Launch wins over investors

Over 2,500 people flocked to the pre-launch event last weekend and clients were "pleased" with the developer's progress.

The two day show at Wembley Stadium, hosted by brand ambassador Andy Townsend, gave existing and potential investors a preview of Buccament Bay resort in the Caribbean.

"The idea behind the launch was to show everyone what we have achieved at Buccament Bay and demonstrate to the travel industry that Harlequin Hotels and Resorts will be a force to be rekoned with in the industry," Harlquin's chairman, Dave Ames.

"it was also intended to give visitors an opportunity to ask me any questions they had about the resort and other developments in the Caribbean and thank them for their patience, allowing us to complete a resort to the highest standards."

Although it has experienced delays, Buccament Bay is set to open in November 2010 and will be the first completed resort.

"It is hoped that the progress of the development will give assurance that Harlequin is a seriuos developer that builds what it sells off-plan," said Ames

The event featured speeches from architects, restaurateurs and spa managers involved in Harlequin's resorts, as well as a set from the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy and several West End actors.

Representatives from British Airways and the St Vincent and the Grenadines government also made appearances, while Harlequin's 'ambassador' - football commentator and former player Andy Townsend -acted as compere.

Some feedback

"The summer has been quite fantastic for us in the Caribbean region. We have broken records in the room nights sold for two consecutive months now, July and August and the balance of the year is looking promising"   - Demetrius Canton, Head of Expedia for the Caribbean

"We are so excited about the ecomonic benefits it (Buccament Bay Beach Resort) will bring to St Vincent and the Grenadines"   - Eloise Gonsalves, Wife of Vincentian Prime Minister

"I just wanted to say many thanks to you and your staff for your help in answering all my questions during the purchase process. Thank you for taking the time out to talk to me personally. I am very happy with my Buccament Bay investment and I'm looking forward to spending some quality time in my Caribbean property"   - Virginia Gonzalez, Investor

How to make your money work Harder for you

In today's climate it is unlikely you are getting a rate of return that you would want from your investment. Speak to us about our exciting, safe and secure overseas investment opportunity - a fully SIPP compliant proposition. You could re-house your existing assets into something capable of producing exceptional capital growth and rental yields. 

New immigration law in Cyprus to help property sales

According to an article in The Cyprus Informer, The Department of Interior of Cyprus has adopted a new law regarding the immigration. The law allows non-EU citizens, who legally purchase property in Cyprus of a value exceeding €300,000, to be entitled to apply for and receive an immigration permit. An immigration permit is the equivalent to a permanent residence permit in Cyprus (EU Residency).

The new law will reduce time consuming immigration procedures and is expected to encourage non-EU nationals to purchase property in Cyprus.
 

Investing in Cape Verde is a "wise" move

According to a recent article in the Daily Mail, investing in Cape Verde is a "wise" move, even in the current economic climate. The Daily Mail reported that investors who recognised the potential of the archipelago a few years ago are now enjoying the benefits of the island's rising popularity, and investment today is likely to delivery similar results. The paper reported that Cape Verde has seen a 22 per cent rise in tourism compared with the previous year. New airports and ferry services are likely to increase this figure further in the future, plus the Government has continued to invest in the infrastructure to help the islands through the downturn.It was also revealed last month that Cape Verde was to be the sole nation to benefit from funding by the American Government. Good governance, economic development and human rights were given as the reasons for the boost.

The Concepts of Property Investment

Investing in property is very much different to investing in other assets such as stocks and bonds it truly is a tangible asset class. It is affected by global economic trends but, as a fixed asset, it is also affected by local variables such as leasehold or freehold contracts, tax and legal regulations etc. Investing in property can be very successful if you are well informed and make the right decisions, however it can be disastrous if you make the wrong choices being influenced by over zealous press articles or unscrupulous sales agents. Property is a rich and diverse investment and the right property investment has consostently delivered high return. What is essential is knowing what to buy, where to buy it and when.

Property is in many ways superior class of investment to other assets. Unlike shares and bonds it is tangible and it differentiates because Property prices rise in line with or in excess of inflation

Property is capable of producing strong current cash flow from rents

Property value movements do not correlate strongly with movements in bond and equity prices

Luxe Propery believes that properties independence from the performance of other major asset classes is crucial as it acts as a "hedge" or protection against falling stock markets. For this reason we firmly believe that property should play a strong diversifying rols in a sensible investment portfolio.   -  Alex Okolidoh, Luxe Property

Caribbean - Prime Beachfront

The most popular Caribbean homes are in low-density areas on beachfront plots, with sea views. In the Barbados, where 90 per cent of the buyers are British, these plots can cost around US$10 million per acre.

International branded resort developments in prime beachfront locations, offering on-site amenities such as championship golf courses and spa facilities. In Barbados, homes in beachfront developments have traditionally recorded higher price rises, at an estimated 20 per cent per annum. Many owners rent out their properties, as good occupancy rates can be achieved due to the appealing year-round climate.   -  Savills Global Residential Review