Overseas - August, 2006

Dubai is quite possibly the property success story of the decade. With a massive push from the government to increase tourism, buildings are going up at an amazing rate, and there has been no shortage of buyers for the wide range of apartments and houses that are springing up.
With a corresponding rise in the number of high-quality restaurants, shopping emporia and leisure facilities, this has become both a tourist destination and, for the canny investor, a literal oasis of wealth generation. There are several property brokers and agents who will show the prospective buyer just the right property to suit his investment needs.

key2dubai has a vast selection of properties in Dubai's most sought-after developments, including high-specification waterfront apartments in the famous Dubai Marina. All properties overlook the yacht club, the Arabian Gulf and the breathtaking Palm Jumeirah.
Prices are surprisingly affordable, starting at just £100,794 for a one-bedroom apartment in the Marina Diamond III building. The property measures 727 sq ft and comprises living room with balcony, kitchen, bathroom with separate WC and bedroom (also with balcony). Facilities include a communal swimming pool, children's playground, secure parking, high-speed lifts and a concierge service.

Al Majara Towers, a five building residence on the Dubai Marina, includes a two-bedroom apartment extending to 1,367 square feet, priced at £234,074. Both the master bedroom and second bedroom have en suite bathrooms. Also included are a kitchen, living room, dining room, laundry room, and a separate WC. The balcony affords excellent views of the marina development and the Arabian Gulf.

The complex includes a communal pool and gym. For more information on these and other properties available through key2dubai visit key2dubai.com.
Another player in the local property business is MiNC Property Enterprises, a leading property wealth management company based in the UK and Dubai. MiNC is offering investors the chance to purchase units in its new freehold residential property,.Jumeirah Suites is located in the Jumeirah Village development and will be developed, built and managed by MiNC. All units offer an eight per cent annual rental guarantee for the first two years.
There will be spacious studios plus one- and two-bedroom units. The development includes a swimming pool, gym and other leisure facilities, basement parking and landscaped gardens. Jumeirah Suites is located at the heart of the emerging 'New Dubai' and is one of the most appealing properties at the value end of the Dubai property market.

Kamran Mahmood, managing director of MiNC Property Enterprises, says, 'This centrally located development will, we believe, be the next hotspot at the value end of the Dubai property market, due largely to its proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubailand, considered to be among the biggest leisure and urban infrastructure developments in the world.
'There is still considerable demand for properties at the value end of the market. Jumeirah Suites allows investors to tap into this key market segment and benefit from the obvious potential of the phenomenal Dubailand development.'
Jumeirah Village will be a self-contained development with a vast range of facilities including schools, clubs, sports, leisure and medical facilities.
Last year MiNC launched Marina Suites, one of the first serviced apartments available at Dubai Marina, offering alternative investment opportunities in the leisure property sector. For further information go online to mincproperty.com.

Dubai Select has launched in innovative Fractional Ownership scheme, the first of its kind in Dubai. This enables customers to buy a portion of freehold apartments in Dubai as a means of 'testing the water' with regard to investing in Dubai property.
Investors are able to purchase the fully furnished luxury accommodation in two-week increments which, when sold, will see them receive 1/25th of the total value of the property – a sum which will not only cover their initial investment but should also generate a profit as Dubai property prices rise.

In addition to using the accommodation for holidays – while generating a profit – customers are able to exchange their allocated two weeks for other global destinations, as Dubai Select has negotiated an agreement with the Interval Quality Vacation Exchange Network, a vacation exchange that lets customers swap their property for comparable properties in over 2,000 resorts in 75 countries. 

Dubai Select has a range of properties available, from £75,000 studios to four-bedroom villas for over £550,000. Visit dubaiselect.com to find out more.

EXCLUSIVE FIVE STAR GOLF & SPA RESORT LAUNCHES ON THE COTE D’AZUR BETWEEN CANNES AND ST TROPEZ

Swiss developer Dr Amann & Co launches Le Roc Golf & Spa Resort, the first 5-star golf resort to be built between Cannes and St Tropez on the coveted Cote d’Azur in France.  The area has been a popular holiday destination for the British Aristocracy since the Victorian era and today it is still popular with the rich and famous, many of which have palatial second homes in the area.  Surprisingly, unlike the Costa del Sol, there have been no top quality golf property resorts along this popular coast, until now.

Le Roc 5-star Golf & Spa Resort is situated in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, just 8 kms from the beach and coastal town of St Raphael and 30 minutes by boat from St Tropez. The sought after location offers a unique combination of the glitz and glamour of St Tropez and Cannes, juxtaposed with the rural peace and beauty of Provence.  The Provencal town of Roquebrune is more than a 1000 years old and is overlooked by its famous red coloured rock which contrasts distinctly with the luxuriant green vegetation of the golf courses and surrounding pine forests.

The 100 hectare development offers a spectrum of property choices, all built in a Provencal style, which will be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding countryside.  The delivery of the first phase (hotel, golf course, Villas des Golfeurs and Bellevue) is expected in autumn 2007 and will consist of five different property types: 15 two and three bedroom townhouses, 8 three and four bedroom detached villas and 24 apartments.  There will be a further 33 townhouses and 60 apartments in phase two which is due for completion in 2008.

Vincent Easton, Director of UK marketing agent Premier Resorts says “The Cote D’ Azur has always attracted a more discerning owner as well as the sophisticated investor who has viewed the region as a safe haven. The Le Roc project ticks all the right boxes: location, limited development opportunity and luxury services on tap.”

The resort features a 5-star hotel with similarly high standard amenities to cater for all members of a family. There will be two golf courses, a PGA managed 18 hole course which will be a 6,500 metre, par 71 championship standard course and a 9 hole course which offer panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding French vineyards; a golf club house with restaurant, as well as a pro-shop and membership lounge. Other facilities will include a gourmet restaurant, a spa, wellness centre with outdoor pool and terrace, hotel villas with luxury suites and private pools, a gym, banqueting and conference facilities, art exhibition and guest artist studios.  These world class amenities will ensure Le Roc is popular at any time of year, not just in the summer months.

The entire development will be under the overall direction of the Althoff Group - a reputable luxury hotel operator, which in addition to top-class hotels in Germany runs the 5-star Villa Belrose Hotel in St Tropez.  By connecting the private villas and apartments with the Le Roc 5-star hotel, owners can benefit from the perfect combination of their own private space and the services of a luxury hotel.

The Swiss developer, the Amann Group, has developed many successful property projects in Switzerland and the South of France over the last 25 years. Their financial strength means they can offer investors a unique investment formula that enables the freehold of the properties to be purchased outright or in two installments.  Investors buying 50% of a property now will be given the option to buy the remaining portion in 2011 at the initial sale price. Property prices have been appreciating in the Provencal region by 9% p.a. over the last five years. The Amann Group estimate that investors can expect a17.2% p.a. (non-guaranteed) increase of value including cash distributions until 2011.

Le Roc is only 45 minutes drive from Nice international airport, which itself is only a 2 hour flight from the UK.  Nice airport is serviced by budget airlines such as Easyjet and Jet2.com who fly from London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Manchester. Ryanair also fly once a day from Stansted to nearby Toulon.  Other scheduled services include British Airways who have 7 flights per day to Nice out of London airports.


Prices for a fully furnished 2 bedroom apartment start at €525,000 (£360,000), a fully furnished 2 bedroom townhouse with garden start at €610,000 (£417,000), and a fully furnished 3 bedroom villa with garden and pool start at €1,800,000 (£1,223,000).

Celebrities flock to the area. Stars who have owned property here include Elton John, Joan Collins, Johnny Depp, Michael Schumacher, David and Victioria Beckham, Bono, George Michael and Robbie Williams.
For more details contact Premier Resorts on 0800 0835785 or visit www.premierleroc.co.uk.

GREEN TOURISM: THE IDEAL OVERSEAS BUY-TO-LET FOR THE ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIENTIOUS

Bulgarian Dreams, the UK's leading agent of Bulgarian real estate, is providing the ultimate buy-to-let foreign investment for the environmentally conscientious investor and in turn the ultimate holiday rental option for the green minded tourist, at its scheme Windows to Paradise in Balchik.

Windows To Paradise will be the world’s largest fully carbon neutral new build development and also the first of its kind to be incorporated into mainland Europe.  The Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Management Ltd estimate that the emissions associated with the construction of Windows To Paradise is the equivalent to 3,404 tonnes of CO2 with each apartment causing in excess of 20 tonnes of CO2.  Bulgarian Dreams has offset all these emissions by purchasing 3,404 tonnes of CO2 Carbon credits. 
These Carbon credits have been used to set up a Hydro Power Station in Bulgaria and also to fund a forestry project in Scotland. These carbon credits show that Bulgarian Dreams has offset their emissions using renewable energy resources and as a result, Windows to Paradise will be fully Carbon efficient and an ideal property for the environmentally conscientious.
For the ‘green tourist’, Bulgarian Dreams is set to provide an online apartment booking service that will advertise it’s customers buy-to-let apartments inclusive of the cost necessary to off-set the carbon emissions produced flying to and from Bulgaria.  The Company will then reinvest the money in Carbon Credits.  The result: the ultimate environmentally friendly holiday destination.

Robert Jenkin, Managing Director of Bulgarian Dreams, comments: “The protection of the environment is a growing concern in the UK and around the world and we can see this reflected in individuals actions in everyday life from an increase of household recycling to the popularity of organic food.  Windows to Paradise combined with the online booking service offers an increasingly environmentally conscience public the opportunity to add another green element to their lives, whilst not compromising on quality and a superb holiday destination.”
Windows To Paradise is a select development of studios, one and two bedroom apartments and penthouses situated on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, with 85% of the properties enjoying sea views.  The facilities at the scheme are second to none, comprising swimming pools, a restaurant, shops and a fully licensed bar.
The exclusive scheme will also benefit from the Gary Player golf course that is being created adjacent to Windows To Paradise.  As part of the stunning new golf complex, a new marina is also being incorporated, resulting apartments with views over the sea, the golf course or the marina.

The exterior of the development is classic in design, expertly blending with the architecture of rural Balchik.  The interiors of the apartments reflect the luxurious environment encapsulated in the whole scheme.  With free flowing, open plan living spaces, the properties will enjoy an excellent level of interior specification and layout, along with spacious bedrooms, terraces and balconies.   

Bulgaria is a three-hour flight from the UK direct, with two scheduled airlines currently flying to Sofia once a day.  There are a number of regional airports most notably Varna and Bourgas on the Black Sea coast and during the summer season, flights are available direct from nineteen different airports in the UK.
Prices at Windows To Paradise are starting from €30,000 (£20,750) for a studio apartment and €45,000 (£31,000) for a one bedroom property.  For further sales information please contact Bulgarian Dreams on 00 44 207614 1240 or visit www.bulgariandreams.com or email: info@bulgariandreams.com

Properties that put the swing into Spain

Brits love golf and they love Spain. So when the relaxing, challenging sport and the sunny climes of Spain come together, something special happens. Golf lovers looking hunting for a property with good golfing nearby have a wide choice of locations, with luxury newly built developments from Taylor Woodrow de España in the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Mallorca. With developments built on or near quality golf courses in all three regions, buyers are sure to find the right property.

El Bosque de la Mairena in the Costa del Sol is an exclusive Taylor Woodrow de España development of two-bedroom apartments and three-bedroom penthouses near the El Soto de Marbella golf course. Just a short drive from Marbella and its famous shopping malls and seafront restaurants, this residential complex sits within a secluded hillside location with stunning sea views.

The resort will soon have landscaped gardens and a communal swimming pool, while the nearby El Soto clubhouse offers a bar and restaurant as well as a fully equipped gym with sauna and jacuzzi. The surrounding forest also provides the perfect setting for hiking trails and scenic walks. Apartments include natural floor tiles throughout, air conditioning and fully fitted kitchen. Prices start from €269,700.

Los Eucaliptos, also in the Costa del Sol, is a fantastic development of two- and three-bedroom apartments located south of the 18-hole golf course at Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club. Just a short drive from Marbella, Puerto Banus and San Pedro, the residential complex is surrounded by landscaped gardens and two communal swimming pools. Most of the properties overlook the golf course and some have sea views. Prices start from €218,000 euros.
Los Arqueros Golf and Country Club boasts one of the most challenging 18-hole golf courses in southern Spain, designed by the internationally renowned golfer Seve Ballesteros. The clubhouse has a pro shop, bar, restaurant and sun terrace, perfect for getting to know the neighbours, or simply relaxing in the warm climate. Local amenities also include squash courts, tennis courts and a gymnasium.

Situated in a prime Costa Blanca location near Alicante, the town of Alenda is placed for both weekend getaways and lengthy sunny holidays. The 18-hole Alenda golf course, adjacent to two new Taylor Woodrow developments, offers facilities such as a friendly clubhouse, tapas bar and restaurant. Supermarket and shops are also planned.
Lagos de Alenda is a development of two bedroom apartments, with each spacious home built to a high specification, including two bathrooms and fitted kitchen. An attractive sun terrace provides the ideal space for soaking up the Mediterranean sun, and there is an allocated basement parking space and spacious storage room perfect for storing golf clubs and more. Many of the homes have views over rolling landscaped grounds, where there are two lake-style swimming pools. Prices start from €155,500 euros.

Valle de Alenda, a new release nearby, offers 35 two- and three-bedroom town houses, some facing the golf course and others with breathtaking views of nearby mountains and fabulous scenery. The development will include landscaped gardens, swimming pool, supermarket, clubhouse and shops. Homes are built to the highest specification and include air conditioning, fitted wardrobes as well as a spa bath. Prices start at €263,000 euros.
In Mallorca, the La Colina del Golf development is a brand new development of three- and four-bedroom town houses in the small and exclusive resort of Camp de Mar on the island's west coast. The development is just over 30km from Palma, Mallorca's capital, making it easily accessible for shopping and sightseeing.

La Colina is close to both the Andratx golf club and the exclusive harbour at Puerto de Andratx which, with the provision for over 300 moorings, is widely recognised as being one of the best known yachting marinas on the island. Homes are built to an exceptional standard and each has its own private garden. Prices are to be confirmed upon launch.

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. For further details call the UK sales office on 0121 600 8961 or go see taylorwoodrow.com/spain. Alternatively, call the brochure hotline on 0845 450 1555.