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TV property expert predicts UK property market recovery | Banks under pressure to cut rates | Olympian plumps for Brazil | Annual property show will put spotlight on Russian market

Sicily: Land of Beauty and Investment Opportunity

Sicily has been historically important for centuries due to its strategic Mediterranean location.  The island, located just off the 'toe' of the Italian 'boot', has a population of roughly 5 million people.  With a land mass of over 25,000 square kilometres, it is the largest island in the Mediterranean.

However, Sicily is now garnering attention from many people who are interested in investing in its history and natural beauty.

There are many reasons to invest in Sicily but the first one is basic.  Property in Sicily provides the best value anywhere in Italy.  Both apartments and villas are priced well below that of other regions on the mainland.  For example, a 3 bedroom property can still be found inland in Sicily for a fraction of what it would cost to buy in the rest of Italy.

This viewpoint is supported by James Gonzalez, Obelisk's Market Analyst.  "For those who are looking to invest in the Italian market, Sicily has to be the place.  Reasonable prices, excellent infrastructure and a growing popularity as a tourist destination for Italians and foreigners alike make Sicily a definite investment hotspot."

Sicily has sand, sea, mountains and even an active volcano.  It also has a wealth of cultural attractions that make it a desirable port of call for tourists with a wide range of interests.  It is a magnet for not only sun worshippers but it is also a Mecca for art connoisseurs, history enthusiasts and lovers of fine architecture.

These are not only important selling points for the lifestyle buyer but also for the straight investor because a market with a strong tourist industry will afford the investor with a long term investment strategy as well as possible exit strategies (thereby reducing risk).

Another reason that many investors are turning to Sicily is the expansion of low cost flights to the island, especially from the UK.  Ryanair now has direct flights to Sicily from London Stansted.  The improved transport links will raise the island's profile and also increase tourism. 

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Rental Market Booms in Brazil’s North East

The north east region of Brazil is not only seeing a remarkable boom in new housing, but it is also experiencing a large increase in the home rental market, according to an article printed in one of the region’s leading newspapers.

Locating the Property Hot Spots

Although many property markets are stagnating, there are some areas which still have great potential for investment.

No Sign of the Credit Crunch in São Paolo

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A New Way to Invest in Spanish Property

Spain is a well-established overseas destination to invest in property and a prime favourite with investors from the UK – the Foreign and Commonwealth Office estimates that around 1 million Britons own a property in Spain.

Bank of England’s Massive Rate Cut

It was generally agreed that it was only a matter of time before bank lending interest rates fell even further, but most financial analysts were caught off guard by the Bank of England’s massive cut in rates last week.

Romania’s Economy Continues to Grow

At a time when many European Union economies are moving towards recession, others, like Romania, are doing considerably better.

Macedonia Property Hitting Investors’ Radar

Rugged and strikingly beautiful, Macedonia has been slow to reach the radar of international property investors. However, there have been signals lately that this might be changing.

St Lucia: Cheaper than You Think

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4 Times Olympic Gold Medallist, Chris Hoy, Teams Up With Obelisk To Launch Its Laguna Beach Project

Chris Hoy, Great Britain’s triple gold medal cyclist at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and in the 2004 Athens Games, will be joining the team of investors at award-winning Obelisk as they launch their latest project, Laguna Beach in Brazil

Malaysia Reviews Rules for Foreign Investment

In an attempt to protect the country’s lucrative property market, the government of Malaysia has agreed to review the rules governing foreign investment.