Set sail for French Riviera property

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
Those who fancy investing in some French Riviera property will probably be most attracted by the wonders of being on the Mediterranean coast, with its warm blue waters, sunshine and beaches.

For some French Riviera property buyers, the scenery and the chance to while away hours on the beach will be all they want to do, but for others a bit of messing about on the water is the order of the day.

This second group may be well served by the Second Hand Boat Show at Mandelieu-la Napoule, which will be held over the Easter weekend of April the 9th - 13th 2009.

Anyone fancying the chance to get their hands on a small vessel for some aquatic fun without paying through the nose for a new model may find just what they are looking for at the event.

Mandelieu is located on the outskirts of Cannes, which is also famous for events such as its film festival.

The 2009 edition will take place from May 13th to the 24th.

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Stay in the black with Normandy property

Wednesday, December 31st, 2008
For those who fancy buying Normandy property but also enjoying something that could seem quintessentially English while over there, the ideal event may be taking place in March.

The annual Mortagne au Perche Black Pudding Fair offers connoisseurs of the delicacy one may associate with Bury a chance to taste the Norman version - or lots of them.

As well as the local produce, those from Lancashire and many other places besides will descend on the town to bring forth their wares, in a cornucopia of baked pigs blood that will delight fans of the delicacy.

The decades-old festival is just one of many events and attractions that may tempt people to invest in Normandy property.

Other events include the Granville Carnival in February and the Franco-British Plants and Gardens Exhibition at Chateau de Crosville-sur-Douve.

Normandy property may also make a good investment, according to managing director of Solihull-based Cherish Properties Steve Wright, who told the Birmingham Post this week that France has "six to seven per cent growth a year on average".

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Brittany property still good for investment, says expert

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008
A property professional has said that the French market is still a good one to invest in, something that could encourage those considering buying Brittany property.

Speaking to the Birmingham Post, managing director of Solihull-based Cherish Properties Steve Wright said the country still has much to offer despite the fall in the value of sterling against the euro.

He noted: "In France, there is still six to seven per cent growth a year on average," adding that the French government has been encouraging foreign investment by refunding the VAT on new-build properties when they are completed.

Mr Wright also noted that the market is cyclical and the value of the pound will recover in time.

Earlier this month the chief economist at foreign exchange broker World First Jeremy Cook said 2009 will see a significant improvement of the value of the pound against both the euro and the dollar.

Such a development could help cut the cost of Brittany property.

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Arnie-one for Orlando property?

Tuesday, December 30th, 2008
Those investing in Orlando property may be particularly tempted by the many attractions of the area, from Disneyworld to the natural scenery and sunshine.

For sports fans, there are some big events to be enjoyed, not least the annual Arnold Palmer Invitational Tournament.

Held at the Bay Hill Golf Club just outside the city, the event offers fans of the sport a chance to see the big names in action, with the 2009 tournament taking place between March 23rd and 29th.

In 2008, for example, the event was won for the fifth time by Tiger Woods, with other stars present including Vijay Singh, Fred Couples, Phil Mickelson and Lee Westwood.

As well as exciting events such as this, Orlando property buyers can enjoy choosing from plenty of courses to play on themselves.

The Orlando Vacation guide lists Boggy Creek Golf Club and Hunter’s Creek Golf Course as two of the best venues for the sport in the area.

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Anything but placid for New York property seekers

Monday, December 29th, 2008
New York property seekers keen to find out about the upstate leisure activities that can be enjoyed will have an opportunity to do so at Lake Placid from January 2nd to 4th.

The former winter Olympics venue will host the 4th Annual Whelen Geoff Bodine Bobsled Challenge, when brave competitors will take part in a series of races as part of an event whose receipts will raise funds for the Bo-Dyn Bobsled Project, which was set up in 1992 to provide resources for US winter Olympians competing in the sport.

Those keen on buying New York property can be warmly entertained - despite the cold weather - as the bobsleighs, skeletons and other contraptions hurtle past.

Facilities such as Lake Placid offer variety for New York property buyers, providing an alternative to spending more time in the bustle of the vibrant Big Apple.

Lake Placid hosted the winter games of 1932 and 1980 and there is a museum commemorating these events.

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Florida property popularity may be boosted by slower population growth

Monday, December 29th, 2008
Recent statistics showing that Florida has dipped down the rankings among US states for population growth may help increase its popularity as a place to live, it has been suggested.

An editorial in the Orlando Sentinel noted that research from the US Census Bureau has revealed the state to be the 30th for growth, with a net fall in population in the year to July 1st.

However, it commented, this could help ameliorate some of the problems that occurred when Florida property was booming, at which time home insurance rates rose, crime went up and transport infrastructure developments failed to keep pace.

The editor stated: "Fewer people choosing to make Florida their home could work to preserve the quality of life for those who do," noting that it still offers the lure of its climate, man-made attractions and natural beauty.

Such considerations may make Florida property the first choice for buyers looking to the US.

Property Frontiers recently tipped the country as one of the best property prospects of 2009 because of its lower prices.

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Overseas property may be boosted as Britons continue to holiday overseas

Monday, December 29th, 2008
The insistence of most Britons that they will not forego their foreign holiday may provide a boost to those investing in overseas property, particularly in the holiday rental sector.

Holiday firm TUI Travel has noted that this luxury is the last one that many will forsake, with research by its subsidiaries Thompson and First Choice finding that 88 per cent of consumers would rather make cutbacks in other areas.

Thomson and First Choice customer director Tim Williamson said the favoured destinations in 2009 are likely to include locations such as the Balearics, continental Spain, the Algarve, Madeira, Italy, the Canary Islands and Florida.

Such prospects may bolster those keen on investing in overseas property in these locations.

Earlier this month it was predicted that overseas property buyers will see sterling’s value become more favourable in the coming months.

Chief economist at foreign exchange brokerage World First Jeremy Cook said: "The overall feeling for 2009 is that there will be a pull back from the edge of a stronger sterling."

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California property buyer numbers on the rise, says analyst

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
An economist has noted that the California property market is seeing a rise in the number of people buying.

Michelle Girard, an analyst at RBS Greenwich Capital, said that the state is among those that have bucked the recent trend for the number of house sales to drop in the US, Reuters reports.

She remarked: "Despite the overall softening in sales, there has been a solid trend of rising activity in California, Nevada, Arizona and Florida, in areas where bargain hunters are taking advantage of substantially discounted prices."

The news provider said economists across the US expect a rise in transactions as homes become more affordable, something that could see California property seekers being able to acquire more bargains.

Speaking at a recent business conference, entrepreneur Sam Zell said the recovery of the housing market across the US is coming, with "equilibrium" being approached in Spring 2009 and the situation looking "a whole lot better" a year on.

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Tuscany property buyers see explosive action

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008
Those keen on buying Tuscany property may be tempted by many fine aspects of the region, be they the iconic leaning tower of Pisa, the art and architecture of Florence or the many vineyards.

At the same time, however, there are many interesting events that may attract visitors and make life more interesting for residents and ex-pats alike, not least the Explosion of the Cart, which takes place every Easter Sunday.

On this date, two oxen carry the cart full of fireworks into the Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square), where a mechanical dove ‘flies’ along a wire to the vehicle, which then detonates in a series of spectacular explosions.

Rooted deep in Florentine historical tradition, this explosive event was said to bring good harvests and prosperity for the people if all went well.

Tuscany property buyers, who may be advised not to try this at home, will also find numerous other attractions in the city of Florence.

A centre of culture and art in the later medieval period, the city’s historic centre became a Unesco World Heritage site in 1982.

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How Tuscany property owners can improve their gardens

Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
Those investing in Tuscany property may be keen to see the sights of the region and perhaps do something interesting with their new garden.

Luckily, in the spring there is a chance to do both at once in the Pisa expo, which is held over the end of March and start of April.

The Pisa Expo offers a chance to see the latest wares in the gardening, home furniture, fishing and agriculture trades exhibited.

Such an event could give those investing in Tuscany property some good ideas on how to shape both the inside of their new dwellings and the garden outside.

At the same time, the presence of the iconic tower may provide an irresistible attraction for visitors, although those ascending it without a head for heights may find it tricky.

Earlier this year engineers managed to partially reverse the tilt of the tower to save it from collapse.

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