Ukraine Promising Potential for 2008

Ukraine is set to be one of the most promising property markets for 2008 with strong economic growth and significant foreign investment.

Since the Ukraine’s transition to true democracy three years ago, property values have risen by an incredible 600%. In Kiev alone, from 1st January 2007 to 6th September 2007, prices have grown by an average of 6%.

The Ukraine has demonstrated economic stability with strong economic performance since 2000; GDP grew by more than 50% between 1999 and 2004. Economic growth advanced by 7% in 2006 with a rise in real disposable income of 16.5%.

Foreign direct investment increased significantly in 2007, along with an increase in the number of international companies operating in Kiev. Merrill Lynch is a prime example who has invested heavily in the country, and the number of business visitors.

In Soviet times, low levels of housing per capita existed and limitations of migration to big cities were enforced. Today, people are able to move to the cities where opportunities and capital is concentrated and as a result, income levels have risen within these areas.

The strip along the southern coast of Crimea, a highly popular tourist destination with Ukrainians, Russians and other international foreigners, is attracting the interest of property investors.

The Ukraine has held records of high rental yields and in comparison to mature European markets is one of the primary attractions for foreign investors to the country. Overall rental yields are on average 8.8%, with yields in Kiev ranging between 6.9% and 10.2%.

With the hosting of the Euro 2012 football championships, the country looks set to continue along the path of economic growth with a promising future for property investment.

For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
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Wealthy Citizen’s Increasing Turkey Property Investment Market

Wealthy property investors are literally queuing up to buy Scotland's most exclusive rural estates.

Local real estate agents have reported that a current slowdown in the economy has spurred multimillionaires to place their capital into safer investment markets, and as such are purchasing fine country estates in Scotland.

Scottish property consultants CKD Galbraith has said that they have a waiting list of 100 big spenders all vying to snap up the most exclusive properties, and a chance to become lairds of the glen. These national and international buyers have a reported combined buying power of £300 million.

"The evidence across the estates market in Scotland is compelling and it is quite clear that extremely wealthy people who could invest their money anywhere in the world consider rural Scotland to be an excellent prospect," commented company representative Mr Jackson.

Reports show land in Scotland currently sells at an average £2,500 an acre, 20% less than rates in England, and a massive 360% less than land on the outskirts of Dublin. Other property research shows the price per square foot in Kensington equates to the price of one acre of land in Scotland.

John Coleman, Knight Frank's head of residential sales in Scotland, has reported house prices in Scotland would rise between 9% and 10% over the next 3 quarters, compared to an average 6% in the UK. "Should there be a further interest rate rise, we may yet see this anticipated growth cooling, although we would still expect the prime end of the market to remain buoyant."
For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email: press@obeliskinternational.com

Singapore Predicts Sales of 2000 Residential Units in Q4

Sales of new private residential homes in Singapore look set to plateau this quarter.

Based on latest figures, analysts expect a total of 2000 units to be sold in Singapore in Q4. This figure shows a total sales reduction of 1,000 units on Q3 and over 3,000 on Q2 2007.

However, the downturn in sales has not affected the price growth, with market watchers predicting a rise of 5-8% for Q4. This therefore brings the overall price increase for 2007 to 27-30% with early forecasts showing growth of 10-15% for 2008.

Donal Han, Managing Director of Cushman & Wakefield commented, “That brings the overall close to about 30% and I think that's still respectable, considering that the main movement of the market came about during the first 7 months of this year."

The trend for property has also changed, with a focus on the middle ground, mass-market sector and analysts believe this tendency will remain well into 2008. This shift for low-cost units may have arisen from the end of a deferred payment scheme, previously available to buyers.

Han said, "There's been also potential focus on targeting the Russian market. There are many high net worth individuals coming from Moscow looking to buy properties in Singapore.”

Property consultants within the area have reported that developers are turning to untapped overseas markets such as South Korea and the Middle East. Han said, "These are all non-traditional areas that developers are targeting on, and some have already embarked on this, other than targeting on the usual suspects."

For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
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Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/
Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email: press@obeliskinternational.com

Property Investment Potential 2008

Financial and property markets throughout the world have experienced some highs and lows during 2007. Perhaps most remarkably, is the US sub prime lending which saw the near collapse of Northern Rock. However, consumer spending has remained stable, especially in the tourism industry. British Airways passenger figures were up by 2.4% in November 2007, and Ryanair’s expanding operations put their on-target year-end profits to 10%.

In terms of property investment for 2008, London continues to be rated as one of the top places to make money through property. However, higher lending charges and interest rates in the UK, plus single figure growth rates, somewhat taint the residential market.

According to the European Central Bank, the credit crunch has had little or no impact on household borrowing within the Eurozone; growth has held steady at 6.8% per month since September, with demand for business loans remaining unchanged at a monthly rate of 13.9%. These positive EU indicators are a factor of internal, as opposed to external, commercial exchanges reducing the risks of international cross-border banking.

Solid financial foundations within the European Union and the emergence of new members make for some interesting and bullish investment conditions. Since 2005, Bulgaria alone has seen a vast amount of foreign direct investment (FDI) and currently ranks 5th in the worldwide FDI table.

In terms of the residential real estate market, Knight Frank Global Price Index listed Bulgaria’s annual property price growth at 30%. However, a vast number of property experts believe the Bulgarian cities, and their surrounding areas, are the places to invest. The Residential Investment Index Q3 2007 from Property Investment News shows Sofia’s property prices have increased by 5% within the last 6 months alone.

Sofia’s European café culture has attracted big names such as Chanel, Versace, and Chopard, creating a high-end luxury market in the city. This is also reflected in the type of development projects now being constructed to meet demand from overseas property investors, and those relocated high corporate earners from companies such as Nestle, Danone and Nokia.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “The rise in FDI has undoubtedly influenced the property market in Sofia, in both the residential and commercial markets. Luxury residential properties are now in huge demand primarily driven by international buyers and multinational workers. Going forward into 2008, the rise in luxury house prices will keep pace with the overall residential market growth of an average 30% - 40% per annum.”

For more information on property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on: 0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com or visit our website:http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Gordon Brown Accepts World Support

Five Central Banks have joined forces in a bid to ease the squeeze on the financial markets resulting from the US credit crunch.

£54 billion in funding is being made available to the world money markets by central banks from around the world, including the Bank of England and the US Federal Reserve.

Mr Brown has said that the world’s financial markets should cooperate to stave off market tension. "The cooperative effort I've wanted to see for some time. It signals an international desire to act in what has been a period of global financial turbulence." Mr Brown added that the move would assist “staving off recession”.

The Federal Reserve and the Bank of England are to team up with the European (ECB), Canadian, and Swiss Central Banks, who will offer cash in the form of loans available through auctions. Analysts believe that this action is a sure sign that the market has taken a big hit.

Peter Dunay, Chief Strategist at investment bank Leeb Capital Management in New York commented, "Ideally, what we are looking for is the financial institutions to have written off their problems, built up confidence and be willing to lend to each other. Right now, they do not want to lend - they do not want to lend to the public, they do not want to lend to each other.”

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “However, the five most powerful central banks all making a concerted effort to act together should halt any fears of a recession, in the effected markets.”

“The ECB’s consumer borrowing figures have already confirmed there has been no downturn in lending within the Eurozone, growth of which has held steady after the US sub-prime news. This leads many analysts to believe that problems may be largely overstated and should indeed settle in due course.”

For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email: press@obeliskinternational.com

Waiting List for Exclusive Scottish Estates

Wealthy property investors are literally queuing up to buy Scotland's most exclusive rural estates.

Local real estate agents have reported that a current slowdown in the economy has spurred multimillionaires to place their capital into safer investment markets, and as such are purchasing fine country estates in Scotland.

Scottish property consultants CKD Galbraith has said that they have a waiting list of 100 big spenders all vying to snap up the most exclusive properties, and a chance to become lairds of the glen. These national and international buyers have a reported combined buying power of £300 million.

"The evidence across the estates market in Scotland is compelling and it is quite clear that extremely wealthy people who could invest their money anywhere in the world consider rural Scotland to be an excellent prospect," commented company representative Mr Jackson.

Reports show land in Scotland currently sells at an average £2,500 an acre, 20% less than rates in England, and a massive 360% less than land on the outskirts of Dublin. Other property research shows the price per square foot in Kensington equates to the price of one acre of land in Scotland.

John Coleman, Knight Frank's head of residential sales in Scotland, has reported house prices in Scotland would rise between 9% and 10% over the next 3 quarters, compared to an average 6% in the UK. "Should there be a further interest rate rise, we may yet see this anticipated growth cooling, although we would still expect the prime end of the market to remain buoyant."
For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email: press@obeliskinternational.com

Natal’s Prospects Heightened by 2014 World Cup

The investment prospect for Natal has increased further after news of the 2014 Brazilian World Cup.

The city of Natal has been provisional picked as one of the key sites for the 2014 World Cup. Preliminary reports state that Natal is also expected gain from the development of a brand new stadium.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “The outlook for Brazil’s property market has been very buoyant for some time now. This news regarding the World Cup will only heighten international interest from all kinds of investors with many areas already seeing a price per square meter increase by US$150.”

Eighteen stadiums are designated potential World Cup sites, which are expected to be whittled down to a final list of ten. These final choices are to be either redesigned or built from scratch. The chosen areas will also receive further cash injections into local airports and transportation to accommodate the major influx of visitors to the country.

However, the World Cup will not be the only visitor generator due to ten new golf courses planned with over US$1.8 billion worth of investment for new hotels and resorts. In preparation, Natal’s redeveloped airport will be complete by 2009 and ready to receive 5 million passengers, making it the largest airport in South America.

For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Obelisk Launch Free Property Investment Guide Website

Obelisk is proud to announce the launch of the ‘Absolute Guide Series’ website providing a wealth of information free to all those interested in gaining indispensable knowledge, and ultimately wealth, through overseas property investment.

Property investors will now be able to access a vast array of fully downloadable free property investment guides, all in one website at www.absoluteguideseries.com.

The Absolute Guide Series is the definitive property investment site covering key destinations across the world; currently 25 country guides are available from Brazil to Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Turkey, giving the reader essential advice and guidance on a country’s investment viability.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “The Absolute Guide Series is the product of many months of analysing the latest data from key property investment areas. Our dedicated team of researchers and analysts have compiled holistic, clear-cut reports providing insight into the realistic and achievable returns of a country’s real estate market.”

Available completely free of charge, the property investment guides provide a practical and comprehensive overview, on the latest and most exciting issues from the global property markets.

Gonzalez continues, “It is our priority and commitment to our industry to communicate precise, correct, and complete information which ultimately allows investors to make informed choices and decisions.”

“The guides present the investor with an awareness of the viability and potentials of building a profitable international property portfolio.”

The website also gives investors the opportunity to subscribe to the Obelisk Newsletter, which contains up to the minute investment, development, economic, and property news from around the world.

Gonzalez concludes, “We will be updating the ‘Absolute Guides Series’ with new and exciting guides on a regular basis to ensure we provide our users with the most comprehensive information available. We are certainly proud of the release of this new site and hope that it will become a valued tool for all property investors.”

Please click here to visit the new Absolute Guide Series website

For more information on property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on: 0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Singapore Foreign Investments Generate 8.8 billion Singapore Dollars

The property market in Singapore has received approximately 8.8 million Singapore dollars this year.

The announcement came from Grace Fu, Minister of State for National Development in Singapore, during the signing of a new government collaboration project reported to be worth 1.7 billion Singapore dollars.

Grace Fu commented “This represents an increase of 66% over the 2006 full-year volume of about 5.3 billion dollars. This dramatic increase reflects the optimistic economic outlook and development potential in Singapore”

Growth figures have been rising steadily since 2004; foreign direct investment (FDI) increased exponentially from 800 million Singapore dollars, to 4.1 billion in 2005 and a record 5.3 billion in 2006.

The Urban Land Institute along with Pricewaterhouse Coopers conclude that Singapore comes in at a close second to Shanghai as having the best real estate investment prospects in the Asia-Pacific rim for 2008.

The new government project, covering 3.5 hectares, is to be developed specifically for commercial use only and will include a hotel, retail and office space.

Grace Fu concluded, “We look forward to seeing a development that will become a new landmark in Singapore.”

For more information on property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

British and Irish Own Nearly 4 Million Overseas Properties

In a new report compiled by the business intelligence organisation Datamonitor, the growing number of UK and Irish citizens owning property abroad will continue to increase.

In one of the largest studies undertaken on the overseas property market, Datamonitor took 3 months to compile the research, has cast valuable light on property market trends.

The report states that the actual figure of UK and Irish overseas property owners amounts to 3.81 million with a total value of £44.4 billion. The figure relates to the true outright ownership of property and discounts the purchase of timeshare and fractional ownership.

According to estate agents in the UK and Ireland, the overseas property market will almost double within 5 years taking the annual growth rate to 13%. The main driver of overseas property investment has come from the growing number of younger buyers keen to get on the property ladder. The reasoning behind this drive is a mixture of personal and investment purposes, with 70% stating that they are purchasing to improve their lifestyle.

Preferred investment locations were also highlighted; younger buyers are looking to more exotic property markets favouring Latin America, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, with the long term favourites such as Spain, America, and France still popular overseas property investment destinations.

For more information on property investment, and to find out about Obelisk’s latest projects, contact Obelisk free on:
0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)
Email info@obeliskinternational.com
Visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Press Office: Tel: 0808 160 1005 or email press@obeliskinternational.com