A Happy Ending for Overseas Property Investors

Recent property statistics confirm that Brits just cannot get enough of overseas property. Figures released by the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP) claim that in 2007, the British spent a staggering £246 billion on homes abroad, a 21% increase on 2006.

Spain still tops the favourite destination chart – Spanish homes accounted for over a quarter of all purchases – but newer markets are fast emerging as investor favourites. According to a survey carried out by property investment company, Obelisk, Bulgaria, Turkey and Romania head the list of preferred countries for investment in bricks and mortar (www.obeliskinternational.com).

Savvy investors have seen high capital growth and strong rental yields in their property investments, but this is by no means always the case. Media reports continually highlight the flip side to property investment and horror stories involving purchases abroad appear almost daily.
Overseas property investment is not something to be taken lightly, but there are certain steps you can take to ensure that investment in a home overseas does not end in tears. By applying a combination of thorough research, due diligence and canny financing, buying a property abroad should have a happy ending.

Research holds the key to success. Only careful analysis of the myriad of factors involved in a purchase means you can be sure of walking into an investment with your eyes wide open. Aspects such as the local and national economy, the tourist industry and property market history are all essential when it comes to making an investment decision.

At Obelisk, a world leader in overseas property investment, they take their research very seriously. “We believe that an investor should only commit to a purchase when they have enough information to base their decision on” advises James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk. “Our comprehensive in-house research and analysis ensures our clients receive the most secure investment opportunities.”

Hand in hand with exhaustive research should be due diligence. This means you avoid falling victim to a property with no planning permission or to a developer going bankrupt. It also ensures you get what you paid for. “One of the main pitfalls of property investment is lack of financial and legal security” warns James. “At Obelisk, no project is released unless it has met our compulsory due diligence criteria.”

Following research and due diligence, careful financial planning, guided by experts, makes the difference between laughing or crying all the way to the bank. Remortgaging your current property is often the easiest way to become a cash buyer, but taking out a mortgage on your investment property may cost you less. However, you need to consider the fees and costs involved throughout the process to make sure you incur minimum costs but achieve maximum gain.

Ken Thorkildsen, Director of Obelisk Private Finance, adds, “The number of mortgage products available abroad is increasing for non-resident property buyers. But in order to secure the best solution at the most competitive rates, it is essential to seek the advice of overseas finance specialists. At Obelisk Private Finance, we source only the most competitive products from those available in countries throughout the world.”

If you are among the thousands of British owners of properties abroad or planning to join them, apply the tried and tested formula of research, due diligence and wise financing. Then write your own happy ending.

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/

For international mortgage advice and private finance solutions, contact Obelisk Private Finance on 00 34 952 820 319 or free on 0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE). Email: info@obeliskfinance.eu or visit our website: http://www.obeliskfinance.eu

For press enquires, please contact Obelisk’s marketing department on (+34) 952 820 319 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Brazil Receives Thumbs up from Financial Giants

Following a ratings upgrade from two financial agencies, institutional investors are now looking towards the Brazilian market to boost their profits.

Global ratings agency, Fitch, and market intelligence provider Standard & Poor’s have upgraded Brazil’s credit rating as a safe place to invest, taking into consideration that Brazil is highly unlikely to default on its liabilities.

The new rating will make Brazil more attractive to a wide range of international investors such as large US pension funds. These funds are only allowed to invest in countries with positive confirmation that monetary obligations can be met.

Julian Thompson, Head of Emerging Market Equities at Threadneedle, comments, “The upgrade opens Brazil to a wider investor audience. A lot of funds will only move into a country when it has investment grade rating.” Emerging Portfolio Fund Research has shown that inflows into Brazilian equity funds have grown over six consecutive weeks reaching £716m whereas other funds around the world have seen a withdrawal of funds. This inflow has been made more remarkable given that outflows were £324m before that period.

The investment rating upgrade is viewed as a huge financial step for Brazil, considering the country was on the brink of bankruptcy six years ago. The unexpected economic growth, coupled with the government’s commitment to reform, has escalated the country’s financial reserves and drawn more and more investors to Brazil.

Investors have predominantly focused on Brazil’s commodities - the country has a huge bank of natural resources - especially as it is now viewed as a safe haven from the sub-prime lending turmoil.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk, comments, “Investors’ appetite has traditionally been in the financial markets due to the country’s significant bank of natural resources. However, property investment in Brazil is gaining growing attention as internal domestic spending increases. Brazil is undoubtably the most exciting investment place to emerge for many years, with Brazil property investment creeping onto the winner’s podium.”

Mr Thompson adds, “Once an investment grade rating has happened, the country risk has been reduced. The demand for middle income residential property is strong and remains relatively good value.”

About Obelisk
Obelisk's extensive research and analysis, whether 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 ensuring clients are provided 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/

For press enquires, please contact Obelisk’s marketing department on (+34) 952 820 319 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Bratislava Best for Buy-to-Let

When it comes to sound buy-to-let investments, Bratislava - Slovakia's capital city - is a winner all the way. Recently ranked by Knight Frank as "the place to go for rental property", Bratislava property investment is currently one of Central Europe's letting hot spots.

Slovakia as a whole has a high percentage of homeowners with a comparatively smaller rental market, but Bratislava with its ever growing number of ex-pat workers, diplomatic staff and student population is quite the opposite.

With the lowest wages in the EU, Bratislava is a favourite destination for foreign direct investment and the city, already home to many multinational companies, saw 10,000 new jobs created in 2007 with the consequent rise in demand for rental accommodation. According to James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk, “Due to the high level of education, international companies are setting up in Bratislava to take advantage of the educated workforce, which is inevitably increasing the spending power for the local population.”

The city's large student population, popularity as a short break destination, thanks to the introduction of budget flights in 2004, its attractive medieval Old Town and its enviable position on the River Danube also means there is plenty of buy-to-let potential.

“Property investment in Bratislava is proving to be an extremely profitable option for property investors following a longer-term buy-to-let approach. Central 22, launched at the beginning of the year, was aimed at exactly this type of investor looking to maximise rental yield earnings and capital appreciation.” comments James Gonzalez of Obelisk.

Further demand for homes comes from the many Viennese workers who live in Bratislava and commute across the border to Vienna. Bratislava's close proximity to the Austrian capital - a mere 30 minutes' drive – the short supply of good quality apartments and attractive property prices (around 75% cheaper than Viennese homes) mean apartments in Bratislava’s city centre have seen price hikes of 15% per year. Rental yields are also high and average between 8% and 10% for apartments in the city centre.

The National Bank of Slovakia has recorded price rises of 21.3% year-on-year since 2002 and the country's rapid economic growth is another factor affecting rising house prices. Slovakia's GDP growth rate in 2007 was an impressive 10.4%, a massive increase on the 6% it had achieved annually between 2002 and 2006. The country received a further boost when it was announced that it had successfully met all the economic targets to adopt the euro. The EU Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Joaquín Almunia, said "Slovakia has achieved a high degree of sustainable economic convergence and is ready to adopt the euro on 1 January 2009."

With strong and steady demand for rental accommodation, high rental yields, low taxation on rental income and a flat rate income tax, Bratislava really is the place to go for property investment.

About Obelisk
Obelisk's extensive research and analysis, whether 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 ensuring clients are provided 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/

For press enquires, please contact Obelisk’s marketing department on (+34) 952 820 319 or email press@obeliskinternational.com

Obelisk Investing in Care

Obelisk, a world in leader in overseas property investment, has this year made a major commitment to investment in property for families in need. Guided by the idea that investment in property should also mean giving something back, Obelisk has firmly backed The Rhys Daniels Trust’s ‘Home from Home’ Appeal.

Under the patronage of The Duchess of Kent, the latest appeal aims to provide accommodation for families with children receiving long-term treatment at the Children’s Unit in Southampton General Hospital or the Neonatal Unit at the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton.

As part of their ‘property investment for others’ campaign, Obelisk sponsored the Max Clifford Celebrity Golf Challenge, which was held over 3 days at La Cala Golf Resort on the Costa del Sol, Spain from 5th to 7th June. The 3-day event was attended by Vice Patrons Max Clifford and Pauline Quirke, and numerous celebrities including Chris Tarrant, Des O’Connor, Johnny Briggs, Bobby Davro and Gary Shaw.

Competing in the Golf Challenge were 27 international teams, each comprising 4 team members with many celebrities participating.

Day One of the Challenge saw locals and celebrities testing their golfing skills during a preliminary practice round before later competing for 2 days on the Europa and Asia Golf Course.

Obelisk was the proud winning team under the captaincy of Gary Shaw, ex-Aston Villa star. The Obelisk-sponsored event is due to be televised on Sky Sports in a 90-minute special towards the end of June.

The highlight to the ‘Home from Home’ Appeal on the Costa del Sol was the Butterfly Ball, held at Marbella’s iconic Puente Romano hotel and attended by more than 400 guests. Ball guests were treated to star-studded entertainment led by Bobby Davro and Stan Boardman, and were able to bid in the charity auction for items such as Ricky Hatton’s boxing gloves, Wayne Rooney’s England shirt and a signed Picasso pencil sketch.

During their campaign for investment in property to help families in need, Obelisk has raised in excess of €50,000 for The Rhys Daniels Trust, proving that as well as generating personal wealth through investment, it is also possible to invest in wealth and benefit for others.

Exclusive Beach Front Paradise from ONLY £55,450!

Obelisk’s brand new beachfront project, Águas Cristalinas, offers property buyers a slice of paradise at incredible prices.

Available on a strictly first come first served basis, this sought after project, comprising of only 56 two-bedroom apartments, is set in the quintessential Brazilian village of Maracajaú, on Brazil’s north east coast.

Due to the limited number of apartments at Águas Cristalinas, Obelisk expects this luxurious development to sell out at a phenomenal rate; in a recent survey, Obelisk clients and subscribers named Brazil as their No 1 property investment destination - Obelisk has delivered exactly what their clients want.

Overall, Brazil has successfully played economic catch-up and now homebuilders are capitalising on the huge demand for property, making it a prime investment environment. The prestigious Forbes magazine recently gave its seal of approval to investment in Brazil, calling it "the darling of emerging markets" adding that the country's residential building bonanza is well deserved. Moreover, Equity International's Chief Executive, Gary Garrabrant, calls Brazil "the nimble sprinter among emerging markets."

A conservative capital appreciation estimate has been forecast at 15% per annum for Águas Cristalinas derived from a projected property price growth for the area. Brazil’s unprecedented economic success, the fantastic location of the project coupled with an increasing number of tourists visiting this stunning Brazilian coastline, Águas Cristalinas is a clear property investment winner.

Every two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment comes with its very own parking space and private terrace with fabulous, uninterrupted sea views. However, the pièce de résistance is the penthouse apartments, which include the added luxury of a private roof top Jacuzzi, shower and BBQ and breathtaking sea views.

Águas Cristalinas is a true frontline tropical beach development only 110 meters from the crystalline waters edge. The apartments present an excellent opportunity for both investors and holiday home buyers, with every apartment enjoying a beachfront orientation.

The large Ma-Noa water park in Maracajaú is a big local tourist draw, with its numerous traditional bars and restaurants, so characteristic of Brazil’s tropical coastline. Future plans for the area’s expansion include additional shopping facilities, bars, restaurants and a brand new golf course.

The village boasts stunning beaches and coral reefs – Maracajaú is home to Brazil’s largest coral reef - earning it the well-deserved reputation as ‘the Caribbean of Brazil’. Maracajaú is only 40 minutes from the provincial capital of Natal and only 25 miles from Natal’s International Airport. Over the last few years, Natal’s current airport has seen a marked increase in air traffic. Natal’s new airport, due to complete in 2010, will be the largest airport in South America.

Natal’s worldwide profile has also escalated following the announcement of the new David Beckham Football School in Natal. Property investment prospects have increased further in Natal after it was announced that the city is earmarked to host games in the 2014 Brazilian World Cup and Natal is expected to gain from a proposed development of a brand new football stadium.

With record price gains in both residential and commercial property sectors, Brazil is one of the few countries generating capital growth up to 25% – real estate in Brazil and the north east region is currently one of the world’s top property investment centres. The strategic frontline beach location of Águas Cristalinas will command high rental values and is a great place for second home buyers to escape.

Águas Cristalinas, is a low-rise complex designed with consideration to its surrounding area and is set out to ensure every apartment enjoys a sea view whilst overlooking the communal swimming pool.

With only a 7-hour flight from Europe, this frontline beach opportunity in a thriving area where the sun shines 365 days a year, a rapidly increasing tourism market, and more importantly, rising property prices, makes Águas Cristalinas a fantastic property investment, whatever the motivation.

For more information on Águas Cristalinas, 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/