Quality Property Albania Has Been Waiting For

Albania has been likened to the emerging market of Bulgaria some three or four years ago. The country is at the very cusp of a property boom. European investment is pouring into the region in the millions and the capital city of Tirana is catching the eye of keen investors, especially with EU accession on the cards for 2014.

Location is key, and international property agents Barrasford & Bird Worldwide have released their exclusive Colombo II development within a few minutes walking distance of the city centre.

Albania holds many surprises. Gone are the days of communism, revealing a country and a people that are embracing a bright future within Europe. Rolling countryside, vast and dramatic coastlines and bustling modern cities await to surprise those that visit and visiting is easy with direct flights from the UK. Albania shares the same stunning coastlines as Montenegro and Croatia. Coastal resorts are charming and underdeveloped affairs with potential obvious around every corner.

The capital city of Tirana is where the surprises certainly hold promise. The bustling city centre of Skanderbeg Square is a protected site of great significance. Outside the city limits Dajti mountain soars skyward, drawing in the tourists with its beautiful views and dramatic scenery.

The newly released development of Colombo II is in one of the most sought after residential areas of Tirana. Located within easy walking distance of Skanderbeg square, the development has wonderful view of Tirana and the Dajti mountain. The development is perfect for corporate or residential rentals. Colombo II is built to ISO EU standards, an exceptionally high level for the property market in Tirana. Due to the quality build and the sought after location, a residential rental or corporate rental market would return a projected 11% in rental per annum.

Robin Barrasford, Managing Director of Barrasford & Bird Worldwide comments, “As pioneers of the Bulgarian property market, our experience points to Albania as one of the last pseudo-European countries that will offer excellent returns for investors. While the coastal resorts are an interesting lifestyle choice, the capital city is where we believe the returns will be the highest.”

Colombo II offers one bedroom apartments from €61,000, two bedroom apartments from €76,000 and three bedroom apartments from €120,000. 50% finance is available.

Colombo II is marketed exclusively through Barrasford and Bird Worldwide. The Devon based overseas property and development agents market properties from various worldwide destinations including Greece, Bulgaria and Brazil and are founding members of the Association of International Property Professionals.

www.bandbw.co.uk
0800 1 303 101
info@bandbw.co.uk

Instant Offices Group Powers Into The Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies To Work For League 2008

Instant Offices Group, the world’s leading flexible office space provider, today secured 76th place in the prestigious Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work for league 2008.

The award recognises the group’s proven strengths as an employer, based on confidential and in-depth employee surveys conducted by Best Companies. The 60-strong global workforce rated Rob Hamilton, Founder and Managing Director of the Instant Office Group as an excellent leader, who truly lives the values of the organisations, and in whom they have a great deal of faith. Instant Offices Group also scored particularly well in the management and well-being categories of the survey, propelling it into this year’s exclusive ranking.

Best Companies also found that, in the management category, Instant Offices Group employees reported that their managers cared about their job satisfaction levels, and motivated them to perform well daily. The balance between work and home life, and the impact of these factors on personal health and performance, were also highly favourable.

Commenting on the prestigious award, Jonathan Austin, Chief Executive, Best Companies, said, “I would like to congratulate Instant Offices Group on its outstanding achievement in featuring in this year’s Sunday Times Top 100 Companies to Work For in the Best Small Companies category. We have set a rigorous benchmark with a stringent methodology so that organisations can become even better employers. Coming 76th in this prestigious league is an amazing achievement!"

Rob Hamilton, Founder and Managing Director of Instant Offices Group, said, “On behalf of the whole team here at Instant Offices Group, I would like to say how delighted we are to feature in the exclusive Sunday Times Top 100 Best Small Companies to Work For list. We recruit passionate, committed and highly-skilled individuals, whose combined efforts continue to steer us from success to success. We feel that employees’ efforts should be recognised and rewarded, in the context of the hard-working, innovative and high-energy workplace that Instant Offices Group offers. We are constantly striving to support, nurture and challenge our staff, and would like to thank the Sunday Times and Best Companies for recognising our efforts and effectiveness on this front.”

Authentic Swiss Chalet For Sale

One of Crans Montana’s last remaining authentic chalets is now available for sale. Built in 1789 and overlooking the Valais Alps and Lake Grenon, this charming chalet is priced at CHF 4,850,000.

With its traditional mountain-style architecture and interiors, the property is spread over three floors and boasts five bedrooms and five bathrooms. Outside, there is a well-established garden that is crossed by a stream.

Matthew Hodder-Williams, International Residential, Knight Frank, comments:"Following the uncertainty of the 2006/2007 season, we are witnessing a renewed interest in Alpine property, especially in the established resorts where the recent snowfall has been excellent so far this year. We are certainly seeing Switzerland becoming a much more talked about destination for purchasers where, despite the tight permit system, we are seeing a high level of enquiries about properties on the Swiss side of the border."

A resort since 1893, Crans-Montana is one of Switzerland’s most well-known ski destinations and occupies what is claimed to be the sunniest plateau in the Alps with breathtaking views across the Rhone Valley and the mountain peaks of the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc. Crans-Montana is a large, cosmopolitan resort with over 60 international restaurants, an excellent range of shops, lively nightlife and culture. For summer pursuits, there is an equestrian centre and two signature golf courses.

Crans-Montana is within easy reach of Geneva and Zurich International Airports

'Lady Of The Roses'

‘Lady of the Roses’ is a custom made country residence designed in the early 70’s by an Italian architect for an English Baroness. With a distinct British style of architecture still evident today, enriched by Italian flair, this splendid country home boasting extensive grounds, manicured lawns and antique roses, is testimony to the Baroness’ – ‘Lady of the Roses’, - love of her home and beautiful garden.

Close to the medieval village of Cortona, near the city of Arezzo in Tuscany, this idyllic property, set in a south facing position, is well located being easily connected to the highway and just an hour and a half from Florence.

During the 70’s the English Baroness, fell in love with the location of Arezzo and in particular the spot which was to become her future home. Affording far reaching views, the Baroness was delighted to find that the soil was particularly fertile and the land benefited from excellent exposure to the sun all day long. As a keen horticulturist, this was an ideal combination and she set about commissioning her new home, which would forever be a part of England in Italy.

Trinidad Passerini Managing Director of Precious Villas says, “‘Lady of the Roses’ is a residence that has been carefully looked after over the years and by far its biggest accolade is the enchanting garden which offers over 5 ½ acres. The property is further enhanced by olive trees, cypress trees, a vineyard, rose trees and an assortment of over 400 other plants. This is most certainly a property that would be appreciated by a British buyer, not only for the distinctive architecture, but one who shares the same keen interest in gardening.”

The property boasts a superb 4,800 sqft and is split over two levels. It offers two main reception rooms, dining room, kitchen and a mezzanine floor (currently used as a studio). It also has four good sized bedrooms and four bathrooms (two on each level). Despite its rustic charm this property boast numerous modern facilities, including swimming pool, Jacuzzi, alarm system, central heating, automatic irrigation system, double glazing and two water wells.

‘Lady of the Roses’ comes to the market with a price of £1.9 million.

www.preciousvillas.com
sales@preciousvillas.com
0870 899 8023

Cape Verde Government Welcome Investment - Including Wind Farms

Government Of Cape Verde Is 100% Behind Tourism And Investment Including New Partnership For Eco Friendly Wind Farms.

Cape Verde, the archipelago of sun drenched islands off the West Coast of Africa, is going through a renaissance. The potential of the islands, because of their easy access to the UK, is immense and bring a “Caribbean” life style within a short flight time. This has been realised by the Government who are taking great strides in establishing the country as a major player in the world market.

News of investors moving into the country is almost daily with major hotel groups appreciating, at an early stage, the islands’ future. A 5* Hilton resort is due to open in 2010.

Now there is news that a partnership between the Cape Verdean State , the power company Electra and Britain’s InfraCo, for construction of wind farms, has been approved by the country’s president.

The partnership is to develop, finance, build, own and operate wind farms in Praia, Mindelo, Sal and Boa Vista. The Cape Verdean authorities plan to make use of this renewable energy source to reduce the cost of power production and minimize the detrimental effects on the environment. In total the four wind farms will produce between 22.5 and 25 megawattts of power, increasing the percentage of wind power produced in the country from 3% to 18% of the total.

Another major investment is that of the Italian business group, Stafanina Friday who have opened a construction material and cement factory, at an investment of around 10 million euros. The factories are located well away from the tourist area but are a major step forward in the creation of the new living environment which is taking the country by storm.

“The country is 100% behind tourism and investment and is continuing to build new roads, improve the airport and expand the ports to cope with the demand”, says Darren Mitchell, Director at Cape V, a company which specialises in property in Cape Verde. “As a company we see enormous potential in owning a property here. In 2007, property prices rose by around 20% which is excellent capital growth. With the ports being used by cruise liners and the increase in direct flights from the UK, it has made Cape Verde an important part of the tourist map. This shows that property ownership will continue its rapid growth. Buying now enables investors to have prime plots, at superb prices, by unspoilt, white sand beaches.”

Currently available on Sal island –
Dunas Beach Resort.
Prices start from just £70,500
20 minutes transfer time from International Airport
This is a premium development of high specification villas in a breathtaking beachfront location on the beautiful white sands. Perfectly position to capitalise on the fast rising popularity of this superb location.
Excellent investment opportunities for rental or resale buyers as well as those looking for a second home.

Tortuga Beach Resort and Spa
Prices from £104,000 for a two bedroom apartment and £264,000 for a villa.
Offers excellent capital growth potential.
There is a wide variety of high specification villas and apartments on one of the few remaining undeveloped white sandy beaches in the world.
Owners benefit from the use of luxury four star hotel with 150 seat restaurants, elegant wine bar and piano bar, courtesy lounge areas, luxury spa and gym, 24 hours reception and concierge and spectacular landscaped gardens. Two communal pools and a variety of shops.

Each villa has a private pool and gardens and each apartment includes a terraced area.

Cape V www.capev.co.uk 0800 915 9227

Real Catch For Fishing Or Boating Types

A property that has just come onto the market in Kintbury is going to be quite a catch for anyone who enjoys fishing or messing about in boats.

For the four bedroom family home has its own landing stage and mooring rights on the mill stream and there’s also fishing rights for one rod.

But even if boats and fishing are not really your thing, the outstanding view across the sloping lawn to the mill stream and canal to open country beyond is bound to appeal. The view can be enjoyed from a patio area close to the house or another down on the waterside.

Naturally, you can’t spend all your time sitting in the garden watching the world quite literally drift by so you’ll be keen to know that the well maintained and light and airy house also holds plenty of interest.

At the front the property is the large kitchen and this forms an L-shape as it combines with the breakfast room, where double doors open into the garden. The sitting dining room is again L-shaped, with a window overlooking the front garden and then French doors with glazed side panels and three more windows taking full advantage of the rear outlook.

A turning staircase in the entrance hall rises to the first floor and its four bedrooms. Two, each with two windows, look out to the front and have the bathroom between them while at the rear the other two bedrooms take full advantage of the view across the garden.

To the front of the house is a landscaped and gravelled front garden that provides parking for four or five cars and leads up to the garage. Outside the rear door of the kitchen is a rockery with a fountain while the rear garden is mainly lawn interspersed with trees and shrubs.

Kintbury itself is virtually a self-contained community, with a good range of shops and facilities which are within walking distance of the house in Millbank. For those who need to commute, a walk in the opposite direction will take them to Kintbury’s own mainline station with fast trains to Newbury and London or the west.

Guide price for the house is £485,000. For more details, contact the Hungerford office of Dreweatt Neate on 01488 682808 or email hungerford@dnproperty.co.uk

Single Payment Scheme - 10-Month Rule Abolished

DEFRA has announced that the "appropriate date" on which a farmer will be required to have land at his disposal for the purpose of a valid single Payment claim will be 15th May in each year.

The 10-month occupancy rule has been abolished from 1st April 2008 and applies across the whole of the UK.

There may, for some farmers, be an income tax consequence, depending on their accounting year-end date. According to existing principles, the end of the taxpayer's 10-month period was the date on which receipt of the Single Payment was taken to crystallise. One assumes, with the abolition of the 10-month rule and its replacement with the requirement to have matching land only on 15th May that the payment will now be taken to crystallise on that day. This may result in two year’s Single Payment being taken into account in 2007-8 depending upon a farmer’s year-end. Further detail is expected from DEFRA and advice should be sought from your accountants.