BuyingForeignProperty.com takes a closer look at property investment hotspot, Méribel.

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.  Read more... (806 words, 1 image, estimated 3:13 mins reading time)

Albania looks set to be one of the next property investment hotspot, with it looking likely that many property investors in the country may be people looking to retire to Albania.

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.  Read more... (237 words, 1 image, estimated 57 secs reading time)

Experts have warned that Brits are being priced out of London housing by rich Chinese property investors.

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.  Read more... (288 words, 1 image, estimated 1:09 mins reading time)

May saw a surge in French leaseback enquiries after the French government announced a second homes tax.

French property company, Pierre & Vacances (P&V), saw a major surge in leaseback enquiries during May from British investors following news that the French government plans to impose a 20% property tax from January next year on non-resident second homeowners.

Following the announcement of the proposals in early May, the number of enquiries for leaseback properties last month was more than double that of April as Britons interested in buying a property in France looked at options that are immune to this new tax.  Read more... (502 words, 1 image, estimated 2:00 mins reading time)

France is contemplating new laws which would see overseas property investors hit with hefty bills.

France is hoping to bring in a new tax equal to 20 percent of the property’s rental value, applicable to absent overseas property investors. The new tax is designed to help reduce France’s 176 million Euro annual budget deficit.

Although EU member states are free to set their own taxes, there are laws which cover the free movement of capital within the EU. Some experts believe that the draft law may limit this free movement of capital and thus may not be allowed to go ahead.  Read more... (199 words, 1 image, estimated 48 secs reading time)

Location Focus: The Turkish city of Bahcesehir is one of the hottest places to buy investment property.

Turkey is currently the hottest destination for travel and property, the 16th largest economy in the world which welcomes 30 million tourists per year and rising according to ABTA. The economic powerhouse of Istanbul is the destination in Turkey ranking as the number 1 city for new property acquisitions and developments according to the latest Emerging Trends in Real Estate Report Europe from PwC and the Urban Land Institute. And Bahcesehir is the hot new destination in Istanbul for property investment with a growing university, high demand from the middle classes for quality property and impressive transport links to the central business district.  Read more... (621 words, 1 image, estimated 2:29 mins reading time)

Eurostar has revealed that they are hoping to extend their network of trains in Europe. Amongst the new hoped-for destinations is the South of France.

Eurostar already runs trains into Paris from London, however the addition of new French destinations could be good news for overseas property investors who have already purchased in France. The extra routes would likely see an increase in tourism in the local areas and therefore help stabilise and improve local rental and sale prices due to extra demand.  Read more... (208 words, 1 image, estimated 50 secs reading time)