Despite the impact of the credit crunch, the weakening pound and falling disposable incomes the British are still intent on enjoying their annual week in the sun. As the AENA figures reveal that tourist visits from the UK to Lanzarote numbered 509,755 during the first half of 2008. An increase of 15.6% on 2007 figures. And welcome news for the owners of holiday rental property on the island.

Lanzarote has long been a hot favourite with both British tourists and property investors. As this small speck of Spain just off the coast of West Africa enjoys a year round clement climate that also delivers twelve months worth of rental returns for overseas owners.

Some observers had feared that the credit crunch could sound the death knell for tourism on the island. A potentially disastrous scenario as Lanzarote´s economy is dominated by the travel sector. However AENA´s latest figures suggest that Lanzarote could in fact be on course for its best year for some time. As it´s not just the British who are reluctant to relinquish their place on the beach.

Visitor numbers from Ireland have been on the rise across the same period too – up by 5.4% during the first half of 2008. With 123,047 tourists from the Republic holidaying in Lanzarote.

Whilst Dutch, Austrian, Norwegian and Swedish numbers have all increased as well – helping to contribute to a total increase in foreign tourist visits of 4.9%. The Canary Islands Tourist Board has also reported an increase of 3.7% in Spanish visitors to the island.

As a result Lanzarote is enjoying it´s best first half performance for many years. And is on course to break the one million British tourist visits barrier for the first time since 2003 should this trend continue during the second half of 2008.

The AENA figures also make happy reading for owners of apartments and holiday villas in Lanzarote. Whilst also helping to sustain buoyancy for the Lanzarote property market. As the fundamentals of the island economy clearly remain strong despite current international problems created by the credit crunch.

British Tourism To Lanzarote Increases 15.6% is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Holiday Villas, Lanzarote, property, Tourism

Pierre & Vacances – Europe’s leading leaseback developer and management company – are now providing investors with the opportunity to invest in residential apartments in Central Paris courtesy of their new leaseback investment property – Paris Bastille Marais. Located close to the Place de la Bastille and Opera Bastille in arrondisement 12, Paris Bastille Marais is a 136-room Paris apartment block covering 7 floors. 50 of the 136 apartments are now released for sale. Prices start at 245,000 Euros for studio apartments. One-bed apartments are also available up to a maximum of 485,000 euros.

The Paris Bastille Marais apartments are available as freehold leaseback investments. The French leaseback structure means that apartments are purchased freehold and then leased or rented back to the management company – Pierre & Vacances – for a period of 9 years. During the leaseback term the apartment owner receives a guaranteed rental return, equivalent to 4% of the price paid, index-linked. Rental payments are made on a quarterly basis and the 4% is net of all management costs. At 4% guaranteed return, these apartments will provide ongoing income that is currently above the average Parisian rental rate.

Paris Bastille Marais is a hassle-free hands-off investment opportunity that is virtually guaranteed to bring long-term capital growth, and strong short-term rental income.

For details of these Central Paris leaseback investment apartments contact www.propertymagnate.com or tel: + 44 (0) 1525 635191

New Central Paris property investment opportunity is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: apartments, investment, leaseback, paris, property

The websites second quarter analysis of the islands property market has revealed a 35% upswing in enquiries for long term rental property versus the first quarter of 2008. Suggesting that the ranks of the islands existing ex-pat population of around 6,000 residents will soon be swelled by new arrivals.

The majority of those seeking to relocate to Lanzarote are focusing their search on the islands most popular resort of Puerto del Carmen. Which is the main focal point of the British and Irish expat community and – correspondingly – the main hub of employment opportunities for non-Spanish speakers.

Studio and one bedroom apartments in Puerto del Carmen command a starting rental rate of around €500 per month – currently £400 at current exchange rates. Whilst back in the UK rents are on the rise – as demand for property for sale collapses.

Add in cheaper food, fuel, utility bills and non-existent heating costs and it´s easy to see why the prospect of a new start abroad holds a growing appeal for many.

Property prices on Lanzarote are also falling – thanks to a dramatic downturn in mortgage approvals across the Eastern Canary Islands. Creating a buyers market which also offers opportunity for those seeking to escape or invest in a holiday rental property abroad.

Lanzarote´s tourist industry remains surprisingly robust – with overall foreign visitor numbers up 5.5% during the first half of 2008. Providing plenty of opportunity for owners of holiday rental property.

And property for sale in Puerto del Carmen remains the hot ticket for those seeking good value apartments and villas – as the resort accounted for 41% of all enquires received. Followed by Playa Blanca with 31.05%.

Long Term Rental Demand On Rise in Lanzarote is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: Lanzarote, lanzarote holidays, lanzarote vacations, property, Puerto del Carmen

The resort, which is scheduled for completion and opening by summer 2011 (outline planning permission has been granted), is to be run by a world-class hotel management company – Oasis Hotel & Resorts. Properties at the resort are fully managed on behalf of the owner – the owner receiving a 10% guaranteed rental income for the first two years of operation, and then 50% share of the net room rate thereafter, plus 30 days free use of their apartment or villa self catering. The Two Rivers Beach Resort is therefore an Investment Property and Vacation Home all rolled into one!

A range of properties are available for investors to purchase – from studio apartments to luxury 6-bed villas. At the time of writing prices for studio apartments start at £125,000 GBP.

About the Dominican Republic

With over 300kms of shimmering sunkissed beaches, the Dominican Republic is the second largest country in the Caribbean. As a tourist hotspot it offers plenty of opportunity for relaxation with a wide range of excursions and activities – from every watersport imaginable to exploring the lush tropical rain forests and taking part in eco-tourism adventures.

If you would like investment information, including prices and availability, about the Two Rivers Beach Resort from Harlequin Property, please contact www.propertymagnate.com

Two Rivers Beach Resort from Harlequin Property is a post from: PROPERTYHOUSE.org

Technorati Tags: apartments, beach resort, caribbean, Dominican Republic, Harlequin Property, investment, properties, property, villas