Raven Property Management & Investments

United States

Areas such as Florida remain popular despite recent, well publicised, turmoil in the market. However, it may be worth waiting before taking the plunge in such a frenetic environment.

Areas such as Florida remain popular despite recent, well publicised, turmoil in the market. However, it may be worth waiting before taking the plunge in such a frenetic environment.

Brazil

If you think Brazil is all carnival and caipirihas then think again. As part of the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) phenomenon, the country is forecast to become one of the world's four biggest economies by 2050, so now is definitely the time to be looking for investment property in Brazil.

Brazil is already booming. The tourism industry is developing quickly, bringing this once exotic country within easy reach of European airports. The country's middle-class is also set to grow by 64% within the next decade - meaning larger disposable incomes and a higher demand for quality housing and land to build it on.

Brazil's property prices are still relatively low (up to half the price of Spain) but falling interest rates and growing demand are pushing these up. Don't miss your early opportunity to buy off plan investment property in this buzzing country.

France

France has long been a strong-hold of British property investment and with a recent property boom seemingly coming to an end now could be the right time to pick up a bargain as prices start to slow.

France has had the fourth highest property price growth in Europe, rising 78% between 2001 and 2006. Only Estonia, Spain and the UK have seen higher growth. The effect of the Sarkozy government's economic plans should help maintain strong property growth in the years to come.

Italy - Tuscany

More than 50% of the world’s artistic treasures are found in Italy. Nearly 50% of these are located in Tuscany. Tuscany has 479 museums, 300 archaeological sites, 4,000 fortresses and castles, 800 historic gardens, 33 regional reserves and 21 protected areas. Its famous Chianti and Montepulciano wines are enjoyed the world over and a total of 43 wines from the region have been awarded the DOC label – a mark of high quality. The region’s other well-known product – olives - produce 37.5 million lbs of high quality olive oil.

Morocco

Just 3 hours from London, Morocco is becoming an increasingly popular destination for overseas investment property buyers keen to cash in on the country’s steadily growing economy and booming tourist trade.

Its burgeoning investment property market and have seen prices increase by 15-20% per annum over the past two years alone. King Mohammed VI’s wide-reaching reforms continue to modernise the country, increasing foreign investment and potential capital growth forecasts.

Aside from the economic potential, Morocco remains a country full of contrasts. The colourful bustling cities of Marrakech and Fez stand out against the laidback lifestyle on the coast and with the lush scenery of the Atlas Mountains. Morocco is a country full of investment property potential that is well worth exploring.

Spain

Still the most popular destination for Brits looking to invest abroad, Spain is the most popular emigration destination in the world. Although some areas, including the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands are reaching saturation point, fears of a widespread crash seem to have been exaggerated, making Spain a likely winner for overseas investment.

Britain has a longstanding love affair with Spain and Spanish investment property. The country is the number one choice for Britons buying abroad and as a result the country has a well-established overseas investment property market with no restrictions on foreign ownership and highly developed mortgage options. Culturally and aesthetically, the country has a great deal to offer. Tourists flock to Spain - ranked number two in the world for both the number of tourists received, and by volume of sales - to visit the country's chic cities and sandy beaches, making the most of the excellent weather and low-cost airfares. The strong tourist market and pleasant year round climate also means that there is the potential to earn consistent rental returns from any investment property.

Overview

The most recent report from the Land Registry shows a large 48% drop in transaction volumes the second quarter of 2008 (compared with the same period a year ago) with house prices down nearly 15% on the year. But with regional differences, it doesn’t mean that the UK’s property market is entirely grim.

Although a bottom may not be in sight, the recent rate cut to 3%, the lowest since the early 1950's, shows just how worried the Bank of England is about the economy and the possibility of a deep and long lasting recession. However, how much of the cut, if any, is still in question for some lending institutions such as HSBC and RBS. London is historically resilient and it is times like these that deserve a more discerning eye to look for excellent investment opportunities.

London

We are focusing on Fulham. Kensington, Balham, Clapham, Chelsea and Hammersmith as this is where Raven Associates focuses on investing its own money. We are contantly monitoring the transactions within each street as to understand any levels of mispricing that will prompt us to start investing in these areas once again.

We are focusing on Fulham. Kensington, Balham, Clapham, Chelsea and Hammersmith as this is where Raven Associates focuses on investing its own money and we are monitoring the transactions within each street as to understand any levels of mispricing that will prompt us to start investing in these areas once again.

Overview

In the face of dimmer global economic prospects, the regions growth is anticipated to slow further for the remainder of 2008 into 2009. Weakening investment sentiment has dampened demand and we are now seeing a drop in the selling prices of residential properties following a stagnation period. July saw transaction levels at a 17-month low of 7,336.

The luxury residential market, with a limited supply, has remained stronger with rents inching up 0.2% in July while mass residential rents fell 2% over August. Amidst the global credit crisis, the affluent are in prime position to snatch up value properties in the coming months given their strong purchasing power.

With the market already accepting a drop in the asking price of property, there is further downward pressure without a bottom in sight. Now is the time to pay closer attention to the market and evaluate an effective strike price in the coming months.

With the anticipated completion of the ICC in Kowloon West and introduction of the uber stylish W Hotel, a new luxury residential market is opening up worth keeping an eye on.