre-installation for split air-conditioning and that unbeatable 180,000 BRL price tag. Set around adult?s and children?s swimming pools with outdoor showers flanked by tropical gardens, Pipa Natura also offers a poolside gourmet entertainment area, 24 hour security with locked gates and CCTV, laundry facilities as well as satellite TV and internet connections for those who need to stay in touch. An on-site reception and rental administration office will assist those who wish to take advantage of Pipa?s high year-round demand for tourist accommodation with most establishments enjoying in excess of 65% occupancy annually. Down-to-earth Pipa, as much of a favourite with the hip surf set as it is with the beautiful and wealthy of Brazil, is just a 15 minute stroll away. The village offers restaurants, boutiques and kilometres of fine sandy coastline. A brand new dual carriageway will enable swift and trouble-free access to Natal city and its International Airport with direct flights to Europe. News submitted by Sarah Drane, UV10 Post from: Overseas Property Blog Pipa Natura ? Completed Property with Off-Plan Payment Terms

Acropolis Court, Nicosia, Cyprus : Pre Release
Acropolis Court is a new cypriot development in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean, it attracts over 2.4 million visitors each year. South of Turkey, west of the Levant, north of Egypt, and east-south-east of Greece, this former British colony is still part of the Commonwealth and a recent European Union (EU) member. Dan Johnson from The Move Channel comments: ?With glorious weather, beautiful scenery and with over 2.4 millions tourists a year, Cyprus remains a popular destination for property investors.? Acropolis Court Prices from £194,131 1 to 3 bed apartments and penthouses Year round rental market - city living Nicosia Cyprus principal commercial centre Proximity to business and shopping districts South of Cyprus most popular, benefiting international investment potential for property market boost if north south conflict resolved new Cypriot Government Turkey actively seeking EU acceptance For more information on Acropolis Court or Property in Nicosia please call The Move Channel on 020 7952 7658 Post from: Overseas Property Blog Acropolis Court, Nicosia, Cyprus : Pre Release

Villa Tranquilo in Marbella?s Reserva El Madroñal
Anyone with a generous bank manager can build a house, but very few have the skills and intuition to build a home. A home with exquisite proportions, spaces for lively entertainment and spaces for private repose. With tasteful decoration, discreet home comforts and above all boundary-pushing qualities which ensure that its just-finished feel never fades. Thankfully, the mastermind behind Tranquilo is a home-maker of the highest order. Paul Rossiter of exclusive sales agents, Carrington Estates, comments, ?If you?re constructing to sell, you must remove the heart from the process and lead with the head, but inexperienced self-builders often fall into bad habits. Common faux pas include adding more bedrooms to add more zeros to the sales price, yet few families need seven bedrooms so all you?re doing is shutting off a chunk of your target market. Others cut corners on everything from flooring to interior carpentry in order to maximize the profit margin, another mistake as a discerning purchaser will have an eye for the detail and catch you out.? Paul continues, ?A big self-build offence is to try and play it too safe and be bland and unadventurous in décor and furnishings. Each room needs a certain ?wow? factor in order to stand out from the crowd and a sea of magnolia just won?t cut it. Lastly, never underestimate the worth of home automation. This is the 21st century, so allocate a sizeable budget to wiring the property for sound, cinema, security ? the lot. During the build process the cabling can be concealed, afterwards it becomes a headache, one which the future owner won?t want to take on.? Finished in August 2008, Tranquilo is relaxed by name and relaxed by nature as the English constructor has clearly swallowed the manual of successful self-build. McCloud would be proud. Set on a 4,406m² south-west facing plot at the heart of the stunning rural retreat of La Reserva del Madroñal, this all en-suite four bedroom home encompasses 600m² arranged over three storeys, and sets the benchmark for new-build villas in the Marbella area. La Reserva del Madroñal is a stunning retreat in the midst of unspoilt nature with amazing views over the Mediterranean and the famous landmark mountain, La Concha, yet within easy reach of sport, leisure and entertainment facilities. Marbella is just twenty minutes away and the cosmopolitan port of Banús even closer. A minimum plot size of 2,600m² has been implemented to ensure utter privacy and harmonious integration of homes into the environment. Set amidst poplars and fragrant pines, it is a location that will be fully appreciated by the nature loving connoisseur. At entry level a bright double-height entrance hall with guest WC gives way to an oversized living space, also double-height, with feature stainless steel open fireplace with full-height chrome flue and doors to the terrace, garden and swimming pool. An ample dining room leads to a modern two-tone grey kitchen with central island which is fully equipped with Siemens, Miele and Bosch appliances from the American-style fridge freezer down to the coffee machine and wine fridge. Also at this level, but at a secluded arm?s length from the living areas, are two guest bedrooms, each with their own private terrace. Upstairs, via a stainless steel balustraded staircase complete with spot-illuminated risers, there are two generous bedroom suites linked by a glass and stainless steel galleried landing, each with walk-in dressing areas, private terraces and, for the master bedroom ? a decadent in-room bathtub to view either the flat-screen TV or the mesmerizing country views. The lower ground floor, surprisingly bright thanks to plenty of natural light, accommodates a games room with fully-equipped bar, pool table and cinema screen with surround-sound. There?s also an additional guest toilet, office, laundry room and garaging for two cars. Outside the garden has mature planting with exterior lighting whilst the infinity pool flanked by floating decking is the ideal spot for soaking up the sunshine and the sea views, gin and tonic in hand. Tranquilo boasts the latest generation intelligent domotics system controlling lighting, security, home entertainment and audio, extending right through to the terraces and swimming pool area whilst all principal rooms have independently controlled hot and cold air-conditioning devices. Delivered fully furnished with a contemporary interior design by Richard Lewis Interiors plus chic Kettal outdoor furniture, Tranquilo is priced at 2.75 million euros and available exclusively through Carrington Estates. A ten year build guarantee is in place, compulsory under Spanish law. News submitted by Sarah Drane, Carrington Estates Post from: Overseas Property Blog Villa Tranquilo in Marbella’s Reserva El Madroñal