New Zealand - Pacific Hideaway

September 01, 2010 - New Zealand

Comprising the North and South Islands and about the same land mass as Japan, New Zealand's strikingly varied landscape and near-mystical beauty has inspired artists and film- makers alike.

The country also offers a wide range of lifestyles, leisure activities and luxury lodgings from the bays around Auckland to the serene shores of Lake Wakatipu.

New Zealand is too often compared to its antipode outpost big brother, Australia.

Yet, having ranked ninth in the The Economist Quality of Life Index for 2009, ‘Kiwi Country' offers ample investment opportunities and its own range of lifestyle choices that enrapture urbanites and nature lovers alike.

The Luxury Properties Showcase 2010, Beijing, China

July 06, 2010 - Beijing

The 2010 Luxury Properties Showcase invites respectful companies to participate in the international real estate show which will take place at China's most luxurious exhibition venue, The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing from 10th to 12th December, 2010.

The Event will be a superb opportunity to present a wide range of high-end and prestigious properties from China and from all over the world.

Being China's most exclusive display of international luxury properties and developments, the 2010 Luxury Property Showcase is designed to allow on-site transactions and is a multi-platform event gathering various promotions (property show, seminars, gala cocktail, on-site meetings, online and print promotion, etc) that presents exhibitors with multiples opportunities to close deals and develop on the China market.

Organized by Luxury Properties Showcase Ltd. , The 2010 Luxury Properties Showcase is China's most exclusive property exhibition entirely dedicated to luxury and high-quality homes and supposed to attract a highly targeted audience of luxury properties buyers.

How to buy in Italy

June 14, 2010 - Italy

The Italy Property Buyers Guide will give you an idea of the buying process and some useful tips for your property purchase in Italy.

1 The buyer will seek the assistance of a licensed real estate agent (agente immobiliare) for the initial property search;

2 Planning activity: buyers will generally have to decide whether to purchase the property directly under their individual name or rather indirectly, by means of a limited liability entity. Such a decision is of utmost importance as substantial legal and tax consequences will be associated with it;

Buying Property in Macau

April 29, 2010 - Macau

Property prices rose significantly in Macau beginning around 2002, when the government broke the monopoly of a local gambling magnate, Stanley Ho, and allowed foreign investors to build casinos.

But the financial crisis of 2008 and new government restrictions slowed investment and development in the real estate market.

Prices decreased by about 30 percent, said Philip Gregory, a partner with Network Properties (Macau) Limited. Today, however, activity appears to be picking up.

Indonesia looks to revise foreign owenership regulations.

March 15, 2010 - Indonesia

Indonesia´s state minister for Public Housing Suharso Monoarfa said he would propose revision of regulation on foreigner ownership of property in the country.

Suharso said he wants to give foreigners longer ownership to 95 years from 25 years at present to help revive the property sector. He said the revised regulation is expected to be effective by the end of June this year.

He added the type of property that could be owned by foreigners are ones with prices between US$150,000 to US$200,000.

Singapore shifting to new progressive property tax system

March 03, 2010 - Singapore

Singapore´s Budget 2010 brought interesting news for the property sector – the progressive property tax for all owner-occupied residential properties.

Under this structure, those who have properties with an Annual Value (AV) exceeding S$77,000 will see an increase in their property taxes; this equates to a mere 3 percent of private property owners or 0.4 percent of all property owners in Singapore.

This, of course, pertains to those high-end property owners.

This move by the Government is definitely catered to reducing the pressure on mass market owners and get more out of those in the wealthy segment of society but perhaps it is also a positive indication that it has noticed the improving market sentiments, and especially on the high-end property sector?

Buying in Bali

February 16, 2010 - Bali

Under Indonesian law, foreigners are not permitted to have real estate / property in Indonesia.

However, foreign individuals can legally acquire real estate / property in Indonesia and enjoy full beneficial rights. Buyers should seek legal advice when securing property in Bali with the following options available:

Tax in Mongolia

February 04, 2010 - Mongolia

How favorable are the taxes on investors and foreigners in Mongolia? Ever since 2006 the tax environment has become a lot more favorable.

Until 2006, income was taxed on a sliding scale. If your income was less than 2,400,000 tugrug annually, (roughly $1655 by today’s exchange rates) only a tax of 10% was incurred.

This tax quickly exceeded 30% if the tax payer made in excess of 4,800,000 tugrug annually, or $3,310 per year. On top of that, any temporary or non-resident tax payer would be expected to pay an additional 20% per year.

New property tax for Egypt

January 27, 2010 - Egypt

The new property tax law in Egypt is likely to be introduced gradually, the country’s president has confirmed.

President Mubarak said there are no plans to change the tax which is facing considerable opposition from those that claim it will be too much for a recovering real estate market as it will make owning property more expensive.

A government spokesman said that the property tax will not be a huge financial burden on real estate owners.

Buying in the United States

January 24, 2010 - United States

1 A foreign investor may purchase real property within the United States in a variety of ways: in his or her own name; through a US corporation, partnership, or trust; or through a foreign legal entity.

2 The income and estate tax consequences of owning or selling property will vary depending on the vehicle through which the actual investment is made.

3 Legal fees and other costs are likely to be around 2 per cent of the price of the property.

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