There are signs that British and Irish buyers, once the leading foreign players in several hot property markets, are starting to invest again after a long spell on the sidelines.But gone are the days of speculating in emerging markets like Bulgaria or Croatia.
Like many commercial real estate investors, who are spurning risky investments in favor of well-established markets, British and Irish buyers are focusing on locations where they have a long history.
“British buyers are playing it safe,” said Charles Weston-Baker, managing director of global development at Savills International, the real estate agency in London. “They are keen to buy second homes in areas with which they have a long association, such as southern Spain and the Algarve in Portugal.”
Enjoying a prime location at the edge of the Vale do Lobo resort, this apartment is close to the Tennis Academy and within walking distance to the Dunas Douradas beach. The apartment built in 2004 is set in an area of attractive pine trees and it comprises spacious rooms and ar conditioning units in every room. Excellent as a holiday home and with amazing rental potential.
It is with great pleasure that the Goldentree Real Estate Agency presents you with the summer 2009 edition of the Vale do Lobo Real Estate Newsletter. Goldentree Real Estate is a founder member of the Vale do Lobo – Luxury Beach and Golf Resort, and has been providing professional advice to both purchasers and vendors since the year 2000. This special edition will provide our clients and business associates worldwide with details on the very latest developments at one of Europe’s premier holiday and residential destinations.
At first glance you will find the latest real estate options, including the new Vale Real development (The Royal Valley) – the last remaining golf-front plots at the resort, running alongside the prestigious Royal Golf Course. One of the hottest real estate opportunities in the region and not to be missed! You will also find details of the many year-round events taking place at the resort along with diverse real estate-related topics, with something for everyone. Be sure to ask the Goldentree team for more information on the fabulous opportunities available at Vale do Lobo.
Read the rest of this entry »
The Algarve, one of the leading leisure destinations in Europe is currently considered a premiere playing ground for true golf lovers. The course layouts, carefully designed by international architects, along with the breathtaking landscapes make this a privileged setting for the sport’s enthusiasts. Carvoeiro and the remaining western Algarve have numerous attractions; and are positioning themselves as world-class golf destinations at affordable prices.
- Tags: 7spa, algarve, Cascatas Vilamoura, Golf, IMOCOM Hotels, Portugal Masters, Vilamoura
Thuesday, 30 June 2009
Sterling to Euro
With the Interbank breaking through the 1.18 barrier for the first time this year, June has been a testing time for the Euro. The overall trend is upwards and is predicted to remain that way, however the Currency Markets are some of the most volatile in the world, so be sure to discuss Limits andStops.
The Current Euro performance can be mainly attributed to the overall weakness of the Eurozone Economy. Each week key data is released that shows how the Eurozone or key Economies within are performing. Clearly good news can strengthen the Euro and conversely poor data will see the current trend continuing.
Upcoming data releases we will be watching this week include the German Unemployment Statistics on Tuesday followed on Wednesday by the German retail sales figures. Thursday sees the release of the Euro Unemployment figures and the European Central Banks interest rate decision. Any of these releases can affect investor confidence in the Euro. To ensure you know how they may affect you, contact us today.
US Dollar
Last week saw a relatively quiet calendar for Cable, and this was reflected in a narrow trading range throughout the week of 1.62-1.65 at interbank level, closing the week out at roughly the same mark where it had begun.
Both Sterling and the US Dollar are under heavy pressure at the moment for different reasons.
Many analysts speculate that the Dollar has been dramatically overbought due to the current global financial crisis, and is therefore overvalued. Sterling on the other hand is still seen as extremely weak, with one Bloomberg analyst comparing the UK economy to that of Zimbabwe.
Serious doubts have been cast of the Brown government’s ability to see the country out of the troubles which have sunk several major banks, and sent unemployment to record levels in recent history.
Looking to the week ahead, we have a much busier calendar, with a final Q1 GDP reading for the UK on Tuesday, followed by Manufacturing, Unemployment and Vehicle Sales releases from the USA later in the week. This could suggest the Dollar weakening, as we are likely to see further rises in unemployment, and a continued decline in Vehicle Sales.
Despite a return to the 1.60s from a 2009-low of 1.35, clients buying US Dollars should not expect these gains to continue back up to the 2.00 mark as we saw last summer.
Continued Sterling strength and Dollar weakness are far from guaranteed, as many analysts believe the levels of early 2008 were artificially inflated by the interest-rate cutting cycle. Therefore, clients who need US Dollars may wish to consider a Forward contract whilst these levels are available.
This Week’s Data
As a whole, the week ahead looks relatively quiet in terms of important data releases. Of course the main event that will effect those buying or selling Euros will be Thursdays European Central Bank (ECB) Interest rate decision.
Of course, interest rate decisions impact heavily upon exchange rates as large scale investors such as national treasuries and investment banks will naturally prefer to hold currencies with higher interest rates and thus returns. The more one particular currency is bought, the weaker it becomes relative to another currency. Therefore should we see an interest rate cut on Thursday, it would be realistic to expect the Euro weaken against the pound; meaning a better exchange rate if you are buying Euros.
- Tags: bank, buying property, euro, exchange rates, forein exchange, interest rates, usd
Fabulous property set in Pinhal Velho, one of the most luxury and low density communities in Vilamoura, surrounded by a golf course and beautiful villas in harmony with nature. Offering plenty of privacy, this gated community is located just 5 minutes from the beach and the Marina. This property benefits from a spacious landscaped plot with a large 5 bedroom villa equipped to the highest standard.
more info: here
Located in the heart of the prestigious vale do lobo resort, just twenty minutes from faro airport in the centre of the algarve, nestles an exclusive new development waiting for you to discover…Vale de Santo António was specifically conceived to give your family unique moments.
From the luxurious villas to the lush gardens and majestic waterfalls, from the careful design of the swimming-pools and bicycle tracks to the comfort of the Clubhouse, from the security of the resort to the excellence of the service, all details have been thought so that every moment you spend with your family is absolutely unforgettable.
more info: here
Located between Quinta do Lago and Vale do Lobo, Quinta Jacintina is a quiet small development close to all local amenities: restaurants, golf courses and the beach. This attractive semi detached villa offers 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a swimming pool, garden and lovely views to the pine trees. A great option as a holiday or permanent family home.
more info: here
Luxury turn-key project designed by acclaimed architect Vasco Vieira situated in the Loulé area, approx. 15 minutes from town center. It includes 480 sqm of living accomodation set in a large plot with uninterrupted views to the mountains. The villa will comprise of 4 double bedrooms, garage, infinity pool and will include top quality finishings and high-tech equipments.
more info: here
- Entries (RSS)