With net yields up to 8.91% per annum, Milan Condominiums in Orlando fits the bill perfectly

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Florida is the epicentre for international real estate transactions in the United States and accounted for almost one third of the nation’s foreign investment in 2011. Depressed house prices, a glut of ‘foreclosures’ and a weak dollar are the driving forces for this phenomenon and experts believe the trend will strengthen even further in 2012.

Adam Cornwell, who heads up Florida-based Feltrim International’s UK office, explains, “The US property market now offers real value to foreigners, especially in those states hardest hit by the financial crisis. Investors looking to cash in on bank- or fund-owned homes have contributed to a 13% increase in residential sales in Florida year-on-year to October 2011 and also make up a significant proportion of our enquiries at Feltrim International. We do advise caution however, and recommend a long-term outlook with professional tenants providing strong rental incomes.”

A huge pool of tenants

Milan Condominiums is set in the town of Apopka, 40 minutes drive from both Orlando International Airport and Walt Disney World – the most visited recreational resort on the planet. A former victim of the economic crisis, the project is now being marketed to investors as a safe and profitable proposition.

Adam explains, “Construction was completed back in 2007, just before the economic crash, and having only made a handful of sales the developer went bankrupt. Remaining apartments were foreclosed by the bank but subsequently snapped up by a fund that has since finished them to an even higher standard.

“Apartments are now for sale to investors at a massive 60% below the 2007 prices with tenants and a management company already in place. Current net yields are up to 8.91% per annum, more than you’ll get in any bank account. The risk is low as many former Florida homeowners have simply walked away from their negative equity situations and are now renting until their credit record is wiped clean in three years time when they will buy again. This, and population growth, gives us a huge pool of tenants.”

Since 2005, the population of Florida has been growing consistently by 300,000 to 400,000 each year – that’s 1,000 new residents a day.

In fact Florida has a housing shortage. Latest unemployment figures show an upturn in job prospects and, with historically low mortgage rates, many people are looking to purchase. However, with properties discounted 50 to 70% from 2007 prices, new construction projects are unviable and the existing stock is being absorbed rapidly.

It’s easy to see where the rental demand comes from. And, with high demand comes high rental prices – they have either stayed the same or increased so property investors can buy at half price but rent at full price.

A gated community, Milan Condominiums comprises one, two and three-bedroom apartments with fully fitted kitchens, high speed internet, walk-in wardrobes and private patios or rooftop solariums. The community benefits from a resident clubhouse, fitness centre, children’s crèche/playroom, a large outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi set in landscaped gardens and on-site property management.

Prices start from just $69,100 USD (approx £44,334 GBP) for a one bedroom apartment, 60% off peak 2007 prices. Apartments are 98% let with professional tenants in place Property management costs are covered for the first two years including cleaning, repainting and minor repairs between tenants.

For further information, visit www.feltriminternational.com.

The opening up of new Jet2 routes from Scotland will give skiers greater access to the slopes

From December 2011, low-cost airline Jet2 are commencing new routes from Edinburgh and Glasgow to the heart of the Alps – Chambery, Geneva and Salzburg. With the winter holiday season only months away many keen skiers will already be planning a vacation and having greater access to the slopes is excellent news with direct flights from Glasgow to Geneva and Edinburgh to Salzburg and Chambery.

Commenting on the announcement of the new routes, Ian Doubtfire, Jet2′s Managing Director, said: “Friendly flight times are carefully scheduled to get passengers to the resorts and out on the snow the day they arrive. Customers don’t need to rush for a seat as they are pre-allocated – we want to make sure any racing is done on the piste and not to get on the aircraft!”

For owners of chalets on the Alpine ski slopes who will be looking to maximise their rental potential, new flight opportunities such as these are always fabulous news.

Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of eco-friendly ski property developer Terresens and keen ski enthusiast explains: “Giving home owners and holidaymakers more choice and more availability to fly is always very positive news. We are particularly interested in the new flights being opened up to Chambery. This airport is a key portal to get into the Alps but also particularly good for people wanting to ski in the Tarentaise as the airport is only just over an hour from most resorts in this area. This ski region includes Val d’Isère and Tignes which is undoubtedly one of the largest ski areas in the world.

La Chapelle at Ste Foy is fully equipped with a wide range of facilities including an in/out pool and a spa

“We have a particularly interesting development in Ste Foy which nestles just below these two busy resorts. Ste Foy is a beautiful hidden gem, tucked 20 minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Tignes and Val. The beauty of this resort is that the prices are ridiculously cheap compared to their neighbouring giants and holidaymakers have the choice of spending the day on the quiet slopes on their doorstep or driving up the mountain to use one of the other resorts. Another great fact about Ste Foy is you are skiing below the tree line rather than the barren open pistes in Val d’Isère and Tignes.”

La Chapelle is a luxurious 4* block of 68 apartments that provides both a fantastic lifestyle opportunity and also a strong investment with guaranteed and index-linked returns for 18+ years with an excellent French management company. All apartments come with fully fitted kitchens and flat screen TV’s. Shared facilities include an in/out pool, sauna, Turkish baths and a spa.

Prices for apartments in La Chapelle, Ste Foy, start from €161,014 and include furniture and parking.

For more information, contact: Terresens on-line at www.terresensleaseback.com

In a country dedicated to luxury, the Sunset Water Villas continue to stand out as the finest accommodation in the country. Sleek, chic and undeniably sexy, each 360-square metre villa is set on stilts over the ocean in a private area of the lagoon and offers guests a private speedboat and personal butler. The spectacular glass-floored living room provides the ever-fascinating views of the local sea life illuminated by subtle floodlighting at night. The elegant master bedroom boasts a magnificent remote-controlled circular bed that rotates a full 180 degrees to view the breathtaking sunsets through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The sleek, chic and undeniably sexy Spa Water Villas

The Sunset Water Villas also feature a second king-size timber floored bedroom, two large marble bathrooms; one with a deep circular bath and indoor shower; the other with an indoor bath and Maldivian styled ‘open air’ shower. A separate entrance for the butler ensures that all meals can be delivered without disturbing the guests. Extravagant detailing includes a luxurious Jacuzzi on the terrace and a private over-water swimming pool.

The Sunset Water Villas offer the most peaceful environment in the Maldives with all the in-villa amenities required to help guests find a thousand ways of doing absolutely nothing. As with all the resort’s accommodation options, the natural setting is complemented by the latest in designer amenities including flatscreen Satellite TVs, CD stereo with iPod connectors, DVD Player, Bose sound system, Bulgari toiletries and Bang and Olufsen telephones.

Room rates for the ‘Luxury for Less” offer begin at US$2,287 (approximately £1,430) plus taxes and service charge and can be booked directly through the resort or most tour operators.

About Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

Set in a picturesque corner of the Maldives, the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island combines three distinct resort experiences on two islands, linked by a bridge and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and lagoon. Accommodation includes 50 of the most luxurious Water Villas in the country, 79 exotic Beach Villas and 21 fabulous Spa Water Villas – the ultimate in pure indulgence.

For further information on the resort visit www.conradmaldives.com

Chalet du Gypse, St Martin de Belleville

France - the number one tourist destination in the world and the most sought-after second home destination with Brits will be sure to go from strength to strength in 2011. With the winter season already underway, the French Alps are buzzing with activity as snow enthusiasts search for that perfect Alpine chalet.

Responding to this seasonal demand, British flag carrier, British Airways has launched a new route from London City Airport to Chambery, the gateway to the French Alps. Commencing in December the BA CityFlyer service will operate flights four times a week until March 2011 enabling Britons to visit the popular French ski destination for long weekends as well as traditional week long stays.

Ed Scott, French ski property expert at Experience International, comments: “The new route operated by BA from London City to Chambery is sure to be warmly welcomed by skiers especially due to the frequency of flights which allow greater flexibility. Chambery is the gateway to the world class skiing of the French Alps with resorts such as Val d’Isere, Tignes and Saint-Martin-de-Belleville nearby.”

Los Altos del Golf, Mallorca

Spain – The short flight times (the majority of Costas can be reached in less than 2½ hours) have ensured that Spain remains a second home hotspot despite the downturn. Sun, sea, sand and sangria attract millions of visitors year after year, creating a thriving tourism and in turn, rental accommodation market. Confidence is returning to the Spanish market with Malaga ranked the second most popular city according to the latest Skyscanner data and easyJet launching a new thrice weekly route from Liverpool’s John Lennon airport to Gibraltar, just one hour from the popular Costa del Sol, starting in late March 2011.

And it’s not just the Spanish mainland which is proving popular. The Balearic island of Mallorca is set to receive a boost in 2011 with Aer Lingus adding a twice-weekly service from Cork in southern Ireland to Palma de Mallorca.

This news is welcomed by Taylor Wimpey de España which has already announced doubled property sales figures in Mallorca this week from the previous year. Victor Sague, Sales Director of Taylor Wimpey de España said: “Mallorca is quite rightly seen as a jewel in the Mediterranean. The Irish – coming from their own Emerald Isle – have always enjoyed Mallorca and it is great news that it will now be even easier for them to travel here.”

Blue Coral Beach, Mactan Island

The Philippines - from just one island paradise to over 7,000, the Philippines is certainly a market to watch in 2011. A new entrant in the ‘Skyscanner most popular cities searched for’ report, the capital Manila is the gateway to the ‘Pearl of the Orient’. Visitor numbers from the UK are steadily rising with 11 per cent growth recorded from January to July 2010 and over 100,000 British visitors expected by the year’s end (Philippines Department of Tourism, 2010).

As Steven Worboys, MD of Experience International which sells property on Mactan Island, just one hour on from Manila, comments: “The Philippines holds a great deal of potential, with a wealth of natural resources, a dynamic and progressive business outlook and a population committed to future prosperity, 2011 is set to be a fortuitous year for this Asian nation.”

Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, Albania

Albania – For the more adventurous property investor, one emerging market to consider next year is the Balkan nation of Albania. Ravin Maharajah, Sales Director of Lalzit Bay, a luxury resort and spa located on the stunning Albanian coast explains: “Albania is establishing itself with the UK as both a top tourism destination and a hot property market in its own right. With affordable property prices, strong capital growth rates of 20 per cent and over three million tourists expected in 2010, Albania presents a highly attractive investment opportunity.”

Reaching Albania, which is located just 45 miles across the Strait of Otranto from Italy, will now be even easier in 2011 due to the new flights operated by Albania’s own Belle Air. Commencing in December 2010, the twice-weekly flights will operate from London Stansted to the capital, Tirana, just 30 minutes from the popular coastal town of Durres near Lalzit Bay. As Maharajah goes onto say: “Access to Albania has been available via British Airways from London Gatwick and Austria, Lufthansa and Alitalia from London Heathrow, but new flights opening from Stansted will allow more visitors to travel to our hidden gem in Europe.”

For more information on new flight routes and where to invest in 2011 contact Experience International on +44 (0) 207 321 5858 or visit www.experience-international.com, Taylor Wimpey de España on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com and Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

Working out up to half the price of hotels and often less, there are over 10,000 budget rentals worldwide on www.HomeAway.co.uk, including modern apartments, spacious houses and even villas with pools. And it’s not just in Europe that you can save, as many Brits now own property further afield in long-haul destinations such as Africa, South America and Thailand.

For those without an A-list budget who still want to holiday in style, HomeAway Holiday-Rentals has put together a list of the top 10 best budget properties worldwide. These include a brand new apartment overlooking the Miraflores golf course on the Costa del Sol, a modern apartment on the Magic Dreams resort in Bulgaria, and a chic villa with pool and Jacuzzi in Thailand.

At under £10 per person per night these properties provide not only better value, but much more luxury than a ‘budget’ hotel. There is even a spacious house in London from just £29 per person per night. Prices quoted are per property unless otherwise specified and correct at time of going to press.

1. BULGARIA:

Modern, high standard apartment in resort of Sveti Vlas. Onebedroom, sleeps four. From £95 per week = £4 per person per night
Located in the newly developed resort of Magic Dreams by Dreamville, the resort contains two large pools, pool bar, restaurant, Spa and fitness centre, Internet café, supermarket and shops. www.homeaway.co.uk/p446668

2. ITALY:

Beautiful apartment in Umbria with private pool and breathtaking views. Two bedrooms, sleeps seven. From £310 per week = £6 per person per night
The apartment is located on the top of a hill in an ancient Umbrian town near Trevi. The 1,000-year old property, with a private pool and car park, was renovated in 2007 and is ideal as a base to the main monuments and the most famous towns of Umbria. You can also enjoy the swimming pool, mountain trekking, mountain biking and horse riding. 
www.homeaway.co.uk/p433402

3. COSTA DEL SOL:

Brand new apartment overlooking Miraflores Golf Course in Mijas Costa. Two bedrooms, sleeps four. From £195 per week = £7 per person per night. This is a brand new 2nd floor apartment located on a small privately owned complex. The complex has 24-hour security, secure underground parking, a large infinity pool set in beautiful Mediterranean gardens, a sauna and fully equipped gym. www.homeaway.co.uk/p66776

4. SLOVENIA:
 Quiet apartment in beautiful village with mountain views, Mojstrana. 
Two bedrooms, sleeps seven. From £260 per week/from £45 per night = £7 per person per night. The balconies on the two floors have uninterrupted views to the meadows and mountains. Also available are an Internet connection, a PlayStation and a selection of English books and games. www.homeaway.co.uk/p66766

5. THAILAND:
 Large villa with private pool and Jacuzzi minutes from beach. Four bedrooms, sleeps eight. From £400 per week/£72 per night = £9 per person per night. This is a spacious villa with private pool set in tropical gardens, in a secure development, a five minute drive to the beach and Pattaya centre. The property is furnished to a European standard. Pattaya is 147 kilometres southeast of Bangkok and faces the Thai Gulf. www.homeaway.co.uk/p85503

6. MEXICO: 
Colourful house with spectacular views in San Miguel de Allende. Four bedrooms, sleeps eight. £461 per week/£115 per night = £15 per person per night. Casa de Corazón is very private, set back from the street in a quiet location. It offers spectacular views, and is conveniently located a short walk from restaurants, grocery shopping and the centre of town. This home offers modern comfort and conveniences combined with old world charm and hand-made furnishings. www.homeaway.co.uk/p166011

7. PARIS: Charming one bedroom apartment near Bastille and Marais.
One bedroom, sleeps five. From £398 per week/£80 per night = £16 per person per night. Near the Place de la Bastille and Gare de Lyon and just a stroll from the beautiful Place des Vosges, the property is decorated to a high standard and the kitchen is fully equipped. www.homeaway.co.uk/p441773

8. ISTANBUL: Deluxe flat in the city centre. One bedroom, sleeps five. £571 per week/£96 per night = £19 per person per night. This one bedroom apartment comes equipped with a king size bed, a double sofa bed, an optional fold-out single bed, kitchenette and bathroom. This apartment offers comfortable contemporary living in an ideal setting. www.homeaway.co.uk/p255486

9. MARRAKECH: Recently restored fully staffed riad in Marrakech Medina. Three bedrooms, sleeps six. £900 per week/£130 per night = £22 per person per night. Away from the regular tourist trail and in an area full of charm, this is a lovely traditional two-floor riad. The ground floor comprises a sunny courtyard with plunge pool, fully equipped kitchen, salon with fireplace & DVD, dining room for six and one bedroom. The first floor features an office with music system and two bedrooms en-suite. There is also a large terrace with seating area under canopy and attractive roof garden. www.homeaway.co.uk/p67398

10. LONDON: Spacious house close to Wimbledon and within easy reach of main central attractions.
Two bedrooms, sleeps four. £750 per week/£115 per night = £29 per person per night
. This classic two bedroom house is located in a peaceful courtyard setting, providing bright luxury accommodation with well-proportioned rooms. The property features a large reception room, kitchen with space for dining and two spacious bedrooms. www.homeaway.co.uk/p435130

The former England Test cricketer bought a four-bedroom country villa alongside the seventeenth fairway of Europe’s only championship desert golf course, The Indiana at Desert Springs, the award-winning luxury family resort in Almeria, south-east Spain.

Sir Ian Botham enjoys breakfast on the veranda of his home at Desert Springs

Warmest winter weather

“I love the peaceful atmosphere and the desert microclimate we enjoy in this corner of Spain,” says Sir Ian who was attracted by the region’s reputation for having the warmest winter weather on the continent.

Sir Ian’s Spanish Colonial style home, an air-conditioned ‘Arizona’ villa built by the Anglo-Spanish developer of Desert Springs, The Almanzora Bay Group, has been designed to capture the ambience of the old farmhouses, or cortijos, of the Almanzora region in which Desert Springs is located.

Set within a walled garden, the property features deep and shady colonnaded verandas with fans, spacious roof terraces and a private infinity pool ‘guarded’ by a 10 metre tiled crocodile at the bottom of it.

The villa’s internal finishes include hardwood joinery, stone fireplaces and marble and Porcelanosa tiled floors.

A real quality of lifestyle

A four-bedroom ‘Arizona’ villa

“This is our perfect family retreat and a real home from home for us because the resort offers everything I enjoy in life,” says Sir Ian, who is married to Kathy and has three children, Liam, Sarah and Becky. “We use our villa at every opportunity throughout the year, and so do family and friends.

“For them, Desert Springs offers such an amazing variety of sports and leisure facilities that there is always something for all of them to enjoy.”

A passionate golfer, Sir Ian was the first member of the Desert Springs Golf Club to play on its 18-hole golf course.

He says: “I enjoy meeting and playing with other members and guests of the club because they are there for the same reasons – to experience and benefit from a real quality of lifestyle which, in my view, has no equal in Europe.”

In addition to the 18-hole golf course, and a golf academy which caters for several international teams, the Botham family has access to an aerobics gymnasium, trim trail and jogging tracks as well as courts for tennis, paddle tennis and beach volley ball.  Other facilities in the resort range from an international size football pitch, cricket nets, a contra-current swimming pool and mountain bikes to a health and fitness club and spa.

Academy Practice Grounds

The coaching, activities and programmes available for adults and children include personal fitness training by Sir Ian Botham’s friend Daley Thompson, the double Olympic Gold medallist who also has a home at Desert Springs.

Leap of faith

Simon Coaker, director of golf at Desert Springs, says that when Ian decided to buy his property off-plan seven years ago it was “a huge leap of faith.”

“Before The Almanzora Bay Group bought the Desert Springs site it was occupied by a farm growing melons and tomatoes. When Sir Ian saw it for the first time, the development of a resort and its golf course was in its infancy,” says Simon.

Since then Sir Ian has watched the transformation of the site and seen substantial growth in the capital value of his property. Although the price he paid for it in 2001 has not been disclosed, the investment has more than doubled in value.

Sir Ian has bought a second holiday home at Desert Springs. The newest property has become home to Sir Ian’s daughter Sarah who has just fulfilled a long held ambition in Spain. She said: “After six years working with Sky Sports, and then helping to organise my father’s fundraising walks for Leukaemia Research, I was looking for an opportunity to open a wine bar.

Townhouses of the type which Sir Ian Botham has bought at Desert Springs

“There were few affordable ones in the area near my home in North Yorkshire but then, during a holiday at Desert Springs, I discovered that the Bar Restaurante los Pepes in the nearby town of Vera was for sale. I didn’t take me long to snap it up!”

Vera, which Sarah describes as “a charming and picturesque town with a flavour of Spain as it was,” is just a few minutes by car from Desert Springs where the family’s second second-home is a spacious Modesto style duplex. It has a floor area of 110 sq metres, a roof terrace of 37 sq metres, and views of both the Desert Springs Golf Academy and the sea.

For more information call The Almanzora Group on 01242 680299 or visit the website, www.almanzora.com

John Scott, finance director at Asset Property Brokers, the investment property specialist promoting the resort, said: “The beautiful island of Boracay is a major attraction for tourists. Combined with the appeal of a world-class golf course and facilities, this provides even more of a draw, resulting in high yields for investors.”

Located within the grounds of the Championship Fairways and Bluewater golf course, the resort will offer 56 units, comprising studio and two-bedroom apartments, at prices starting at $110,035 (£66,836) and guaranteed yields of up to 14.2 per cent.

Boracay white sand beaches

Each apartment will have high-quality luxury fittings with guests having access to many luxury facilities, including a fully-equipped fitness centre along with spa/Jacuzzi, in addition to this the resort boasts a clubhouse with bar and cocktail lounge and restaurant for lunches and evening meals.

Continent Fairways golf development

For those looking for more adventurous excursions there is horseback riding on the beach, and various water sports. Long-term bookings from major travel companies have been secured by the management company which enable it to offer occupancy rates of 80 per cent, underpinning yields for investors. The development will be run by the Continent Group.

Unit owners will benefit from a free-stay period at their property. As corporate members, they are also able to enjoy use of the 18-hole par 72 golf course and the club facilities. Up to 50 per cent developer financing is available on the purchase price.

Yahoo Travel’s Most Popular Beach

Just an hour’s flight time from Manila, Boracay has extensive powder white sand beaches, clear azure seas and shady palm trees that are perfect for relaxation. The island has also much to offer the active tourist, such as coral reef scuba diving and wind surfing, while the nightlife has something for everyone, from peaceful restaurants to vibrant bars and clubs. Boracay was ranked as the world’s number one beach destination in Yahoo Travel’s Most Popular Beach in 2007.

Over the first quarter of 2009 tourist arrivals to the Philippines rose by a staggering 51 percent to 1.3 million people compared to 858,244 during the same period last year, according to the Philippines Department of Tourism (PDoT).

Call: 01373 888112 for more information or go on line at www.assetpropertybrokers.com