An Overview of Expected Property Price Growth in Europe

I was reading an article recently which reviewed a recently published S&P report. It indicated that 3 countries are set to led the price growth in property: Ireland, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

It appears the price growth in these countries is as a result of a shortage in supply.

The report predicts that the top 3 countries will continue to see growth in property prices until at least 2020. For the coming year it predicts growth of 8.5% in both Portugal and Ireland with the Netherlands close behind. Continue reading An Overview of Expected Property Price Growth in Europe

How much property can I afford?

It’s no rocket science: Whoever wants to buy a property should first calculate the costs to see how much he can afford.

This requires a budget that shows: what financial resources are available? What is your monthly budget without getting into trouble? You can quickly determine in 5 easy steps how much you can afford.
Continue reading How much property can I afford?

Is buying property a good investment?

Actually real estate is a great investment.

Investment property can grow in value overtime and while you have it you can actually use it to generate income.

When looking for investment properties, look for properties located in areas that are likely to see some growth in the near future. Since you don’t know how soon you will be able to resell it, keep you options open. Look for properties that could easily be rented out, either as a long term let or as temporary accommodation.

Continue reading Is buying property a good investment?

Second Home Envy?

One of out every three homes sold in the USA in 2016 was a vacation home or investment property showing demand for second homes is again increasing following a turbulent few years. The reasons for buying a second home may be recreational or investment, often with a view to retirement planning.

Continue reading Second Home Envy?

Did I mention I own a property in London? Property investment: risk versus reward

Generally when people are talking about investment risk versus reward it is in the context of equities and other fluid type investments. It is not often spoken about with regard to property investment. Instead property is generally seen as the sound ‘bricks and mortar’ investment. The investment that you end up with a big chunk of something substantial along with a set of keys to open doors. Continue reading Did I mention I own a property in London? Property investment: risk versus reward

Buying property in Spain and Portugal: What a difference 2 years can make!

I recently read an article published on The Telegraph website which reviewed the world’s top 20 places to invest in property abroad (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/abroad/worlds-20-best-places-to-invest-in-property/).

The article is over two years old now (written in January 2014) and I was Continue reading Buying property in Spain and Portugal: What a difference 2 years can make!

Buying Property Abroad: The biggest pitfall

Living in Ireland the idea of buying a villa in Mexico or Panama seems very appealing indeed. Coming from a country which sees sunshine on average 2 ½ days a year (perhaps slight exaggeration here!) you can imagine why. Continue reading Buying Property Abroad: The biggest pitfall

Has the ship sailed for rental yields of 10%+?

Property prices in the little country of Ireland are rising again. Phew. After a ‘correction’ (that seemed to more closely resemble an obliteration) most areas of the country are again beginning to experience modest rises in property prices. At its worst property prices were down by over 60% in some parts of the country so it will take a long time of ‘modest rises’ before many property prices recover to a level resembling the mortgage that may now attached to the property.

Continue reading Has the ship sailed for rental yields of 10%+?

How to buy a property in Germany? The buying procedure if you want to purchase real estate in Germany.

Once you found the property you want to buy the actual buying procedure is simple and relatively risk free because the whole process is handled by a German notary.

So the first step would be to find a notary in Germany, preferably one who speaks English if you don’t speak any German. He is acting as an impartial middleman between both parties. Continue reading How to buy a property in Germany? The buying procedure if you want to purchase real estate in Germany.

Are foreigners allowed to buy real estate in Germany? Can Non-EU Citizens buy property in Germany?

The short answer is: YES. Foreign citizens are not subject to restrictions on their rights to purchase real estate in Germany. Even for non-EU-residents are no restrictions buying a property in Germany, everybody with money can get their own house in Germany! Continue reading Are foreigners allowed to buy real estate in Germany? Can Non-EU Citizens buy property in Germany?