In 2011 the auspicious Lonely Planet guide put Albania in at #1 in their ‘Best in Travel for 2011′ list. Shortly after, London’s very own global business newspaper, The Financial Times dubbed Albania one of the year’s most intriguing prospects for emerging travel.

And now, getting 2012 off to a flying start, Albania has been named by MSN Travel as one of the Hottest Destinations of the year. In at 4th position, Albania makes the prestigious shortlist compiled by one of the world’s longest established travel companies – Cox and Kings and ABTA Travel Association.

Perhaps best well-described as ‘a country awakening from a long, oppressive hibernation’, Cox and Kings herald Albania as a: “Landscape of almost heart-wrenching beauty, rugged mountains, snow-capped for much of the year, towering above unspoilt white sand beaches and green mysterious valleys.”

This beautiful description conjures up a vivid portrayal of untouched lands just waiting to be explored. Like the people of Albania, who have been previously hidden behind a blanket of communism and corruption, the nation is now emerging as a hidden European gem.

MSN Travel says of Albania:

“Bordered by Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro, Albania is nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean but has long been ignored as a travel destination after years of being shuttered in communist isolation. But the world is slowly awakening to its potential as both a beach and historical destination with miles of coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and historic archaeological ruins that trace the country’s history back through the to the Bronze Age.”

Ravin Maharajah, Partner in Lalzit Bay & Spa Resort, the 5* resort under construction on the stunning Adriatic coastline of Albania, comments on the latest accolade awarded to this country:

“We started this venture in Albania, carrying out the exploratory work for the resort in 2008. We were extremely confident of the success that will come out of Albania as it heads away from oppression and towards modern Europe. Our early forays into the country led us to a land of plenty. There is an abundance of sunshine, white sandy beaches, crystal clear warm waters, beautiful mountain ranges and above all a kind, warm and generous population.

“We have been bowled over time and time again with the efforts that the Albanians are making to push their country forward, make changes and improve the infrastructure.”

The apartments in Lalzit Bay Resort are moments away from the beach and situated in beautiful private gardens. The villas are designed to be the ultimate beach properties in Albania – spacious, stylish and with private swimming pools.

Priced from just €35,000 for apartments, for more information contact Lalzit Bay on 0845 125 8600 or visit www.lalzitbay.com.

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One of the major attractions of purchasing a skiing property in the US rather than Europe is the cost. Since the global recession, US property has tanked and has yet to fully recover. This means that there are more opportunities for investors at both ends of the scale – budget ski properties and luxury skiing properties. Estate agents in Colorado have said that some properties have seen price drops of up to 35pc since their highest point and this has piqued the interest of increasing numbers of international property buyers.

Aside from the price, Colorado is an east place to get to. For skiers, it offers regular snow falls, slopes to suit any ability and it tends to be slightly quieter than the European ski resorts. During the off season, there are plenty of things to do in the area meaning there is no shortage for rental potential all year round.

Europe has also seen a price drop however the US still tends to win on a ‘bang for your buck’ basis – although Europe still remains an excellent proposition for those looking to invest in ski property.

The price reductions on European ski properties are not as great as those that have been seen in the US however they still offer great value for money, especially in the more popular ski resorts, as there will always be rental demand in the area.

Wherever you choose to purchase your ski property, the basic principles of buying remain the same:
- Altitude is not the most important factor; look for properties when it is ski in/ski out
- Infrastructure should be good
- Accessibility to the local ski areas should be excellent
- Good local amenities are a bonus
- Consider a leaseback scheme if you want to take some of the stress out of managing the property

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Unveiling their list of top travel destinations for next year, the experts at Frommer’s also polled readers to find out where they wanted to visit in 2012 with the beautiful Albanian Riviera emerging as a winner.

The list which included something for everyone, from large cities, to quiet beach towns and riverside homes highlighted Albania as having all the natural attractions of its Croatian counterpart in the north but without the large crowds and high prices.

Ravin Maharajah, Partner of Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa, the 5* luxury residential development located on Albania’s Adriatic coastline comments, “Albania’s coastline is quite simply its greatest asset with 295km of Adriatic coastline that runs from Montenegro down to Greece.

“Albania is full of gleaming white beaches, easily among the most beautiful in Europe. Within it lies a rich history and a land of legends and ancient civilizations. It is a nation where travellers will enjoy authentic traditions and cuisines, as well as a friendly welcome.”

With a 200% increase in tourists visiting the Balkan nation between January and August this year compared to numbers in 2008 as well as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) predicting strong economic growth of 3.5% in Albania for 2012, the country is not only beginning to get the attention it so rightly deserves but is creating a favourable climate for foreign and domestic business as well as those on the lookout for property.

With this in mind, the 5* Lalzit Bay Resort & Spa can provide the perfect property investment opportunity for as little as €38,000 for a luxury apartment on a beach-front resort.

This stunning property development, recently voted ‘Project of the Year’ at the 2011 RealEx conference in Tirana recently for its high quality infrastructure and strong commitment to the environment will provide outstanding on-site facilities including a beach club, BBQ area, tennis courts and restaurants.

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Statistics from Kyero.com, Spain’s largest English language property portal, for Q3 2011 show that the national average asking price for property in Spain increased to €266,100 in September compared to €263,000 back in June this year, suggesting a shortage of quality properties in the most popular regions.

Of course, as prices rise and tourism booms with some Costa hotels enjoying 100% hotel occupancy over the summer months, potential buyers will be on the hunt for attractive opportunities. In fact, property professionals across the nation have already witnessed an increase in inquiries and inspection trips, with overseas mortgage specialist Conti recording a 7% rise in enquiries about Spanish property in August this year.

Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director of leading Spanish developer Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“The price rises in certain parts of Spain is an encouraging sign for investors with locations such as the Costa Blanca, Costa Calida, Alicante and Murcia experiencing marked price increases.

“Alicante, for instance, has experienced improvements in its infrastructure, seeing a second airport terminal open, which is always good news when it comes to attracting more visitors.”

Indeed, Alicante is one such region that has seen average property prices rise steadily since the end of last year with average asking prices of €220,000 seen in December 2010 gradually rising to €231,000 last month according to the latest figures from Kyero.com in Q3 2011.

With prices in Alicante province below the national average it is hardly surprising that it experienced the biggest number of sales to foreign buyers between April and June 2011, however of the 22% increase in Spanish property sales in Q2 2011, a total of 90,746 properties sold according to the Spanish government, Malaga hit the top spot for sales to foreigners with 1,110 sales taking place in the second quarter of this year.

Interestingly, despite the price of property in Malaga standing at €299,500 (September 2011), above the national average, buyers seem to have taken a shine to this Costa del Sol region thanks to its important cultural infrastructure and rich artistic heritage. Malaga has even been nominated as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture, destined to boost future tourist numbers as well as property sales.

Meanwhile, further statistics from Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index (Q3 2011) highlight that the Balearic Island of Mallorca has the third highest average asking price in Spain at €416,300. Perhaps the golf courses, infrastructural developments, glorious beaches, year round lively atmosphere, celebrity residents and world recognised events such as the Global Ocean Race 2011-12 account for the high asking price compared to other Spanish provinces.

Indeed the Spanish government’s 4% reduction in IVA (the equivalent of VAT) on new stock properties until 31st December 2011 offering a potential saving of €8,000 on a €200,000 home combined with Taylor Wimpey España’s additional 4% contribution is certainly a big factor at play in attracting more buyers to the country. And, whilst property on Mallorca is more expensive than many of its counterparts, savings such us this can make a real difference, offering a quality property in a popular location at a discounted price.

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According to TheMoveChannel, Murcia was one of the most searched for locations for Spanish property in August 2011 – with La Manga, Caragena and Mar Menor being the areas with the most interest.

Spanish property has always been popular with foreign property buyers and Murcia appears to be fast becoming one of the property hotspots in Spain. Given the price of the better known destinations of the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol, it is no surprise that investors are looking for cheaper alternatives – and the Costa Calida in Murcia is one of the areas. There is a wide variety of property available and with plenty of bank repossessed stock on offer, there are plenty of property bargains around.

According to the latest Spanish House Price Index from Kyero.com in July 2011, the average asking price for property in Murcia was €163,000. This figures is 62% below the national average of €263,000. Prices have also fallen over the last 2 years from a high of €185,000 at the end of 2009.

In the past, the Costa Calida had a massive oversupply of properties and this had a negative effect on property prices. Now, the local housing market is more stable and combines with a 50% reduction in IVA (VAT) until the end of the year, it is no surprise that property investors are keen to snap up property in and around the area.

Tourism in the area is expected to increase thanks to an approval for the Paramount Theme Park due to open in 2015. The Corvera international airport is due to have it’s upgrades opened next year meaning more footfall through the airport – again helping boost tourism in the local area. Increased tourism should help boost rental prices which in the long-term should help boost property prices.

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Over the last ten years, Albania’s economy has seen real GDP growth and, despite the economic downturn in 2008, is one of only two countries in Europe that not only recorded economic growth of 0.4% in Q1 2009 but also an impressive 6% growth from 2001-10 – meaning Albania can boast one of the strongest performances in Europe.

As well as these impressive economic figures, the House Price Index in Albania is also strong, having increased by 1.6pc in the second quarter of 2011. Experts have also said that house prices have remained stable throughout 2009 and 2010 meaning the housing market is stable and although this means mega-money has not been made, it is a positive at a time when many housing markets have seen dramatic decreases in prices during the same time frame.

EU accession progress, infrastructure investment and the disparity in house prices between Albania and neibouring countries all mean that house prices in Albania are likely to stay positive. Given the economic stability of the country over the past few years, this all adds up to good news for property investors who are looking for a relatively safe, secure place to invest in.

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This IVA reduction will apply until the 31st December 2011 and will hopefully boost the flagging new build Spanish property market,

Minister of Development Jose Blanco explained that the IVA cut was to help revive the Spanish construction sector and help to create jobs in an area hit hard by the recession.

Property purchasers have welcome the news – as the Spanish IVA reduction can mean a large saving. Buying a €200,000 property will see €8,000 saved.

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Méribel, best known for being a top winter ski destination, transforms into a totally different kind of playground in the summer months, providing intense scenery covered in brightly coloured flowers and rich green trees all lit up by the sparkling sunshine. Yet remarkably, this Alpine hotspot remains a relatively undiscovered summertime land with many being unaware of the vast and varied outdoor activities that Méribel has to offer.

Situated in the middle of the Les Trois Vallées, a popular ski region in the Tarentaise Valley, near the town of Moutiers, Méribel’s stunning landscape provides the perfect environment for a whole host of summertime activities including hiking, mountain-biking, golf, climbing, parapenting, white-water rafting, canyoning, horse riding, tennis, glacier walking and hot air ballooning to name but a few.

Sitting on the edge of the 140,000 acre Vanoise National Park, founded to protect the rich eco system of the area and close to The Tuéda Nature Reserve, Méribel serves as a hikers paradise where levels reach up to 3,855m and include 500km of maintained and marked trails, suitable for the entire family to discover Méribel’s natural unspoiled beauty and 100 species of flora and fauna.

There are also opportunities to discover Méribel’s hidden wonders via an extensive network of cycling tracks snaking through the valley while professionals and amateurs alike can partake in the yearly Three Valleys Mountain Bike competition, completing circuits around the Three Valleys at various levels of difficulty with the help of the ski lifts. And for cycling fanatics, there is also a chance to catch a possible glimpse of the famous Tour de France cycling tournament.

If it’s golf you’re after, Méribel’s 18 hole course is perhaps one of the most handsome courses in the Alps. Developed by some of the world’s most famous golf course designers, Méribel hosts a three day Drive des Groumets Golf Competition each yearcombining golfing on the resort’s mountain course with gourmet wining and dining.

In addition to the outdoor activities, Méribel plays host to more relaxed goings-on such as concerts like Music’ Air, a one week event in July playing jazz, folk and rock music as well as street performances including the Magic Méribel event offering a week of illusions and workshops where you can learn circus skills and magic tricks.

By offering a myriad of activities and events to occupy even the most demanding of visitors it is clear that the picture-perfect destination of Méribel is destined to lure in visitors throughout the year, however the beautiful ski resort will be reverting back to its famous winter roots seeing Méribel host one of the highlights of the Alpine ski calendar – the World Cup finals in 2014/15, attracting vast numbers of winter sports fans from across the globe.
Charlie Williams, Business Development Manager of France’s leading eco-friendly leaseback property developer, Terresens, comments, “Certainly, internationally renowned events will help boost Méribel’s profile, coupled with the fact that France remained the world’s most popular travel destination in terms of international arrivals last year according to The UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) seeing 76.8 million tourists arrive in 2010, indicating that France remains a tourism force to be reckoned with.

“It is no surprise that France remains the most sought after European holiday destination for all seasons, even seeing high profile celebs such as Harry Potter star Emma Watson recently investing in a Méribel ski chalet. Buyers are spending more, particularly when it comes to the top end of the marketand in my opinion, those looking to buy a beautiful French property to enjoy both in the sun and on the snow can do no better than Méribel.”

According to Holiday Lettings, which represents around 5,700 properties in France, bookings up until May this year for France were up by 11% with a growing number of enquiries coming from across Europe while sales of French properties to international buyers increased by 21% in 2010 from 42,300 in 2009 to 51,200 last year according to the latest Living Abroad survey by French bank BNP Paribas.

As the only new build development in Méribel, Terresens are providinga boutique luxury development in Chemin de la Chapelle in the centre of Méribel, Les Trois Vallées, costing from approximately €700,000.

Consisting of 8 units – 2 chalets and 6 freehold apartments where the layout and finishings can be custom designed to suite any taste, the Méribel development will be situated close to a wide range of facilities including a wellness and fitness centre, Olympic ice rink and swimming pool and a number of restaurants and bars to choose from including self-service mountain eateries and traditional restaurants offering local dishes.

For more information on purchasing a freehold home for all seasons in Méribel, France, please contact Terresens today on +44(0) 2030 101 110

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France and Spain have traditionally been the two countries that people retire to – particularly the British. However recently, many retirees are looking further afield and Albania is a country which has garnered much interest – thanks in part due to the cheaper property prices when compared to France and Spain.

Albania is situated on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts and boasts miles of unspoilt beaches, beautiful scenery and a wealth of culture including archaeological sites and ancient monuments. All this charm has added up to a 45% increase in the number of Albanian property enquries according to HomesGoFast.

Tirana airport has also recently been upgraded and thanks to daily BA flights to the capital, more people are contemplating Albania as a holiday destination. Increasing numbers of tourists is good for the holiday rental market – another reason why Albania has piqued property investor interest.

The country is expecting the numbers of tourists to increase steadily over the next few years and this means that property prices are also expected to increase at a modest rate too. Good news for property investors as it means not only will rental demand stay strong, but the property market will also grow at a manageable rate.

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Over the last two months Chinese buyers are said to have spent £120 million on property in the capital city according to estate agent Knight Frank. One in three buyers of newly built homes in Canary Wharf’s financial district are said to have been snapped up by buyers from China and Hong Kong.

The reason for the big interest in London property by the Chinese is the value of the pound coupled with low interest rates. UK property developers are also strongly marketing their properties overseas, particularly in the Far East, meaning more and more people are becoming interested in London property.

In mainland China, authorities are also trying to restrict property speculation to dampen their market; whilst in Hong Kong, the average property price has risen by 70 percent in the last two years alone. This all makes London property look very attractive.

Most of the property bought by the Chinese are said to be in the £400,000 to £1 million price bracket.

However UK housing charities have warned that all this foreign property investment may have detrimental effects on the UK’s housing ladder. The Housing Association has warned that if properties at the high end of the market are increasing, all the property below will also increase in price and this means that many Londoners may have to wait until their 50s before they can afford a deposit for a London house.

The Housing Association have also said that there are currently 800,000 people on their waiting list for an affordable home and that the average London house price is thirteen times the average London salary.

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