This week, we are excited to announce the opening of our new real estate office on Rruga Sami Frasheri in Blloku in Tirana.  The office is located in the city centre in the prime business and social district.

Fresh Property Albania new real estate office in Tirana

The office will provide on-going support to clients of Fresh Property Co who have bought off plan investment property, as well as regular sales for existing properties, long term lettings and holiday lettings for locals and tourists.

For more information on Fresh Property Albania, please visit - www.freshpropertyalbania.com

Or to view our current Albania property please click here - http://freshpropertyco.com/property-albania-argentina-brazil/albania-property-for-sale/

12 November 2008

Fresh Property Co are excited to offer property investors the chance to invest in a new luxury off plan development located in an amazing location in Niteroi only 8 miles from downtown Rio de Janeiro.

Privilege Residences will be constructed with the highest standards, facilities and quality at amazing first-releases prices from R$245,500 (approx £70,240).   Comparable apartments in London would be 10 times higher in price.

Luxurious 2, 3 and 4 bed apartments are available, all with ensuites to master bedrooms, balconies and parking spaces.

The development will have 3 tower blocks with 11 floors each, giving a total of 194 apartments.  The project has a modern architecture and will be constructed by one of the largest and most reputable developers in Brazil, who have previously completed over 950 projects.  Privilege Residences will be completed by the end of 2009/ early 2010.

The facilities of the development will be 5 star and include an adult’s swimming pool, children’s swimming pool, lounge deck, bar, playgrounds, kiosks with BBQs, games room with living space, party and events room, restaurant, and spa centre.

Niteroi, with a population of nearly 500,000, is a modern city only 25 minutes drive to the centre of Rio de Janeiro.   It is the second richest city in Rio de Janeiro State and is home to many beautiful beaches, a historic fort and a world-class museum.  Niteroi is currently undergoing a period of rapid urban growth and the mayor has developed a twenty-year comprehensive plan that will help create a sustainable economy.

Property prices in the area have been consistently rising. Also considering the sustainable growth and stability of the Brazilian economy, prices will continue to rise and some estate agencies forecast capital growth of up to 25% in the next 12 months.

Find out more about Privilege Residences Niteroi at http://freshpropertyco.com/privilege-residences-rio-de-janeiro-brazil/.

http://www.prlog.org/10143488-brazil-amazing-city-buy-to-let-investment-property.html

Sitting on the southwest corner of the Balkan Peninsula, Albania is considered the last untapped emerging market in Europe. With a developing economy and a government that has been elected on a platform of cleaning up corruption and growing the economy, expectations are high for Albania real estate invesment.

Though mostly mountainous, Albania is flat along its border with the Adriatic Sea. Winters are cool. Summers are hot and dry. And with over 200 miles of pristine, sandy beaches, Albania remains one of the last havens yet to be discovered by investors.

The inflation rate in Albania is stable and low. And Albanian exports continue to rise as 90% of exports are designated for the European Union. Capital growth has been 20-25% in recent years and is expected to climb as high as 30% this year.

Real Estate prices in neighboring Croatia and Montenegro are 75% higher than in Albania though few expect such a discrepancy to continue indefinitely. Such a situation creates a perfect window of opportunity for investors seeking great returns with minimal investment.

Prices on Albanian property range from 450 euros per square meter in the capital city of Tirana (the cheapest in any capital city in Europe) to 650 euros per square meter in the coastal area. In addition, mortgages are available to 80% for non-resident investors.

Imagine purchasing a property in one of the most beautiful locations in the world for about 25,000 euros, earning a conservative 7% rental yield, and capital growth up to an expected 20%!

No foreign restrictions on buying, no purchase tax, no inheritance tax, wage growth for the area of approximately 10% annually, a democratically elected and stable government, and well as the ability for personal investment (as opposed to corporate) all combine to make Albania one of the most lucrative investments in an otherwise struggling economy.

Albania, though the quietest of the states to emerge from Communist control to a free and independently elected government, is fast becoming an expanding influence in Europe and the world.

Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than in a thriving Albanian property market.

A current review direct from our partner office in Buenos Aires

Argentina Not As Dependent On Foreign Credit As Other Countries

The current global calamity in the world markets, must have investors wondering how Argentina will par during times of global economic uncertainty. Wall Street is experiencing a correction in the market due to bad mortgage debt that is clogging the financial market liquidity and having devastating effects on some of the largest financial institutions in the world.

Its difficult to predict if the US revised government bailout plan will get passed and how much it will restore confidence to the market in order for lending to continue to facilitate economic expansion. It’s worth noting that even though it was the largest point drop in single day in Wall Street, it ranks 17th in terms of actual percentage points in decreased value. This is well below the 20 percent decrease on Black Monday.

When deciding to invest into a foreign country, having a sound understanding of a the country and its economic conditions are vital in the decision making process.

There are facets of the Argentine economy and property market that one should take into consideration despite some of news concerning Wall Street and the global markets.

In The Economist:

Moving Forward

When speaking about President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, The Economist stated that the president “began to implement a number of measures that orthodox economists had long suggested” which is a positive continual step in the correct direction. The president is also taking steps to repay its defaulted debt to the Paris Club a group of creditor nations.

Less Correlated Assets

The Argentine Stock Exchange, MERVAL, does not always fall in the footsteps of Wall Street. Having a less correlated market to that of the More Developed countries works to Argentina’s advantage.

Property Market

“Mortgage rates, which had fallen after the government’s takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, rose again, removing a glimmer of hope that the housing crisis, the kindling for the broader financial meltdown, was hitting bottom.” writes Ellen Simon, AP Business Writer.

Even though the US and UK housing market has been experiencing its worst market in years, the Argentine property market on the contrary has  been experiencing some of its most opportune and high levels of growth and capital appreciation.

The Economist states that “In recent months, the growth in public works spending has slowed, while utility tariffs have risen modestly, enabling the government to cut its subsidy bills this year by around 10%.”

Argentina is planning to pay off debt to the Paris Club group of creditor nations soon. These governmental strategies are paving the way for sound economic practices.

Mortgages Not Common In Argentina - Very Low Mortgage Culture

Property is purchased in cash with US Dollars. This is beneficial for foreign investors who can benefit from the purchasing power of the US $ in the Argentine market. One can acquire very attractive and profitable real estate assets in the market for a fraction of what it would cost in many parts of the world. Given that strict lending requirements that banks bestow on borrowers and the high rate of capital that is charged, home mortgages are quite uncommon to acquire property in Argentina.

Market Already Acclimated To Credit

After the 2001 economic crisis investors and business have had to build and expand their enterprises with little or no financing from lenders. Large and small development projects alike have been and are currently being funded with private capital.

As the rest of the global economy begins to learn how to do business on a narrower credit supply, Argentina will continue forward as it has done so since its rebound. The Economist states that “Latin American banks also look strong. This is partly because they did not hoover up American mortgage-backed securities, but also because they are not that dependent on foreign credit.”

As the economy has rebounded from the crisis the housing market has like wise The increase of values in the Argentine property market has been financed by private equity as opposed to mortgages and and the credit tightening will have less effects on the Argentine markets.

For the best current opportunities for property investors in Argentina, please click here.

Hilton Hotels Corporation has announced expansion plans to quadruple its presence in the Caribbean and Latin America by adding 150 new hotels to the portfolio over the next five years.

This news underscores the company’s stated goal to add 1,000 hotels to its international portfolio in ten years.

ING Real Estate  is expanding its investment management activities into South America with the opening of a new office in São Paulo, Brazil.

Brazil is currently the world’s tenth largest economy and home to the fourth largest urban population, with major cities that include São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.  The country’s economy has grown rapidly for much of the decade and is expected to continue to expand at an average rate of four percent for at least the next five years.  That growth has resulted in significant new job formation and a substantial decline in the unemployment rate for the country’s major cities, and created a compelling environment for real estate investing, according to ING Real Estate.

With a current population of 190 million, including 92 million individuals between 15 and 44 years of age, Brazil is well positioned to benefit from demographic, demand-driven growth for new real estate properties over the next several decades, according to ING Real Estate. In addition to São Paulo and Rio, the country features 18 cities with populations greater than one million. Within these cities, the Brazilian middle class is substantial and growing in both size and wealth.

Office markets in both Rio and São Paulo feature comparatively attractive vacancy rates and compelling rental growth.  Significant opportunities also exist in other major property types, including industrial facilities, retail, and housing. The country is moving aggressively to build on its economic success, with plans for major investments in a range of infrastructure projects including new seaports, railways, highways, and airports.

“We have been analysing the Brazilian market for a while now and believe that the time is right to begin building a presence,” said Beccar.  “With its abundant resources, unique demographic profile, strong manufacturing and services sectors, and growing export economy, the country offers tremendous opportunities for both short- and longer-term commercial real estate investors. We will be focusing on the four main real estate ‘food groups’ of housing, industrial, retail and office which all offer compelling fundamentals.”

Just off Rruga Kavajes and only 1mile from Skanderbeg Square and the Centre, Homeplan Residences is in one of the best locations in the city.

The quality and luxury of construction will be amazing, with similar projects by the developer already sold out at over EUR2,000/sqm.

In comparison, in Bulgaria, apartments in the centre of Sofia are now EUR1,800 – EUR2,000/sqm.  Tirana in Albania will be catching up, as Albania moves closer to joining the EU.

With these apartments only EUR765/sqm the capital appreciation potential will be enormous.

Rental potential is excellent too.  Currently to rent an existing 1+1 near Rruga Kavajes start from 25,000 Lek – 28,000 Lek per month (EUR220 – EUR250) for medium quality.  By the time these reach completion, rentals for luxury quality in this location will be at least EUR400 – EUR450.

With the 1+1’s currently from approx EUR50,000, the yield of around 8-10% is possible, making this an excellent buy-to-let capital city opportunity.

Also, due to the central location, short term/ holiday letting will be possible from minEUR100 for 3 nights.  Based on 50% occupancy for the whole year, and considering Tirana has a 12 month tourist season, yields from 12-15% are feasible.

For more details on this amazing project please contact us.

There is no possibility to ever lose this amazing sea view! 

3 x THREE BED APARTMENTS FOR EUR122,145 EACH (Approx £96,800) 

• All have full sea views - that will not change
• On the beach
• All 143sqm
• Only EUR850/sqm
• 1 minute walk to the beach
• Overlooking Pllaka Beach
• Full Completion end 2008/ early 2009
• Elevators in building
• Commercial on ground floor
• Intercom entry
• Fantastic Location - only 400metres from Saranda Port
• Only 6 mins walk to the centre
• Amazing Rental Potential - Can be let all year from EUR300/month, or in the Summer season (June, July, August) from EUR1,600 per month.
• Full Property Management available through Fresh Property Albania Saranda Office.

A modern airport opened in 2007 and in the capital Tirana, Bang & Olufsen sells expensive audio and video products to prosperous Albanians, albeit a few blocks from the main squares where pavement tiles are still cracked.

Economists including the International Monetary Fund expect GDP growth of at least six percent this year, which would be among the highest in eastern Europe, if the country can avoid the chronic power shortages that have hampered it in the past.

In June, the former Stalinist Balkan country of 3.3 million moved up to a “middle income” country from low income in World Bank classifications, receiving an invitation this year to join NATO. It expects to apply for EU membership next year.

A World Bank study this month rated Albania as best in the Balkans and among the world’s top 10 countries for easing business regulations.

“Three years ago, although there has been growth and macroeconomic stability, still the country was really not at all preferred by foreign investors,” Prime Minister Sali Berisha told Reuters in an interview earlier this month.

In his post since September 2005, he says he has fought corruption, lowered taxes, reduced the size of government and introduced a series of business-friendly laws.

Construction is key.

The government has made building a road linking Albania’s main port of Durres and Kosovo its top priority although the 600 million euro artery has stretched its resources. Berisha says it will integrate Albania’s agriculture with Kosovo’s, help trade and tourism, and revive the poor north.

Italy’s power utility Enel wants to build a coal-fired power station and is looking into nuclear opportunities. Austria’s EVN is about to clinch a 1 billion euro ($1.39 billion) deal to build hydropower plants. Greek and Spanish firms are building cement factories. The British want to build ports.

In another sign Albania is keen to work with global institutions, finance ministry officials say it plans its first Eurobond later this month, for 250-300 million euros. “We want Albania to be listed on the euro markets, in the financial markets,” said Deputy Finance Minister Sherefedin Shehu

The trade surplus had narrowed to $313 million in August 2007, hit by higher energy imports as demand ballooned during an unusually cold southern hemisphere winter.  

Argentina’s export earnings have jumped this year due to high global prices for its grains and oilseeds. Argentina is one of the world’s top suppliers of soy, corn and wheat.  

Meanwhile, the value of Argentina’s exports jumped 50 percent in August year-on-year. This was explained by an 11 percent increase in volume and a 36 percent increase in the price for Argentine products, the INDEC statistics agency said in a statement. 

The government forecasts a trade surplus of $12.23 billion this year and $11.98 billion next year, according to the 2009 budget bill, which Congress is currently debating.