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07-August-2008
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes Obelisk different from other property investment companies?
- How can Obelisk offer property prices below market value?
- Why should I choose to invest with Obelisk?
- Does Obelisk guide clients through every step of the purchase process and beyond completion?
- How does Obelisk recoup their costs?
- Why does Obelisk offer property investment guides for countries where they are not currently recommending investment in property?
- Does Obelisk provide any references or case studies on overseas property investment?
- Where can I find property investment research or articles about Obelisk?
- Is Obelisk regulated for overseas property investment?
- Should I use a lawyer recommended by Obelisk for my overseas property investment?
- Is it safe to send money abroad for my investment in overseas property?
- What if I have a problem with the purchase contract for my overseas property investment?
- Can I alter my overseas property investment prior to completion?
- Can you recommend a foreign exchange agent that offers good rates for funds for an overseas property investment?
- Why does Obelisk not offer inspection trips for property investment?
What makes Obelisk different from other property investment companies?
An innovative and progressive overseas property investment company, Obelisk is continually striving to surpass the market standard and, as a management team, we refuse to accept anything less than the best. Obelisk's inherent values are based upon achieving excellence for our clients' investments; a crucial element that ensures their investment objectives are always met.
Obelisk's name is held in high regard within the property investment industry and their international profile as providers of reliable, tangible and profitable property investments has pushed Obelisk to new heights. We are continually approached by the media for ‘finger on the pulse' comments about the latest overseas property investment news.
Obelisk's primary objective for clients is to create wealth through overseas property investment, regardless of strategy, whether it is buy-to-let or buy-to-hold. Obelisk does not list thousands of properties, but carefully researches and selects only those investments which they would invest in themselves.
The Project Team locates, negotiates and secures the most cost effective pre-construction projects at highly competitive market prices, offering the best property investment package possible to clients. This ensures that investors acquire the high quality products they want, whilst end product users are able to buy ideal properties and still make a wise investment.
Obelisk's in-depth research, market analysis and expertise combined with continually listening to our clients, determines exactly what to build, where to build and when to build, working alongside our selected developers from concept through to completion, in a unique way of working.
Obelisk offers a selection of different projects throughout the year, but property investors can rest assured that those selected are of the highest standard.
How can Obelisk offer property prices below market value?
All of Obelisk's overseas property investment projects are purchased off plan with the developer partially financed by a local bank.
- Obelisk's international reputation for effective distribution and early allocation of overseas property means that banks are happy to offer reduced financing on our projects.
- Early allocation also reduces any financing risk, ensuring that any property investment with Obelisk is safe and secure.
- Obelisk has built long-term relationships with developers giving us the bargaining power to negotiate preferential property prices for our clients, reducing the preliminary developer's price.
- Obelisk's relationships with developers also allow us to advise them about the type of overseas investment products and conditions our clients are most interested in.
- Obelisk incurs all international marketing costs for the promotion of overseas property investment opportunities.
Why should I choose to invest with Obelisk?
Whilst Obelisk recognises the importance of that famous market saying "Location, Location, Location", we believe that when it comes to overseas property investment there are other key ingredients. Our mantra is "Research, Location and careful Selection".
Obelisk only chooses investment projects in proven emerging locations that offer true investor edge to our clients. We undertake extensive due diligence and in-depth research of the location, legal ownership rights, important economic factors, tourist markets and resale markets as well as many other key factors important for overseas property investment. In short, Obelisk does not recommend projects that they would not be prepared to invest in themselves.
Does Obelisk guide clients through every step of the purchase process and beyond completion?
Obelisk has recently launched a dedicated Client Services department to offer the ultimate overseas property investment package. One satisfied client commented:
"Obelisk already has an excellent client service - this should move things to first class."
Here at Obelisk we believe passionately in offering a total client experience to investors, from the initial contact through to acquisition and beyond. Clients can expect commitment, loyalty and total dedication to their property investment needs. In addition, Obelisk goes the extra mile and stays with an investment until all its objectives and investment motives have been met.
How does Obelisk recoup their costs?
Obelisk deals directly with the developer who is charged directly rather than passing costs onto clients by more expensive property prices. This ensures that the "Below Market Value" investments we offer our clients are not affected in any way. At no stage are our clients charged for research and advisory services supplied by Obelisk. We reinvest profits back into the company which, in turn, maintains the large in-house research and support network that we offer overseas property investors. The success of this business model is unique within the property investment industry in emerging markets.
Why does Obelisk offer property investment guides for countries where they are not currently recommending investment in property?
The research guides assist and inform clients on the property investment potential of a number of countries across the globe. This open information website can be used as a reference point for all Obelisk clients planning overseas property investment.
Obelisk's comprehensive global investment reports provide information on various countries economic stability and property markets as well as details of each country's buying and transactional procedure - all essential factors in overseas property investment.
Does Obelisk provide any references or case studies on overseas property investment?
You will find a full spectrum of testimonials from both clients as well as partners on the website. Apart from the huge media coverage in renowned broadsheet publications, Obelisk's prime reference is simply the management responsibility of over €100 million of client funds (Q3 '07).
Where can I find property investment research or articles about Obelisk?
The Obelisk website carries a fully updated media area, comprising an extensive collection of articles and features from both British & Irish press as well as other European Sources - all focused on Obelisk and investment in overseas property with Obelisk.
Obelisk's news section also provides key information on the company's activities and announcements, as well as what is happening in the world of overseas property investment.
Additionally, you may simply use your customary search browser, such as Google, and look up Obelisk International.
Is Obelisk regulated for overseas property investment?
European real estate does not have a standard 'regulatory body' at this stage (although numerous organisations are preparing the groundwork for such a structure for overseas property investment) and consequently, no such regulation exists. However, at no stage do property investor clients of Obelisk transact with the company. Obelisk is a market advisor providing a portal of pertinent market information alongside access to relevant overseas property investment projects. For all investment projects, clients enter into agreements directly with the developers of overseas property investments and all monies are initially held by independent lawyers in escrow, therefore providing the clients with maximum protection and security for their investment.
Additionally, Obelisk is committed to its own independent regulation via compulsory due diligence on every project, in-house research, and forging partnerships with companies that are reputable and accountable, many of which have been awarded for excellence in their field by leading bodies such as the International Standards Organisation.
Should I use a lawyer recommended by Obelisk for my overseas property investment?
For all international property investments, Obelisk recommends an independent international lawyer who will work on behalf of and in the interest of clients and their property investments. The lawyer therefore has direct legal responsibilities to clients and not the developer or Obelisk. The lawyer completes the research required for a comprehensive due diligence report on the overseas property investment, even before launching a project. The benefit of using Obelisk recommended lawyers for overseas investment is that a lower rate cost has already been negotiated, giving clients a clear transparent price. However, Obelisk's clients are not obliged to use the recommended lawyer for their property investment.
Is it safe to send money abroad for my investment in overseas property?
As an essential part of due diligence for overseas property investment, Obelisk prioritises the security of all Obelisk's clients' funds. To this end, all projects involve a UK-based client account, which is operated by a Law Society member firm, Escrow account facilities and the usage of FSA or DTI regulated/ registered foreign exchange firms.
What if I have a problem with the purchase contract for my overseas property investment?
As part of your property investment, your legal representative will instruct and advise you on the details of your contract for the purchase of your overseas investment property. Remember that the recommended independent law firm will already have negotiated a preferential private purchase contract for your property investment on your behalf.
Can I alter my overseas property investment prior to completion?
Usually the developer will be happy to make minor interior alterations on your investment property overseas, as long as sufficient notice is given and the alterations for your investment property have been agreed with the developer.
Also remember that alterations to an investment property will rarely be included in the initial price. Obelisk advises clients to assess the impact of alterations on your investment, including future real sale value and marketability. This is especially important if your primary motive for involvement is overseas property investment.
Can you recommend a foreign exchange agent that offers good rates for funds for an overseas property investment?
To transfer funds for a property investment, clients are entitled to use any foreign exchange provider that they wish. However, Obelisk is happy to recommend excellent partners who offer a first class client service for investors transferring funds for investment in overseas property.
Obelisk's objective is to provide exemplary service and total protection for clients during the entire investment property portfolio experience. If Obelisk believes that a particular partner fulfils Obelisk's aims then Obelisk are happy to recommend the partner to their clients.
Why does Obelisk not offer inspection trips for property investment?
Obelisk provides in-depth investment information about overseas properties meaning that investors are able to commit to a property investment without the need to visit the country. In addition, trips involve heavily subsidised journeys and associated hospitality, plus the costs of an on-site sales operation, all of which is added to the final price of the property investment. By eliminating this additional cost, Obelisk further enhances the below-market prices of their overseas property investments.
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