Struggling Irish Housing Market Attracts Prospectors Author: Jerold Leslie
Ireland’s real estate market woes are tremendous, even in comparison with that of the U.S., with property values dropping as much as 80% in some sectors. Values for all types of properties have fallen at least 55%, and the incredibly low prices are attracting potential investors who would have otherwise never dreamed of trying to enter the market. Experts warn, however, that care must be taken to avoid buying a property that hasn’t hit bottom yet, and to be sure to avoid areas that have been adversely affected by emigration and rising crime. The Irish government is offering several tax incentives to buyers and many foreigners, particularly from Russia and the U.S., are contemplating buys.
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UK Property Sellers Slashing Prices Author: Property Wire
Property sellers in the United Kingdom (UK) are facing a very finicky buyer’s market where prospective purchasers are few in number and aware of the favorability in negotiations. Economic uncertainty and restricted lending have priced many people out of the UK real estate market, leaving those who are still in it in a good position in relation to those trying to move property. Glasgow, Blackpool and Maidstone are experiencing significantly lower rates, with price reductions between 8.5% and 9.2% among the three locations. The average decrease across the region stands at 7.5%, according to property research website Zoopla.
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Foreign Real Estate Financing: Ways To Fund Your Dream Home Overseas Author: Margaret Summerfield
Finding financing for that overseas dream home on the water can be a challenge for some people, but there are options that can help investors close the deal. One way to get a discount is to pay in cash, although experts recommend only doing this for properties already built. Another thing to remember is that borrowing in some countries can be difficult because of loan-to-value lending caps and age restrictions. To avoid these complications, prospective overseas homebuyers may want to consider developer financing. It often involves less paperwork, fewer limitation and opportunities to pay lower monthly rates. A final consideration may be to use IRA or 401K funds for the perfect opportunity.
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Lebanese Property Market Facing Decline Author: Global Property Guide
Lebanon may have seen soaring property values from 2008 to 2011, experiencing a peak increase of 15.1% in 2010, but a year of growing unrest has taken its toll on those gains. Bank Audi reports values dropped 2.7% in real terms at the close of 2011 due to slowing economic growth and political uncertainty. Sales also dropped at the end of last year, as did demand for construction permits, although the country’s mortgage market has seen considerable expansion. Of all these concerns, however, experts believe Lebanon’s shrinking rental yields may cause the most harm. Moving into 2012, yields were down nearly 10% from those seen just six years ago.
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Investing In China's Real Estate Market: A Look At Funding Options Author: Qin Qu
Prior to the global financial crisis and subsequent restructuring and monitoring of banks, most real estate investors in the U.S. and abroad relied on banks for loans to fund development projects. Now, tougher regulations are forcing banks to be choosier and investors have sought to fill the gap with alternative ways to raise capital. Two methods include real estate trusts and real estate private equity funds. These are investment vehicles that involve the collaboration of investors outside of banks with particular legal and tax structures that many people are finding favorable to the growing difficulty of dealing with banks.
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Dominican Republic Peninsula Great for Beach Living Author: Ronan McMahon
The Samana peninsula in the Dominican Republic is a beautiful region with winding beaches, wonderful weather and quiet little beachside restaurants that serve cold drinks and delicious food. Las Terrenas is particularly attractive for anyone looking for the perfect place to buy a beach home. Located just under two hours from the capital of San Domingo, properties in the town are just minutes away from the beach sell for very reasonable prices. Condos can be found for as little as $80,000, while a new luxury townhouse can be had for $165,000. Expats who choose to buy will also find they’ve got an attractive rental property on their hands, and can defray costs by renting it when it’s not in use.
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Costa Rica’s Best Beaches Author: Jason Holland
Locals, tourists and expat residents agree that there are a lot of things to love about Costa Rica, but for many nothing else compares to the Central American country’s beautiful beaches. The country has a great deal of coastline considering its size, and many beaches offer a different feel depending on which stretch a beachgoer decides to visit. Examples that demonstrate the range of possibilities are the beach towns of Quepos and Jaco, which both attract young partiers with themed restaurants and chain hotels, and Dominical, which is a sleepy beach town with a more laid-back feel. For those looking for a little of both, Quepos and Jaco are only a 45-minute drive from Dominical thanks to a recently paved road.
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Developer Funding in Portugal’s Housing Market Author: Property Wire
Some prospective homebuyers in Portugal who are having trouble securing a bank loan now have the option of getting funding from the property developer. Portuguese property agent Infinito Real reports that some borrowers are being given the opportunity to finance with the developer, typically for a short period of time while the buyer seeks to rent the property, resell it or gain bank financing in the near term. Analysts note that people with good credit and little debt are having no trouble finding funding for as much as 80% of the purchase prices, whereas others have trouble finding financing for half the costs.
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UK Cold Snap Causes Property Troubles Author: Property Wire
Europe has been struck by cold weather and that means more burst pipes for landlords and tenants in the United Kingdom (UK). The Landlord Syndicate, an organization that provides support services to UK landlords, notes that insurance claims for burst pipes increased 900% last winter, and provides advice to landlords on how to avoid these costs. Landlords should schedule time for routine check-ins with tenants, as well as make sure pipes remain heated and insulated when possible. Also, external taps should be shut off and drained to prevent damage.
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Australian Home Prices Show Market Promise Author: Property Wire
New statistics from Australian Property Monitors indicates home prices in Melbourne edged up 1.1% in the final quarter of 2011, while prices in Sydney remained neutral. Analysts are interpreting the numbers as good news moving into 2012 when combined with increased housing affordability, inexpensive financing and a healthy inventory. Reports suggest buyer activity is already on the rise in large cities across the continent, including Perth and Canberra, as home prices finally find a bottom.
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