THIS IS THE OFFICIAL OBELISK INTERNATIONAL BLOG: A COLLECTION OF PRESS RELEASES, ARTICLES AND OTHER USEFUL CONTENT PROVIDED BY OBELISK INTERNATIONAL. OBELISK INTERNATIONAL PROVIDES INVESTORS WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN CAREFULLY SELECTED REAL ESTATE PROJECTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD.

Monday, February 25, 2008

Capital 68 Obelisk’s New ‘High Return’ Property Opportunity in Sofia

Obelisk is proud to announce the exclusive launch of Capital 68, a brand new apartment complex in Bulgaria, Sofia, offering a projected return on investment of up to 152%.

Capital 68 is a highly lucrative property investment opportunity offering outstanding value with an estimated profit of 152% return on investment over 5 years and a forecast rental return of 9%. The project has the added bonus of being within the commuter belt of Sofia - one of the most stylish, up and coming property investment cities.

Capital 68 takes advantage of an exceptional gap in the market, currently lacking comparable developments that are built to exceptional Western European standards, which not only includes quality fixtures and fittings but a plethora of on site facilities.

This apartment complex in Bulgaria, Sofia offers early entry into an emerging area, low entry costs starting from £6,500 and up to an 80% local mortgage is available, subject to status. Capital 68 is well placed to gain from a solid resale and booming rental market, and is further aided by the variety of apartment options available from studios to deluxe penthouse suites, all with balconies or large terraces.

The Bulgarian city of Sofia is fast becoming a highly strategic location for property investment – especially for the purpose of renting to a huge local commuter market. Rising demand is originating from foreigners working for the big multinationals in Sofia with companies such as Nokia, Microsoft, and Marks & Spencers all setting up operations in and around Sofia. In addition, the emerging Bulgarian mid to high class is vying for properties within commuting distance of the capital.

The need for more high quality properties in Sofia’s prime commuter locations will prompt developers to raise the quality level of new property developments in the future. Capital 68 certainly fills this profitable gap in the market now, meeting the high standards demanded by Obelisk for their clients.

Obelisk’s in-house research and marketing analysis ensures that Capital 68 offers the absolute investment opportunity with an early entry strategy that lends a huge boost to maximise capital growth.

Furthermore, the city is attracting the attention of Hollywood stars, now spending months at a time filming in Sofia’s new state of the art studios and many Pop Mega stars adding Sofia onto their European tour lists, prompting the emergence of a new luxury property market.

The country’s 200,000 millionaires are ready to pay top rates for a central apartment complex in Bulgaria - Sofia, with the rich list reportedly paying €2,000 per sq. m for complete exclusivity demanding especially commissioned parking ramps for their Italian sports cars.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “Capital 68 is the height of luxury and affordability, exceptional for property around Sofia, The market is clearly sky rocketing, especially when compared with the more traditional cities and towns in France or Spain. Sofia’s commuter belt averages around £100,000 – you would be hard pressed to find a good apartment in the Costa del Sol for that price.”

Bulgaria secured the position of the world's strongest property market for price growth in 2007, with a record-breaking turnover of €11.36 billion, a huge €2.36 billion increase on 2006 figures, with a successful growth momentum set to continue by 15%-20% per annum.

A major upgrade of the country’s ski facilities is under way, including a £345 million Super Borovets project - a major development in the country’s most popular ski resort. Spa tourism is also on the up and steering the market further towards the more upmarket investors and holidaymakers.

The huge property price rise, which is largely attributed to an outstanding mortgage market, growing at a compounded rate of 88% by 2010, coupled with high annual revenue from properties, and the extremely weak impact of the world's financial crisis on Bulgaria means it is as lucrative as ever to invest in an apartment complex in Bulgaria, especially in Sofia.

Although relatively small in comparison to other European cities, over the past 5 years Sofia has seen its population increase by 100% to 1.2 million. This popularity will continue to rise over the next 5 to 10 years with 100,000 new inhabitants forecast to relocate to the city every year - thus expanding the housing market further.

Set in the emerging area of Kostinbrod, just 9 miles from Sofia’s city centre, Capital 68 is based in an expanding municipality with major motorway, train, and bus links. Kostinbrod is an excellent executive base with many airlines servicing routes all across Europe. Budget airlines are now picking up on this lucrative market with Wizz Air offering internal as well as various European flights from July this year.

Obelisk’s research, which receives both national and international media coverage, has shown that the emergence of new budget airline routes from companies such as easyJet and Ryanair has a major impact on property investment sites and actually predicts the next big thing in the global property markets.

James Gonzalez, adds, “Due to the favourable position and liberal zoning policy, a number of factories are choosing to relocate to the area, including international drinks giant Coca-Cola. The strategic location of Kostinbrod benefits from being within easy, commutable distance to the city and Sofia’s International Airport - with the added bonus of lower cost quality housing.”

James adds, “Since Bulgaria's EU accession foreign buyers' confidence in the country has grown immensely. British buyers, who still believe Bulgaria to be a destination for low-end investment rather than a second home or luxury rental investment, need to tap into the Sofia investment market. With the rising demand and the low supply of quality new builds, British overseas property investors need to look at why the rest of Europe views Bulgaria, and in particular Sofia property investment, so differently.”

About Obelisk
Obelisk’s market leading, robust selection process ensures only the best financially secure property investments for our clients. Our extensive research and analysis determines exactly where to build, what to build and when to build, from concept through to completion, making Obelisk unique within the property investment market.

For more information on Capital 68, 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/

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Obelisk Proudly Presents New Corporate Brochure and DVD

Obelisk Proudly Presents New Corporate Brochure and DVD

Obelisk is proud to present our new corporate brochure and DVD to welcome you to a unique world of overseas property investments.

Corporate Brochure Highlights:

The brochure details Obelisk’s clear-cut vision, outlining the advantages, high standards, investment strategies and the commitment Obelisk imparts to every client.

Endorsements and quotes have been provided by Obelisk clients and international corporate partners, such as Manzanares International Lawyers who believe in our professional and reliable approach.

Corporate DVD Highlights:
Obelisk’s corporate DVD will give you further insight into the ethics, the vision and the people behind Obelisk.

The DVD, narrated by TV Presenter John Slattery includes interviews with long-standing Obelisk clients and key Obelisk people providing an insight into the Obelisk advantage.

Listen to what our clients have to say:
Obelisk client, Brendan MacHugh talks about why he turned to the personal service provided by Obelisk adding comments to why he finds the country investment reports an “essential requirement to have before investing in any country.”

Obelisk client, Jane Lane felt that simplicity was the main advantage of using Obelisk for her property investments.

Hear comments from our Senior Investment Managers:
David Martin and Kevin Prior provide commentary on Obelisk’s unique service and business model and talk about why Obelisk clients have access to the most exciting, early entry opportunities.

Please click here to download Obelisk’s corporate brochure.

To view Obelisk’s corporate DVD please click here.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Google Report Shows Confidence in Overseas Property Investment

According to a new statistical report compiled by Obelisk from Google AdWords, the number of investors looking for overseas property investment is now at a high.

Since the emergence of the sub-prime crisis last year, overseas property investment interest has increased by a massive 96% to January 2008, according to reports from Google.

In fact, Google AdWord searches for overseas property investment are now at their highest levels since June 2007 rising by 80%, clearly indicating that overseas property investment is now the preferred alternative to stocks and shares.

The reports from Google also show Obelisk as the most popular overseas property investment search company gaining over 40% of a 700,000 strong overseas property AdWord market share.

Brendan MacHugh, Obelisk client adds, “I found Obelisk surfing through the net, just trying to find out a bit of information. They were putting forward a point of view that they are there to support, with their research and expertise and that was exactly what I wanted.”

The Google findings fully endorse current trend speculation in the overseas property investment sectors. In addition to this, the survey results tie in with current tendencies and inclinations discussed by UK based investors and advisers.

Experts within the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) have also provided evidence that in recent months overseas investment has grown, lending further evidence that overseas property investment is well on its way to becoming the option of choice.

Countries such as Bulgaria, which in many places realised 30% property price growth in 2007, have clearly highlighted the investment potential to market professionals and investors.

Obelisk also undertook an in-depth and comprehensive survey, which supported the Google AdWord statistics. The analysis revealed huge consumer confidence in overseas property investment, with over 70% of clients and subscribers looking to invest in overseas property in 2008.

The Obelisk 2008 survey requested information from investors researching overseas property on the Absolute Guide Series website. The impressive response rate shows that the vast majority of the overseas property buyers are actually looking to purchase within the first three months of the year.

Mr MacHugh adds, “The (local) property market had kind of peaked and there wasn’t a huge amount of scope. It just seemed a very sensible thing to do, to invest in property abroad; I had made money out of it I knew it worked.”

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “Both the Google and the Absolute Guide Series findings are hardly surprising. Over the last 50 years, property has beaten the FTSE in terms of providing consistently stable profits. Within this period, property’s worst performing five-year cycle still grew by 16% whereas stocks showed a huge deficit of -22%. It is certainly no wonder why investors are turning to more lucrative property investments.”

About James Gonzalez
James has a vast market knowledge and background within the world of overseas property investment. Prior to joining Obelisk as Market Analyst, James worked for CB Richard Ellis (Hong Kong), Healey & Baker and Hamptons.

James' key role at Obelisk is to research, analyse, and identify viable and profitable emerging markets.

About Obelisk
Obelisk’s extensive research and analysis, whether it is through an Obelisk own development or via a developer partner, determines exactly where to build, what to build and when to build, from concept through to completion, making Obelisk unique within the overseas property investment market.

Obelisk’s market leading, robust selection process ensures only the best financially secure property investments, safeguarding the future of investor clients.

All projects undertake compulsory due diligence making Obelisk the only overseas property investment company who provide clients with complete peace of mind.

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 or visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Andrea Elliott
PR & Communications Officer: Tel.: 00 34 952 820 319 Email: aelliott@obeliskinternational.com

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

World Superstars Boost Sofia Property Prices

Obelisk says Sofia property investments are attracting the attention of Hollywood celebrities and pop icons, prompting the emergence of a new luxury market.

Cheap holidays, cheap skiing, cheap flights, cheap food and drink, and of course cheap property – ‘Cheap’ has been the main attraction for British investors buying into Bulgaria.

However, big changes are in the air with an increasing number of foreign investors and Hollywood A-listers buying up the more exclusive high-end property.

Antonio Banderas, who already owns property in Spain, is amongst “Hollywood royalty” spending many months in the capital filming The Code, due for release this year, along with Morgan Freeman who has revealed his interest in purchasing a block of executive apartments in Sofia.

The newly renovated film studio in Sofia has created a house-hunting frenzy from top filmmakers and celebrities. Nu Image has strategically snapped up the previously state-run film studio in Sofia for US$9.2 million in a bid to cut massive production costs that the company faces in the US.

Rock legend Lenny Kravitz has also put Sofia firmly on the superstar map. The “Get on the Bus with the Love Revolution” tour will descend on Sofia’s Akademik Stadium on 27th July 2008. Huge interest for the £15 tickets has been created, with international fans taking advantage of a cut-price city break. Pink is also due to hit the city in July along with Marilyn Manson, Michael Bolton, and Vanessa Mae.

Sofia is home to the majority of the country’s 200,000 millionaires with many ready to pay over €3,000 per sq. m. for a city centre complex. The rich list is prepared to buy an entire floor for 2000 sq. m of complete exclusivity with the added bonus of a specially commissioned ramp for sports cars such as Ferrari and Lamborghini in the underground car park.

Overseas property writer, Zoe Dare Hall, suggests that British property investors, who make up 67% of all foreign buyers in Bulgaria, are missing out on hugely bullish Sofia property investments.

The need for larger, more luxurious properties in prime city, beach and ski locations dictates the market evolution. Additionally, rising demand is originating from foreigners working for the big multinationals in Sofia and from Bulgaria’s emerging middle to high classes, for properties within commuting distance of the capital.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, “Luxury properties are still within an affordable range for many overseas buyers, compared with more traditional markets (such as Spain or Portugal). A luxury apartment in Sofia’s commuter belt averages around £100,000 – you would be hard pressed to find a good apartment in the Costa del Sol for that price."

The growing demand for top-end properties is prompting developers to raise the quality levels of new properties, with a number of developments now offering well-executed design and superior build qualities. Generally, property prices have remained very competitive.

Sofia is an excellent commuter base with budget airlines, such as Wizz air, servicing routes all across Europe. The airline will also be offering internal flights to the town of Kavarna - known as the ‘Rock Capital of the Balkans’, with headline acts such as Motorhead, Led Zeppelin’s front man Robert Plant and musicians from Black Sabbath, all kicking off the Kaliakra Rock Fest in July.

The country is also upgrading ski facilities including a £345 million Super Borovets project - a major development in the country’s most popular ski resort. Spa tourism is also on the up and steering the market further towards the more upmarket investors and holidaymakers.

“Since Bulgaria's EU accession foreign buyers' confidence in the country has grown immensely. British buyers, who still believe Bulgaria to be a destination for low end investment rather than a second home or luxury rental investment, need to revisit the market.”

“With the rising demand and the low supply of quality new builds, British overseas property investors need to look at why the rest of Europe views Bulgaria, and in particular Sofia property investment, so differently.”

Obelisk strongly recommends that investors should do their research before embarking on an overseas property purchase.

Regarded as essential reading by national and international property professionals, the Absolute Guide Series provides a practical yet comprehensive overview on the latest 2008 global property markets - available completely free and fully downloadable at www.absoluteguideseries.com.

About James Gonzalez

James has a vast market knowledge and background within the world of property. Prior to joining Obelisk as Market Analyst, James worked for CB Richard Ellis (Hong Kong), Healey & Baker and Hamptons. James' key role at Obelisk is to research, analyse, and identify viable and profitable emerging markets.

About Obelisk

Our extensive research and analysis, whether it is through an Obelisk own development or via a developer partner, determines exactly where to build, what to build and when to build, from concept through to completion, making Obelisk unique within the property investment market.

Obelisk’s market leading, robust selection process ensures only the best, financially secure property investments, safeguarding the future of our investor clients.

All projects undertake compulsory due diligence making Obelisk the only overseas property investment company who provides clients with complete peace of mind.

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/

Andrea Elliott, PR & Communications Officer:
Tel.: 00 34 952 820 319
Email aelliott@obeliskinternational.com

Monday, February 11, 2008

Vietnam Property Market Needs Flexibility

By James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk

Property prices in Vietnam increased by 50% on average in 2007, largely fuelled by investors shunning the stock markets in favour of the more gainful property investment sectors.

In 2007, Vietnamese expatriates purchased property en-mass creating an exponential hike in housing and land prices, prompting the Vietnamese government to draft new laws in a bid to curb soaring prices.

The estimated capital injection into the Vietnamese property investment market for 2007 is US$5 billion, the majority of which is from foreign direct investment (FDI). 85% of total FDI was pumped into the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) property development; many districts in HCMC saw land prices increase by 70% to 200%.

At present only transfer taxes are payable on the sale of a property. However, as most sales are paid in cash, the government has experienced difficulties gauging exact volumes and collecting capital gains tax.

Property prices in Hanoi & HCMC have tripled in the past year alone – especially in the luxury sector. In 2006, new apartments were sold for US$80,000 but by the summer of 2007, this rose to a massive US$240,000 in Hanoi.

Foreign investors can buy into ‘pure investment’ property, such as hotels and resorts, for rental and leasing contracts by investing in construction and development of the projects – none of which can be for their own personal use.

A foreign citizen can own property outright as long as they are a registered Vietnam resident. However, if the Vietnamese residency is relinquished the dwelling will automatically become state property, unless it is sold, donated, or bequeathed etc. within 90 days of departure.

Although market indicators are very good in Vietnam (albeit a guesstimate), I personally believe there needs to be stronger assurances and fewer restrictions put in place for foreign property investors. As part of the rigorous market analysis we carry out at Obelisk, we will continue to monitor the market for changes that will enable a safer environment for property investors to enter.

In our recent market analysis, over 30% of our client-base favours the more accessible, transparent Eastern European markets, with many dismissing the notion of the new Asian markets. Not one of our clients expressed interest in purchasing property in Vietnam, regardless of a 20% to 30% growth rate forecast for 2008.

If foreign property investors are given full and complete ownership rights to property in Vietnam, the market will become much more flexible and therefore, much more desirable.


About James Gonzalez

James has a vast market knowledge and background within the world of property. Prior to joining Obelisk as Market Analyst, James worked for CB Richard Ellis (Hong Kong), Healey & Baker and Hamptons. James' key role at Obelisk is to research, analyse, and identify viable and profitable emerging markets for property investors to enter.

About Obelisk

Our extensive research and analysis, whether it is through an Obelisk own development or via a developer partner, determines exactly where to build, what to build and when to build, from concept through to completion, making Obelisk unique within the property investment market.

Obelisk’s market leading, robust selection process ensures only the best financially secure property investments, safeguarding the future of our investor clients.

All projects undertake compulsory due diligence making Obelisk the only overseas property investment company who provide clients with complete peace of mind.

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) or visit http://www.obeliskinternational.com/.