Vista Villa, Santa Monica Beach Resort, Cape Verde,

While the Cape Verde economy has little to complain about, (according to the IMF, GDP growth is expected to rise to 7.1% by 2013), news of a fresh aid injection by a leading US Aid Agency has given the African nation a welcome boost. The $66.2 million agreement will reform water, sanitation and land-management to foster further economic growth – in particular in real estate and tourism.

Adam Cornwell, Managing Director of Feltrim International promoting real estate on the Islands, comments: “Cape Verde is a nation on a rapid upward path. It has halved its 1990 poverty level and in 2008 officially graduated from Least Developed to Middle Income Country status. Much of this positivity stems from one of the fastest growing tourism industries in the world and active encouragement of substantial foreign investment.

Real estate development

“However, with scant natural resources and little rainfall, further aid flows have been needed to make the necessary improvements to cope with the influx of tourists. The five-year agreement with the US Millennium Challenge Corporation announced this week will focus on specific projects to help Cape Verde sustain its growing tourism industry.”

The bulk of the aid, $41.1 million, will help make Cape Verde’s national regularity institutions financially sound and transparent and transform utilities into high-performing commercial organisations. The Islands’ households and businesses will benefit from better quality water and sanitation services.

“A further 17.3 million US dollars will refine Cape Verde’s legal and institutional environment to make a more attractive climate for large and small investors. Land information will become more reliable, land rights strengthened and land transactions made more efficient. Real estate development and tourism will increase as a direct result and around 13,000 jobs created.

Official statistics

New on the island of Boa Vista is the 1,140 unit Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa which combines a five star hotel with luxury one and two bedroom apartments and two to five bedroom villas each with private pool. A championship standard golf course is planned alongside the Resort.

The Millennium Challenge Corporation completed its first successful multi-year agreement with Cape Verde in 2010 and helped the Islands turn their reliance on foreign aid to an economy led by private sector growth – in particular tourism.

According to the latest official statistics, tourist arrivals continue growing at a rate of 20% per annum with 219,000 arriving in the first half of 2011, a percentage growth of 27.5% against the same period in 2010. It is projected that Cape Verde will reach half a million tourists annually by 2015 and one million by 2020.

The number of hotel beds is also increasing year-on-year. Spanish chain Riu has no less than five hotels across the Islands (four of them five star) and rival Spanish company Melia recently opened its five star hotel on the island of Sal in 2011. Cape Verde ranked third on Skyscanner’s list of emerging destinations in 2011 proving there is now a strong winter sun rival to the Canaries in the mid-haul market from the UK.

New on the island of Boa Vista is the 1,140 unit Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa which combines a five star hotel with luxury one and two bedroom apartments and two to five bedroom villas each with private pool. A championship standard golf course is planned for alongside the Resort.

Some heavyweights have put their name to Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa including Wyndham, the largest hotel operator in the world, to handle guest services and rental management alongside ESPA, a global award-winning Spa operator, to provide blissfully relaxing treatments and products.

Boa Vista International Airport

The beach at Santa Mónica is well known as one of the world’s key turtle nesting sites as well as being a breeding ground for humpback whales and home to many native and migrating bird species.

Finance options of up to 90% are available making ownership of a one bedroom apartment achievable from just an €11,900 deposit.

Boa Vista’s International Airport now takes direct 5.5 hour flights from Glasgow, Gatwick and Manchester and flights from Bristol and Stansted are to be added giving UK visitors greater flexibility. Direct flights to Cape Verde are also in place from Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, Frankfurt, Brussels, Boston and beyond which again helps boost rental yields. Passenger traffic across the Islands’ seven airports rose 11.2% year on year in 2011, from 1.6 million to 1.78 million.

For a limited time early investor discounts of 30% for cash buyers mean prices start from just €83,300 for a one bedroom apartment and €325,500 for a detached three bedroom villa. Finance options of up to 90% are available making ownership of a one bedroom apartment achievable from just an €11,900 deposit.

There are also rental and leaseback plans offering up to 7% fixed income with allowances for personal use. Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa also qualifies for SSAS and SIPP purchase via fully managed hotel suites from €85,000 (official valuation €162,000) with ten-year guaranteed 7% rental income.

Licenses and planning permission have been granted and construction is underway on site with phase one scheduled for completion mid 2013. Santa Mónica Beach Resort & Spa offers a unique chance to purchase top-quality property in a prime location – while prices remain low.

For more information visit: www.feltriminternational.com.

New South Wales

The bridge over Sydney harbour is world-famous

New South Wales is Australia’s most diverse state and home to the largest and most popular city for Britons to migrate to, Sydney. New South Wales is home to over 780 national parks and reserves that range from the bush and outback deserts to rainforests and waterfalls. With eleven universities in the region, NSW is worth considering for further study and education.

Sydney is a vibrant city and the financial and economic epicentre of the nation. New industries such as information technology and the financial services sector have their Australasian headquarters based in the Sydney Central Business District. There are five World Heritage sites to explore in Sydney including the world-famous Opera House.

Another city popular among those looking to relocate Canberra, the country’s capital city in Australian Capital Territory. It is the political centre with Australia’s federal government based there. Canberra was chosen as the nation’s capital in 1908, as a compromise between Sydney and Melbourne, the two largest cities. The median house price in Canberra is lower than Sydney and Melbourne but higher than all other capital cities.

Canberra experiences hot, dry summers and mild winters with heavy fog and a rare spot of snow. The city is a young capital often known for its pockets of bush land reserve. These bush lands have national park status and extend almost as far as the city centre and right across half of the Australian Capital Territory.

Victoria

Another state to consider relocating to is Victoria, the second most populous in Australia. Geographically it is the smallest mainland state and is bordered by New South Wales to the north, South Australia to the west and Tasmania to the south. Victoria is seen as the sports capital of Australia and is home to the Australia Rules Football and plays host to the Australian F1 Grand Prix.

Melbourne, the state capital, has Victoria’s highest centralised population with almost 75% of Victorians living there. Finance, insurance and property services are Victoria’s largest income producing sectors, while the community, social and personal services sectors are the state’s biggest employers.

South Australia

Australia is known the world over for its relaxed lifestyle

South Australia is home to Adelaide, voted the most ‘livable’ city in Australia by the Property Council of Australia. It has also recently been listed in the Top 10 of The Economist’s World’s Most Livable Cities and with a population of 1.1 million, is the fifth most populated city in Australia. The coastal city is renowned for its cultural influence on the country and hosts many art and music festivals throughout the year.

Despite all of the cultural sophistication connected to the region, South Australia’s economy is based on the manufacturing and defence technology industries. Almost half of cars made in Australia are built here at the General Motors Holden plant in Elizabeth.

Adelaide is the driest of Australia’s capitals and experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot summers and light infrequent rainfall during the summer. In winter, frosts are rare and most of the rainfall occurs in June. Adelaide has a rural feel, with close proximity to the wine regions and Adelaide hills, but still has all of the amenities of a large city.

Queensland

Further north is the state of Queensland, often referred to as the sunshine coast. It’s a popular destination in which to settle due to its stunning weather. Inhabitants experience mild winters and tropical summers allowing for a great outdoor lifestyle. To the north of the state is the Great Barrier Reef, a registered World Heritage Site and the world’s largest single structure made by living organisms.

To the south is the state capital, Brisbane, Australia’s fastest growing capital. It’s only a short drive north to the magnificent beaches of the Sunshine Coast or south to the Gold Coast, famous for its magnificent shopping, surf and nightlife. Brisbane has an average population age of 33, making it a youthful place to live. Over a quarter of the population was born overseas and more than 15% speak a language other than English as their native tongue.

Western Australia

Newcomers who make the decision to relocate to Australia will find that the country truly has it all

It is also worth considering Western Australia. Known for its wine region and mining industry, the main city is Perth. The State is known for being home to approximately 540 species of birds and a significantly large number of plant species.

Western Australia is steeped in colonial history, hence the reason why the region has an extremely high proportion of British-born residents. Perth is known for its strong community culture which is centered around the many beaches. The climate is warm year-round helping to encourage the relaxed outlook of residents.

However, if you are looking for an alternative slice of Australian life away from the normal hotspots to settle, why not consider the red deserts of the Northern territory or the wilderness of Tasmania? Whether you prefer the natural beauty of the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, the desirable lifestyle found in New South Wales or sports-mad Victoria, the choice is yours – Australia has it all.

For more information about worldwide destinations go to Crown Relocations at: www.moveoverseas.co.uk

Azuri will become a truly Mauritian, ocean front village

Azuri is a development project in Mauritius which is under the umbrella of Haute Rive Holdings Ltd. This is a joint venture between the Indian Ocean Real Estate Company (IOREC) and Flacq United Estates (FUEL).

Azuri offers potential purchasers the opportunity to invest in Mauritian property at a price that has not previously been possible, by offering investment at the earliest stage. At present, Azuri is a masterplan for a 420 acre site providing a luxurious ocean front setting, forest and agricultural land only 25 kilometres from the capitol Port Louis.

The Vision

The masterplan for Azuri took nearly two years to prepare and will create a truly Mauritian, ocean front village. The developers have sought to create a new village providing education, hospitality, leisure and commercial facilities built around luxury residences. Azuri aims to be an evolving community of both year-round residents and seasonal guest. Azuri is not just a holiday destination but also a place to call home and will provide the ultimate experience for anyone in search of a better way of living.

IRS residential

An initial community of 169 foreign ownership qualified townhouses, penthouses and apartments in landscaped grounds, with basement car parking, moorings, club memberships and swimming pools, together with access to a wide variety of leisure activities both on and off site.

Local residential

Local Mauritians will benefit from a mixture of 100 townhouses and apartment units, clustered around communal garden areas, with dedicated car parking and boat mooring facilities.

The Centara Grand Azuri Resort and Spa

An 85 bedroom five star boutique hotel in the heart of the new ocean front village will provide the perfect place for visitors to stay. In addition, it will create jobs for local people.

Education

The interior of an apartment at Azuri

The Azuri village is not just a place for a holiday. It is also a place to live. A new international school will be established on the site to provide first class primary and secondary educational facilities to residents. The Azuri team is currently working with a variety of top Boarding Schools in the United Kingdom to transform Azuri into the most desirable area for education in both Mauritius and the Indian Ocean region.

Retail & restaurant

The island has recently become duty-free and the government plans to transform the island into a magnet for shoppers. The first phase of the scheme will provide essential amenities that will include new retail, restaurants and cafés to support residents and visitors.

Marine and leisure activities

In respect to the marine environment, there are to be six distinctive environments within 500 metres of the site, comprising the river area above the weir, the river estuary, the beach front, a protected lagoon and the areas inside and outside the reef. The site benefits from the island’s flora and fauna, creating a diverse environment for people both young and old to enjoy. Leisure activities will range from a relaxing picnic, a game of pétanque or scenic hiking to high-octane sports such as horse riding, mountain biking, “Go Aping” and quad biking.

Improved infrastructure

All residents will receive resort membership packages to the world renowned Le Touessrok Hotel’s international championship golf course, designed by Bernhard Langer, and voted one of the top 10 courses in the world by ‘Golf Magazine’

The north of Mauritius benefits from a modern road network unlike the area to the south of Port Louis. As such, journey times are far quicker and offer easy access to the extensive range of facilities and activities in the north and east of the island. Port Louis, the hub for business and commerce on the island, can be reached in only 35 minutes.

Automatic Mauritian residency

Buyers will receive automatic Mauritian residency by acquiring a property under an Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS). Launched in 2002 to allow foreigners to own property in Mauritius, the IRS properties must form part of an approved development, built to international standards, with world-class amenities and facilities. The acquisition of a property for residential purposes by a foreigner under the IRS rules, allows the purchaser, and his/her dependent family, to reside in Mauritius for as long as they retain ownership. To qualify buyers must acquire freehold property off-plan or during the construction phase with a minimum investment of USD 500,000.

A unique investment

Despite Mauritius having nearly 200 kilometres of coastline, only a very small percentage remains as freehold and Azuri is one of a few locations in Mauritius where freehold property can be acquired. Foreign buyers will be able to invest in IRS properties at a price that is significantly below the average price for other IRS properties on the island. They will be able to become a Mauritian resident a price that is more affordable, with prices at Azuri staring from USD 500,000 to USD 800,000 compared to an average price for other IRS properties on the island of around USD 1.6 million.

Strong economy and tax haven

Strong economic growth has rapidly increased average incomes and Mauritius now has the sixth highest GDP per capita in Africa

With a population of around 1.25 million, Mauritius is a serene tropical island nation off the southeast coast of Africa. Once under British rule, the island’s official language is English. Since its independence in 1968, Mauritius has evolved into a safe, politically stable nation, governed under democracy. Over the years Mauritius has developed from a low-income, agriculturally-based economy to a middle-income economy which has diversified to incorporate thriving industrial, financial, and tourism sectors.

Mauritius has achieved successful social-economic development by adopting an approach to economic liberalism that includes poorer sections of society. The approach includes programmes such as the IRS, which provide affordable housing and employment opportunities for local people. The island has many tax benefits. There is no capital gains tax, inheritance tax or wealth tax and the island has benefited in recent years by becoming completely duty-free, paving the way for the island’s transformation into a shopping Mecca.

Investors only have to pay a modest 15 percent on chargeable income when letting properties and a land transfer tax of USD 50,000 when selling. Mauritius has also become a popular country through which to invest into India due to the capital gains tax shelter on the divestment of equity in Indian companies by Mauritian residents (article 13 of the India-Mauritius Tax Treaty).

To enquire about buying an IRS property at Azuri, contact Hamptons International at  http://www.azuri.mu/.

The El Gouna Marina on the Red Sea is keeping up with yacht owner's expectations

The Egyptian resort towns of El Gouna and Taba Heights, two luxurious resort towns on the Red Sea, are growing to provide the perfect mooring for yachts of all sizes and developing to keep up with yacht owner’s expectations.

Abu Tig Marina in El Gouna, open since 1999, is a prestigious anchorage for both visiting and resident yachts in the Red Sea. Due to unprecedented demand for space, the Marina has recently expanded and now provides dedicated mooring for super yachts. The new North Basin can accommodate an additional 106 vessels from six metres to 80 metres.

The Marina recently added El Gouna Yacht Club to its repertoire, complementing the marina services with social activities and access to private rooms reserved for members.

Exciting projects underway at Abu Tig Marina include a power boating and sailing school recognised by the Royal Yachting Academy, channel dredging to improve access from the sea and the addition of a new dry storage facility for 100 craft.

Taba Heights Marina, located on the east coast of the Sinai Peninsula, was the first official port of entry into the region. Maritime visitors now have direct access and secure moorings, making the Gulf of Aqaba a very appealing destination destination.

El Gouna Marina

The marina currently has 11,500 square metres of water area, with capacity for 50 yachts. The location of Taba Heights Marina is integral to its popularity, as it overlooks four countries – Egypt, Jordan, Israel and Saudi Arabia. Day trips to Petra and the Dead Sea are available, making it the ideal base from which to explore the region, all while moored in a luxurious resort town with excellent amenities.

Environmentally friendly resort

Spread across pristine islands, unspoilt lagoons and ten kilometres of sandy beach, El Gouna is the Red Sea’s premier leisure destination. Renowned as one of Egypt’s most environmentally friendly resort, El Gouna is committed to the long-term sustainability of its beautiful scenery, award-winning architecture and breadth of accommodation.

Situated against a natural backdrop of desert, mountains and sea, Taba Heights claims an exceptionally picturesque location on the Sinai Peninsula. With an idyllic climate, the destination boasts an array of luxury 5-star hotels, award-winning architecture and golf courses and some of the world’s best diving, making it the ideal leisure retreat year-round.

For more information please visit www.elgouna.com and www.tabaheights.com

Situated just 300 metres from the sea and overlooking the highly desirable area of Sandbanks, Poole Quarter’s apartments can turn the dream of owning a coastal holiday home into a reality.

With the picturesque harbour, busy town and restful parkland all within easy reach, Poole Quarter – situated on Newfoundland Drive – offers an affordable, yet alluring seaside haven. With a collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and just one luxury penthouse remaining, the popular development can provide second home owners with a host of benefits including rental income.

The development’s high rental yields provide a great opportunity for purchasers to capitalise on the increasing demand for apartments in the area while the property is vacant.

Poole Quarter Sea View

Crest Nicholson can also fully kit out a property thanks to its furniture pack incentive, allowing buyers to rent their property immediately or enjoy Poole from day one without the stress of fitting it out themselves.

Jenny Pennells, Marketing Manager for Crest Nicholson South, explains: “Poole Quarter is a perfect choice for a holiday home and is just a two hour drive from London, giving city workers an ideal escape for a long weekend. Purchasers can reap the benefits of its coastal location, investment opportunities and ready to move-in packages – so all they need to remember to bring is their toothbrush!”

Poole Quarter comprises an impressive selection of one, two and three bedroom apartments and penthouses. With modern home features throughout, and many apartments including a private terrace or balcony, purchasers can expect superior quality at the Poole development.

The development is positioned in the perfect location for water sports enthusiasts, with sailing, jet-skiing and windsurfing hotspots on its doorstep. Furthermore, it is close to shopping facilities, restaurants, a leisure complex and is a short distance from the local railway station.

Prices at Poole Quarter start from £158,000 for a one bedroom apartment and £197,000 for two bedrooms. Three bedroom apartments are available from £240,000 and the remaining penthouse is available for £350,000.

For more information, visit www.crestnicholson.com/poolequarter

Aires Pollensa apartments, just minutes from the beach. Thanks to the motorway from the island capital, Palma de Mallorca, the properties are around 30 minutes driving time from the airport

The capital city of Spain, Madrid, may be well known for its searing summer heat but this year’s hottest Spanish destination, in terms of property that is, could well be the Balearic island of Mallorca, according to Taylor Wimpey de España.

Ignacio Osle, Sales and Marketing Director of Taylor Wimpey de España, explains: “Over the last 12 months we have seen both visitor numbers and enquiries for property on Mallorca rise steadily. Buyers from the UK and Europe are not only looking at the traditional property hotspots on the mainland but further afield to Spain’s stunning islands such as Mallorca.”

Leading Spanish cities

And it’s not hard to see why this charming Mediterranean island is so popular. Mallorca offers something for everyone from amazing sandy beaches to stunning scenery, idyllic coves to traditional architecture and a wide range of sports and leisure activities.

Palma de Mallorca, the island’s capital, has also recently been voted one of the five leading Spanish cities for travel and tourism in 2010 by Exceltur.

Over 21 million passengers pass through Son San Joan airport at Palma de Mallorca every year, making it Spain’s third busiest airport and in summer, the busiest. In response to demand from the public, numerous airlines have increased frequency and started new routes to the island making accessibility even easier.

Taylor Wimpey de España are launching two new residential developments, Aires de Pollensa and a new phase at Los Altos del Golf in Andratx

Eastern Airways will be launching new weekly direct flights from London Oxford Airport to Palma this June, easyJet is now operating a new flight from Manchester, tickets are on sale with Jet2.com from Glasgow to Palma and budget airline Ryanair will commence routes from Birmingham to the island this summer as well as a new national route from its base in Alicante.

In addition to passengers coming to the island by air, Mallorca is also seeing significant numbers of visitor arrivals by sea with Palma receiving over 500 cruise ships last year, carrying some 1.3 million passengers. Docking in Palma has become so popular in fact that a designated berth is under construction at a cost of some 28 million euros by the Port Authority in the Poniente docks to accommodate up to five of the larger vessels.

The Balearic property market remains robust with a 145% increase in property sales in 2010 compared to 2009 recorded by the Public Works Ministry and Mallorca itself has the second highest average asking price in Spain at €428,300 according to the latest Kyero.com Spanish House Price Index (Q1 2011).

Interest is already high

Asking prices however have fallen over the last 24 months as the market has realigned and affordable properties are available. Taylor Wimpey de España, for example, are launching two superb new residential developments, Aires de Pollensa, just minutes from Pollensa beach in the north of the island and in respond to client demand, a new phase at Los Altos del Golf in Andratx, in the south west.

Both developments offer a very high standard of build, with spacious 2-bedroom apartments at Aires de Pollensa available from €260,000 and large detached 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom properties in one of Mallorca’s most exclusive areas at Los Altos del Golf available from €505,000.

Just launched to the market, interest in these developments is already high. For more information, contact Taylor Wimpey de España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. If you live outside the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 244.

What has been the effect of the recent disturbances in Egypt on the property market?

Sharm el Sheikh is a modern seaside resort

Regarding the effect on the property market, initially there was a huge drop in the enquiries we were receiving, especially in the first few days of the unrest. This was a natural and expected response. But once everything had settled down the true resilience of investors became apparent. The outlook became more positive than negative as the scope for an investment opportunity presented itself and investors began searching for great deals.

Have these recent events led to many cancellations from those due to take ownership in the near future?

Investments in Cairo real estate and urban projects seem to have been the most affected by cancellations from nervous investors. In other regions, some re-sale deals didn’t go forward but we saw only a small increase in the number of cancellations or postponed deals as buyers go back and re-think their purchase options. The main factor for us coming out largely unscathed is that we focus on Sharm el Sheikh. This modern seaside resort is a world apart from the rest of Egypt and more and more people regularly holiday there or know someone who has been to Sharm. Existing buyers who were worried could also see on the news that the unrest was in other areas of Egypt but there were no disturbances in Sharm El Sheikh. Another factor is that many of our projects are off-plan and clients due to take ownership had been paying over the last 18 months or two years: two weeks of unrest in another part of the country didn’t curb their excitement about taking possession.

What level of enquiries in Egypt are you now receiving compared to before these events?

There is no doubt that there was a very quiet period during the unrest and for about four weeks following the end of the Mubarak regime on 11 February. This was caused mostly by a drop in the number of tourists who had been re-routed by some tour operators but also by a wait-and-see policy adopted by nervous investors. This seems to be behind us as the numbers of international enquiries and sales have started to climb steadily with a shift towards investor enquiries currently outnumbering lifestyle buyer enquiries.

Have property prices in Egypt been further discounted as a result?

No, this has not been the case. The developers we work with are cash-rich and were adamant about not heavily discounting. This would have been a knee-jerk reaction to a short-term event and would have been detrimental to the long-term future of the market. However, we are currently offering other buyer incentives such as longer payment plans, lower initial deposits or early delivery so properties can generate rental returns before full payment is made. This is helping to stimulate sales in the short term.

What is the long-term expectation for the Egyptian property market?

There is a strong expectation for the Egyptian property market. Transaction levels were already high at the end of 2010 but after this brief pause, prospects are even better. From an economic point of view, the advent of a new democratic nation is good news for business. It will bring more prosperity, more transparency in large land deals, create more of a free market and allow more entrepreneurs and solid business figures to enter the market. It should also open the door for mortgage products to be made available to foreign buyers, which currently is not the case. As a result, a whole new market of potential buyers will be able to purchase property in Egypt, which is obviously good news for property investors and professionals.

Egyptian tourism must have suffered as a result. Do you think this will have a significant knock-on effect on the property market?

Weather, access, infrastructure, facilities, affordability, multi-market appeal and a year-round rental season mean that buying in Sharm el Sheikh is common sense.

The tourism market did suffer for a few weeks as large tour operators were taking precautionary measures of moving their clients to other alternative destinations with bookings up to two months ahead, so that they did not lose money. The fact that the fundamentals are all there is a key factor to why the future is bright in Sharm el Sheikh, both for the tourism industry and the property market.

Has the Egyptian pound weakened? If so have investors taken advantage of this and could probably do so for the foreseeable future?

In December the Egyptian Pound was about 9.1 EGP/£. While the Cairo stock exchange was closed for almost two months until a few days ago, the Egyptian government tried to keep the rate stable. However, the currency has weakened during that time and we currently have an excellent exchange rate of about 9.55 EGP/£. This is giving foreign investors a saving of almost five per cent on the cost of buying property! Investors are indeed taking advantage of this rate. We have three year payment plans available with low down payments from as little as £6,000 but we find that many purchasers prefer to put down as much cash as possible now to enjoy the current exchange rate.

With studios available for just £25,000 and a five per cent discount given for cash buyers, some property buyers are even simply paying the full amount now to enjoy a double whammy saving of 10 per cent. The currency is expected to recover over the coming months so investors are making the most of the current exchange rate while they can.

The attractive area of Mazarron is popular with both Spanish holidaymakers and foreigners

In an official function on Friday 25 March, the masterplan for the first Paramount Pictures-branded Theme Park in Europe was unveiled. Attended by the Executive Vice President for Licensing at Paramount Pictures Michael Bartok, President of the Region of Murcia Ramón Luis Valcárcel and President for Murcia’s Flagship Projects Jesus Samper, the ceremony revealed 2015 as the expected opening date for the hugely significant project.

Destined for a 158-hectare site on the Mazarron/Alhama de Murcia border some 15 minutes from the beach and marina resort of Puerto de Mazarron, this major investment will be zoned into different thematic areas inspired by the likes of Star Trek, Titanic and Mission Impossible, plus a much larger ‘Lifestyle Centre’ with no less than two five-star hotels, three of four-star status and several more three-star resorts. Also announced were themed shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs, a conference centre with the largest meeting room capacity in Murcia – over 3,000 seats – and an open-air auditorium to host 15,000 people.

Chris Mercer, Director of Murcia-based Mercers headquartered in Mazarron, comments: “It’s a huge privilege for the region to be the recipient of a landmark Theme Park in the local area that will rival Disneyland Paris and attract millions of visitors each year. It’s also highly encouraging to follow the progress that has been made on the masterplan in terms of design, investment and timescales. Samper estimated on Friday that the project would directly create 10,000 construction jobs and upon opening, many more.

“Undoubtedly Paramount will have a positive effect locally – not least on the property market and house values. We have been through some hard times but Paramount’s confidence and faith proves that the lure and attraction of Spain will prevail.”

Mercer continued: “During the construction phase, which we now know is four years plus, there will not be any momentous shift in house prices – especially as Spain as a whole continues to undergo a tough correction process. However, I also think it’s fairly safe to say that prices will not fall further in this area and, for those waiting to invest on the sidelines, my advice is simply not to wait any longer.

“Prices will inevitably start to rise as this project gets off the ground and, rather like those fortunate enough to purchase holiday rental property close to Florida’s Disney World, the Camposol Golf development will directly benefit from having a leisure attraction of this stature quite literally on the doorstep – though comfortingly not on-site.”

The Fortuna property comes complete with its own pool

Indeed Executive Vice President Michael Bartok reiterated that Spain was ‘key’ to his company and highlighted Murcia’s 300 sunny days each year as a major bonus. Meanwhile President of the Region of Murcia Ramón Luis Valcárcel stated that he felt that in times of crisis what you cannot do is ‘stand still’ and: “While the road is tough, the outcome is sure.” It is reported that Flagship Projects and Paramount Pictures have signed the license agreement for 30 years – renewable for an unspecified period.

On the market locally are:

Fortuna, Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia

60m² two-bedroom, one-bathroom property on a substantial 350m² plot complete with private seven metre by three metre swimming pool. The home has a considerable underbuild suitable for extra living space or a workshop area that opens on to the garden filled with many varieties of fruit trees. The property itself is fully furnished and has a conservatory, gazebo, private rooftop solarium, grills on all windows and doors, fireplace, ceiling fans and a roller driveway gate.

Price 94,995 euros (approx 83,457 GBP)

Neptuno-style villa is a well-maintained three-bedroom detached property of 86m² set on a plot of 290m² that has been modernised and redecorated

Neptuno, Camposol Golf, Mazarron, Murcia

Well-maintained three-bedroom detached Neptuno-style villa of 86m² set on a plot of 290m² that has been modernised and redecorated by the current owners. The ground floor has two-bedrooms, one en-suite, plus a further shower room, alongside a lounge with fireplace and kitchen fitted with white goods. Upstairs the third-bedroom is also en-suite and has air-conditioning as well as French doors leading to the rooftop solarium with impressive mountain views. The villa is sold with furniture to include a large flatscreen TV connected to satellite channels. The garden is lovingly cared for and has both off-road parking and a swimming pool.

Price 159,000 euros (approx 139,689 GBP)

Contact Mercers Costa Cálida on 00 34 968 199 188, UK Local Rate 0845 017 7805, email sales@spanishproperty.co.uk or visit www.spanishproperty.co.uk.

Like all Polaris World resorts, La Torre Golf has a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course

In keeping with much of the Spanish property market, Polaris World suffered in the depression – but unlike some of its rivals Polaris World is still operating and still building new properties.

The company will have a new town centre operating at the Terrazas de La Torre development with bars, restaurants and a supermarket, a spectacular new restaurant and shopping complex has been completed at Hacienda Riquelme as well as a new bar housed in an ancient water tower.

Perhaps most surprisingly, viewed from the UK at least, Polaris World will construct more than 400 new apartments in 2011. It is the only major Spanish developer with key-ready, new-build apartments coming on-stream throughout the next year.

Jose Luis Hernandez, CEO, explains how Polaris World have come through the downturn and what the company’s plans are for the future.

“Like everyone else, we had a very hard time in 2008 until maybe six months ago when we began to see a small upturn. To survive we had to slash our costs. So we stopped advertising, reduced our work force to exactly what we could afford and no more. We sold off assets to clear our debts. Of course we took heavy losses but we have survived.

“I believe we were the most dynamic player in the Spanish boom years and we intend to be the most dynamic when the market recovers. To do that we have to keep developing our products and our services – and building new apartments.

Invest in Spain

“There are several reasons to be optimistic about the future for property in Murcia. First of all it seems certain now that Paramount will build their new theme park in the area. It is expected to be operational in 2013. This is second only to Disneyland Paris in scale throughout Europe and will eventually mean 20,000 new jobs right here. Secondly the new airport at Covera, just 15 minutes away from all our resorts will open in 2011 meaning we have three international airports within 45 minutes of Polaris World.

Polaris World will construct more than 400 new apartments in 2011

“There have recently been positive signs that the Spanish economy is turning around. The OECD today said Spain should return to growth next year. It forecast that Spain’s economy would grow by 0.9% in 2011 and by 1.8% in 2012.
“It also reiterated its current forecast that the Spanish government’s budget deficit would be 9.2% this year, 6.3% in 2011 and 4.4% in 2012. Finally all the things that made Murcia and Polaris World so popular in the past will still be there in the future! We have the finest collection of Jack Nicklaus courses anywhere in the world. Our properties and town centres are unmatched in their quality. And the sun still shines here 320 days a year!

“Spain is also the top overseas holiday destination from the UK – particularly among golfers who know they can play here all year around. Of course the market has affected prices. They are now at the lowest they can go. Perhaps surprisingly, taking all these factors together now is a very good time to invest in Spanish property!”

All Polaris World golf resorts are situated in Murcia, a province in the south east of Spain, basking in more than 300 days of sunshine every year and enjoying an average temperature of 21 degrees for yea- round sunshine.

Visit www.polarisworld.com for more information

ATOL-protected holidays give you peace of mind

The process of searching for an all-inclusive holiday is not straight forward. Performing a search on one of the major tour operators’ websites will return results that are infiltrated by B&B and half-board options, and many of the flights and hotels options are not shown at all. There isn’t a website in the UK that is dedicated to searching for every possible all-inclusive holiday until now.

Two brothers have launched a unique travel business designed to make the process of booking an all-inclusive holiday as streamlined as possible. Tom and Peter Warsop have developed Alihoco, the UK’s first one-stop-shop designed to help holidaymakers source the best priced, all inclusive holidays without the red tape and hidden costs.

Peter Warsop said: “Our system not only searches for every all-inclusive package holiday, but also automatically checks every budget airline and hotel directly, so that we can give our customers the widest choice of all-inclusive holiday packages on the market at the best possible price. Added to that, because we understand that peace of mind is equally as important as price, every single holiday is ATOL protected.”

Perfect holiday package

Added Tom Warsop: “Searching for a holiday always starts off as a fun exercise, but after an hour or two on the Internet, what starts out as an exciting and enjoyable activity can quickly become an onerous and frustrating task.

A 'No Hidden Extras' policy with Alihoco means that the price you see is the price you pay.

“I have had the experience of finding what appeared to be the perfect holiday package only to discover either that the price advertised does not exist or that there are hidden costs that increase the price dramatically. Because of this our new website has a ‘No Hidden Extras’ policy which means that the price you see is the price you pay.

“By streamlining the process of searching for every all-inclusive holiday, our customers not only save time, they find a holiday that perfectly matches what they are looking for, and they also save money. On average one of our dynamically created packages is more than £100 cheaper per person than the equivalent package holiday. Alihoco customers who don’t want to book online can use our UK-based call centre or even pop into our offices,” he concluded.

For further information about Alihoco’s all-inclusive holidays, log on to www.allinclusive.co.uk or contact the company’s UK-based call centre on 0800 004 2525