Overseas - October, 2005

Malta is a wonderful, sun-kissed Mediterranean destination – and those who are looking to buy there will find a wealth of high-quality property. Under the terms of Maltese law, non-EU citizens and EU Citizens who do not intend to be residents of Malta may only purchase apartments or maisonettes above 34,158 Maltese lira (MTL) in value and houses of any other kind above MTL56,930 in value (these convert to approximately £54,000 and £90,000 respectively).

One example of the high-quality property currently on the Maltese market is a beautifully converted house full of character in the Attard area, currently available through Buy Abroad.
This character property has come on to the market for the first time in many years, offering not only an abundance of space and a great location but also a great investment opportunity. The home, which is over 300 years old, is beautifully presented and boasts a wealth of features. Situated in one of the island’s most sought-after village locations, the home is not likely to remain on the market for long.
The home has a striking large front elevation – and thanks to its recent renovation it provides all the modern conveniences and luxuries a buyer wants, but with a traditional feel of a bygone age.
Accommodation is comprised of a large hall, followed by a separate living room over 20 feet in length. There is a dining room, kitchen, shower room and a study downstairs. The original stone stairs lead to three bedrooms, one being of a very good size along with a large sized new bathroom.

One particularly beautiful feature of this traditional house is the courtyard, with its original tiled floor and arched doorways. Here the present owners have planted an array of flowers, making this the focal point of the property and an ideal space in which to entertain or enjoy the warm evenings.
John Reilly UK sales manager of Buy Abroad, says, ‘This property is exceptional. It has oodles of charm yet benefits from all modern day luxuries. It is ideally located and would make a fine family home or would be ideal as an investment property for those looking to step on to the rental market. The space available and the location alone would mean that renting this property out would not be difficult.
This character residence, which was recently converted, is now on the market through Buy Abroad at just £206,453. For further details regarding any of these properties call 01234 401551 or visit buyabroad.com.

Buy Abroad has many newly built homes for sale in Attard as well. An elevated ground floor freehold maisonette, for instance, is on the market at 69,900 Maltese lira  (approximately £110,500). The property is extremely well finished, with scraped walls and unique architectural characteristics. Accommodation consists of an open-plan fully fitted kitchen/dining/sitting room with stone unit and functional gas fireplace. The main bedroom has an en suite shower; there are two further single spare bedrooms. A two-car garage is included in the price.

Meanwhile, in Birguma, a detached villa is new to the market. Set on approximately 1,500 square metres of very well-situated land, this delightful villa enjoys an unusually bright layout as all rooms are built surrounding the pool area. The unique accommodation comprises hall, sitting/dining room with fireplace, living room, study room, brand new fully fitted kitchen, three/four double bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower room, guest WC, and a large street-level basement with possibility for conversion into a two-bedroom flatlet. There is also a mature garden with large pool and deck area, Jacuzzi, air conditioning throughout, two-car lockup garage and large carport. This property is on the market at MTL450,000 (approximately £711,000).
For further details regarding any of these properties call 01234 401551 or visit buyabroad.com.

An opportunity to buy in beautiful Budapest

The release of phase two of luxury apartments at Budapest’s Marina Part development has spotlighted the huge demand for property in Hungary’s beautiful capital.

A recent viewing, open to existing owners of earlier projects by developer Autóker Holding, became a virtual stampede – proof that there is a particularly big market for this type of apartment in this location. River-view apartments and those overlooking the marina itself were in especially high demand; it was estimated by the end of the day that around 50 per cent of the apartments with Danube-facing views had already been reserved. ‘The interest has been beyond our expectations,’ said an exhausted Eszter Vadas, assistant sales manager of Autóker Holding Plc, Hungary's most respected developer.
It was announced during the launch that against fierce competition, Hungary Property Ltd, based in Crawley, West Sussex, has been awarded the exclusive rights to market and sell Marina Part apartments in the UK. ‘It is a privilege to continue to be part of this unique project,’ announced Martin Padfield, managing director. With 70 per cent mortgages now widely available, no agency or finder's fees and a streamlined buying process, there has never been a better time to invest in Marina Part.’
Marina Part comprises up to 3,000 residential units within a 300,000 square metre area on the banks of the River Danube and promises to be one of the best and most beautiful 21st-century self-contained neighbourhoods in Europe, comparable to Canary Wharf or Brighton Marina.

In 2004 it was crowned Best Residential Project in Hungary for the year by the readers of Resource magazine; in the spring of 2006 it will be featured in the Channel 4 programme, A Place in the Sun. It is located in Budapest’s District 13 along a previously undeveloped stretch of land around a natural lagoon in one of the most scenic and virginal areas of Budapest. As well as fabulous views of the Danube and the Buda Hills, it will offer gardens, promenades, its own shops, leisure and sports facilities (including a large swimming pool), restaurants and cafes – all within easy reach of the city centre. The apartments range from 40 to 140 square metres; all have balconies and most have a river view. Priced from only £54,000, an apartment there represents an ideal buy-to-let investment opportunity and a beautiful place to live.

Padfield continued: ‘Autóker feels that Hungary Property is the best company to forward the investment opportunity that Marina Part offers to the UK public and we promise to honour their decision by continuing to provide to UK investors the best service possible.’
Reservations are now being taken. Some Danube-facing apartments are still available but are going fast. For further information call Hungary Property on 0870 443 9001. Visit marinapart.co.uk and hungaryproperty.net.

A new opportunity on the Costa Blanca.

The chance to sample the best of Spanish living is now easier than ever. Taylor Woodrow de España, the only UK-based Spanish house builder, is offering eager house hunters in search of property on the Costa Blanca the opportunity to experience its selection of two-bedroom apartments at Lagos de Alenda as part of a unique ‘lifestyle visit’.
‘Lifestyle visits’ are tailor-made trips for interested purchasers to get a flavour for life in Spain and take a closer look at the stylish properties available. Taylor Woodrow’s UK-based European Sales team will arrange flights from your nearest airport, transport to Lagos de Alenda, and conveniently situated accommodation.

Visitors can also benefit from the sound advice and assistance of the company’s English-speaking team of experts on site, who will be on hand throughout the visit and can provide any necessary contacts such as Spanish lawyers, finance management and rental and removals companies.
Barbara Hibbert, European sales and Marketing Director for Taylor Woodrow de España, said: ‘Buying a new home abroad is undoubtedly a big step and the more information purchasers have about the properties and their location, the more confident and happy they are in their move.  We understand the need to address individual concerns, therefore we have introduced “lifestyle visits” to Lagos de Alenda and other selected developments for prospective purchasers.’

Situated in a prime Costa Blanca location, near to Alicante, Lagos de Alenda is a luxury apartment scheme with each spacious home built to the highest specification, with fitted wardrobes, two bathrooms, and fitted kitchen with oven, hob and extractor fan, and utility room. An attractive sun terrace provides the ideal space for soaking up the Mediterranean sun, and there is an allocated basement parking space and storage room perfect for storing golf clubs.

Many of the homes have views over rolling landscaped grounds, where there are two lake-style swimming pools, or the 18-hole Alenda Golf course, which is adjacent to the development. Facilities include a friendly clubhouse, tapas bar and restaurant. Lagos de Alenda is well placed for both weekend getaways and lengthy sunny holidays, with Alicante Airport just a short drive away.
Barbara added: ‘I believe potential purchasers will be surprised by how affordable the apartments at Lagos de Alenda actually are. These stunning homes have been built to Taylor Woodrow’s exacting construction standards and are set in beautiful surroundings. The properties represent great value for money and I would urge anyone interested to take a closer look through one of our lifestyle visits. The dream of living in Spain is far more achievable than they think.’

Taylor Woodrow has been building homes in Spain for more than 45 years. The company provides a specialised service and dedicated team who can help and advise through the entire process of choosing, buying and settling into a new Spanish home.

Taylor Woodrow de España currently offers homes on the Spanish mainland at the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and on the Balearic Island of Mallorca. For further details telephone the UK sales office on 0121 600 8961 or go to taylorwoodroow.com/spain. Alternatively, call the brochure hotline on 0845 450 1555.