The depressed UK property buyer is cheering themselves up with thoughts of buying out of town and in the British countryside. According to research by Knight Frank the number of potential purchasers viewing rural properties is on the increase. Figures show that buyers viewing property for sale across the south of England increased by 25% in January this year, compared with the same month in 2008. Andrew...

Many countries and cultures around the globe have their own celebrations to welcome the season of Lent, such as Mardi Gras in the US and Carnival in Brazil. The Czech Republic has its own celebration, the Masopust Festival. Masopust is celebrated throughout Moravia and in some parts of Bohemia as well. Though relatively new, one of the most well-known celebrations takes place in the Žižkov district...

Austria has long had stiff restrictions on foreign property buyers, which has tended to keep prices in many popular Alpine villages relatively low. Some parts of the country have relaxed those restrictions in recent years, bringing fresh opportunities for buyers of second homes and holiday retreats.   Salzburg Land, the region around the city of Salzburg, has some wonderful property at amazingly low...

Situated on three acres along Paynes Bay not far from the popular tourist destination of Holetown is the new hotel-condo resort of Beachview. This beautiful resort is on the west coast of Barbados, which is known for its calm beaches, clear water and beautiful homes.   There are 36 two and three bedroom residences at Beachview, all located within four main buildings, each one identical. The units range in...

19/2/09-  As the US Commerce Department announced a record low number of homes were begun in January, President Obama unveiled a $75 billion plan to tackle the foreclosure crisis. The President’s efforts, entitle the Homeowner Stability Initiative, are hoped to stem the tide of foreclosures for some nine million Americans who could potentially lose their homes in the coming months.   The new plan also...

The international real estate website Homesgofast.com are shouting about an unusual destination in South America. The website that promotes overseas properties is asking international buyers to look at Punt Del Este Uruguay.  A small spit of land in southern Uruguay separates the Atlantic Ocean from the Rio de la Plata and it was once known as Cabo Santa Maria. Today it is called Punta del Este and it...

17/02/09- This week presents some challenges to those seeking to benefit from the currency markets or if you are making large purchases abroad. The uncertainty in the financial markets set to continue, a summary of this week’s major data announcements which could affect exchange rates and currency movements. All times are GMT. Pound Sterling Tuesday 0930 – UK consumer and retail price index Wednesday...

Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, recently announced that his government plans to construct one million new homes by 2010 to help get the country’s economy back on track and to help homeowners.   “The construction industry is extremely important for generating jobs, and providing dynamism to the economy and steel industry, above all for the least skilled workers in the country," said...

Several existing buildings as well as a new office tower will form The Intermark mixed-use complex in downtown Kuala Lumpur. Empire Tower, City Square, the Crown Princess Hotel and Plaza Ampang are being renovated by investor and developer MGPA. Additionally, the group plans to construct a new a new office tower that will have at least 30 floors of grade A office space in the midst of the current...

Overseas property investors will be glad to hear that the iconic Park Towers are now rising at a rate of one floor a week. The luxury real estate is located in the Dubai International Finance Center and is moving upwards at a rate of knots according to the developer DAMAC Properties. The two towers will be a mixed use development with apartments, offices and retail properties available. The 30 story...