Overseas - May, 2007

The international property market has taken off in a big way in the past decade or so. With new member states in the EU, increased access to previously hard-to-get-to countries and the growing popularity of property as an investment vehicle, more and more of us are opting to buy overseas.

Whether you’re in the market for a place to retire to, a second home or a buy-to-let property in a resort area, the choice of locations is truly amazing. North America, sunny Mediterranean resorts, the exotic Middle East, the Balkan states – just about anywhere you can think of is now a destination for canny buyers.

Starting this issue, Hotproperty will be presenting a sample of very buyable properties in exotic locales. So whether you’re actively seeking overseas property or just curious about what’s available, we hope you enjoy browsing our selection.
So, on to the main event – and what better place to start than Croatia. Long known for its beautiful beaches, history and welcoming atmosphere, Croatia is a country blessed with what it takes to be a property sensation.

Croatia Properties specialises in property in Istria in the north of the country, the largest peninsula in the Adriatic region. This region boasts gorgeous beaches, old Venetian ports, olive groves and amazing seafood – it’s the perfect place to relax and immerse yourself in a culture that is appealingly foreign and very friendly.
Current properties for sale through Croatia Properties run the gamut of accommodation size and price. You can get anything from a 21 sq metre off-plan studio apartment in Medelin priced at €27,300, right up to an eight-bedroom luxury villa on the Dalmatian coast for €2.29 million.
For details of these or any other properties in this increasingly popular buying destination visit the website at croatiaproperties.biz.

One of the true success stories of overseas property in the past few years has been Dubai. This exotic location offers unmatched comfort, fantastic shopping and a relaxed lifestyle with a big emphasis on sporting pursuits, from horse racing to tennis to cricket. The thriving ex-pat community finds the pace agreeable and more and more are aspiring to the truly enviable lifestyle to be found there.
Property in Dubai, a true jewel of the United Arab Emirates, takes several forms, from multi-million-pound residential skyscrapers to more modest but still luxurious villas. There is an ever-growing pool of high-quality property to choose from, whether you intend to up stakes and relocate to the Emirate or are looking for a sound investment.

Victory Heights is the first phase of residential property in Dubai Sports City, a unique 50 million sq ft development which will also offer sports facilities, commercial property and retail space. This will be an accessible community that is passionate about sport. It is a celebration of what people value in their lives in the 21st century – an active lifestyle, ease and convenience, sporting and entertainment experiences and opportunities for personal development and learning.

Victory Heights, a gated community of 850 residential units situated around a golf course. Scheduled for completion in 2007, these stylish family villas will offer comprehensive security, international schools, a medical clinic, bike trails and walkways, and a social hub based around the David Lloyd Next Generation Tennis and Country Club.
Find out more about Dubai Sports City at the website dubaisportscity.ae.
In Bulgaria, another up-and-coming international market, Interlink offers apartments at the All Seasons Resort in Bansko, in the south-west of the country 170km from the capital Sofia.
This historic town is known as a ski resort – indeed, Bulgaria is an applicant to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. One of Bansko’s many attractions is Pirin Mountain, which is a protected site on the World National Heritage list. The location offers culture, an all-year-round season, nightlife and stunning views – not to mention some amazingly priced property.

The All Seasons Resort is set in beautiful scenery and is located approximately 750m from the gondola station and only a few minutes’ walk from Bansko’s main square. Air conditioning, heating and car parking are all standard provisions. This location would be equally suitable as an investment property and a holiday getaway for the owner

Prices start at €29,100. Completion is expected at the end of 2005. For more information call Interlink Properties on 0800 011 2920 or visit interlinkproperties.com.

Desirable villas and bungalows in Pissouri.

The outlook for Cyprus seems sunnier than ever, with 2006 expected to see yet another rise in tourism. With an increase intourists, of course, comes higher revenue for those who have invested in the local buy-to-let market.
As part of Cyprus’ seven-year plan to help increase tourism, emphasis has been given to major infrastructure projects aimed at upgrading the image of Mediterranean island. This plan has led to the construction of golf courses, marinas, conference centres, casinos, theme parks and even a tourist academy. This construction, along with other measures, has given Cyprus a renewed profile on the map; the island is seeing increased tourism and more UK residents are buying property there, both holiday homes and permanent residences.

UK citizens make up 60 per cent of the expatriates currently living on the island. Litsa Chrysostomou, international sales manager for Antonis Loizou & Associates, says, ‘Cyprus is undoubtedly a favourite with the British as we can see from the number of tourists we see coming each year. We are now regularly seeing tourists return year after year and in many cases actually buying property for themselves.’

This has had a good effect on the Cypriot economy, says Chrysostomou, ‘in particular the property market, which continues to go from strength to strength. Traditionally we used to see people buy property to use maybe once a year but in recent years we have found that many UK citizens are moving here and taking full advantage of the lower cost of living and higher quality of life.’
One new development that offers a good investment potential is Odysseus Bay Village in Pissouri. With breathtaking views, this premier resort lies to the west of Limassol within easy access to Pafos International Airport, and is easily connected to the rest of the island by a four-lane motorway.
There is a selection of two- and three-bedroom villas and bungalows all built in traditional styles with flat, domed and pitched roofs in keeping with local architecture. These spacious properties offer contemporary interior living and are finished to the highest standards.
Prices start at £176,379 for a two-bedroom property. Many of the properties at Odysseus Bay Village have already been sold off-plan and the development is now in its last phase, so those looking for a holiday home with good investment opportunities should have a look.

Antonis Loizou & Associates markets throughout Cyprus and has numerous new developments, resales and plots of land. As the largest independent estate agency in Cyprus, they assure you of peace of mind with their English speaking agents and attention to detail at all times. For more information call 0800 032 6203 or visit aloizou.co.cy.

Just outside of Pissouri, Pine Bay Villas is an unspoiled village on the main highway halfway between Limassol and Pafos, only 20 minutes from Paphos international airport. This is a self-contained, well managed private and secure development of exclusive country homes with landscape gardens. It has its own sports club featuring a games room, squash court, swimming pool, tennis court and a small shop.
A range of detached villas in nine different designs is available, including: two-bedroom villas start at £127,000, while three-bedroom detached villas are priced from £147,500. Four-bedroom villas have a starting price of £190,500.

The development site is mostly covered with pine trees and slopes to the south overlooking the sea, approximately 1km away. Pine Bay Villas offers the charm and character of the traditional island architecture. The elegant homes have spacious, well-proportioned living rooms, practical and comfortable bathrooms and large terraces which open out to magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding countryside.

Pissouri village is one of the few seaside village in Cyprus which has retained its original architecture and environment. The village itself stands on a hilltop and for the most part is built using solid stone walls. The village centre has been preserved with government assistance; a village square, which is surrounded by small family run restaurants and cafés, is extremely popular with both locals and foreign visitors.

Available from International Property Brokers; visit cyprusonline.co.uk.