OPP MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2014 by OPP Magazine

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best2013 decelebrated al for ea chbest clie The OPP Awards of Excellence the very in nt overseas property, – fro m with aff wofho an extremely highst standard entries As arand enan’toutstanding paid onselection comofmAward issiwinners. on ? part of our ongoing commitment to the overseas property industry, Smart Currency is pleased to announce that we will be sponsoring the Awards again in 2014. At last year’s Awards we were delighted to meet many of the entrants and fellow overseas WE TALK PROPERTY CALL property professionals – we are looking forward to catching up with you all throughout the BEFORE CURRENCY. +44 20 7898 0541 year to see how we can help. EMAIL Thesetoare someCurrency? of the questions partners@smartcurrency New Smart We arewe proud to be recognised as overseas property exchange.com typically ask when the possibility professionals – wediscussing put property before currency. If you are a property agent, of partnering – questions that we rarely find VISIT developer, legal firm specialising in overseas property, mortgage broker, insurer or www.smartcurrency any other currency exchange companies removals specialist, and want to find out why we are the Currency partner of choice exchange.com/partners canOPP fulfill.members... for If yourus partner already offers all or of these Call on 020 7898 0541 visit: www.smartcurrencypartners.com benefits, then congratulations, you’re probably already with Smart.

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CONTENTS This month

Contents Features 24-28 The OPP Global Student Accommodation Report: see the highlights 32-34 Branding a new development: staying front of mind during the building process 48-51 Hotels as alternative investments: the types, the risks and the opportunities

Regulars 12-20 The Big Issue: the OPP Healthcheck. A goldmine of information from the industry 22-23 Development News: the latest updates from the world of big developments 68-70 The OPP Interview: We talk to Harlow Russell about big opportunities in Singapore

Data

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014

42-45 The final instalment of Rightmove research. Investigating investment buyers 52-56 Country Guide: Russia. The essential facts and figures from a world superpower 63 Mortgage Report: Australia.

Business 10-11 Business Briefing: from ‘sticky’ communications to virtual currency 31 What do potential buyers need to prove to the bank before they get a loan? 36 Martin Sadler on land investment 47 Paul Owen on lasting motivation

Letters 59 A word from the market in Berlin 61 News from North Dakota’s oil fields

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78 The life of a Feng Shui expert...

The OPP Team

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EDITORIAL

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Editorial Director John Howell ✆ +44 (0) 20 3540 2225 ✆ +44 (0)7715 174415  john.howell@opp-connect.com Editor, OPP Magazine Christopher Nye ✆ +44 (0) 20 3540 2217 ✆ +44 (0)7711 183581  chris.nye@opp-connect.com Editor, OPP China Mina Mu ✆ +44 (0) 20 3540 2223  mina.mu@opp-connect.com

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MARKETING & OPERATIONS

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News Analysis: What has been happening in the property world Country Report: The essential facts and figures on a country Letters From: What is happening in the real estate market around the world Legal Round-up: Updates on the legal changes we all need to know about Training: Tips from the experts on finding success in your business FX Report: A country’s currency – past, present and future

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EDITOR’S LETTER

Ready, steady, wallop! The property market is reviving. Is this a sweet spot for new projects or could we still be caught out in the slips? Editor, OPP Magazine Christopher Nye

The moment every sportsman – and businessman – recognises

this week, “Optimism is in the air: the deep freeze is behind and the horizon is brighter. My great hope is that 2014 will prove [...] the year in which the “seven weak years”, economically speaking, slide into “seven strong years”.” “Weak” is putting it mildly. But she’s right that it’s been a long, long time since the good old

Anywhere that can spend US$51 billion on one Winter Games has money to buy property days. The last company to go bust owing me a lot of money went into administration half way through the 2008/09 recession and just days before my son was born. Well, he just started school, aged ﬁve, and it certainly feels like a long time! Incidentally, if you see another recession coming, I do recommend getting a baby on the way asap – it passes the time wonderfully.

Of course, not everyone agrees with the IMF. Some believe that any boost is either built on sand or a dead cat bounce in the inevitable decline of the West. But hey, Western economic recovery is not the only reason that this is a sweet spot. As OPP’s man in Singapore explains on page 68, Asian millionaires are desperate to invest abroad, just as their own property markets get ‘cooled’. It could hardly be a bigger opportunity. Our biggest feature this month is dedicated to the OPP Health Check (p12). It got oﬀ to a great start in 2013, but as it builds in the future it will become the most useful resource. As we had no January issue (Happy New Year, by the way) we have two supplements this month. The OPP Awards Special includes all the winners and photos from our Gala Dinner, while the Media Guide lists the exhibitions and media for 2014 (p 81). Lastly Russia. Check out our country guide (p 52). Anywhere that can spend US$51 billion on one Games has money to buy property. Sochi sounds like such a sweet spot. Do svidaniya!

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ne of my favourite phrases is “sweet spot”. It’s the point on a tennis racquet, cricket or baseball bat where the object being hit absorbs the maximum kinetic energy and rebounds away at its greatest possible velocity. In other words, you hit it just right and boy, does it feel good. Have we hit the sweet spot in the property market right now? There is an argument that investors could get the biggest impact from the lowest outlay in many regions. This occurred to me when researching a piece on OPP Connect about a planned theme park in Murcia, south-east Spain. The potential to the local property market of a €390million tourist development can hardly be over-emphasised. Sceptics say it won’t happen, but since the Region of Murcia has it as the centrepiece of their stand at Spain’s largest tourism show this month, it looks more likely. And why wouldn’t they? Of course this is the time to start building the place! Land, labour, capital, all almost certainly cheaper now than they will be soon. Christine Lagarde, MD of the IMF, felt able to say

GLOBAL NEWS

Top ten news stories What have overseas property professionals been reading this month at OPP Connect? Aggregated Global Predictions

For news as it happens visit the OPP website: www.opp-connect.com

Where will be the major markets in 2014? OPP’s hotspot aggregator tracks New Year market predictions for 2014 from across the industry, for a poll of polls. It covers all residential property (investments, retirement, student, holiday homes and alternative investments), with data from government sources, newspapers, investment analysts, property industry experts and bloggers. The Top Five shows a return

in popularity to the older markets of Spain, France and Italy, as analysts noted the Eurozone crisis easing and lifestyle buyers returning to the market. Spain’s return reﬂects perhaps the eﬀect of golden visas and increased positivity as large investors return to the market and lifestyle buyers accept that the bargains won’t get much better. Likewise with the US and UK, which Asian analysts continued to include in

best places

their top ﬁve for investment. Residence-for-investment visas helped the Spanish and Portuguese markets. Japan’s winning Olympics bid (plus Abenomics) helped it make the top ten. Also notable were Dubai, on many investment and lifestyle lists. Of the Caribbean countries, Grenada was most commonly listed, while other island nations appearing most on lists were Mauritius and Cape Verde.

Graphic from D2E (info@d2e.co.uk)

to buy in

2014

ITALY

ANC FR E

K TUR E

USA

SPAIN

E GRE CE

INDIA

JAPAN

TUG OR A

ica

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v er

BRAZIL

h a fr

AURITI

STRAL

orocc

CY R U P

A REN D

AILAN

DUBAI

FEBRUARY 2014

SPAIN

CYPRUS

Foreigners rush in where Spaniards fear to tread

Christmas cheer for property professionals

Residential sales sink to new low

Department of Housing data shows sales to foreigners rose by 24.7% year-on-year in Q3 2013 as investors and lifestyle buyers recognise that the long-promised serious price reductions have begun – may even have happened. According to data from idealist. com, resale prices fell by 7.5% year-on-year to November 2013, to €1,745 psm.

With Christmas dinner eaten and the Queen watched, many Brits decided it was time to look for a holiday home. UK estate agent Andrews saw a surge in traﬃc from 3pm on Christmas Day, while Shameem Golamy, head of Rightmove Overseas noted: “We saw a big jump in traﬃc… [which has] continued to grow all the way into the New Year.”

Property sales in 2013 sank to the lowest level on record, with Limassol providing the only bright spot in the picture. Sales of 3,767 marked a 40% drop from 2012. Overseas sales made up 27% of that, falling from 1,147 in 2012 to 1,017 last year. Domestic sales suﬀered wors, with numbers of sales down to 2,750 from 4,793 the previous year.

CHINA

DUBAI

SAUDI ARABIA

Property investors turn to Europe

Regulators to ban flipping to protect market

Saudi investors look to buy overseas

As prices for distressed US properties rise, Chinese buyers are turning to golden visa schemes in Europe, says the Inwestigator website. During the peak of the real-estate crisis in 2009-2010, foreclosure properties were snapped up by Chinese investors in bulk. No longer, says the China’s Overseas Property Buyer Sentiment Survey.

With prices predicted to rise at up to 40% in 2014, the Government is planning measures to prevent ﬂipping. A Land Department spokesman said: “Transactions on oﬀplan properties are a little dangerous… we are now studying them and looking at ways to ensure that they don’t hurt the market.” New regulations are expected soon.

Three stories on OPP Connect this month highlighted growing activity from Saudi Arabian buyers both within the country (with sales in Mecca quadrupling in 2013) and outside. Newly formed Best Choice are investing from Spain to Mauritius, while Saudi investor Abdulaziz Alsaghyir spent SR500m (US$133m) in the US, UK and domestically.

NIGERIA

INDIA

USA

Top Asian property portals announced

US takes four of Top Five investment cities

Economist Jim O’Neill coined the acronym MINT to highlight those nations – Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey – tipped for economic success in the near future. However mortgage analyst Simon Conn noted that demand for mortgages among the other nations was growing but in Nigeria remained stubbornly non-existent.

ComScore data shows the top portals in November 2013 were, CommonFloor.com in India, growing 55% over the past year and claiming to have taken the top spot from Magicbricks. Other winners were Zameen in Pakistan, Batdongstan in Vietnam, Rumah in Indonesia, iProperty in Malaysia, Juwai in China and PropertyGuru in Singapore.

In a survey of the best global cities to invest from the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (www. aﬁre.org), London beat New York to number one place but with San Francisco third, Houston fourth and Los Angeles ﬁfth, the US won overall as the most “stable and secure” country for investment. Germany was a distant second.

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Proves exception to MINT success

NEWS Analysis Words | Adrian Bishop

MLS – the debate goes on Multiple Listings System: can agents do better?

An aid for co-operation has now divided the industry

board, the fees can come to around US$1,000 a year. But it’s worth it, says Mr Kenny, as his property listings can reach hundreds of thousands of realtors and potential buyers. But competition from rival online listings and platforms and concern over fees are causing other property professionals to look for alternatives. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) governs hundreds of local Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)

Competition from rival platforms is causing some agents to look for alternatives which are the information exchanges used across the US by real estate brokers. However, some MLSs are independent of NAR. Through the Internet Data Exchange, the NAR allows limited listings to be viewed on its consumer MLS website. A similar system works on the equivalent Canadian site, Realtor.ca, run by The Canadian Real Estate Association. But some Canadian agents are unhappy with the system and from 1 January 2014

Adrian.bishop@opp-connect.com

Montreal home listings are not being included on the Realtor.ca website, after the Greater Montreal Real Estate Board voted to separate from the CREA. They are concerned about what they see as inconsistencies in listing fees that allow brokers from outside of Quebec to list property for a flat fee. The move means Montreal’s 9,700 brokers cannot list homes for sale on Realtor.ca. Brokers from four real estate boards in Montreal, Quebec City, Granby and Drummondville have voted to leave and others are still debating. Overseas property sellers also greatly value the international syndication that MLS offers through partnership with influential websites and brokerages including Trulia, Zillow, Redfin and UK-based Rightmove Overseas. Redfin, for instance, a technologypowered national brokerage across 22 US markets, complements MLS rather than competing with it. Redfin spokesperson Rachel Musiker tells OPP, “Our website depends on the fact that MLS aggregates property. We think it is the best place for homes listings.” With on-going development in websites, online capabilities and services, the MLS will keep evolving and the debate about its direction and effectiveness will go on too.

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s with many major institutions, the Multiple Listings Service (MLS) in North America often splits opinion – and now some agents are themselves splitting away from it. For over 50 years, the MLS has been the primary marketplace for US and Canadian property listings for buyers and sellers and an aid for agent co-operation. The vast majority of agents and brokers appreciate the considerable advantage MLS oﬀers in providing the most comprehensive listing and marketing of properties, its professional communication tools and, ultimately, that it helps them sell more properties. As Century 21 Florida broker Mark Goldberg tells OPP, “MLS is a great tool to have for realtors and brokers. I don’t know if we could manage without it.” Developer and C21 agent Gary Kenny of Feltrim, who markets his properties to both domestic and overseas users, says MLS oﬀers great advantages, especially alongside C21’s international property listings on its own website. Agents usually sign up to their local MLS region – there are 800 regions across the United States – but Mr Kenny is on the border of four regions, so he registers with them all through Mr Goldberg at C21. Depending on the

ADRIAN BISHOP: OPP Connect Editor

BUSINESS Brieﬁng

Business briefing Ideas and inspiration to help you run your business BOOKS: Five things you will learn from: Made to Stick Your written communications – sales material, press releases, blogs – can be made vastly more memorable (“sticky”) by remembering a few basic concepts: 1) You suffer from the ‘curse of knowledge’. You cannot un-know the deep knowledge you have about your own product and area but you must write for an audience who know nothing (and often care even less). 2) Creating stickiness is not difficult. It is a matter of finding as many hooks as possible to hold a reader – like Velcro. The authors use the acronym SUCCES (Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, Stories). 3) To be clever, keep it simple. What are the tales that have survived thousands of years? The simplest parables and fables, like the hare and the tortoise, noted down by Aesop 2,600 years ago. 4) Forget about numbers. Most of your readers won’t understand them, won’t be able to visualise them and won’t ever remember them. You have to connect with people’s emotions. 5) Spin works. Reasoned argument and statistics are powerless once a powerful idea has taken hold. “Made to Stick. Why some ideas take hold and others come unstuck” By Chip and Dan Heath. Published 2007. Reuben Gurunlian joins OPP as Sales Consultant from A Place in the Sun magazine. Steve Didier moved from Las Vegas to Playa del Carmen to be CMO at American Realty. JLL appointed Greg O’Brien as CEO, Americas. Rachael Kinsella joins Smart Currency and OGC as Senior Content Manager. OPPs may sympathise with Assem George Betz of Fine & Country, Allam, Chairman of Hull City – a is now President of FIABCI, UK. modest English football team in the Premier League for the first time ever. Mr Allam wants to market the club better in the Far East. Don’t we all? He thinks he’ll sell more shirts in Kowloon if he changes the name to Hull Tigers, and that’s upset the locals. According to a white paper from They don’t want a foreigner (Allam is from Egypt) changing their club, Agent Responsiveness, which proudly Hull City since 1904. But Allam (living in Hull since 1968) has sent “mystery shoppers” to 384 pumped £70 million into the club and now wants it to stand up for US brokers and agents. They itself. And Hull sounds halfway between Dull and Hell and once topped called it a “staggering failure”. a national poll in the book Crap Towns. It lacks a certain something.* What it doesn’t lack is passion from the people of Hull. Which is a city. A city without any tigers in it. So this is a classic case of brand management gone wrong. Owners come and go, but supporting a club is a lifelong commitment that the people of Hull were born into. This level of engagement is what many brands aspire to and, somewhat ironically, football clubs don’t have to work hard to achieve. (* Hull is actually very nice these days, and will be 2017 UK City of Culture)

MOVING, SHAKING

BRANDING: Is Hull too Dull?

By OPP Marketing, powered by D2E

www.opp-connect.com

Stat of the month

FEBRUARY 2014

What you need to know about, Bitcoins What is a bitcoin? It’s a quasi-currency created and used to buy products and services online. What are they worth? At the time of writing, 1 bitcoin (BTC) was worth US$870, €642, £530. The currency is further divided in bitcents, milibits, microbits and satoshi. How do I get them? They are created by ‘miners’ – but that’s a long story. For most people, the best way is to accept them in payment for goods and services. Bitcoin fans point out that accepting bitcoin payments can also gain you high-tech clients. You can also buy them on a bitcoin exchange with your regular currency, though this may need to be changed to euros or US dollars. Where do I keep them? In a wallet, of course. There are several online wallet systems that look similar to normal internet banking (though wallet security has been quoted as a potential risk to the currency). What can they be used for? In theory, anything that you would pay for online or via debit cards in the usual way. In practice, most people who accept them do so for the publicity, even pubs and coﬀee shops, private airlines and charities. See www.coinmap.org for local users. Why would I bother? Bitcoins are transferred person to person, thus saving bank charges. They can be used in any country and there are no limits. They can be used as a hedge against inﬂation and to avoid currency controls (these subversive elements make it attractive to many users, alarm regulators, and could potentially be of value to international property agents). Can you sell a house with it? In December, Bond New York, a Manhattan real estate broker, started accepting the currency. A couple of weeks previously, an Australian businessman put his US$1.3million home on the market, stipulating Bitcoin as the payment currency.

A Minute With… Alex Kerr, The Ideas Factory Digital

Innovation: AR wows OPPs

5-POINT HEALTH-CHECK FOR YOUR WEBSITE Can people ﬁnd you? SEO and the use of keywords is essential if you want people to see your site. (And it’s hardly worth doing if you don’t!) Is it mobile? Come on, this is 2014. Property websites have to be viewable on the go, in the car, on the street, where the houses are. Is the content fresh? It’s not about the quantity of the content but the quality, and people can spot a neglected website instantly.

Where does your audience go next? A clear and clickable call to action encourages them to register or call. (www.theideasfactorydigital.co.uk)

www.opp-connect.com

Is it really social? Are you engaging with people or bludgeoning them with sales messages? People love talking about property, so if you can’t start a conversation, maybe pay someone who can?

A star of OPP Live in London was Inition. They won Gold in the OPP Award for Innovation and impressed delegates with a 2D map that transformed itself into a 3D image, complete with moving traﬃc, when viewed through an iPad. The design (costing £25,000), created a powerful and visually stunning representation of a development without the need for models or inspection trips. www.inition.co.uk

BIG ISSUE OPP health check Words | John Howell

Faster Higher Stronger Tyler Olson / Shutterstock.com

To succeed in business, you sometimes have to compare yourself with the other guy in the race. If you’re doing worse than them, what can you do better? If you’re beating them, still, what can you do even better?

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he OPP Business Health Check is part of our contribution to your knowledge. It is, in part, financial benchmarking, in part process benchmarking and, in part, wider industry specific feedback. Financial benchmarking – comparing your financial performance with that of your competitors – has been a valued feature of many industries for many years. Lawyers, accountants, schools, hospitals and many others use it to see where they stand and how they can do better. Kate Lister of Wise Bread (www.wisebread.com) sums it up: “There’s no better evidence for the value of benchmarking than

the Olympics. ‘The time to beat,’ we hear repeatedly as downhill skiers race for the finish line. That’s what drives them to shatter new records set just minutes before.

Benchmarking your performance against your competitors’ can propel you to greatness In business, benchmarking your performance against that of your competitors can propel you to greatness too. It can help you

establish internal goals, pinpoint market opportunities, exploit competitor weaknesses, and create the kind of esprit de corps to unify and motivate your team.” So financial benchmarking is performing a financial analysis and comparing the results in an effort to assess your overall competitiveness and productivity. But what is compared, and why? The aspects of financial performance chosen can be whatever seem, to the people organising the survey, to be the most useful and interesting. They will usually include items such as gross, operating and net profit margins, sales and profitability trends, salary data, other expense data, revenue per employee, cost

FEBRUARY 2014

FIG 1: – EXPENDITURE AS A PERCENTAGE OF INCOME – REAL ESTATE OFFICES – ALL SIZES

FIG 2: FINANCIAL RATIONS FOR REAL ESTATE OFFICES – ALL SIZES Return on Sales

12.59%

Return on Assets

16.36%

Sales

100.00%

Cost of Sales

0.07%

Return on Net Worth

54.35%

Gross Profit

99.93%

Quick Ratio

0.69

Oﬃcers Comp.

8.77%

Current Ratio

0.92

Salary-Wages

40.11%

Inventory Turnover

13,405.08

Rent

4.53%

Assets:Sales

0.77

Taxes

2.49%

Advertising

3.88%

Tot Liabilities: Net Worth

2.32

Benefits-Pension

1.76%

Repairs

0.91%

Bad debts

0.41%

Other SG&A Exp.

22.92%

Amort & Dep.

1.83%

Interest Earned

0.62%

Interest Expense

1.76%

Other Income

1.39%

Net Profit

12.59%

Source: www.bizstats.com

Other types of benchmarking Benchmarking can go much further than purely financial benchmarking – and it often does. There are three main other classes of benchmarking: process benchmarking, performance benchmarking and strategic benchmarking. Process benchmarking focuses

Does their sales mix include items that you could carry? What do they spend gross profit on?

Source: www.bizstats.com

lower than your competition. On $1 million in revenue, that’s $30,000 a year they’re making that you’re not. Is it because their prices are higher or their costs are lower? Does their sales mix include higher margin items that you don’t, but could, carry? Do they have some sweetheart deal for raw materials you should know about? “Do they spend that extra gross profit or does it fall to the bottom line? If they spend it, what do they spend it on? Does it go into their marketing budget? How does their sales-to-marketing ratio compare

its observation and investigation of business processes to identify the best practices from one or more other (“benchmark”) firms. Performance benchmarking allows the investigating firm to assess their competitive position by comparing products and services with those of target firms.

The OPP Healthcheck 2013. Who took part?

20%

24%

57%

Agents 24% DEVELOPERS 57% OTHER 20%

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per employee, marketing expense as a percentage of revenue and how capital is used. Some of this information is freely available. For example, BizStats (www.bizstats.com) provides indepth and free benchmarking statistics in relation to hundreds of different business sectors in the US, including running a real estate agency oﬃce. For example, they tell us that in 2010 the income/expenses ratios of the average real estate oﬃce in the US were as set out in Figure 1 (above). They offer the same sort of information about their financial ratios – see Figure 2. Other countries offer other, though usually less developed, sources of information. The information shown can also be fine-tuned to match the size of your business. For example, you could view data only for companies with a turnover between $1 million and $5 million. But what do you do with this information? Kate Lister again explains: “Suppose you learn that your gross profit margin is 3%

to yours? If it’s higher, what can you learn from their strategy?”

BIG ISSUE OPP health check

Where were they based?

cyprus france germany india malaysia spain turkey uk usa

Strategic benchmarking involves observing how others compete. This type is usually not industry specific, meaning it is best to look at other industries. All benchmarking can be internal (comparing performance between different groups or teams within an organization) or external

Most easily and freely available information does not relate specifically to our industry (comparing performance with companies in a specific industry or across industries).

Problems

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The 2013 Survey

The OPP Business Health Check 2013 is the first of what, we hope, will be a long and very useful series of industry benchmarking surveys. Inevitably, as the first in the series, it has been a bit of a test run. Equally inevitably, while it would (in some ways) have been wonderful to have had thousands of companies taking part, as the first survey the response was limited in numbers Only 50 companies completed the survey form. Actually, as (unlike future surveys) the analysis has been undertaken by hand, the smaller response has been a bonus from our point of view! However, we have achieved what we wanted to achieve. We can show you, using live data, the potential that the Health Check has to offer. It is true that the survey is (in most cases) too small to be of much statistical value and even more true that you cannot meaningfully drill down into the data. For example, you can’t compare your 10-man agency with others operating near to you in Florida or compare your results with those of a similar sized agency operating in, say, Singapore but you will be able to imagine the power and value that would come from a sample size big enough to allow this. This is a massively powerful tool. Used properly, it could be a hugely useful management aid, helping you decide the detail of how you should be organising your business and giving you hints about your company’s future strategic direction. For us at OPP, the two questions are: is our industry sophisticated enough to make use of the tool; and will the companies in the industry be prepared to spend about 45 minutes each year filling in the online questionnaire that drives the survey? We await your feedback with interest.

For our industry there are problems with conventional benchmarking opportunities. First, most easily and freely available information does not relate directly or specifically to our industry. It is not very helpful comparing your company’s performance with that of a regular real estate agency; your business model and your cost structure are different. Second, it is mainly country specific. Whilst you will, no doubt, be interested to see how your rivals in your country are performing, often your real competitors may be located thousands of miles away, possibly in places where business practices and factors such as labour costs are very different from yours.

The OPP Business Health Check These fundamental problems coupled with the rapidly changing nature of our industry and the entry each year of so many new countries, companies and individuals together inspired the OPP Business Health Check: a set of benchmarks designed specifically for our international property industry and intended to be ﬂexible enough to grow and change as our industry grows and changes. Financial comparators, HR

FEBRUARY 2014 issues, measures of marketing success, product assessment and overall industry sentiment were our starting point. We intend that our benchmark should evolve and change over the years but not, necessarily, that it should grow. The 2013 edition asked 100 questions; we think that is enough of a call upon your time! Companies from 24 countries took part in the 2013 survey. The largest group was from Spain, followed by companies from India and the UK. People taking part in our future surveys will be able to drill down and look at data only from one or more selected countries or areas. These were mainly small companies, though the largest had over 3,000 employees. The most common size was five people. People taking part in the survey will be able to filter the results so that they can compare themselves with companies of a particular size.

Use of staff There are huge differences between companies of similar size as to how they use their staff. For example, a typical company with 10 staff has: 5 sales, 3 admin, 1 IT, 1 accounts and 5 in management roles. Some roles are part time and some people perform two or more roles. Most worked in countries

More than 25% did NOT have all of the qualifications and licences needed to do their work

8% 23%

48%

0 to 10 Employees 48% 11 to 50 Employees 23% Over 100 Employees 8%

75% of companies said they will be employing more staff in 2014 than in 2013 Next year will you be employing more or fewer staff? 2.5%

22.5% 75%

More 75% About the same 22.5% Fewer 2.5%

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which regulated the conduct of estate agents. However, more than 25% did NOT have all of the qualifications and licences needed to do the work they did. Only 43% of agencies had any Professional Indemnity/Errors & Omissions insurance. Of those that did, many had cover as low as $100,000. Only a few had cover over $1 million.

How many employees?

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BIG ISSUE OPP health check

Sales staff remuneration We reviewed starting salaries and overall earnings. They varied from country to country. In Spain, one company paid a starting salary of $32,000: in South Africa $100. Overall earnings after five years ranged from an expected $2,000 (in Malaysia) to $450,000 (in Nigeria).

In India, Turkey and Cyprus the majority of respondents thought sales would be “about the same” Top sales team earnings in 2012 were $1million (UK). On average, 59.6% of a salesman’s income came from commission. Levels ranged from 0% to 100%. Results differed widely between countries. The average in the UK was 25%. In Spain, 77%. In Malaysia, 90% To make detailed analysis useful, we need a larger sample size. Confidence is high for a better 2014. But not everywhere: in India, Turkey and Cyprus the large majority of respondents thought sales would be “about the same”. In Spain, however, over half expected sales to be higher. 67% of the people taking part sold mainly property located in their own country. 33% sold less than 30% of property in the country where they were based Most companies taking part sell less than 30% of their property to people from their own country Once again, people taking part in the survey will be able to filter the data to show only companies similar to themselves.

How old were the companies? 30 25 20 15 10 05 00

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1990s

2000s

% age

a high percentage of the companies were set up in the mid-90s or later Who MUST be licensed?

43%

33%

14%

Other data collected...

COMPANY 33% COMPANY + STAFF 14%

ALL STAFF 4% NOBODY 43%

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Earnings by administrative staff, Earnings by sales staff, Earnings by IT staff, Earnings by managers Earnings by the owners of the companies What property was sold in which countries? Average values of the properties sold

1980s

28th - 30th March 2014 Olympia London

The proven way to meet British buyers ‚ The three-day exhibition at Olympia London is our first event of 2014 and the twentieth consecutive show since 2005 ‚ A Place in the Sun Live has a proven track-record of attracting an audience of British buyers excited at the prospect of purchasing overseas property ‚ A marketing campaign across national and regional newspapers, magazines, radio, online and PR - no other shows attract the same volume of motivated property hunters ‚ The biggest and best-attended events in the calendar and the ideal opportunity to meet thousands of buyers face-to-face

For an up-to-date floorplan and to find out more about exhibiting at A Place in the Sun Live call +44 (0) 20 3207 2920 or email sales@aplaceinthesun.com

aplaceinthesun.com/exhibit O F F I C I A L A I R L I N E PA R T N E R

5,500+ visitors expected at London Olympia Spring 2014

BIG ISSUE OPP health check Percentage of income spent on salaries/wages, Percentage of income spent on premises, Percentage of income spent on IT, Percentage of income spent on marketing What is the most useful thing you have done in IT? What is the most useful/successful thing you have done in marketing? ...and a lot of other information. The limited sample size does not make it worthwhile to analyse these responses in this report but with more data and the ability to filter responses to show only those of interest to you, this information makes the OPP Business Health Check a potentially invaluable tool – and one that can only get better as you tell us what you would find useful and we incorporate your requests in the survey.

Are estate agencies in your country regulated?

35 57

YES 57% NO 35%

Why should I give up my company’s secrets? Many people first thinking about benchmarking struggle with the whole concept of voluntarily giving competitors any clue as to their company’s financial and other secrets. After all, they reason, it has taken us a long time to design and fine tune our systems and processes. Would we not simply be making life easier for our competitors by revealing all? The reality is rather different. First, your information is entirely

Your information is entirely confidential. Your competitors won’t see how you run your business

Expected sales numbers in 2014

15%

77%

same as 2013: 15% More than 2013: 77% Less than 2013 08%

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confidential. Nobody reading our report will be able to see how you run your business. Instead, your information will be pooled with all the other information received so that, for example, companies taking part will see that the range of rent as proportion of a company’s income is from 3.2% to 14% and the average is 8.1%. They will not know what you pay, nor will they see

An encouraging 77% said they expected sales to increase in the next year

BIG ISSUE OPP health check

What percentage of sales were of property in YOUR OWN country?

27%

how your figure for rent fits in with any other aspect of your company’s expenditure or process. In short, the advantages you get from seeing the whole range of anonymous data are far greater than any disadvantage associated with revealing the position in your

The advantages you get from seeing the whole range of data are far greater than any disadvantages

33%

40%

less than 30%: 33% 60 to 99%: 40% 100 %: 27%

Only 12% of respondents sold their property exclusively to overseas buyers What percentage of sales were to PEOPLE FROM your own country?

company. Testimonials as to the value and effectiveness abound. From the fire service: “I have found the Benchmarking Club experience provides real value in shaping and delivering our risk management strategy. From the comparison of how we are doing against our peers, through to identifying strengths and areas for development in our own organisation, the Benchmarking Club has given us access to data which ensures that our risk management framework will continue to be effective in all the right areas.” Another from a resort manager in Florida: “If I were to look at all the money I’ve spent in the last 10 years on development and compare it to the value I got here, this was, by far, superior to anything.”

Why not just read the report? 12% 35% 29%

LOOK OUT FOR THE 2014 REPORT

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24%

less than 30% 30 to 59%

The version of the report disclosed to the public contains only a selection of top-level figures. Only the companies that take part receive and can analyse the full report.

60 to 99% 100%

The OPP Business Health Check is about helping businesses to focus on the future by looking at how other business have performed this year and in the past. This is a big exercise for OPP. Do our readers want us to do it? What information do they want us to collect? Look out for the 2014 report questionnaire which will be sent out in spring 2014

NEWS Development news

Keeping track of major developments $600m development to resume in Yemen

Launches, milestones, openings... please send news and images of your development to chris.nye@opp-connect.com

Inspired by ocean

Qatari developer Qatari Diar is to resume work on a US$600million mixed-use development. Around 44 villas were completed in the AlRayyan Hills development before work was halted by conﬂict in the country. “This is one of the largest real estate projects in Yemen. We are trying to resume work in February 2014 and hope the authorities will help us in achieving this goal,” said Waleed Barakat,

project manager at Al-Diar. The project, originally scheduled for completion in 2014, will spread over an area of 440,000 square metres and include 194 residential apartments, 72 townhouses and a 5-star boutique hotel, as well as oﬃce and retail space. Qatari Diar is working in collaboration with Yemini government-owned Shibam Holding, who control 20% of the venture.

This student housing block was inspired by anemone tentacles moving beneath the surface of the ocean. Designed by Atelier Fernandez & Serres, the six-storey building is part of a complex of an oceanological research facility in the eastern Pyrénées. The ornate, concrete walls conceal the interior while allowing light and ventilation to pass through the building. www.fernandez-serres.com

CityCenterDC hits milestones

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‘Bahamian Riviera’ takes shape

The latest construction update from the Baha Mar development showed the Casino & Hotel, Grand Hyatt, Mondrian and the convention centre beginning to take shape. Scheduled for opening in December 2014, owners of units in the resort will be able to apply for permanent residence in The Bahamas.

Hines and the TFI US Real Estate Fund, developers of CityCenterDC, announced several signiﬁcant milestones at the 10-acre, mixeduse development. The developers

FEBRUARY 2014 announced the official re-opening of 10th Street and I Street; the first time these thoroughfares have been accessible to the public in more than 30 years. They also saw the first residents at The Apartments at CityCenter and The Residences at CityCenter. Phase one of the project was finished at the end of last year and included 458 rental apartments and 216 condo units. Phase two, including a 370-room hotel, is expected to start in 2015.

of a specially developed stoneware tile with a reﬂective coating – which Libeskind claims will be self-cleaning and air purifying. Berlin-based

developer MINERVA is handling the technical and economic side of things, in partnership with fellow Berlin developer econcept.

Building bulletins

Upscale Abu Dhabi project

UAE-based SinoGulf plan to start building a 332-unit residential project in the ﬁrst quarter of this year. The upscale development, to be called Capital House, will be built near the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). SinoGulf fund manager David Cockerton said, “The property will provide a much needed supply of one- and two-bedroom apartments in an established island location.”

Modern and metallic

Nicaragua: Grupo Mariana have announced that construction will resume on their beachfront project Seaside Mariana in Nicaragua. Spread over 923 acres, the project is attracting interest as the developers launch their “Ambassador Member Program”. The project took a hit in December 2012 when two big names in tourism terminated their partnerships with Seaside Mariana after what chairman Kevin Fleming said was an “illegal lawsuit” was filed against the company after slow progress. Asia: Asia accounted for three quarters of the skyscrapers built in 2013, according to the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. 53 skyscrapers over 200 metres high were complete in Asia last year – and the region now contains 45% of the world’s tallest buildings. China has the majority of the total, followed by South Korea. UK: Essential Living has been given the green light to develop the UK’s first office-to-residential private rental development. The developer has been giving planning permission to redevelop the 14-storey Berkshire House office block in Maidenhead. Construction is due to begin early this year.

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Architect Daniel Libeskind has unveiled plans for an angular, metallic apartment block in Berlin. Due for completion in 2015, the building will include 73 residential units and shops on the ground level. The gleaming facade will be made

Dubai: Kuwait-based Abyaar Real Estate Development Company has started work on a US$544million project near the Knowledge Village in Dubai. Olgana Tower was launched in 2007 and will include 139 villas and apartments with services including a clubhouse, pool and ﬁtness centre.

FEATURE Student report highlights Words | Christopher Nye

OPP Global Student Accommodation Report The OPP report analysed present and future demand for purpose-built student accommodation. This is a brief extract

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lobal demand for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) will continue to grow for at least another 20 years. Although student housing provision is good (if expensive), in the most mature markets of the UK and USA, it is frequently poor elsewhere, even in otherwise well-developed nations such as Australia. The rapid growth in student numbers has created a demand for accommodation that universities are increasingly unable and unwilling to meet directly as landlords and operators. Instead they are seeking innovative ways of encouraging the private sector to look after their students for them. Many types of investors are seeking to take advantage of this new demand, from private buy-to-let landlords trying their luck at HMO investments, to sovereign wealth

funds making multi-million-dollar commitments. REITs, equity funds and private individuals are rushing into the market, attracted by high returns in the past few years, during quiet times elsewhere in real estate. From the nation state point of view, where a country is already seeing some 30% of young people studying in higher education, yet falling birth rates as in most of Europe, it will need to attract international students in order to ﬁll their classes with talented, intelligent young people, who may then go on to become talented, high-earning tax payers. International students are considerably more likely than domestic students to want PBSA, ﬁnding it harder to settle into the local private rented HMO sector in their second and third years, and with landlords reluctant to deal with international lessees. As economies improve following

the global ﬁnancial crisis and options for young people widen, university educations will become increasingly price sensitive. The very best students may be willing to pay up to US$40,000 per annum in living and course costs, but opportunities will open for second-tier and universities overseas – and providers of PBSA to them – to gain traction. OPP have identiﬁed ten markets around the world that it believes offer the best potential for providers of PBSA. These are, in alphabetical order, Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Turkey, UK, USA. We also offer two wild card options, Cuba and Nigeria.

Download the full report FREE at OPP-Connect.com

FEBRUARY 2014

Examples of the data we analysed (various sources - gaps indicate data not available)

Int students

Course costs US$,000

Living costs US$

Soft power rating

In Times best Unis

In QS best 200 unis

Av city rental returns

Pop under age 15 (%)

Pop aged 15-24 (%)

271 200

4.94

70 900

8.02

COUNTRY

25-34 yr olds with tertiary ed (%)

AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND

Total students

HONG KONG

SINGAPORE

2.41

2.66

7.05

5.53

CHINA

INDONESIA

6 100

JAPAN

SAUDI ARABIA

SOUTH KOREA

USA

CANADA

3836000

141 600

31 700

20428000

684 800

4.29

195 500

3.68

7.32

6.33

8.06

CUBA CHILE

9 600

BRAZIL

14 700

ARGENTINA MEXICO

3 200 21

SOUTH AFRICA

1 900

7.76

62 700

4.65

MAs offered in English

2479000

534 600

2.09

GERMANY

2556000

264 000

0.6

4.42

AUSTRIA

350000

68 500

3.81

BELGIUM

445000

55 000

4.36

250

FRANCE

2245000

260 000

3.63

500

ITALY

1980000

69 900

3.84

300

SPAIN

1879000

98 600

3.92

375

HOLLAND

651000

49 100

5.68

950

SWEDEN

455000

44 800

700

NORWAY

DENMARK

SWITZERLAND

FINLAND

TURKEY

15 700 241000

53 900

304000

14 100

3529000

25 800

IRELAND

194000

29 300

RUSSIA

161 000

5.18

330

2.94

280

4.05

260

5.05

1 2

3.8

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26 200

730

FEATURE Student report highlights

Markets to watch CUBA If and when Cuba sheds its socialist past, one industry that Cuba has kept pace with the rest of the world is tertiary education, with 11% of Latin American scientists getting PhDs there and five Cuban institutions in the 2013 QS rankings. The last academic year saw 22,580 international students in Cuba, most studying medicine. Indeed in the class of 2012 the overseas graduates from 59 countries outnumbered domestic, especially those from Bolivia (2,400), Peru, Nicaragua and Ecuador. Over the long term, with substandard housing and a high cool quotient Cuba looks like an opportunity.

BRAZIL

It tops the QS Latin America University Rankings, but fewer than 15,000 international students went there in 2010, says the OECD, mostly from Portuguese-speaking countries. With 200 million people and a youthful demographic, major and long-lasting domestic demand seems likely and the Government is committed to improving housing conditions. One company seeing opportunities here is Aengus Investment Properties (AIP), a student specialist from South Africa. “This is an untapped market, particularly in emerging economies,” says Richard Rubin, CEO. Historically, accommodation was provided by institutions, but slashed operating budgets mean that many universities are outsourcing the provision and management to independent companies and in many instances partnering with them to do so, says Aengus.

CANADA Canada offers high quality education in a safe, multicultural environment, undercutting rivals for both cost of studying and living, and should aim for 450,000 international students by 2022, says a new report, International Education: A Key Driver of Canada’s Future Prosperity. It suggests offering more scholarships and cutting visa processing times for students from China, India, Brazil, the Middle East and North Africa, Turkey, Vietnam and Mexico. Canada ranks highly for Soft Power and is immigrant friendly. It’s close to the US both geographically and in lifestyle, with English (and French) spoken. It is also short of student accommodation. Launching a 630-bed student block in Ottawa, CA Ventures said: “Ottawa is the perfect market for us because it has a very good, dynamic student population with very little purpose-built student housing. This is exactly what we are looking for.” They are also looking at Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal.

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TURKEY

Foreign student numbers have doubled since 2006, drawn by low tuition fees, scholarships and an improving education profile. New student developments abound: TOKI has announced plans to build 64 dormitories with 43,848 beds. Leading investor the Abraaj Group announced a significant investment in Republika Academic Apartments (totally 1,264 beds), also seeking to capitalise on the undersupply of student housing. Turkey overall is seeing much-increased interest from foreign buyers since the easing of the law governing property purchases by foreign nationals.

IRELAND

International students mainly from Italy, China, UK, Germany, the USA and Nigeria contributed €1billion to Ireland’s economy last year. Ireland is targeting students from Brazil, India and Russia while also offering free tuition to some EU students, aiming to raise numbers by 50% by 2017. University-supplied housing is in short supply. The University Times said: “It is frankly embarrassing and inexplicable that an internationally recognized university such as Trinity can struggle to house even such a relatively small number of students.” In the private rental sector, the media has criticised ‘slumlords’ who offer substandard, overpriced student housing, especially in Dublin. University College Cork has launched dedicated alcohol-free student apartments, aimed to appeal to Muslim students.

FEBRUARY 2014

MEXICO Mexico is trying to create a professional middle class via housing and education. It has 118 million people and the youngest population in the region, and unlike other Latin American nations it attracts students from other continents. Almost half come from Europe and more than 1,000 from the US. Student house prices vary widely from city to city. Guadalajara Student Housing charges US$435 per month in modern purpose-built student blocks with private rooms and shared living spaces. In Mexico City, student blocks with private facilities go from US$470 per month with a company called Vecindad, shared facilities from US$320. Given the reputation for crime – somewhat exaggerated, it is a big country – international students in particular are likely to opt for purpose-built student blocks rather than HMOs within the community.

FRANCE

France has the second-largest number of international students in Europe, behind the UK. But it wants more. Fees have been lowered to around US$1,000 per annum to encourage an influx of non-EU students to take foreign student numbers from the current 12% to 30% by 2020. The average student housing provision rate in France currently stands at 11% (ranging from 6% in Paris to 25% in Grenoble). Of the 342,500 rooms available, 161,500 are publicly owned and 40,000 are student-dedicated social housing units – both groups are managed by public student body CROUS and have an average rent of US$116 per week. The rest are privately owned – mainly by domestic investors. Big players include Résidences Estudines, who have facilities in 20 major French towns. However, a small number of international companies are entering the market. The French government is raising funding of CROUS, aiming to double managed unit numbers and bring provision to 24% by 2020.

NIGERIA Nigeria, with 170 million people, 63% under the age of 24, has raised the number of universities from 51 in 2005 to 128 last year. There is a hunger for education with demand exceeding supply for places, forcing some 40,000 Nigerians to study abroad. Universities provide accommodation to fewer than 30% of those wanting it, the majority of the other 70% resorting to privately rented accommodation that is frequently sub-standard. Independent investment firm Alitheia has suggested that there may be profitable opportunities for developers partnering with universities, with a focus on sustainability and access to the basics (reliable electricity, water and internet) that university-supplied accommodation often fails to.

AUSTRALIA

For much more detailed analysis including the US and UK, download the full report FREE at OPP-Connect.com

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Australia has the third highest number of international students in the world as South-East Asian students especially from Vietnam, Korea and Indonesia, flock to the closest English-language environment. Some 100,000 on ELICOS (English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students) visas join university and vocational students in a total international body in excess of 500,000. However, numbers have dipped since 2010, due to a high cost of living, strong Australian dollar and visa difficulties. Tuition fees are the highest in the world (although scholarship schemes are available). Despite the drop in enrolments, major cities

lack student housing, leading to investor interest, especially in Sydney. Traditionally, student accommodation in Australia was provided mainly by the universities in the form of on-campus dormitories. However, in the last decade the rise in numbers has necessitated off-campus housing.

FEATURE Student report highlights

The emerging student exporter nations Where will the international students renting properties be coming from in five, ten or even twenty years?

here will tomorrowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international students be coming from? OPP has analysed student data from the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and combined it with demographic data from each nation. A country with a large, young population, that traditionally sends students abroad, is a market worth looking at. Hence a larger blob, higher up on the graph and the further to the right, indicates a market with the greatest potential.

70,000

Number of students who studied abroad (2010)

60,000

50,000

40,000

30,000

20,000

10,000

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70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

00%

1. Albania 2. Algeria 3. Bangladesh 4. Belarus 5. Bulgaria 6. Cameroon 7. Colombia 8. Cyprus 9. Iran 10. Kazakhstan 11. Lebanon 12. Malaysia 13. Mauritius 14. Morocco 15. Nepal 16. Nigeria 17. Pakistan 18. Peru 19. Romania 20. Singapore 21. Sri Lanka 22. Ukraine 23. Uzbekistan 24. Venezuela 25. Vietnam 26. Yemen 27. Zimbabwe

Percentage of the countryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population aged below 25

50m

100m

200m

Size of circle = total population of the country (million)

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of our readers said they read their Overseas Guides newsletter every week

of people buying property abroad do not sign up for a viewing trip organised by a single agent

of our clients want more information on buying overseas property!

of Brits moving abroad rely on income from a UK pension, a combination of pensions and investments, or solely investments in the UK or abroad

% based on survey with OGC’s 60,000 database - March 2013.

of Brits buying overseas want to be within an hour of the airport; only 27% would stretch to being within a two hour transfer time

Our customers are waiting to hear from you. When we refer a client to one of our professional partners, we know that they won’t need to go elsewhere to be sure of a successful overseas property purchase. Right now, we’re looking for new, quality partners to join our existing select network of agents and service providers. Find out how a partnership with The Overseas Guides Company would benefit your business - get in touch on 020 7898 0549 or email partners@overseasguidescompany.com.

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BUSINESS Finance

Show me the money! As the market for holiday homes returns, what must a potential buyer do to prove they can pay? What criteria do lenders use to ensure they get paid back?

SIMON CONN: e: simon@simonconn.com t: +44 (0)7739 033266

ou can’t blame people for dreaming. But after 30+ years in this business, I am still amazed at how many clients attempt to buy a property abroad despite being in a ﬁnancial position that would never allow them to borrow the funds required. If you are selling, it’s worth explaining to potential clients some basic lender underwriting rules before they book that inspection ﬂight and waste everyone’s time.

ABILITY TO PAY

It’s worth explaining some basic lender rules before your potential client books that flight £2,000 per month, only £600 can be used towards any debt repayment per month. If his existing mortgage and loans add up to £400pm, then only £200pm can be used toward the new overseas purchase. If a client is employed, he/she has to have been in their existing job for at least six months and out of any probationary period. Any overtime or commission must be guaranteed to be accepted by a

lending source, though some will accept an average. Some overseas lenders look more favourably on clients who work for a stable and well-known employer such as a multinational company or the government. For the self-employed, at least three years’ consecutive profitable Audited Accounts will usually be required. When assessing a client’s existing personal liabilities, a lender will normally take into account all existing personal debt, including rent, mortgage, bank and car loans, divorce payments and school fees. If a mortgage is secured against a rented property, then the rental income received should cover at least 115% of the mortgage payments and some lenders like to see this as high as 125%. A new concept called “stress testing” has started to be seen (especially in those countries affected more by the recent economic crisis than others), where the lender will evaluate the future mortgage based on a higher interest rate than is currently being charged. This is to ensure that when interest rates do eventually increase, the client can also afford the revised monthly payments.

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Most lenders outside of the UK work on the basis of an average client’s “ability to repay”, to recover a debt rather than just their existing and new asset position. This rule has been greatly strengthened since the credit crisis, as lenders now hold an increasing stock of repossessed properties or failed development assets. There are the High Net Worth clients who can provide a lender the added comfort of additional assets, but this type of purchaser is relatively rare. So how can you evaluate the client’s ability to repay? It is normally based on a percentage of a client’s total net earned income (or other

“acceptable” income. “Acceptable” can vary from lender to lender. Some will take into account overtime, dividend, pension, rental etc, whilst others will not) less their existing liabilities and then any surplus can be used towards the overseas purchase. For example, if a lender works only on 30% being allowed, if Mr Smith’s total net earned and acceptable income is

FEATURE Experts advise Words | Francine Carrel

Branding a building site

In the years from launch to completion, how do you keep the buzz going about your construction project? Brand it!

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new real estate development is a big deal. They cost millions, carry the hopes and incomes of many people and will (hopefully) be standing for generations. But not existing yet – by definition – a half-built development can be tricky to keep at the front of the public’s mind in the years from launch to completion. Other, newer developments spring up, crowding yours out, while the memory of so many failed developments in recent years works against you. Effective branding can help a fickle, busy public to remember you. Branding is defined by BusinessDictionary.com as: “The process involved in creating a unique name and product in the consumer’s mind, mainly through advertising campaigns with a consistent theme. Branding aims to establish a significant and

differentiated presence in the market that attracts and retains loyal customers.” Effective branding can maintain the buzz about a development during the years of fund-raising, planning and building.

Maintain regular contact with your customers through social media and company newsletters 1. Recognition The best brands – such as Coca Cola, Apple, Ikea – instantly snap an image into the viewer’s mind. It could be a jingle, a logo, or even, if

they’re lucky, a mission statement such as Disneyland’s “the happiest place on earth”. To encourage instant recognition, consistency and repetition is key across all media – letterheads, social media, websites, everything. Robert Gavin of North Dakota Developments says: “A good brand should be simple, striking and relevant to the product or the ethos and culture of the company. Also, it must be consistent across all marketing and PR, providing the same or relevant messages.” Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs, cofounder of Italian company Appassionata, advocates: “A strong mission statement and regular contact with your customers through social media and company newsletters. Believe and be confident in your product and let it evolve, naturally.”

FEBRUARY 2014

Panel of experts Antonis Antoniou: Executive Director of Giovani Developers in Cyprus www.giovani.com.cy Robert Gavin: CEO of North Dakota Developments LLC Reyes Coll: Marketing Manager for Taylor Wimpey España Damian Hamp Adams: Sales and Marketing Director at IOREC (the developer responsible for Azuri Mauritius) www.azuri.mu Julian Houchin: Commercial Director, Dubrovnik Sun Gardens in Croatia www.dubrovniksungardens.com Alison Woolgar: Marketing Manager, The Oracle Group www.theoraclegroup.co.uk

that branding; It’s like seeing an old friend.

Content There are companies where a single letter M or even a “swoosh” are all that’s needed to bring a brand to mind, but MacDonalds and Nike have spent whole lifetimes and vast fortunes to become instantly recognizable. For new companies, Alison Woolgar, Marketing Manager at The Oracle Group explains:

Cognitive ease, the way a well-known brand is recognized, encourages a positive emotional response “A good logo should encompass the key message, together with the site name, and a strap line if appropriate.” Ask yourself these questions: 1. Is it pitched right for your product? “Nice” is not enough – it must be the visual representation of your product. Julian Houchin, Commercial Director of Dubrovnik

Sun Gardens in Croatia, says: “There are clear visual conventions around what constitutes a luxury brand. Visual identity is important so it is in keeping with the message you are trying to convey and what the brand stands for.” 2. Has it got shelf life? Changing logos is not only expensive, it defeats the whole object. Subtle changes are possible, however, maybe even essential. Developments can, after all, change in tone during the building process. Julian Houchin adds: “We have recently updated our logo for The Residences at Sun Gardens as whilst the original look and feel had many of the correct components, subtle developments were required in order to reinforce our luxury positioning.” 3. Is it versatile? Will it work well in grayscale, on a smaller scale, across several types of media? It is to get this right that some developers are tempted to use a third party branding expert, as mistakes can be catastrophic (the London 2012 Olympics logo, for example, caused susceptible viewers to have epileptic fits in its video format). Antonis Antoniou, Executive Director of Giovani Developers (in Cyprus), says: “Our branding is normally carried

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Trust and confidence is mentioned by our experts time and time again. There is no point building brand awareness of an inferior product. Damian Hamp Adams, Sales and Marketing Director at IOREC (the developer responsible for Azuri Mauritius) said, “We are big believers in doing what it says on the tin. As a case in example, we set goals and objectives for ourselves in terms of finance, planning, sales, timing of construction and launching the project. These were communicated to our clients from the very early stages. Thankfully we managed to deliver on every goal and this has given clients the confidence to buy into our next phases, along with the first.” In inspiring trust, repeated exposure of clients to the branding can itself build trust. In Thinking Fast and Slow, psychologist Daniel Kahneman explains how consumers come to trust a name they see repeated often, “because the repeated exposure of a stimulus is followed by nothing bad.” He explains how ‘cognitive ease’, the way that a well-known logo or branding is instantly recognized, encourages positive emotional response to

FEATURE Experts advise outside of the company. The reason is that we believe in expertise and having in mind that we do not employ the adequate staff such as marketers, graphic designers and so on… We would rather outsource this very important task.”

Wow them with words A winning look can only take you so far. Good copy – be it on a website or brochure – is vital in cultivating respect and trust in your brand. Mr Adams of IOREC explains how the two should work together: “The development is sea and beach facing on

Branding becomes a visual shorthand for sales messages, subconsciously rekindling excitement

lovely coastline” and “I can really see myself living there.”

Repetition Now what? Advertising can, in a nutshell, be divided into “interruption” – for example, press adverts between articles, or where you interrupt a TV show for ad breaks – or “permission”, where a customer comes to you, by signing into your email newsletters for example, or by liking your Facebook page. Either model can be effective in taking your public with you in the years of bringing a development to the market. Social media updates and blogs can be quick, cheap and effective, but so can newsletters and press releases. Adams recommended sending mailers to certain “early bird investors” of your choice – making previous customers feel valued and increasing the chance of repeat business.

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In or out of house?

one of the best beach front locations in Mauritius. Hence, we wanted something that evoked that sense of lifestyle but was easily recognisable, simple and adaptable to all media effectively. We also incorporated a tag line with the logo which has gone way beyond our expectations in terms of its strength. ‘Life In Blue’ now forms a part of all our marketing.” Branding becomes a visual shorthand for your other sales messages. Wow them once with the words, a powerful video or a model at a show and later exposure to the logo should, at a subconscious level, rekindle that excitement. When writing, Cavanagh-Hobbs recommends a personal approach: “You need clear and concise points written in a structured, organised way. Know your audience and try to picture your customer, imagine writing to them personally. Words can paint a fuller picture of what your development can offer. A thoughtful, clear description of your development and the surrounding area is the difference between, “What a

Whichever method you use to promote your development it takes time and resources. Developers who turn to PR companies mitigate the cost to gain three basic element: time, expertise, creative energy Daniel Adams at IOREC says: “They [the outsourced companies] brought forward some fresh ideas and reinvigorated our views as to what the brand should represent and this translated through the marketing collateral and all other mediums.” Karin Van Den Hemel, from Pine Cliffs Resort, agreed, “At the moment we are doing most of our branding in-house but we have great partners in design and PR. There are specific projects such as our website or mobile app, which will require specific outsourcing.” Alone of our experts Robert Gavin, CEO of North Dakota Developments LLC, said he looked entirely in-house for his branding: “We developed our branding in-house. This is because we have creative designers in our marketing team who understand our business and ethos.”

Branded buildings “What’s in a name?” asks Juliet, in a play written by Shakespeare and first performed at the Globe Theatre in Southwark 400 years ago. The exact same area has now been rebranded The London Bridge Quarter and is home to Europe’s tallest building, The Shard. If anything can show the power of a catchy name, it’s modern building design. 01| The Shard, London Bridge Quarter, completed 2012, it captured the spirit and excitement of the Olympics that year. 02| The Gherkin. Oﬃcially 30 St Mary Axe, in London. Started a craze for naming developments and was followed by The Walkie Talkie and Cheesegrater buildings. 03| Tower of the Arabs. There are bigger buildings in the UAE, but nowhere quite captures the spirit of Dubai like this one. 04| Paradise Island, on the Bahamas. Pretty? Not really. Memorable? Oh yes. Want to go there? Of course you do.

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BUSINESS Land

Making money from land When property prices rise it’s not bricks costing more, it’s the land. So who’s making the money – the developer or the landowner? Is the grass really greener in land investment?

MARTIN SADLER www.qualitasproperty.com Tel: +44 (0) 207 993 419

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he USA has been one of the most commonly promoted countries for overseas property agents over the last few years. Small wonder, given the fundamentals of a market with low capital values and high headline rents. However, over the last 12 months, as we have entered a more mature phase of the market, deals oﬀering building lots for sale as an investment have been launched with increasing regularity. Land has hitherto been seen as a slow, plodding cart horse of an investment; more suitable to housebuilders, hedge funds and pension companies than individual retail investors attracted by the sleek, sexy sports car of high-yielding buyto-let. But as the wheels start to creak on some of the high yielding investments (which means high risk), let’s reconsider the cart horse. The accepted fact among US appraisers and builders is that the land component is the inﬂationary part of any new-build house. This means that when the market is rising it is the land that receives up to 90% of the allocation of the increased value. After all, the house’s components (the bricks, timber,

electrical cables and so forth) will be worth virtually the same from year to year, just rising with general inﬂation. Consider a modest, new-build house in Florida typical of what is being built today: 2,000 square foot, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, pool and garage. Priced at around $250,000. Building costs at $100 per sq ft take $200,000. Commissions

When the market is rising it is the land that receives up to 90% of the allocation of the increased value and developers proﬁt (10%) takes $25,000. That leaves $25,000 for the lot owner. If we were to fastforward two years, using current appreciation in Florida of around 12% per year, this would put the same new-build house at $313,600. All the other components are virtually the same, but let’s say for argument’s sake that the house cost $110 a sq ft to build.

This would affect the figures like this: $220,000 build costs, $31,360 in commissions and developer profit. That leaves $62,240 for the lot owner. In other words the land receives around 60% of the capital appreciation based on the total property price, which relates to a return of almost 150% on the land itself ($25,000 to $62,240) but for just 10% of the current required investment to purchase the house. Of course, you need to buy the land in areas where new construction is happening, where there are jobs and population growth – together with all the other drivers a good property market needs to perform. The flip side is there is no cash flow and it’s not as prestigious or easy to explain to clients. But neither are there property management headaches giving you sleepless nights. There are no rental void periods or ongoing property maintenance and income tax bills. In many ways and for most retail investors buy-to-lets will always be the pre-eminent vehicle of choice but in a rising market and a good location, building land has a place at the heart of a balanced portfolio.

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LEGAL News LEGAL News

The of the Newchanges Year Our arrival round-up of legal has a significant number findsbrought tax hikes in Spain but speedier of new regulations acrossand theIndia world processes in US, France BAHRAIN BAHAMAS REDUCED REGISTRATION BREA SUCCESSFULLY OBJECTS CHARGESTO NEW ‘TAXES’

registered by means of an Electronic Statement of Registration – Foreign Direct Investment Module (RDE-IED), on the Central Bank Information System (SISBACEN). For the purposes of the Electronic Statement of Registration, foreign direct investment is deﬁned as permanent holdings in Brazilian companies or, in accordance with common market practices, longtermCentral ownership byof non-resident The Bank Cyprus has investors; individuals corporate published a directiveordemanding entities residing, domiciled or stricter loan origination criteria. incorporated through The directiveabroad, states, “The most ownership of shares which or stock in important criterion Brazilian or should investments the creditcompanies, institutions in foreign companies authorized consider, when assessing an to operate in Brazil. application for granting a The statement implies that facility, is the customer’s income the Brazilian companies receiving and source of repayment and the investment and/or the eventually customer’s ability representative to repay.” Untilofitthe wasforeign issued, investor banks are responsible for the Cypriot did not have a registration. [Reported by: Daniela codified code of practice in loan Antunes, Maxwell Alves Solicitors, origination – using collateral www.maxwellalves.com] value as the main criterion for approving a loan. “Collateral by itself should not be under any DUBAI circumstance a criterion for TANWEER LEGISLATION TO approving a loan and cannot by justify the approval of BEitself ANNOUNCED any facility without compliance with theproperty aforesaid A new lawlending aimed at criteria,” theinvestors’ directiverights stresses. improving Itlooks has requested banks collect set to be announced soon information onlong-awaited the financial in Dubai. The status, income tax returns Tanweer legislation will be and other criteria“soon”, of an applicant. announced says Majida Banks are instructed to the set Real Ali Rashed, the head of monthly instalments at 35% of Estate Investment Management the applicant’s and Promotionincome. Centre of the [Source: Cyprus Property News]

francine.carrel@opp-connect.com john.howell@opp-connect.com

More updates are available in our news section at www.opp-connect.com

DUBAI Dubai Land Department (DLD). The industry has been waiting HOLIDAY HOMES TO BE 18 months for the law to be REGULATED

passed and legal experts gave their views on the draft to the Land Department last year, reports the National website. No specific details were available but Ms Rashed says it is ready and is being examined by higher authorities. The DLD first announced in October 2011 that it was employing experts to examine and improve the real estate investor law will by Dubai’s holiday protection home market theregulated end of theand year, to date be thebut number nothing been finalized. of visitorhas accommodations [Reported by Ruler AdrianofBishop, broadened. Dubai Editor of OPP Connect.] Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has released a decree authorising the emirate’s Department of Tourism and FRANCE Marketing (DTCM) to grant and CHANGE IN CAPITAL regulate licenses for parties renting out residential property GAINS TAX on either a daily, weekly or monthly Francois basis. The news comes President Hollande has soon after athe announcement announced change in the capital that tax Dubai will host the World gains system on second home Expoto2020, which is expected sales provide more fluidity in the to increase demand for The visitor French property market. taper accommodation. relief system is to be changed so Two Holiday Homes that from 2014 the required time will beaadded to ofclassifications ownerships before property existing Hotel Classification isthe completely exempt from capital framework: ‘Standard’ ordown gains tax will be 22 years, ‘Deluxe’. The DCTM will which create was from the 30 year system theed regulation around the ratifi in September 2012. licenses, theat Athena Nicholasdetermining Leach, Partner standards to be met and the Advisors, commented, “This could procedures be consideredthat as amust bit ofbea U-turn as well asreverting creating to byfollowed, the government, database of all licensed a asystem which is similar to that establishments. when Sarkozy was in power. Last [Reported by Francine Carrel]put year’s property tax changes

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On 20 May, Bahrain’s Shura Council ratiﬁed a motion to reduce charges for the registration of newly acquired real estate. The amendment, bringing the buyer’s fee down from 3% of the property value to 2%, is hoped to stimulate real estate growth. Furthermore, an incentive designed to push buyers to pay quickly was approved – if the The Bahamas Real Estate payment is made within 60 days Association (BREA) objected to the buyer will receive a 15% three proposals in the private discount VAT on registration fees. sector’s alternatives package. [Source: Oxford Business Group, The Association disagreed with www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com] proposals to levy a 25% capital gains tax on the net profits earned BRAZILby foreigners from Bahamian real estate sales; a REGISTRATION OFtax FOREIGN levy on real property on developed properties in the CAPITAL Family Island; and the seizing of people’s homes and land if the amount of outstanding property tax exceeds the cost of collection or seizure. President of BREA Franon Wilson told Tribune Business that the proposals would have “grave consequences” for the industry in the Bahamas if they were adopted. Mr Wilson claimed that due to BREA’s objections, that According tohe theunderstood Foreign Capital the removed the three Law,Coalition “Foreign capital is considered proposals from its packageor to be any goods, machinery before presenting it toBrazil the equipment that enters Christie administration. The with no initial foreign exchange case highlighted the difficulty of disbursement, intended for passing new relating to the production oflaws goods and services, sector the Bahamas without and anyinfunds brought into the meeting objection from one party country for use in economic or another.

activities, provided that they belong

CYPRUS to individuals or corporate entities STRICTER CRITERIA domiciled or LOAN incorporated abroad.” Foreign capital must be FROM CENTRAL BANK

Lawyers and accountants around the world tell us about new developments in the law. If you know of any interesting changes to the law or taxation in the country where you live or do business, contact

63 39

LEGAL News

DUBAI NEW MORTGAGE RULES TAKE EFFECT Emirates 24/7 reported that the new Dubai mortgage rules were introduced on Saturday 28 December 2013. Under these rules, LTV ratios will be reduced for first time expat buyers to 75%. This is reduced to 60% if the purchase is a second UAE property and 50% if the property is bought off-plan. Pre-approval letters already issued to customers are no longer valid. The UAE Central Bank issued new mortgage lending regulation in October. A local Islamic bank is offering up to 90% home loans to property buyers in the UAE, with the option of even getting finance for the title registration fee and, since early this year, other banks have been providing up to 85% home finance. Abdulaziz Al Ghurair, Chairman of UAE Banks Federation, the representative body of banks operating in the country, had called for penalties for banks and bank employees found flouting the rules. [Reported by John Howell]

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GREECE CONTROVERSIAL PROPERTY TAX PASSED

The Greek government in December passed a controversial property tax, together with a law renewing a ban on home foreclosures for a further year. The property tax, which has taken years to write and be passed, is hoped to boost the Greek budget by combining several taxes, but opponents have warned that it may drive property prices lower and damage the country’s predicted

rebound this year. The law, aiming to raise €2.6billion per year, imposes a tax on residential and commercial properties, as well as vacant property lots, farms and sports fields. It also cuts property transfer taxes by over 50%. The renewed ban on foreclosures only applies to primary properties valued at up to €200,000, and households with an income of under €35,000. The Troika voiced an objection to the law. [Source: Wall Street Journal]

PAKISTAN NEW REGULATORY AUTHORITY ON THE WAY

will depend mainly on the proximity of the land to the city centre and on transportation links. The change effects office zones most dramatically – the cadastral value has risen by 13%. Residential property has seen a rise of around 9%, from 53,679 rubles (US$1,640) per square metre to 58,593 rubles (US$1,790) per square metre. Amendments to the tax code in October 2013 made cadastral value the basis for calculating property tax rather than inventory book value. Cadastral value is usually significantly higher. City Hall will reevaluate the values annually. [Source: The Moscow Times]

UK CAPITAL GAINS TAX FOR FOREIGN BUYERS

The Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) is to draft the necessary regulation for a real estate regulatory authority. Finance Minister Senator Muhammed Ishaq Dar directed the SECP to draft rules which would allow the new authority to regulate the real estate sector on a par with modem jurisdiction. In his presentation in December, Senator Dar also said that the Government would dedicate two sectors in Islamabad where overseas Pakistanis could purchase plots of land using foreign currency – giving them “comfort” in a secure and transparent investment. [Source: www.thenews.com.pk]

RUSSIA MOSCOW CADASTRAL VALUE UP 10% The cadastral value of Moscow real estate has been raised by an average of 10%, from 1 January. The assessment of the value (which has been the basis for calculating property tax since October 2013)

Capital Gains Tax will be imposed on foreign-owned property sales in the UK from April 2015. UK Chancellor George Osborne announced in his Autumn Statement that from April 2015 Capital Gains Tax (CGT) will be levied on future gains by nonresidents who sell residential property in the UK. The move will help prevent a market bubble developing in the London market and recoup extra tax revenue. UK residents pay CGT at 1828% on proceeds from the sale of second homes. Mr Osborne said, “Britain welcomes investment from overseas but it’s not right that those who live here have to pay CGT, but those who are non-residents do not. From April 2015, non-UK residents will have to pay CGT on property in Britain, including selling of that property. The change brings the UK in line with other major property markets including New York and Paris where equivalent taxes can reach up to 50%, depending on the owner’s residency status. The decision is unlikely to have much impact on overseas buyers, according to property experts. Visit www.opp-connect.com for updates and expert opinion on the new tax regulations. [Reported by Adrian Bishop]

DATA The Rightmove Survey Words | John Howell

The hidden world of the property investor The property investor is one of the three great target markets for the industry. As they emerge from hiding, who are they and where are they buying?

his is the fourth – and final – part of OPP’s review of the Rightmove International Property Buyer Survey 2013. For those who missed the earlier articles (available at www. opp-connect.com), this was a comprehensive survey of thousands of existing and potential overseas property buyers using the Rightmove international property

The investor makes up a much smaller percentage of the market than a few years ago portal. Although the buyers taking part were mainly British, the results give a fascinating and much broader insight into the thinking, the motivation and the plans of the buyers of international property. Studied and applied wisely, they can help you focus your business,

wherever it might be located. The results are especially useful as 61% of the people taking part in the survey were intending to buy a property in another country but had not yet bought. In other words, they are potential customers! The buyers broke down into three groups: those buying mainly as a holiday home, those buying mainly as a permanent place to live and (the smallest) those buying mainly as an investment. The property investor makes up a much smaller percentage of the UK-based international property market than he or she did a few years’ ago. A full 13% of the people who had already bought a property had it mainly as an investment. Only 5% of those intending to buy were buying mainly for this purpose. See Figures 1 & 2. Of course, property investment is thriving in other places, especially amongst buyers in Asia, the CIS countries and the Middle East. Collectively, the overseas property industry puts a lot of emphasis on – and spends a lot of money

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Figure 3: People intending to buy - by age

Age Group

All %

Investors %

Under 30

30 – 44

16%

36%

45 – 54

30%

28%

55 – 64

37%

22%

65+

14%

Fig 1: Already bought as …

Second Home / Holiday Home: 51% Permanent Residence: 36% Investment: 13%

Fig 2: Intending to buy as…

Second home / Holiday home: 48% Permanent residence: 47% Investment: 5%

hunting – the investment buyer but this survey reminds us that these creatures, even taking into account the deluge of buyers from Asia etc, while important only constitute a small percentage of the market for international property. Those intending to buy as an investment were also very different in age from the overall group of intending buyers. See Figure 3. Note the much higher percentages of the under 30s and, particularly, the 30-44s who

FEBRUARY 2014 are buying as an investment. This emphasis on younger “investor” buyers is much greater in those intending to buy than in those who have already bought. See Figure 4. Equally important for the developer or selling agent is the fact that most of these buyers are looking to buy soon: nearly 60% within the next two years. You need to be talking to them now! See Figure 5.

Figure 4: People who have already bought - by age at purchase All %

Investors %

Under 30

30 – 44

14%

25%

45 – 54

28%

34%

55 – 64

38%

30%

65+

18%

10%

Figure 5: When do you think you will buy?

Most of these buyers are looking to be buying soon. You need to be talking to them now! Note, too, that (if they behave like their predecessors who now own overseas investment property) they will move quickly once they finally decide to buy. See Figure 6. Perhaps not surprisingly, people who chose to buy as an investment often did so in different countries than those buying as a second/ holiday home or as a permanent/

Age Group

Time scale

All %

Investors %

1 - 2 years

60%

59%

3 - 5 years

28%

32%

5 - 10 years

10%

10+ years

Fig 6: Timescale – from deciding to invest to completing the purchase Less than 6 months

50%

6 months - 1 year

28%

1 - 2 years

16%

2 - 5 years

5 + years

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Those buying for investment are getting younger

DATA The Rightmove Survey retirement residence. See Figure 7. Equally to be expected, the places people are looking to buy today are different from the places they bought in the past. See Figure 8. More interestingly, where they are looking to buy their investment property also depends greatly upon the potential buyer’s age. See Figure 9. Whilst the US is ever popular with investors in most age groups, Spain and Cyprus seem to appeal

to a more limited age range of buyers and the popularity of France – at least as far as investors are concerned – ebbs and flows. It would be interesting to carry out further research to see why investors of different ages find different markets appealing. What type of property are investors looking to buy? As we saw when looking at holiday homes in an earlier article, this varies slightly with the age of

the investor but much more dramatically with the place where they want to buy. See Figure 10. Why are people looking to buy overseas rather than at home? Overwhelmingly, the most commonly cited reason (51%) was that they “Believe it is a good place to invest and will make a higher return on investment”. A surprisingly high 14% were investing now with a view to potential later retirement

Figure 7: Intending to buy as an investment - Top 10

Figure 8: Already bought as an investment – Top 10

Why are people looking to buy overseas? They believe it will give them higher returns

Country

Percentage

Country

Percentage

Spain

21%

United States

16%

United States

16%

Cyprus

10%

France

12%

Spain

Greece

Australia

Italy

Bulgaria

New Zealand

France

Australia

Italy

Thailand

Brazil

Turkey

Canada

Austria

Greece

to the area. Others mention diversification, affordability and a whole range of family and personal circumstances. There is a mixed message on letting the investment property: only 71% let the property they have bought as an investment with others intending either to renovate and sell or, in a few cases,

Figure 9: Choice of investment destination – by age of current potential buyers – the Top 5 Under 30

30-44

45-54

55-64

Over 65

France (38%)

Spain (11%)

United States (17%)

Cyprus (17%)

United States (29%)

United States

United States (11%)

Australia

United States

Brazil

Australia

France

Bulgaria

France

Spain

Bulgaria

Australia

Cyprus

Turkey

Bermuda

Greece

Bulgaria

Spain

Australia

Canada

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Figure 10: What type of property will you buy?

Property type

Spain

France

All buyers

A property located in a town or city

24%

34%

32%

24%

A property located in the countryside

17%

13%

17%

A property located on a resort

52%

31%

30%

A property under market value to renovate

14%

33%

17%

Other

19%

10%

FEBRUARY 2014

More! Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d love to receive data like this from all over the world

Figure 11: How many investment properties do you own? 1

46%

18%

13%

10+

Figure 12: How long have you owned your investment property?

to flip the properties on a rising market. Of those who do let, 12% let to holidaymakers, 61% to long term tenants (defined as over one month) and 26% let to both. Those who already own investment property often own multiple units; 54% own more than one, 26% own more than three. See Figure 11.

It would be even more fascinating if others around the world would ask the same questions

1 - 5 years

25%

5 - 10 years

36%

10 + years

29%

Fig 13: When do you intend to sell? I am in the process of selling

12%

0 - 3 years

20%

3 - 5 years

13%

5+ years

28%

Will leave to beneficiary

27%

OPP would like to thank Rightmove Overseas, and particularly Aimee Valaitis and Head of Overseas Shameen Golamy, for carrying out this survey and sharing the information with us.

www.rightmove.co.uk

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This is, perhaps, because so many (73%)have found that the yields from their property have met or exceeded their initial expectations. In keeping with the principle that property investment should be a medium to long term investment, many have owned their properties

for a long time. See Figure 12. Many intend to hold them for a lot longer than they used to! Well over 50% intend to keep the property for at least another five years or leave it to a beneficiary when they die. See Figure 13. All in all, the Rightmove survey offers a fascination glimpse into where and why people of different ages and backgrounds buy international investment property and what they do with it. In this article we have done little more than scratch the surface of this indepth report. It would be even more fascinating if other portals, agents and developers around the world would ask their customers exactly the same questions that Rightmove asked so that we could build up a truly international picture of the important international market in investment property. The more data we have, the better we can spot opportunities. If you are interested in doing this, please contact the writer â&#x20AC;&#x201C; john.howell@opp-connect.com â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or Rightmove (contact details right).

Less than a year

CrownWorld established itself in the Cayman Islands almost 10 years ago. In addition to the stunning Caribbean backdrop, the Cayman Islands’ impressed with a highly sophisticated infrastructure, political and economic stability, and their status as a tax-free British Overseas Territory. A natural progression from the CrownWorld residential sub-divisions has seen the emergence of a select number of master planned communities. All of these communities are classed as Eco Sites and have been designed to conform to strict environmental building standards for a prosperous and sustainable future through cost-eﬀective and energy saving green buildings.

Agent Beneﬁts Commissions paid within 7 days Full sales training White label marketing collateral Comprehensive support structure Client Beneﬁts Low deposits High capital growth Up to 7 years interest free payment plan Safe, secure and proven investment model

T: +44 (0)1565 740 740

| W: www.crownworld.com

| E: info@crownworld.com

BUSINESS Training

The habits of motivation “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing - that’s why we recommend it daily” Zig Ziglar

It’s a marathon, not a sprint! Sustaining motivation requires commitment

very unlikely to succeed and the reason so few people, relatively speaking, succeed in their working life is that few have suﬃcient motivation to stick at something well enough for long enough. So, if we accept that motivation is needed for success, how do you help yourself and your teams to sustain it? Here are my top 3 tips.

As motivation is pretty pointless in short bursts I want to offer tips to sustain motivation 1. Do it every day Best captured by Zig Ziglar in the quote above, the biggest problem with motivation is people think it’s a one-hit wonder. Get a motivational speaker in (or appoint yourself that person) and give them all a rocket or an inspirational story or an endof-year ﬁnancial target, then watch them ﬁre on all cylinders.

Please write to me if you’ve done this and seen success all year long as it would be a world ﬁrst and I’d like to break that story. A little every day is best. 2. Don’t rely on yourself You’re allowed to have help! I’m currently listening to the motivational presentations of Zig Ziglar and I have to tell you that they’re brilliant. And, yes, I follow the advice of point 1 above and listen to him every day on the journey to and from work. Last week, my earphones stopped working and I missed Zig’s voice on the way to work! 3. Remember the endgame It absolutely, deﬁnitively, undoubtedly, unquestionably will not work (the motivational regime) unless you are clear about why you’re doing the tough things you’re doing. Write it down, have it in front of you every day at work, tell someone else about those aims (a vision shared is a commitment you’re more likely to keep). As Zig might say, y’all have a happy, successful and motivated 2014!

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ll good things start with motivation. All good things that stop, lack motivation. Yes, that includes New Year diets. Yet the greatest myth around motivation is that you either have it or you don’t. As motivation is pretty pointless in short bursts, I want to oﬀer some tips to sustain motivation as it’s partly based on good habits. Too often, I’ve heard people tell me that, when they’re in the mood, they’re super-motivated. Just you stop me then. Really? I wonder, are those the same people that needed to be in the mood to revise for exams? How long did you wait for that mood to come along! Motivation is not about doing something you enjoy at a time when you feel in the mood to do it. That’s called recreation. Motivation is about doing something that needs doing when you least feel like doing it. Motivation is sticking at something when it’s not going well. Motivation is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done in order to achieve your aims. If you don’t stick at things, you’re

PAUL OWEN: The Clear Path Company Tel: +44 (0)20 3004 9113

FEATURE Alternative investment Words | Luke Jackson, Investment Analyst at Intelligent Partnership

Hotel and resort investment for 2014

A new report from the Intelligent Partnership highlights the risks and reason to invest in hotels and resort property. Here we print some extracts

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he hotel and resort property sector includes such a wide range of opportunities, locations, investment structures and risk/return profiles that while many property investments do qualify as mainstream, hotel and resort property should still be considered â&#x20AC;&#x153;alternativeâ&#x20AC;?. This sector has seen its fair share of failures which have resulted in intense scrutiny and tighter controls over the last year. It has also fallen in and out of favour with investors, but there is optimism as to what the future may hold for the sector.

Returns, Diversification, Speculation The success of a hotel or resort property is dependent upon high occupancy. A property achieving high levels of occupancy can

be something that is divorced from the wider economy or the mainstream markets. If investors can find these sorts of properties, they can provide returns that are uncorrelated from the rest of a more mainstream investment portfolio, providing diversification and reducing risk. Returns from these investments generally range from 7-10% per year. There are also secure leaseback investments offering as low as 3.5% per year, and high risk/speculative properties offering 25% per year. Property has the potential for high, long-term returns from capital growth. Investing in off-plan properties or more speculative developments in unproven locations is risky, but investors are often enticed with the promise of much higher

returns when these investments are successful. Whether investors are always appropriately rewarded for the risk that they take on and whether the risks are fully identified is unfortunately questionable.

Options for Investment The hotel and resort property market is dominated by directly held investments, accounting for over 70% of investment opportunities in the sector. Investors can also invest through collective investment schemes and structures with a corporate element. Hotel and resort property investments can be split into seven categories: Beach resorts Luxury hotels Ski resort chalet

FEBRUARY 2014 Where is it located? When did the project launch? Have units been built? Or when should they be built by? How many units are available? What are the returns on offer? Are returns guaranteed? Is there a track record of returns/ buy-backs/capital growth? What is the exit strategy?

Budget hotels City centre hotels Business/conference hotels and holiday parks Each type of hotel operates in a slightly different sector, with differing types of clients, levels of occupancy, prices and returns.

Risks, Research and Due Diligence

Suitability within a Portfolio Due to the relatively high capital requirement and risks, hotel and resort property is only likely to be suitable for investors with a medium to high tolerance for risk and capacity for loss, with a large amount of capital to invest.

Alternative Investment Report: Hotel and Resort Property

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Big upfront financial commitments, low liquidity and delays are common issues with the sector. These risks can be mitigated by researching the right opportunities, or increased by using leverage, buying off-plan and investing in unproven locations. Marketing materials are generally full of benefits but do not always explain the risks. They cannot always be relied upon. Common sense investment criteria can be used to screen for suitable investments, but there are so many considerations with purchasing hotel and resort property that it can be hard to know where to start. Initial questions to ask of any investment include: What is the underlying asset? How does the investor own the asset?

Once these questions have been answered, investors can take their due diligence a step further. Areas to look into in detail include: Occupancy – This is key to the success of the investment and achieving returns. Can the property hit its occupancy targets, where does demand come from? Legal & Tax Advice – Purchase documents should be verified by a lawyer who should also undertake their own due diligence. What are the tax laws for the country where the investment is based? Costs – Property is an expensive purchase and costs can be high and vary widely by country. There are likely to be upfront and on-going costs. Deposit – This is usually payable to secure the property and can be up to 10% of the purchase price. Is this held securely by a third party? What rights does the investor have should they choose not to invest? Currency Risk – This will affect all investments made in a foreign currency. Costs, returns and the value of the property will all ﬂuctuate with the exchange rate. Product/Investment Provider – Know exactly who is ultimately

responsible for providing the investment. Research their previous investments/properties. Developer – Check their track record. Have they met build targets and standards? Any responsible developer will have strict deadlines and milestones. Ask to see a copy of the project plan. Management Company – They are essential to the success of the investment, in charge of the day to day running of the property, room rates and occupancy. Check their track record and performance. Exit – Some investments offer a defined exit strategy, usually through a developer buy-back. This will only be honored if the developer has the capital to re-buy the property when the time comes. Check the secondary market: do properties like this change hands? Are there agents who can assist? Location – Location can be a defining factor for a property. Local attractions, beaches, transport links etc. are important. The more accessible the property, the more attractive it is likely to be. The due diligence process is likely to take a long time and require a lot of effort, but it can be essential to ensure that the investment is suitable and secure.

FEATURE Alternative investment

Swot analysis of hotel and resort investment STRENGTHS

Weaknesses

1. Consumer preference for bricks and mortar investments

1. There have been some high profile failures and some outright scams

2. Potential for very high returns 3. Investment and lifestyle sales are

2. The non-advised, direct to client (D2C) route can lead to high pressure sales tactics, mis-selling and inappropriate investments

possible

4. Many, many products in the market – something for everybody (different locations, price points, stages of development, risk, return, business model…)

3. The non-regulated status of direct investment products means that they are subject to lower levels of scrutiny and their marketing literature can be heavy on benefits and light on the risks 4. Many products in the market – it’s a competitive space and it can be diﬃcult for product providers and distributers to gain any traction

OPPORTUNITIES

THREATS

1. Direct investment products (i.e. noncollective) still have a D2C distribution channel with no restriction on who the products can be promoted to

1. The D2C channel is open to abuse 2. Any collective investment structure

2. Investors are still wary of mainstream markets and looking for alternative assets to diversify their portfolios

now faces restrictions on who it can be marketed to and a much reduced SIPP market to target

3. Some providers that use structures that they consider not to be collectives may be challenged by the FCA, with dire consequences for the operators and promoters

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4. Hotels cannot qualify for EIS (Enterprise Investment Scheme) status. EIS offer significant tax breaks – this new and rapidly growing market may attract investment that would otherwise have found its way into hotel and resort property

To read the full 60-page report, costing £195, visit www.intelligent-partnership.com OPP CONNECT MEMBERS GET A 50% DISCOUNT

FEBRUARY 2014

Alternative Investments: Outlook for 2014 The alternatives sector has seen bad press, but with regulation in place, the future looks brighter Leave the past behind you: new regulation could ensure new success

GUY TOLHURST Intelligent Partnership Tel: +44 (0) 203 375 1700

over UCIS miss-selling. There will no doubt be further product intervention in 2014 if the FCA finds examples of ‘inappropriate or unsuitable sales to ordinary retail investors’ with PS13/03 in force since the start of the year. The FCA can’t have ignored

We expect 2014 to be more positive for a number of firms as they settle into more defined parameters the increasing number of loan note and corporate bond type investments available in the alternative investment sector; some of which have come as a direct result of their UCIS intervention. We expect greater scrutiny here in 2014; but drawing a regulatory line between genuine opportunities and speculative ones may be

diﬃcult, while still trying to promote effective competition in the interests of consumers. Another factor affecting alternative investments in 2014 will be the delayed capital adequacy proposals of SIPP Operators under CP12/33, if the proposed “nonstandard” classification continues to include commercial property and the capital requirement proposals remain unchanged, then SIPP Operators will be much less inclined to allow alternatives; if they do then the cost of having a SIPP may be prohibitive to all but high-net-worth individuals. We expect 2014 to be a more positive year for a number of firms as they settle into much better defined regulatory parameters. With RDR now in full effect more firms can look beyond their ‘plain vanilla’ investment proposition to not only engage with and retain a younger and better informed client base but also to differentiate themselves from their competition. www.intelligent-partnership.com

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013 was arguably the most important year for the sector, with much needed regulatory focus and intervention at a product, provider and adviser level. Regulatory arbitrage, suitability and conduct of business have been high on the FCA agenda against a back-drop of product failures and miss-selling. A number of small and some high-profile advisory firms have been linked to UCIS miss-selling in 2013, with the extent of fines and FSCS pay-outs expected to reach significant multimillion pound territory. 2014 will see a number of these scenarios play out; at the same time a High Court battle between the FCA and Capital Alternatives and 15 other parties rages on at a provider/promoter level – one example of the FCA’s new product intervention powers. The lawyers are circling and it’s telling that a number of regulatory advice firms have turned on their former client base of advisers and now offer claims advice to investors

COUNTRY REPORT Russia

Super rich super power R

ussia is massive – both in terms of land mass and global influence. The country contains over 30% of global natural resources and is the world’s second biggest producer of arms, after the US. It has political heft and an awful lot of very wealthy people – only the US and China have more billionaires. Russia’s path from communist state to economic world power has not been a smooth one. Radical changes to economics and politics following the fall of communism led to huge inflation and devastating economic collapse – in the early 90s and again in 1998. It was hit hard by the global financial crisis but buoyed up again by high oil prices and its acceptance into the World Trade

Organisation in 2012. During the Communist era, the vast mass of the population lived in dreary and often poorly constructed social housing projects, typified by the well known “panel flats”. Since the liberalization of the economy, most Russians now desire to own, first, a nice car; and then a nice place to live. As a consequence the markets for both good quality rental accommodation and property to buy have grown strongly over the last few years. Its climate is almost universally dreadful. Often very hot in the summer and very, very cold in the winter. The climate, coupled with masses of Russians who have money, have led to a very strong interest in the

purchase of property overseas. As with buyers from China, buyers are often also motivated by the wish to safeguard at least some of their funds outside Russia and by the desire to buy into a country which will give them the right to live there if everything goes wrong back home. Russia’s growing economic might and the continuous expansion of both its middle class and its oligarchs are likely to lead to growing numbers of Russians seeking property overseas. This year Russia is in the spotlight – not always positively – as the host of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. It is fair to expect increases in tourism and, if all goes well, a more favourable perception from overseas.

St Petersburg Novgorod Moscow Kursk Tynda

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GEOGRAPHY

Area: 17,075,200 km2 Similar to: Well, nowhere. Russia is the largest country in the world by a considerable margin – Canada comes second with an area not much over half of Russia’s. Coastline: 37,653 km (although it’s worth noting that a large part of this is permanently frozen and therefore not a great deal of use real estate-wise). Capital city: Moscow (pop: 11,503,501 as of 2010) Highest point: Mount Elbrus, 5,642m – the highest point in Europe Climate: With an area the size of Russia it’s not much use speaking in generalities – but one can usually bank on a warm-to-hot summer and a very cold winter. The mildest areas are along the Baltic Coast and around the Black Sea, whereas Siberia sees short but wet summers with incredibly harsh winters.

FEBRUARY 2014

PEOPLE Ethnic demographics

Russian 79.8% Tatar 3.8% Ukrainian 2%

Population: 142,500,000 Average age: 37 years Ages: 0-14: 16%, over 65: 13.1%

Bashkir 1.2%

Language: Russian is the oﬃcial language spoken by almost all, though there are also many minority languages

other / unspecified 12.1%

Ethnic Groups: Russian 79.8%, Tatar 3.8%, Ukrainian 2%, Bashkir 1.2%, Chuvash 1.1%, other or unspecified 12.1%

Chuvash 1.1%

Religions: Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 1015%, other Christian 2% Politics: The Russian Federation is a semipresidential republic. Currently led by Vladimir Putin, head of the United Russia party and in his third term after securing 63.64% of the vote in the 2012 presidential election.

THE ECONOMY GDP: US$2.015 trillion (2012) Based on: Natural resources, defence industry, information technology Public debt: 8.4% of GDP Tax: 13% income tax for permanent residents; 30% for non-residents VAT: 18% Inﬂation: 6.5% Exchange rates:

Corruptions Perceptions Index: 127 of 177 countries

33.4 RUB

Human Development Index:

EU€1

45.5 RUB

55 out of 185 countries

GB£1

54.7 RUB

AU$1

29.8 RUB

INR1

0.54 RUB

Ease of Doing Business Index:

CNY1

5.5 RUB

92 out of 189 countries (up 19 places from 2013)

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US$1

COUNTRY REPORT Russia

TOURISM Tourism in Russia accounts for between 5.9 and 6.5% of GDP (depending on who you ask). It supports 4 million jobs, directly and indirectly. As of 2012, Russia sat at number nine in the World Tourism Rankings, with 25.7 million international tourist arrivals. A wealth of religious, literary and artistic history draws in the visitors – as well as vast swathes of untouched scenery. The famous Trans-Siberian Railway is a popular tourist route, as is the “Golden Ring” of the country’s ancient cities (including Sergiyev Posad, Kostroma and Vladimir). Meanwhile the incredible geographic scope of the country means tourists can bathe off the Black Sea coast, ski in Krasnaya Polyana or hike around Lake Baikal (nicknamed “the Blue Eye of Siberia” and the deepest lake in the world).

Don’t forget the local cuisine

Foreign visitors by region, 2012 Germany: 375,285 China: 343,357 US: 179,763 UK: 135,949 Finland: 120,306 Italy: 118,729 Turkey: 100,918 France: 99,581 Israel: 85,955 Spain: 70,291

travel

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Flying Flying within Russia is no longer the hair-raising experience of getting on a tiny, shaky plane and hopping from small town to small town. It is, however, still pretty cheap – air tickets can be bought for around the same price as a train ticket if you shop around. You can get a flight between Moscow and Irkutsk for €150-200. Aeroflot leads the market but you’ll find cheaper tickets from budget airlines like SkyExpress.

Train The trans-Siberian railway lines are world famous. Not for their comfort or eﬃciency (although both are adequate) but for the vast distances and scope of views they cover. It’s the best way to see as much of the country as possible, if you’ve got the time. Long-distance trains will usually have sleeping arrangements, though the comfort and privacy of which obviously depends on your budget. In exhibition season take note of the Moscow to St Petersburg trains. Though overnight trains are more traditional, high-speed Sapsan vehicles, which cut the journey time to as little as 3 hours 45 mins, are becoming more popular.

Flight times to Moscow Paris

4 hours

London 4 hours Delhi 5 hours

New York 9 hours Singapore 10 hours Vancouver

Dubai 5.5 hours Beijing 7 hours

10 hours

LA 12 hours Rio de Janeiro 14 hours

Hong Kong 8.5 hours

Overnight or express?

Sydney 17.5 hours

FEBRUARY 2014

Residential market

Domestic housing market R

ussian homebuyers often have different tastes from those in the west. Modern, high-amenity housing is valued over the olde-worlde style preferred by many wealthy Western Europeans. This is partly due to desire to move away from the concrete blocks of the communist era. The market itself, after years of high growth, is starting to slow down or fall, especially in its biggest cities. Housing prices in Moscow fell faster than anywhere else in Russia last year. The capital city saw an annual drop of 5.7%, bringing house prices to 189,200 rubles (US$5,520) per square metre, according to government real estate portal Mir Kvartir. The portal looked at 46 regions from January 2013 until December 2013, finding that price growth slowed considerably in 36 of the areas, while the remaining 10 saw decreases. In comparison, 2012’s study saw only one region out of 40 experiencing price falls. Nationwide, house prices rose 2.1% in 2013, in contrast to a 12.9% average growth in 2012. Analysts

Data Price (sq.m):

€12,227

Roundtrip 25.00% Cost:

Rental Yield:

3.80%

Cap Gains 30.00% Tax:

Rent/month:

€4,649

Landlord and Pro-Tenant Tenant Law:

Income Tax:

30.00%

Source: Global Property Guide

have predicted that the Russian housing market is unlikely to return to double-digit increases this year, forecasting an average 5% rise through 2014, according to the Moscow Times. Meanwhile, news has surfaced of the Russian government considering tighter real estate controls – increasing training of real estate agents.

Buying in Russia Currently, foreigners are permitted to buy property and land in most areas apart from near borders, ports, infrastructure hubs and military sites or agricultural land. However, in October, news spread that moves were being made by the Russian government to prevent overseas buyers from owning or renting property without obtaining permission beforehand. It has not been announced how the proposed changes would work or which agency would be responsible for granting permission. The amendments are being introduced to stop ethnic or racial ghettoes forming, the Izvestiya newspaper stated, but Forbes believes it has more to do with preventing a property bubble forming or preventing migrant workers from buying homes and renting them to transients.

Russians buying abroad

Exhibit at: Moscow Overseas Property & Investment Show Russian Overseas Property Summit St Petersburg Overseas Property Show

Moscow International Property Show Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show LenExpo

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It’s become the aim of many an estate agent around the world to catch the interest of Russian buyers. As the country’s middle class expands, it has begun to be a driving force behind several markets. Golden Visa schemes are popular and reports suggest that Russian buyers are beginning to compete with the Chinese to snap up property in countries such as Spain and Portugal. Though Russians are still wary of off-plan developments after well-publicised disasters in the EU, internationalresidence.ru reported that ‘a few’ showed signs of returning to that market in last year’s exhibitions. The number of older Russians buying abroad is also rising. Real estate company Sfera Group has said that around 3,000 Russian pensioners emigrate per year, with 160,000 regularly spending long periods abroad. Analysts predict that this trend will keep growing and pensioner emigration could increase 30-40% in the next two years. The biggest buyer markets to target within Russia are Moscow and St Petersburg. While Moscow has a larger pool of buyers with (generally) bigger budgets, St Petersburg is also worth looking into – Scandinavian properties do especially well here.

COUNTRY REPORT Russia

Websites www.government.ru – Government website www. russiatourism.ru – Russia Federal Agency for Tourism www.rgr.ru – Russian Guild of Realtors (over 2000 companies) www.cbr.ru – Central Bank of Russia www.visatorussia.com – Visa information and forms www.waytorussia.net - Travel information www.langust.ru/review/xeno-ru5.shtml - some useful etiquette tips www.sochi2014.com - Oﬃcial website for 2014 Winter Olympics

Property Portals www.Idinaidi.ru www.1-property.ru www.Prian.ru www.Travel.ru (formerly Oktogo) www.Mirkvatir.ua

PROPERTY DEVELOPMENTS Pictures : Left: Capital City Moscow Tower Right: Leontievsky Mys in St Petersburg

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Moscow Capital group’s Capital City Moscow Tower is the tenth tallest residential building in the world, standing at 302 metres with 82 storeys. Completed in 2010, it is part of the multifunctional complex capital city. Prices range between US$8,000 and US$30,000 per square metre. www.capitalcity.ru

St Petersburg Leontievsky Mys is a luxury residential development at the tip of Petrogradsky Island. The designers from yew went for a “peace within a city” feel; the development has stunning interiors, is surrounded by three rivers and overlooks the Gulf of Finland. 400 units from between US$750,000 and US$7.8million www.yoo.com/residences/leontievsky-mys/ St Petersburg SPb Renovation is working on a 15-year, £10bn residential project across 22 sites in the city. The idea is to replace some of St Petersburg’s Soviet-era buildings to create a more modem, sustainable environment. The scheme will provide new apartments for 450,000 residents – 10% of the city’s population. spbren.ru

SELL MAURITIUS PRO ACTIVE INTERNATIONAL AGENTS WANTED TO SELL LUXURY MAURITIAN RESORT

North of paradise Mauritius, Grand Bay is unique with its splendid beaches and the uncontaminated turquoise blue sea overlooking the islets a few kilometers away of which the Gunner’s Coin and its mythical rock provide a panoramic sight even from the main land. The cocoon of its natural ruggedness combined with the controlled scale of its development has seduced more than a tourist over the years. It is in this context that the prestigious “Northbroom Villa” lies in the heart of this celestial region. And has, as a very smart residential estate area consistently shown its success through high demand with its high-end architectural features expressed in a more modern decor.

Residency Beneﬁts

Holiday Home Beneﬁts

• 15% income tax • 15% corporation tax • No wealth tax • No capital gains tax • 40+ double tax treaties • OECD white listed country

• Full management service • Maintenance of property • Laundry • Gardening • Meet and Greet • Rental booking and management service

Retirement Beneﬁts

Agent Beneﬁts

• Lower cost of living than UK • World-class medical facilities • Stable economy • Special arrangements for existing UK pensions • Beneﬁcial estate tax exemptions

• Good levels of commissions offered for referral & full sales agents • White label marketing collateral available • Transparent agent CRM system • Full agent support available • Full IHS and RES support for your clients peace of mind

Earn 10% commission on all of our large property portfolio Sell exclusive owned foreclosed assets in Florida all with tenants in place

• All our properties are in central Florida • Foreclosed properties start from $56,000 • Average ROI for your clients 6% to 10% • Commissions paid promptly

LETTER FROM Germany

Letter from Berlin

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Since we started our business here over 17 years ago, and especially in the last two years, we’ve seen that the demand for properties is growing tremendously – and, at present, residential property is the key growth market in Germany. Clients who were looking to buy a single apartment are now looking to buy a whole apartment block and demand often exceeds supply. One of the reasons is that, since the global crisis, investors regard Germany as a “safe haven of Europe”. Berlin is particularly interesting for many, since the Detlef Martin property prices are still low compared to other capital cities in Europe. For example, we have a beautiful new development project in the city centre where apartment prices start from €152,000. So Detlef Martin even if the property prices doubled in Berlin, Co-Founder & Head of Real Estate Sales The Eurix Group they would still be comparatively affordable. www.homeinvestberlin.com Berliners are well known as champions of +49 (30) 499 05 09 0 renting, but in the last 10 years things have been slowly changing. Berlin is currently seeing a net increase of residents, with many governmental and large corporations relocating staff there from other German cities. This influx is driving rental demand and rents upwards. Still, most of the 1.8 million apartments in Berlin are rentals, averaging 84% with long rental terms of typically 10-15 years. Rents are generally lower than in any other major German city, but in the last 3-5 years I’ve seen an increase in rents of around 5-15% which, combined with low interest rates from German banks, makes for a great investment opportunity. Low interest rates also set a new trend in German attitude towards retirement planning. Since interest rates are so low, the traditional ways of pensions, savings and life assurance plans can’t stand up to customer expectations so many of our investors see buying real estate as their alternative. I’ve been living in Berlin my whole life and I can say that, since the wall came down in 1989, the development of the city has never stopped. Berliners are so used to seeing constant ongoing construction that it goes relatively unnoticed. Many parts of the city centre, such as Potsdamer Platz, have been built completely from scratch. Combined with historical buildings, this gives Berlin its diverse and unique look. The population of Berlin is very young since historically its cheap rents have attracted the young. This has helped Berlin to evolve into a cultural centre. When you come over to view some of our properties, you may find yourself wandering around one of the many central districts of Berlin, each of them being perfectly self-sufficient with plenty of small cafes, various restaurants and local ia Colomb designer boutiques allowing you to explore the diverse personality of this exciting city.

AGENTS REQUIRED FOR SALE OF SEBASTIAN SOUVIRON

Salsa Inmobiliaria are looking for agents to assist in the selling of 37 dwellings and penthouses in a magnificent late nineteenth century building located in the historic centre of Malaga, the capital of the Costa Del Sol. The apartments consist of 1 or 2 bedrooms, fully equipped with maximum quality. Prices range from €197,000 to €383,000. The building also has garages and basement storage. In an unbeatable location the building is surrounded by all amenities, great cultural and gastronomic centres and is also next to the city’s beach. It is perfectly connected to the transport hubs of the area, 15 minutes from the international airport and 5 minutes from the railway station and the port of Malaga. The delivery of these homes will be in the second semester of 2014

W: www.salsa.es E: infocomercial@salsa.es T: +0034 952 22 4821 or +0034 666 42 83 72

Benefits for Agents Direct contact with the developer and good commission Unique building without competition Support to the agent at any time by the promoter. You can visit show flat Customer Service Promoter

LETTER FROM North Dakota

Letter from North Dakota

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North Dakota is one of the most exciting property markets in the US at the moment. The advancement of hydraulic fracturing (or ‘fracking’) technology has given birth to an incredible oil industry in the state, centred around the Bakken Formation area. Housing simply cannot keep up with demand. The US Census Bureau has confirmed that North Dakota is building homes faster than any other state, yet still we have cash-rich oil workers who are sleeping in their cars due to lack of available accommodation. The situation is Robert Gavin unique; we are facing a predicted population increase of 25% within North Dakota in the next two decades alone. I love the dynamism of the market here and the opportunities that the situation is creating. Robert Gavin, You have to innovate to survive as a developer CEO, North Dakota Developments LLC +1 (605) 610 0310 here – I’ve seen companies that are trying to build traditional bricks and mortar housing lose their staff to the higher paying oil companies time and again. North Dakota Developments has taken a fresh approach. We construct our modular, executive hotel suites off-site and then deliver them to our Great American Lodge site in Watford City. Thinking outside the box in this way has meant that our site was able to open in late 2013 and we now have oil workers happily accommodated in our fully serviced, market-leading hotel studios. We offered three investment options in our Great American Lodge, Watford City development, from a fraction of a studio at $30,950, to a studio at $54,950, to a full suite of six studios at $319,700. We’ve found that the market here in North Dakota is attracting attention from investors across the world, as the opportunities are so exciting, and the situation looks set to last for the next couple of decades at least. North Dakota, as a traditionally rural area, isn’t always the first place that leaps to mind as an exciting housing market, but those in the know are increasingly looking to get involved here. It’s a welcoming environment to businesses looking to develop, as well as those looking to invest. It’s also a great opportunity for agents across the globe – we have commissions available to agents that have already allowed us to develop a network of over 150 agents in over 20 countries. I certainly plan to be in North Dakota for the foreseeable future. I’m already exploring several other sites, with a view to opening further Great American Lodges across the state and further sites already under construction. Eastern Montana, as the only other US state that covers the Bakken, is looking interesting right now, while North Dakota is definitely the place to watch over ia Colomb the years ahead for those interested in leading international property markets.

MORTGAGES Australia

Mortgages in Australia Can a Foreigner Obtain a Mortgage in Australia What types of mortgage are available? Type of mortgage

Available

Interest rates from

Max LTV

Lending

Max Term (Years)

Max Age at Repayment

Repayment

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Fixed Interest

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Variable Interest

Yes

4.79 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Hybrid (part fixed, part variable)

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Interest only

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Purchase

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Remortgage

Yes

4.90 %

80 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Equity Release

Yes

4.90 %

50 %

From 100,000 AUD

25 years

Buy to let (assessed on rental income)

N/A

Self Certified

N/A

What is the lending criteria?

This depends on the individual mortgage provider, however typical lender requirements for Australian Mortgages can be found below: Aﬀordabilty requirements: The cost of the applicant’s existing liabilities and new mortgage should not exceed 50% of their net income. Employment history: Minimum 1 year required. Self-employed history: Minimum 2 years required. Regions accepted: All regions considered. Property types accepted: New build properties and some resale properties considerd. Applicants accepted: Individuals only. All nationalties considered except those aﬀected by international sanctions.

Further information Currency options for mortgage paymernts: Australian dollars only. Some lenders will require you to open up a bank account with them in order to make the mortgage payments. Securing a mortgage oﬀer can typically take between 6 to 8 weeks.

www.opp-connect.com/ infozone/mortgages

www.opp-connect.com

The OPP monthly mortgage report is brought to you by Connect Overseas, international mortgage advisers. They are based in the UK but deal with mortgages in over 50 diﬀerent countries around the world. See www.connectoverseas.co.uk. They can be contacted by email at info@connectoverseas.co.uk or by telephone on +44 (0)1708 676134.

This guide was accurate at the time of production.The mortgage market changes all the time. For up to date information, see

For more information, call +44 (0)208 545 4910 or e-mail keith@d2e.co.uk Official stand design and production partner for

EVENTS Review

Wish you were there? The exhibitions of January 2014 The France Show The UK’s largest consumer exhibition devoted to all things French – food, wine, travel, dancing girls and property – it is widely seen as the barometer for the French property market overseas. During the recession the numbers attending fell but the event at Earl’s Court, London on the 17-19 January felt like a corner had been turned. Debbie Macleod, one of the organizers of the event, confirmed that numbers were well up on last year. Pending final audit, it looked like about 20%. Certainly the property section had more exhibitors and, for most of the show, was teeming with potential buyers. Their famous and well-respected seminars about buying property in France and related lifestyle issues were all full to bursting. The estate agents confirmed that they were more than happy with visitor numbers and that this year’s visitors were looking to buy in a much shorter time frame than in the last few years. Most were keen to move within 12 months and already had the finance available. Q Leggett Immobilier, which had two stands at the show, as well as taking part in the seminars, says, “The France Show looks like being one of the best shows ever in terms of leads.” Toulouse-based agency, www.forgottenfrance.com, which specialises in character properties in south west France, said: “The France Show was outstanding.” Why so much more popular this year? Clearly, it is partly to do with the economic climate but Debbie Macleod thinks that there is more to it than that: “I think we got our marketing right. We need three separate channels for marketing – for those attending the food market, for those attending the travel show and for those attending the property event. This year they all seemed to work.” Archant run three events per year. For more details see: www.thefranceshow.com

Pattaya Property Show

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The first Pattaya Property Show took place at the Hilton Pattaya, Thailand, 9-12 January. More than 2,000 attended, with buyers from over 23 countries, including tourists, expats and Thais. The exhibition was sold out with over 45 exhibitors. Exhibitors included national developers, Raimon Land PCL and Sansiri PCL, the largest local developers such as the Nova Group, Universal Group and Blue Sky Group, other premium developers including, The Riviera Group, Kingdom Property, Onyx, Pattaya Posh and Siam Royal View, plus many smaller local developers. Agents and brokers were also well represented with the city’s largest agents, A+ Properties, Ocean Residential, Compass Real Estate and REBA, the Real Estate Broker Association, Eastern Seaboard were also present. Mike Bridge of organiser Exact Trading said: “We were very pleased with the results of our first show in the city. It is always difficult to launch a new exhibition, but because of Exact’s existing relationships with many of the companies in this industry, we were able to generate what turned out to be a very reputable show. A large number of contracts were confirmed during the three and a half days, and I am sure there will be many more sales in the next few weeks.” A+ Properties Director Steve Edwards said, “We had a steady flow of buyers onto our stand and it has exceeded our expectations. We saw Russians, Germans, Thai and Korean visitors, and most were looking to buy to live in the property. It has been great exposure for us too, being a relatively new company.” www.pattayapropertyshow.com

EVENTS Preview

Where will you be? Real estate events of February-March 2014 The Bulgarian Home Show 14-15 TISHINKA EXHIBITION CENTER, MOSCOW The Bulgarian Home Exhibition draws wealthy FEB Russians looking to invest in Bulgarian residential property – the country being a popular destination for Russians, especially those buying for retirement or leisure (according to the website, 338,000 Russian citizens owned property in Bulgaria in 2012, with the number increasing 8-12% annually). Around 100 exhibitors are expected to take part in the show (real estate agencies, construction firms, developers, consultants etc) specialising in the Bulgarian market. The show will also run a seminar programme focusing on the market, details of which have yet to be released. www.bgshow.ru

ECOBUILD 04-06 EXCEL, LONDON, UK Ecobuild 2014 will focus on sustainable design, MAR construction, energy and the built environment. The show drew in 43,542 professionals from 121 countries in 2013 – including a decent number of Managing Directors and CEOs. Features include ‘Ecobuild Arenas’, ‘Biodiversity Pavilion’ and ‘Solar City’ (solar PV has been hitting the headlines this year as it increases in popularity). The show’s extensive seminar programme will involve over 100 professionals and includes sessions on “Making smart cities happen” and “Maximising building performance”. A show to attend if you’re interested in the cutting-edge of eco technology and trends. www.ecobuild.co.uk

The Montreal National Home Show PLACE BONAVENTURE The National Home Show Montreal is a premium event in housing, renovation and home decoration and landscaping, attracting around 500 exhibitors and more than 150,000 visitors (last year’s show saw a traffic increase of 12%). The site paints its visitor profile as a 45-year-old homeowner with an annual income of over CA$75,000. Among the highlights of the exhibition will be the “first convertible house”, the PUR-C, a project conceived by Les industries Bonneville. The organisers set great store by their media campaign, which appears on television, radio, print and of course online. The show includes daily conferences, the details of which can be found on their website, but it is to be noted that they are presented in French only. www.salonnationalhabitation.com

www.opp-connect.com

07-16 MAR

MIPIM 11-14 MAR

PALAIS DES FESTIVALS, CANNES, FRANCE The 25th edition of this world-renowned show will bring together influential players from across the industry: residential, office, healthcare, sport, logistics and industrial professionals will attend the event. Last year’s show saw 2,000 exhibitors from 80 countries; 20,000 individual participants (but 52,000 visits); 3,000 CEOs and Chairmen and 460 journalists. Put bluntly, this is a massive event in the property world; considered unmissable by thousands. “MIPIM is the mustattend event for international investors interested in real estate assets; we are expecting 4,500 major international investors this year,” said Filippo Rean, Director of MIPIM. Aside from the massive exhibition, visitors can take advantage of the conference programme, focusing on finance, investment, cities and infrastructure, key sectors and property hotspots; dedicated networking lounges and matchmaking events; and the 2014 MIPIM Awards. Full details of conferences, networking events and exhibitors are available on the site. For the first time, delegates at MIPIM will have the opportunity to talk publicly with experts and executives of investment companies about new strategies for real estate asset management and investments in pension fund, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies. We’d recommend even more strongly than usual that you prepare a battle plan for the event – there’s so much to get through that arriving unprepared could leave you missing a lot of opportunities. www.mipim.com

FEBRUARY 2014

Second Home International 16-17 Mar

EXPORAMA OSLO The Second Home International Exhibition in Oslo is aimed at a very specific audience that they call “mediors” (between juniors and seniors). This refers to two-income families with higher-than-average income and children that have left home. Last year, exhibitors from France, Spain, Italy, Portugal and Turkey dominated the show. Seminars focus on buyers – financial and legal information on buying in different countries. Most visitors are looking for lifestyle properties, though the investment market is also present. www.secondhome-expo.no

A Place in the Sun Live 28-30 MAR

OLYMPIA LONDON A Place in the Sun Live was launched and quickly became the largest overseas property exhibition in Europe. The first of the year takes place in the spring at Olympia London followed by the autumn event at the NEC Birmingham, with each exhibition attracting thousands of British buyers planning to buy an overseas property. The centre-piece of the event is The Hub where the TV presenters and industry experts give advice and insight on buying overseas property. In each of the four corners of the hall are the countryspecific areas – The French Village, Florida Pavilion, Portuguese Pavilion and Italian Pavilion – with other exhibitors between them. www.aplaceinthesun.com/exhibition

A bit further ahead... International Property Show DUBAI INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE The tenth International Property Show, scheduled to coincide with the Annual Investment Meeting 2014, will attract 300 companies from 80 countries, according to the organisers. This year’s show, supported by the Dubai Land Department, will be the biggest since its inception. It has already made a name for itself as one of the leading events in the region, attracting real estate professionals and investors from around the region and beyond. Dawood Al Shezawi, CEO of Strategic Marketing & Exhibitions, organisers of the International Property Show, said: “We anticipate major regional and international participation in the International Property Show mainly because it is the first edition after Dubai won the bid for hosting Expo 2020. There is growing interest from realestate developers from all over the world in the local market, especially Dubai, which is witnessing dynamic growth in the construction and infrastructure sectors.” Sultan Butti Bin Mejren, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, said that the property show provides “an ideal platform” and a “unique opportunity” to secure profitable partnerships and business deals. He added that the region’s growth rates were very promising, saying

8-10 APRIL

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“The huge investments being made by local and regional companies in the development of infrastructure are among the greatest not only in the MENA region but also globally.” The participating companies include 18% from the hotel and leisure sector, 17% from commercial and residential, offices (15%), retailers (13%), urban development authorities (12%) and free zones (10%). www.internationalpropertyshow.ae

THE OPP INTERVIEW Harlow Russell Interview | Christopher Nye

Our man in Asia

Harlow Russell, the new Managing Director of OPP Asia, explains why this is a unique opportunity in the history of international agents

ingapore is catching the eye of property professionals as the market cools and domestic agent look abroad.

www.opp-connect.com

Why is this such an opportunity?

The situation in Singapore right now is unique. The Government has enacted several measures to cool the market here, and it is working. Home sales are at their lowest level for years. For the 31,000 property agents in Singapore, working in 1,500 property agencies, this isn’t so great. They are now looking outside Singapore to find business, just as Singaporean investors are looking to invest abroad. So we have a very clear money flow. But those agents need to

know as much as possible about what is available in the overseas market, what is most attractive and how to satisfy the retail investor’s needs. OPP therefore has a vital and dynamic role to play in the region.

31,000 agents looking for something to sell? Yes. And most of the Singaporean agents (and I am one as well, and so is my wife) have never sold international property. It’s new and unknown. Agents are wondering, well, how do you sell internationally? How do the currency transactions work? Are there legal differences? How do I protect my clients? Singapore is very tightly regulated: all agents are licensed and must have

continuing education. They are regulated by the Council of Estate Agents (CEA) who are pretty tough. The CEA have now started giving warnings and guidelines

Singapore is tightly regulated: all agents are licensed and must have continuing education on selling foreign property. That is why the OPP is so necessary, to help the information flow from reputable international property developers. It’s an opportunity to educate the market as it changes

FEBRUARY 2014

Age: 53 Born: Austen, Texas, USA Lives in: Singapore Education: Cornell University, BS Electrical Engineering, 1979-83 (President Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity) Singapore Management University

Work:

Harlow Russell MD, OPP Asia Paciﬁ c

+65 6679 7733 harlow.russell@op p-connect.com

1983-1986 Quality Assurance Engineer 1986-1990 Technical Sales Rep, Hewlett-Packard 1989-1991 Founder-owner, Southeast Equatorial Specialities 1991-1995 President-Director, PT. Adiprotek Envirodunia, Jakarta, Indonesia 1995-2004 Various posts for USAID, IBM, Gartner and self-employed 2004-2006 Regional Director, Dimerco Express Group, Singapore 2006-2011 Senior Team Sales Manager, Walton International Group, Singapore 2010-2012 VP, International Operations, PropertyGuru, Singapore 2012 Associate Director, Remax Focus Property Exchange Singapore

OUTSIDE INTERESTS: Acting, including: Movies: I Not Stupid (2002), TV: Holland Village (2007), Voiceovers

to focus on international sales. Likewise our customers, international property developers really need to be aware and mind their p’s and q’s as well – they need to be aware that in Singapore you have to work with licensed agents and agencies. In the old days you could parachute in, do some seminars, maybe just use a marketing company and avoid using agents at all. That’s over. Break the rules now and you can be fined, as much as S$7080,000 (US$55-63,000).

Is it just Singapore?

What will OPP Asia be offering? The exhibition will be the main feature – April 23 and 24 at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. One thing that will be very valuable is the meeting service, where we connect developers and agents with specific property agencies. But beyond that, one of the most valuable assets will be OPP’s

In the old days you could just parachute in and avoid using agents at all. That’s over now expertise – having someone like me on the ground. For example, I was on the phone this morning with a US company in Michigan who want to come to Singapore and Asia for the first time. I could help them with what to look for in a good property agency partner, what do we have to be careful of, dos and don’ts, what’s the culture, so they don’t make mistakes. Almost like a concierge service for European and

North American business people, to help bridge the gap re: cultural and business norms in each country. For example, and I was amazed to see this because I thought this was well known, I saw an American property developer here in Asia for the first time, meeting a potential property agency, fling his name card across the desk to the Singaporean. Now, this is very simple: you don’t do that! Name cards are treated with respect. Both yours and theirs. There’s a bit of a ritual where you present your card with both hands, and that goes for most of Asia.

What are buyers looking for? Mostly investment, both yields and capital gain. That’s probably 65%. The next chunk is typically in real estate related to their children’s education, with huge numbers buying in London, Australia and to a lesser degree in the US. That’s about another 20-25%. The rest is related to buying for lifestyle and retirement. There is also an element of getting money out of particular countries like Indonesia or China to a safer, stable investment property in the US, UK and Australia which is driving this insatiable demand from Chinese investors. So this is really

www.opp-connect.com

Singapore is a regional hub for many industries – financial services, education, oil and gas, technology... It’s an easy place to do business, easy to get in and out of, so it is normal for western companies to have their first Asian outpost here. But elsewhere in the region, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and especially China, the demand for foreign property is staggering. There is a dramatic need to help the sales channels and agencies and agents in Asia understand what is available, what are the best practices, and how to connect with suppliers of real

estate products for their markets.

THE OPP INTERVIEW Harlow Russell not like the British in Spain buying a holiday home – it’s much more mercenary. Lifestyle property is not a big driver in Singapore or the rest of Asia.

Land of opportunity: Could your next business move take you here?

What are commissions? Domestically, for a condo in Singapore the commission rate is 1-2%, usually 1%. That’s low on a global scale because prices are higher, a mass market condo starts at a million dollars. For foreign properties, expectations are higher and property developers should expect to pay from 5 to 10% commission. That range will depend on whether an agent is expected to pay for marketing and sales materials. I have seen rates as high as 15%. To get into this juicy market that’s the level of commission expected. That goes for other countries in Asia too, and again the local marketing costs is the point of negotiation.

Will people buy without seeing the property? Well, that is one of the challenges that our customers will have. It is tough: Asians are used to touching, feeling a property. It’s changing – there is more remote buying now – but it still can be challenging. So at property shows a 3D model or at least a video is a big help. Pictures

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Asians are used to touching, feeling a property. There’s more remote buying now, but it’s challenging

and Powerpoint presentations really don’t do much. Of course you can offer all kinds of incentives and agents are being very creative – offering property tours to Asian investors, qualifying them if they buy at a certain level to throw in a trip, using third parties to organise property tours. Companies who try to sell just over the internet – and there are some who do so – have tended not to get serious buyers here. I would

advise them to forget that strategy. You have to invest the money to be physically present.

Is there a pricing sweet spot? It depends on the country, but I would say there are three. Don’t forget that in Singapore the average price of a condo is S$1million (US$784k, €579k, £475k) so countries where you can market a rental property at US$100,000 with good yields – for a Singaporean it feels like peanuts. But that’s more for the first time international buyer, maybe a bit scared and sceptical. You’ll have a chunk of buyers. They might buy five or six! Then there’s the more sophisticated investor, probably willing to put down US$350-400,000 for some kind of investment property with decent yields. Then the wealthy set, looking at US$1million, maybe in the UK, especially London. You have all of those in Singapore and to a certain extent in other Asian countries. But the biggest money is from China, where you just have an enormous quantity of people with cash who want to buy property. But it’s much harder to sell there than in Singapore. It’s very alien and there are lots of horror stories from

people who have got it wrong.

If you had just one tip for selling in Singapore? Yes, it takes money to make money. You cannot do it on the cheap or over the internet. You must invest in your business development in Asia, and that means coming here. It’s about meetings and relationships. Don’t expect to make millions of dollars on your first go. It won’t happen, it takes time to build relationships. One successful business I know, a partner comes to Asia every four to six weeks, and it works. Asians respect when foreigners are spending their time and money to be here. If they feel that a foreign developer is trying to parachute in, make money and leave, they won’t buy.

Where do get your passion for Singapore? I’ve been here a long time. When back in the US what I do see lacking is that in Asia, as a foreigner there is always an opportunity. At every doorstep, in every country, all the time. Asia is constantly changing and moving. There are some 27 countries here but no slow lane. Work in Asia is never boring. There is no concept here that work could ever be boring.

WHERE THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY INDUSTRY MEETS… OPPLive has been bringing together the top names in the international property industry since 2005. In that time the event has led to countless business partnerships being formed and commercially vital industry knowledge being gained. OPPLive Asia 2014, taking place in Singapore’s prestigious Marina Bay Sands, will attract agents, developers, financial advisors and other industry professionals from across the Asia Pacific region: from Singapore itself to Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and beyond. In addition, senior non Asian property people will gather from over 40 countries. As well as bringing an estimated 2000+ global real estate professionals together the exhibition and conference will feature almost 100 seminars, round tables, networking events, and “speed dating” sessions together with an expected 150+ exhibitors.

IT’S NOT AN EVENT TO BE MISSED FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPEAKING OR EXHIBITING AT OPPLIVE ASIA 2014 PLEASE CONTACT US ON: +44 (0) 20 3540 2233 REGISTER NOW AT WWW.OPP-LIVEASIA.COM

The leading Alternative Investment Summit is coming to Asia...

23rd to 24th April 2014 Marina Bay Sands SINGAPORE

Why should I attend? 250+ delegates, 30 speakers for 20 sessions 2014 set to be a record year for Alternatives Hear the views of leading industry experts

...can you really afford not to be there? The AI Summit Asia will include a full conference programme including keynote addresses, presentations and panel sessions from some of the most highly regarded and insightful leaders in the alternative investment industry today. Alongside the conference programme will be sector specific seminars, one2one meetings, networking opportunities and a select number of exhibitors showcasing relevant opportunities and solutions for delegates.

Why should I exhibit? Unprecedented demand from agents in Asia Tailored packages for exhibitors and sponsors Meet and present to pre-qualified agents

What people said about our last event: “Great opportunity to network.” “Well researched and 100% worth it” “High quality speakers and attendees” “It was extremely innovative and the panels were exceptional.”

Organiser

For more information please visit:

WWW.AISUMMIT.CO.UK/ASIA Contact us at: events@intelligent-partnership.com or +44 (0)203 375 1700

CONFERENCE — EXHIBITION — NETWORKING — ONE2ONE MEETINGS — PROVIDER PRESENTATIONS — GALA DINNER

EVENTS OPPLive Asia

East meets West at A unique opportunity Every day the property wires are buzzing with news about Chinese and South East Asians investing abroad. “There’s a lot of cash sloshing about in Singapore while government cooling measures are killing the market there. Many investors and agents are turning to residential property abroad,” says Reuben Gurunlian, Sales Manager at OPP. It’s an amazing opportunity, perhaps unprecedented in the history of overseas property professionals. But it’s useless unless you can reach the market. Hardly surprising, then, that OPPLive Asia has been ﬁlling up. New exhibitors who took advantage of the Early Bird discounts included North Dakota Developments and Feltrim. See www.opp-connect.com/ opplive-asia

SEMINAR PROGRAMME OPPLive Asia will feature an extensive and exciting seminar programme. As Harlow Russell explains on page 68, there is a real need for knowledge between Eastern customers and Western agents and developers. These seminars, talks and discussions are a wonderful and rare chance to gain knowledge, make yourself known to an Asian audience and network. Topics will include: Which US states are hot right now? What next for prime London? How do you use tax havens? What’s new in technology and social media? How can you maximise customer service?

“the world’s craziest hotel”

SkyPark, with gardens, restaurants and an infinity pool 150 metres long. OPPLIve Asia is offering exhibitors and delegates preferential rates, as well as organising flights, meetings and ongoing travel and networking for those looking to do business in Asia before or after the show. www.marinabaysands.com

Alternatives at OPPLive Asia Interest in alternative investments – which includes some types of property, land, farmland, energy, forestry and precious metals – is growing globally, especially in South East Asia, says sector expert Guy Tolhurst, MD of the London-based Intelligent Partnership consultancy. To meet demand, a new conference programme and exhibition for alternative investments is being held in Singapore in conjunction

with April’s OPPLive Asia event. “South East Asia is probably the most important region at the moment outside the UK,” says Guy Tolhurst, “because of the demand. There is a burgeoning middle class there, the appetite to invest cross border and you also have a good mix of local and expat demand.” As we went to press details were being ﬁnalised, Tolhurst adds: “Alternative Investment Summit Asia is likely be a two-day event with Day One being more educational in nature, targeted at regulated intermediaries – IFAs, wealth managers etc, with Day Two being more product orientated targeted at non-regulated intermediaries such as agents, real estate brokers, with diﬀerent content and business opportunities for each audience.” www.intelligent-partnership.com

www.opp-connect.com

That’s how the Sunday Times described the 5-star, £3.5billion Marina Bay Sands: “the most expensive, ambitious, ridiculous, sci-ﬁ fantasy of a hotel ever built.” It features three 55-storey towers, across the top of which is Sands

01. Marina Bay, Singapore. 02. The inﬁnity pool at Marina Bay Sands. 03. And down to business, at OPPLive.

Overseas Property Masterclass - Sales Stars Salary: Up to £70,000 OTE Location: UK wide Overseas Property Masterclass – Sales Stars Sign up now to become a success in the world of overseas property! WHY BOTHER? • An expert recruiter, we have clients looking for salespeople • Our international property know-how means we can assess your suitability for this world then train you to become outstanding in it • You get superb training and a new job with earnings and opportunities galore WHO SHOULD APPLY? • Those positive about life and passionate about success • Experienced people looking to improve and new talent looking for a chance • Only those serious about working hard and earning well The ﬁrst class starts at the end of February. Don’t miss it! TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE OVERSEAS PROPERTY MASTERCLASS FOR SALES STARS, CONTACT US TODAY ON 020 3004 9113 OR BY EMAIL AT INFO@SALESTALENTSPOTTERS.COM

ref STS2095

Job opportunity

Third Party Sales Distribution - Hong Kong A leading Alternative Investment promotions company with global reach has an opening for an experienced Investment Business Development Manager to join their new team in Hong Kong to establish their Third Party Sales Distribution Network. With an increasing number of investors facing uncertainty in the financial markets, more and more people are looking towards the Alternative Investment industry to provide safer opportunities for their mid-long term investments. Tangible Assets are becoming more popular and none more so than agricultural projects. The primary role of Business Development Manager is to act as an introducing agent to third party sales agents and ensuring that they are well versed in all aspects of the new products. This would be perfect for someone with a contact list of people who run sales floors or brokerage companies, and to introduce them to a basket of new tangible products. The ideal candidate: • Will have a deep understanding of the Hong Kong investment market • Must be able to work autonomously and without day to day micro management • Should have an existing client base to contact for new product introductions • Will be highly influential and comfortable in pressured situations If you are keen to be a part of a developing company and take the responsibility of a leading role in its future success, you’ll find this position will provide you with plenty of challenges as well as a competitive salary and commission package.

For more information call me today on +447824139591 or email: alan.macinnes@caporg.co.uk

Business Development Executive Salary: £18,000- £20,000 basic and £35,000 OTE Location: South West London Our client helps financial advisers to source quality investments for their clients and they’re looking for a new business development executive. A quick learner with a professional attitude, you need to bring the right attitude to work each day: enthusiastic, positive, can-do. You don’t need sales experience or financial experience but both would be welcome additions if you have them. Your role will be contacting existing or prospective business partners to discuss a range of financial products and services, from expert advice to vetted investment opportunities, then to book an agreed next step. An engaging and consultative sales style will serve you well as will the ability to recognise the business benefits this company brings to its wide range of clients. Our client is at the forefront of much that’s exciting and pioneering about this market. The team is young, dynamic and hard-working. If that sounds like you and you match the rest of the attributes listed above, contact us now to find out more. CONTACT US TODAY ON 020 3004 9113 OR BY EMAIL AT INFO@SALESTALENTSPOTTERS.COM

ref STS2087

Could you sell a proven property investment with guaranteed returns?

The Resort Group (TRG) is the premier developer of 5-star properties in Cape Verde and is now actively looking for new agents to expand their successful sales network. TRG offer full training, sales and marketing support alongside excellent rates of commission. Why The Resort Group?  Safe, secure and proven Investment Model  Full due diligence and audited accounts  £10K for entry level fractional investments  7% p.a. return assured during construction  Delivering on-going rental income – projected at 6-9%  Capital growth anticipated between 4-6% p.a.  Partnership with Meliá Hotels International – world’s largest resort operator Why Cape Verde?  All-year round tropical climate with average temperatures from 24° to 30°C  World-class beach resort destination  Spectacular growth in tourism with a 115% increase since 2000*  Weekly direct flights from the UK, in just 5½ hours  Strict legislation and controls protects against over development  Political stability and a growing economy since late 1990’s *National Institute of Statistics of Cape Verde

EXCLUSIVE NEW

Agent Offer

There is no better way to sell a Cape Verde property than for your client to experience the Islands and our developments for themselves. We are currently offering our property inspection tours, staying at our 5-star Melia Tortuga resort for 7 nights all-inclusive, for only £500 per person. Plus, we’ll deduct this amount from their reservation fee if they go on to purchase!

Contact: Adam Ellis Tel: 01332 387 818 Email: info@theresortgroupplc.com Web: www.theresortgroupplc.com

BUSINESS Next month

Coming next month in FEATURE

AROUND THE WORLD

… FEATURE

TECHNOLOGY

Vietnam

Resorts get results

Augmented reality

Selling retirement

It’s looking like a new star on the Asian property block, what does the world’s 13th most populous country have to oﬀer property buyers?

Customers are switching from buying in the community to buying in resorts. What do they want from a resort property?

Selling property to people thousands of miles away has inherent problems. But technology can help make those miles disappear.

Older people tend to be cautious, but there are compelling ﬁnancial reasons for retiring abroad. Here are a few of them.

South Africa Rand As South Africa adjusts to life without Mandela, we look at the rand and the wider economy with Smart Currency

What’s up? News from the world’s biggest developments. Who is building what and when you can start selling it!

BUSINESS

PLUS ALL YOUR USUAL…

EXPERTS ADVISE

Location Branding

Portals

“We are at the heart of America!... We’re unspoilt... We’re full of other expats... We’re easy to get to... We’re impossible to get to...” What works and what doesn’t when you’re selling your location?

How do you get the best out of a property portal? We ﬁnd out how to convert eyeballs to leads, what impresses customers and what turns them oﬀ, and whether you have to go with the big portals or can go niche.

• News & comment • Branding ideas • Mortgage report • Currency report • Business and training • Correspondent’s reports • The OPP Interview • Statistics and data • Show previews, reviews • Legal round-up

Recruiting?

Advertise your job for free on OPP Connect www.opp-connect.com

Want to take it a step further?

If you would like a recruitment package tailored to your company’s needs contact: reuben.gurunlian@opp-connect.com | +44 (0)203 540 2224

BUSINESS The life of a ...

… Feng shui consultant Effie Tsaggarides advises property buyers, sellers and developers on harnessing maximum ‘chi’

Feng shui combines spiritual beliefs with mathematics

www.opp-connect.com

friend of mine was going to work in a new building with colleagues from Singapore, and they refused to go into the building until it had been ‘done’ according to feng shui. It’s a vital and natural part of many cultures. It’s just how they are, how they live their life. I grew up in Cyprus but have lived in London for 22 years and have been studying feng shui for eight years. The concept of feng shui is that our living environment influences us and we influence it right back. If our environment is healthy, harmonious and balanced – just like a family or relationship – then we can be balanced and strong in our own minds and make the right choices in life. When checking the feng shui of a building, first I would see how energy enters the buildings. If there is clear access then half your problems are solved. So I check the exact alignment, to the degree, with a compass and with rings. We see whether what is around the building supports the building

itself and the work that will be done there. The kind of things that would be detrimental might be an electric pylon, stagnant water, busy roads, hospitals and cemeteries. In the Orient they do believe in entities like ghosts, and don’t want the young, living energy, or chi, of the physical living world mixing with

In the Orient they don’t want the young, living energy of our world mixing with the dead world the dead world. A feng shui expert can mitigate against that though, with cures – such as the colour red, for the Chinese – to keep the spirits away. But it changes from culture to culture. The outside of the building is most important in feng shui, but once inside, you have to avoid

EFFIE TSAGGARIDES PETRAS www.etpfengshui.com TEL: +44 (0)797 6739 707

sharp corners; especially in the kitchen and the bedroom. Indeed, most of the believers in feng shui would choose to have the kitchen and bedroom built from scratch according to their own charts and numbers. Mirrors are very important. In London people try to make small hallways look bigger with mirrors, but that’s very wrong from a feng sui point of view – never too close to the front door. My clients are primarily in England and Cyprus. I am often called to see a house that someone is thinking of buying and I can tell in 20 minutes or so if it will be right for them. I am also asked by architects to help at the planning stage, especially with large developments and hotels. The Chinese are also very aware of selecting the right date to start construction. The Chinese and South-East Asians are great believers in feng shui, but many of my clients are Europeans, too, especially Russians. I love everything about my work – the philosophical, spiritual and mathematical.

AGRICULTURAL FARMLAND AGENTS WANTED GOOD COMMISSIONS AVAILABLE

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AGents WAnteD seLL QuALity fLoriDA reAL estAte

Park Square Homes has 30 years experience in designing and constructing residential property in Central Florida. We are currently recruiting proactive agents to sell our quality homes to overseas buyers. Our innovative designs, superior construction and commitment to homeowner satisfaction has helped us become one of the largest and most respected independent residential development and home building companies in the area.

Benefits to the Broker 1. 12% commission. 2. Multi-lingual staff on hand. 3. Well established overseas buying processes 4. We can arrange financing. 5. We can arrange a management company if you want it – or not, if you don’t. 6. Advance Commissions for ‘Super-Brokers’

Benefits to the Buyer 1. Orlando prices on the rise. 25% in the last year. 2. 57 Million tourists came to town last year – so massive accommodation demand. 3. The 3rd most popular place to buy in the whole US for foreign investors. 4. Location – Minutes from Disney, but with an exclusive feel. 5. Much lower buying costs than Spain, France, Portugal etc. E: Dpickering@parksquarehomes.com • T: +19413570049 • W: www.parksquarehomes.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014

2014. With the property market recovering in Europe and North America, the need for information exchange between Eastern and Western agents and developers, and the increasing sophistication of media in less economically developed countries, we expect to see considerable increases in the available media this year. Follow OPP, in this magazine and via OPP-Connect, for news of all the launches and new developments. And if you launch a new publication or event, email the Editor at chris.nye@opp-connect.com.

www.opp-connect.com

WHERE TO EXHIBIT, CONFERENCES TO ATTEND, WHERE TO ADVERTISE Your essential guide to the exhibitions, events websites and magazines that dominate the overseas property industry at the start of

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

MOSCOW INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SHOW

BEIJING INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY & INVESTMENT EXPO LAUNCH DATE: 1993

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 10-13 April 2014

LAUNCH DATE: 2003

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 11-12 April 2014

VENUE: Beijing Exhibition Center, Beijing

VENUE: Tishinka exhibition centre

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 35,000

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION:

EXHIBITING PRICE: From US$5200 for 3x3m booth

April 2011: 7,000. November 2011: 7,792 visitors. EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: From €450 per sqm equipped space

2014 Beijing International Property Expo will be the biggest trade fair for international property in north China. Millionaires in the Chinese mainland may account for about

The 22nd Moscow International Property Show is the

half of the rich people across 10 major economies in Asia

leading event in Russia for developers and agents looking

and hold more than half of the wealth by 2015, according

to meet a highly targeted Russian audience. Held twice

to a study by Julius Baer Group. Beijing has a large number

a year since 2003 catering exclusively to the Overseas

of wealthy people in China – 44,000 multimillionaires by

Property sector.

the end of year 2010. Many foreign countries hold very large attraction to the Chinese rich people, because of their

ALSO:

better social welfare system, higher quality of education

St Petersburg International Property Show: 4-5 April

and a greater opportunity for investment. For the Chinese rich people, it’s really a good option to invest in overseas properties and immigration programs.

CONTACT: +86 10 804 885 20

CONTACT: +7 495 926 9695

EMAIL: sales@beijingexhibition.com

EMAIL: expo@aigroup.ru

WEBSITE: www.beijingexhibition.com/BIPE-Introduction.html

WEBSITE: www.InternationalProperty.ru

CITYSCAPE ABU DHABI 2014 LAUNCH DATE: 2006

OPPLive EX

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 22-24 April 2014

ITIO

LAUNCH DATE: 2009

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: November 2014

VENUE: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Khaleej Al

VENUE: Central London

Arabi Street - Abu Dhabi

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 1,000-plus

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 20,700

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: On application

ITIO

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: On application OPPLive is dedicated 100% to those involved in our industry. Now in its 8th year, Cityscape Abu Dhabi has ﬁrmly

It is aimed at developers seeking agents, master agents

established itself as a leading real estate development and

seeking sub-agents and people wanting to sell residential

investment event. Held under the patronage of His Highness

real estate and related products looking for the right product

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu

to sell. It will also appeal to people offering services to any

Dhabi and Deputy supreme Commander of the UAE Armed

of those people: marketing companies, lawyers, product

Forces, the event brings together regional and international

packagers, tech companies etc. This is the event where you

investors, developers, architects, designers, government

can learn, network and make money – all at the same time!

authorities and other senior real estate professional involved in the development of both public and private real

www.opp-connect.com

estate projects. As real estate markets globally show signs

of recovery, Cityscape continues to adapt to a changing marketplace.

CONTACT: Adele Laker

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3540 2233

EMAIL: Adele.laker@Informa.com

EMAIL: Naomi.zammit@opp-connect.com

WEBSITE: www.cityscapeabudhabi.com

WEBSITE: www.opp-live.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

SHANGHAI OVERSEAS PROPERTY INVESTMENT SHOW

OPPLive Asia LAUNCH DATE: 2014

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 23-24 April 2014

LAUNCH DATE: 1998

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 14-17 March 2014

VENUE: Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

VENUE: Shanghai Exhibition Center

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: New exhibition

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 100,000

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: £445

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: RMB 3000

In response to significant exhibitor and delegate demand,

VNU Exhibitions Asia has organised the Shanghai property

OPPLive is exporting its successful format, launched in 2005,

B2C trade show for 14 years. Reported on by more than 60

to Asia with a debut event in Singapore at the prestigious

inﬂuential media partners, the show attracts an audience

Marina Bay Sands.

of 100,000 to 130,000 visitors each year. It takes place twice

Stand bookings are now open for companies wishing to take

a year, in March and October, and is a well-known meeting

their products or services to Asia and to network with the

point for buyers. Because residential prices in China have

very best industry professionals from Singapore, Malaysia

been rising since 2008, and because the Chinese government

and across the whole Asia region.

has put restrictions and new rules on investing in domestic real estate, more and more Chinese home buyers and investors realise that investing in overseas property is the best way to make a good proﬁt return .... safely.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3540 2233

CONTACT: +86 (21) 61956088-516

EMAIL: David.cleaver@opp-connect.com

EMAIL: Alex.mao@vnuexhibitions.com.cn

WEBSITE: www.opp-connect.com/opplive-asia/

WEBSITE: www.chinarealestatexpo.com

BUYING PROPERTIES ABROAD - STOCKHOLM

SMART INVESTMENT & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPO, HONG KONG EXHIBITION DATES: 7 - 8 June, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre,

ITIO

1 Expo Drive - Hong Kong

LAUNCH DATE: 2003

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 1-2 February 2014

ITIO

VENUE: Kistamässan, Torshamnsgatan 18 - Kista, Stockholm VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: Last exhibition 4,950 visitors

As the crisis clouds over Europe and the US continue

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €325

to linger, will Asia’s considerably stronger economic fundamentals be enough to attract long term international

Fair Media International AB has arranged 65 exhibitions

investors?

under the name Buying Properties Abroad in Scandinavia during the last 10 years. The exhibitions are an important

Asia’s longest-running property and investment showcase

marketplace for exhibitors from all over the world who want

is held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre,

to market their properties to buyers in Sweden, Finland and

from 7-8 June 2014. With more than 30 expos in 10 years,

Norway. The economy in the Nordic countries is stronger

Smart has opened its doors to more than 1,500 exhibitors

compared to the rest of Europe and our visitors continue

and has welcomed 100,000-plus quality investors and

to buy property abroad in a large numbers. The success of

hundreds of senior industry experts. For more details, go

our exhibitions is the result of knowledge of the market and

to: Website: www.smartexpos.com/smartexpo2014/hkjun/

sensitivity to the needs of the exhibitors and their clients,

booth_reservation.asp

combined with outstanding marketing. The staff of Fair marketplace for the exhibitors.

CONTACT: +46 8 663 75 88 WEBSITE: www.smartexpos.com/smartexpo2014/hkjun/

EMAIL: asa@fairmedia.se

booth_reservation.asp

WEBSITE: www.fairmedia.se

www.opp-connect.com

Media go out of their way to create an ambiance and efﬁcient

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

BUYING PROPERTIES ABROAD - GOTHENBURG LAUNCH DATE: 2003

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 22-23 February 2014

BUYING PROPERTIES ABROAD - MALMO LAUNCH DATE: 2003

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 15-16 March 2014

VENUE: 20 Fair Street - 412 51 Gothenburg

VENUE: Mässgatan 6 - 215 32 Malmö

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: Last exhibition 3,200 visitors

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 1,950 visitors

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €325

Fair Media International AB has arranged 65 exhibitions

under the name Buying Properties Abroad in Scandinavia

during the last 10 years. The exhibitions are an important

marketplace for exhibitors from all over the world who want

to market their properties to buyers in Sweden, Finland and

Norway. The economy in the Nordic countries is stronger

compared to the rest of Europe and our visitors continue

to buy property abroad in a large numbers. The success of

our exhibitions is the result of knowledge of the market and

sensitivity to the needs of the exhibitors and their clients,

combined with outstanding marketing. The staff of Fair

Media go out of their way to create an ambiance and efﬁcient

marketplace for the exhibitors.

CONTACT: +46 8 663 75 88

EMAIL: asa@fairmedia.se

WEBSITE: www.fairmedia.se

BUYING PROPERTIES ABROAD - HELSINKI LAUNCH DATE: 2003

LEISURE REAL ESTATE SUMMIT 2014

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 29-30 March 2014

ITIO

LAUNCH DATE: 2013

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 27 February 2014

VENUE:

VENUE: The Montcalm, Marble Arch, London

Wanha Satama, Skatudden Lilla Hamngatan 3-5 - Helsinki

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 250

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 2,150 visitors

EXHIBITING PRICE: £1,000 fdor 2x2metre stand

ITIO

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €325 The Leisure Real Estate Summit is designed to provide hotel Fair Media International AB has arranged 65 exhibitions

and other leisure real estate asset owners, asset managers

under the name Buying Properties Abroad in Scandinavia

and investors with new and complementary strategies to

during the last 10 years. The exhibitions are an important

create real value, identifying routes to investment in order

marketplace for exhibitors from all over the world who want

to release the potential of UK and international assets.

www.opp-connect.com

to market their properties to buyers in Sweden, Finland and

Norway. The economy in the Nordic countries is stronger

The 2014 conference has a new structure with sessions split

compared to the rest of Europe and our visitors continue

between two separate areas covering leisure real estate

to buy property abroad in a large numbers. The success of

sessions and a vacation rental 101. In the main hall, topics

our exhibitions is the result of knowledge of the market and

covered will include a market overview, cost management

sensitivity to the needs of the exhibitors and their clients,

strategies, asset management, branding, and case studies.

combined with outstanding marketing. The staff of Fair

Other sessions include cover exchange programmes,

Media go out of their way to create an ambiance and efﬁcient

vacation rental, equity funds, travel clubs, and strategic

marketplace for the exhibitors.

brand alliances.

CONTACT: +46 8 663 75 88

CONTACT: +44 (0)20 8340 7989

EMAIL: asa@fairmedia.se

EMAIL: info@LeisureRealEstateSummit.com

WEBSITE: www.fairmedia.se

WEBSITE: www.LeisureRealEstateSummit.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

LUXURY HOSPITALITY SUMMIT

SMART INVESTMENT & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPO, SINGAPORE EXHIBITION DATES: 29 - 30 March, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Singapore

LAUNCH DATE: 2010

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 4-5 November 2014 VENUE: Tbc – India

$1 Million Dollars – What Can You Do?

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 75

Holding on to cash maybe a safe bet in a jittering market but the

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: n/a

prospect of earning next to zero interest is simply not a happy option. At the SMART Expo you will find plenty of attractive

Luxury Hospitality Summit is a new concept in b2b

alternatives. Investment opportunities that still continue to shine

conferencing for the hospitality sector. It will bring together

and outperform are plenty if you know what to look for. From

leaders and innovators from across the industry to share

fine art investments to solid London homes, the alternatives to

knowledge and experiences.

holding cash are at SMART for you to explore.

The brightest names from the luxury hospitality sector will

Global Properties Within Your Reach Surprise yourself; luxury

meet at the Luxury Hospitality Summit to discuss the most

properties from overseas markets are actually affordable!

pressing topics facing the industry in continued financially

Attractive returns on investment, high-yields and low price

pressured times. The conference will provide a platform

entry points are the many interesting propositions from UK,

for learning and networking, with the industry’s finest

Thailand, Malaysia, Brazil, Philippines, Australia and many

discussing trends in sales and marketing, operations, finance,

more. Wide range of portfolios to choose from including

development, spas, concierge services, sustainability, human

inner-city condos, oceanfront villas, retirement homes

resources and much more...

and student accommodation presented by leading global property developers. CONTACT: +852 2944 6430

CONTACT: +44 (0)20 8340 7989

EMAIL: info@smartexpos.com

EMAIL: piers@luxuryhospitalitysummit.com

WEBSITE: www.smartexpos.com/smartexpo2014

WEBSITE: www.luxuryhospitalitysummit.com

CITYSCAPE RIYADH 2014

ST. PETERSBURG INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SHOW LAUNCH DATE: 2007

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 4-5 April 2014 and October 2014

ITIO

LAUNCH DATE: N/A

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 7-9 December 2014

VENUE: LenExpo Exhibition Centre, Pavilion 4

VENUE: Riyadh Exhibition Centre

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION:

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 5,000

April 2011–7,035, October 2011–6,531 visitors

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: On application

ITIO

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: From €370 per sqm for equipped space

CityScape Riyadh will be a chance to: – Generate sales from a focused target audience

This is the biggest annual property show in St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city and the third largest city in

– Ensure your brand and projects are seen by influential stakeholders

Europe. Using experience gathered at our sister event in

– Network with international investors and decision markers

Moscow (above), the event aims to be the only show in St.

– Gain insight into market trends

Petersburg specialising in overseas property.

– Benchmark against similar projects and undertake competitor analysis – Find inspiration/ideas for development and service provision – Educate the market about your products and services

CONTACT: +966 2 668 5656

EMAIL: expo@aigroup.ru

EMAIL: info@cityscaperiyadh.com

WEBSITE: www.Spb.PropertyShow.ru

WEBSITE: www.cityscaperiyadh.com

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +7 812 385-75-65 or +7 495 777 25 77

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

CITYSCAPE GLOBAL LAUNCH DATE: 2002

CITYSCAPE QATAR EX

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 21-23 September 2014

LAUNCH DATE: 1994

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 2-4 June 2014

VENUE: Dubai World Trade Centre

VENUE: Qatar International Exhibition Centre

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 20,000

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: Not available

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE:

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: POA

Shell Scheme – US$745; Space Only – US$695 Cityscape Qatar, backed by industry leaders, is an event Cityscape Global is organised by Informa exhibitions which

that will support continued real estate growth by providing

operates around 100 trade and consumer events in more

a platform that will highlight high growth investment

than 35 cities across the globe. Our main ofﬁce locations

opportunities, showcase innovative products and underline

are in London, Sao Paulo, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai,

sustainable developments. Cityscape Qatar will serve as a

Singapore and Beijing. Each year across the group we bring

platform to bring together international, regional and local

together approximately 1 million professionals from every

investors, architects and designers, real estate developers,

corner of every continent, all looking to meet, network and

governmental authorities and senior executives involved in

do business. For more than a decade, Cityscape Global has

the design and construction of public and private real estate

been the annual meeting point for key real estate investors,

developments from Qatar and internationally.

developers, regional and city investment promotion authorities, architects, designers and other real estate professionals to drive growth in real estate investment and development across emerging markets globally. CONTACT: +971 4 407 2557

CONTACT: +971 4 407 2475

EMAIL: tom.rhodes@informa.com

EMAIL: ahmed.zakaria@informa.com

WEBSITE: www.cityscapeglobal.com

WEBSITE: www.cityscapeqatar.com

SECOND PLACE EXPO

CHINA GRI 2014 SHANGHAI

LAUNCH DATE: 2005

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 21-23 February 2014

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 13 - 14 November, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Shanghai

ITIO

VENUE: Spring edition in Flanders Expo Ghent and fall edition in Brussels Expo

China GRI 2014 will bring together the leading decision

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 4400

makers from global real estate investors, financiers

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €220 per sqm

and Chinese developers to discuss the challenges and

(including stand structure)

opportunities created by the market correction in China.

Second Place is the only Belgian second home exhibition.

GRI Club Meetings bring together the most senior real estate investors, lenders and developers to network, find partnerships and do business. Each event hosts many intimate group discussions in which everyone is invited to participate on an equal basis, just as you might discuss industry challenges and opportunities with your friends and colleagues in the comfort of your own living room.

www.opp-connect.com

We are looking forward to seeing you in Shanghai.

CONTACT: +32 (0) 9 241 99 97 EMAIL: h.prins@fairsconsult.be WEBSITE: www.secondhome-expo.be

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/China2014

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

THE PROPERTY INVESTOR SHOW LAUNCH DATE: 2002

BRAZIL GRI 2014 SAO PAULO EX

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 11-24 April 2014

EXHIBITION DATES: 15-16 October, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Sao Paulo

VENUE: ExCel London VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 3,000

With the consolidation of Brazil as one of the most important

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: POA

real estate markets in the world, connecting with the right players has become critical. Over 250 senior private equity

Aimed at agents, developers, fund managers, wealth

investors, institutions, developers and lenders get together in

managers, service providers and investors … anyone serious

Sao Paulo every year for the Brazil GRI.

about making money from UK and International property investment. It is the ideal place for networking, obtaining

It is a unique opportunity to meet those driving industry

reliable and up-to-date property market information and,

growth in one place. In a series of 25 discussions, they will be

of course, investment property to buy. It caters for all levels

brainstorming what opportunities they see and how big they

of property experience – everyone from the novice to the

really are. Join leaders in the industry and make the most of

seasoned investor will ﬁnd an answer to their questions.

a great market.

With around 100 exhibitors expected and over 50 seminars / debates scheduled visitors can identify the expertise and advice needed to make informed decisions on all areas of investment interest.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 208 877 0610

CONTACT: US Office +1 866 399 1210

EMAIL: enquiries@propertyinvestor.co.uk

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.propertyinvestor.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Brazil2014

SMART INVESTMENT & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPO

SMART INVESTMENT & INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY EXPOS LAUNCH DATE: 2004

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: Various

ITIO

VENUE: Various

EXHIBITION DATES: 20 - 21 May, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Royal Phuket Marina, Smart Investment &

ITIO

International Property Expo, Phuket, Thailand

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: Variable according to venue EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: POA

Asia’s longest-running property and investment showcase is held at the Royal Phuket Marina, Thailand, from 9-12

SINGAPORE 29-30 March 2014

January 2014.

Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands BEIJING 10 - 13 April 2014

With more than 30 expos in 10 years, Smart has opened

KUALA LUMPUR 18 - 20 April 2014

its doors to more than 1,500 exhibitors and has welcomed

SHANGHAI 19 - 20 April 2014

100,000-plus quality investors and hundreds of senior

HONG KONG 7 - 8 June 2014

industry experts.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre Asia’s longest running series of overseas property exhibitions catering for the region’s growing consumer appetite for international real estate.

EMAIL: info@smartexpos.com WEBSITE: www.smartexpos.com

WEBSITE: www.smartexpos.com

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +852 2944 6430

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION SIMA MADRID INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE EXHIBITION LAUNCH DATE: 1999

INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE FAIR DOMEXPO EX

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 29 May - 1 June

LAUNCH DATE: 1999

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 10-13 April 2014

VENUE: IFEMA. Feria de Madrid, Pavilion 6

VENUE: Gostiny dvor

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: N/A

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: approx. 12,000

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: 328€/sqm

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE:

€400 per equipped area; €350 per unequipped area Planner Reed is a leader in the organization and promotion of trade fairs in Spain. The company is part of Reed Exhibitions,

DOMEXPO is the only fair in Russia where visitors can ﬁnd

the world’s foremost promoter and organiser of trade fairs

all the segments of the Russian and international property

aimed both at professional sectors as well as consumer

market in one place, such as city, out of-town, resort, luxury,

products, covering 44 industry and market sectors. The Reed

residential and commercial real estate schemes. After 13

Exhibitions trade fair portfolio currently covers in excess of

years in the real estate market, DOMEXPO has become a

460 events across 36 countries. SIMA is undoubtedly the

key meeting point for Russian and international property

leading real estate exhibition within Spain and one of the

professionals. There are international forums and seminars

most important real estate business platforms in Europe.

to promote networking and the show is supported by the

The Expo is attended by national and international industry

Moscow Government, CCI, the Russian Guild of Realtors,

professionals and end-buyers who don’t only have access

the Moscow Guild of Realtors, the Moscow Association of

to a large portfolio of products and services but also to a

Investors and the International Academy of Mortgages.

great and extensive programme of activities, seminars and

Foreign partners include the Association of Realtors from

networking opportunities.

Italy, the NAR from USA and Salon of Spanish real estate.

CONTACT: 0034 91 781 83 78

CONTACT: +8 (495) 258 87 64

EMAIL: alejandro.escudero@gplanner.com

EMAIL: inform@expo-design.ru

WEBSITE: www.simaexpo.com

WEBSITE: www.domexpo.ru

A PLACE IN THE SUN LIVE LAUNCH DATE: 2005 EXHIBITION DATES: 28-30 March 2014

RUSSIA GRI MOSCOW EX

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 14 - 15 October, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Moscow

ITIO

VENUE: Olympia, London VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 6,000

With Moscow being ranked as the third largest investment

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: £360

market in Europe and regional retail developments on the rise, the Russian commercial real estate market is on the up.

A Place in the Sun Live is Europe’s largest overseas property

Meet Russia’s established and emerging players to explore

exhibition giving international property agents, developers

new and attractive opportunities.

and service providers the opportunity to meet a consumer audience of more than 6,000 property buyers. Our visitors

GRI Club Meetings bring together the most senior real

are attracted by our extensive marketing campaign and

estate investors, lenders and developers to network, find

by the power of the ‘A Place in the Sun’ brand, a famous

partnerships and do business. Each event hosts many

overseas property TV show screened on Channel 4 in the UK

intimate group discussions in which everyone is invited

since 2000. Over 55% of our visitors want to buy a property

to participate on an equal basis, just as you might discuss

in the next 12 months, 85% within two years and they have

industry challenges and opportunities with your friends and

an average budget of £190,000 with the majority buying

colleagues in the comfort of your own living room.

www.opp-connect.com

from savings.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3207 2920

CONTACT: UK Office +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: sales@aplaceinthesun.com

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.aplaceinthesun.com

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Russia2014

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

CITYSCAPE EGYPT 2014

MOSCOW OVERSEAS PROPERTYAND INVESTMENT SHOW LAUNCH DATE: 2005

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 14-15 March 2014

LAUNCH DATE: 2012

HIB

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 9-12 April 2014

VENUE: Tishinka Exhibition Centre,, Moscow

VENUE: Cairo International Conference Centre, El Nasr Rd,

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION:

Nasr City, - Cairo

March 2011: 6,823 visitors, October 2011: 6,886

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: n/a

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: From €.450 per sqm

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: POA

for equipped space Informa provides academics, businesses and individuals The Moscow Overseas Property & Investment Show is a

with knowledge, up-to-the minute information and highly

specially designed exhibition to suit the Russian mentality.

specialist skills and services. With around 8,000 employees

Many sensible Russians are not eager to advertise their

working in some 150 ofﬁces in over 40 countries, our global

wealth and would not be comfortable visiting a large, ‘public’

reach and breadth of offer is unique. Cityscape Egypt

exhibition, however a professional Investment Show in a

is a new four-day real estate event for individuals and

refined, boutique style atmosphere is most suitable.

institutions looking to access the outstanding opportunities

If you offer investment products and would like to make

in the Egyptian real estate market. A large-scale exhibition,

face to face contact with qualified Russian investors, then

complemented by conferences and institutional investor-

investing in the Moscow Overseas Property & Investment

focused activities will ensure that you have access to the very

Show will be the best investment that you make in 2014.

latest information and investment opportunities.

CONTACT: +971 4407 2557 CONTACT: +7 495 777 25 77

EMAIL: tom.rhodes@informa.com

WEBSITE: www.InvestShow.ru

WEBSITE: www.cityscapeegypt.com

MIPIM UK OLYMPIA EXHIBITION DATES: 15 - 17 October, 2014

MIPIM ASIA 2014 – PROPERTY LEADERS’ SUMMIT EX

HIB

VENUE: Olympia, Warwick Rd - London

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 2 - 4 December, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Grand Hyatt Hotel, 1 Harbour Rd - Hong Kong

ITIO

Held in London, MIPIM UK gathers professionals looking to

The MIPIM Asia Property Leaders’ Summit gathers top-

close deals in the UK property market: investors, developers,

level real estate professionals from all sectors to build

local authorities, occupiers, corporate end-users, hotel

partnerships, gain industry insight and discover the most

groups, agents and business service providers.

outstanding projects through a world-class programme

MIPIM UK works closely in partnership with a distinguished

dedicated to property investment and retail real estate.

advisory committee comprised of leading industry

In 2013, it was attended by 720 delegates, 119 journalists, 90

professionals.

speakers and featured more than 30 conferences.

The event is expected to feature 100 stands, 1,700 square metre exhibition and more than 3,000 participants. Over three days, MIPIM UK unites all professionals interested in the UK property market under one roof to explore opportunities, build partnerships and close deals. Website: www.mipimuk.co.uk/

CONTACT: +33 (0)1 79 71 99 99

EMAIL: abi.benedict@reedmidem.com,

EMAIL: claire.chaussidiere@reedmidem.com,

mipimuk@reedmidem.com

peter.desoissons@reedmidem.com

WEBSITE: www.mipimuk.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.mipim-asia.com/en/the-event/

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +33 (0)1 79 71 99 99

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

GRI EUROPE SUMMIT, PARIS EXHIBITION DATES: 17 - 18 September, 2014

GRI INDIA MUMBAI EX

HIB

VENUE: Paris

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 7 - 8 October, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Mumbai

Labelled a ‘must’ for the real estate community, the GRI

As the rupee fell in 2013, savvy investors were on the hunt

Europe Summit has been attracting the most elite and

for opportunities. At India GRI 2014 we welcome more

active players in Europe and beyond, for the last 16 years.

developers, more international investors and a greater

We look forward to welcoming our regular and loyal

focus on opportunities in southern India.

members alongside new participants taking a closer look at the attractive yields, stability and value that European real

GRI Club Meetings bring together the most senior real

estate markets offer.

estate investors, lenders and developers to network, find partnerships and do business. Each event hosts many

GRI Club Meetings bring together the most senior real

intimate group discussions in which everyone is invited

estate investors, lenders and developers to network, find

to participate on an equal basis, just as you might discuss

partnerships and do business. Each event hosts many

industry challenges and opportunities with your friends

intimate group discussions in which everyone is invited

and colleagues in the comfort of your own living room.

to participate on an equal basis, just as you might discuss industry challenges and opportunities with your friends and colleagues in the comfort of your own living room.

CONTACT: UK Office +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/europe2014

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/India2014

REALTORS® CONFERENCE & EXPO

BARCELONA MEETING POINT INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE EXHIBITION & SYMPOSIUM LAUNCH DATE: 1997

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: October 15-19 2014

ITIO

LAUNCH DATE: NAR was established in 1908

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 7-10 November 2014

VENUE: Hall 8, Fira de Barcelona, Avenida Reina Maria

VENUE: New Orleans

Cristina s/n

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: More than 10,000

VISITORS PER EXHIBITION: 12,000

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE:

ITIO

www.opp-connect.com

$367 per sqm ($34/sq ft)

Barcelona Meeting Point is the only international and

The REALTORS® Conference & Expo includes:

professional real estate exhibition in Spain. It is an annual

• More than 100 education sessions, featuring nationally-

meeting point for the real estate industry in the Autumn.

recognised speakers, trainers, and industry experts,

In just ﬁve days, it offers the possibility to network with the

who discuss timely topics and critical issues of value to

most relevant personalities in the real estate world, ﬁnd

REALTORS®.

the best investment opportunities, learn about the latest

• 400 industry vendors at the expo, who present the latest

industry trends, ﬁnd investors for a product and, in summary,

innovative tools just for real estate professionals.

to make business deals. BMP has three different parts: the

• Unlimited networking and referral-building opportunities,

Professional Exhibition, the General Attendance Exhibition

including special events, networking lounges, and the expo

and the International Symposium.

show ﬂoor.

CONTACT: +34 93 223 4050 EMAIL: vroses@bmpsa.com

EMAIL: narglobe@realtors.org

WEBSITE: www.bmpsa.com

WEBSITE: www.realtor.org/conference

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

GRI CHAIRMEN’S RETREAT

GRI TURKEY EXHIBITION DATES: 13 - 14 January 2014

HIB

VENUE: Ceylan Intercontinental Istanbul

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 16 - 19 January 2014

HIB

VENUE: St Moritz, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel,

ITIO

Via Serlas 27, 7500 Turkey’s economic expansion, attractive investment climate and maturing real estate market build a strong foundation for

The GRI Chairmen’s Retreat is an exclusive and collegial

institutional investment. Moreover, recent major transactions

three-days of interactive, small-group discussions on a first-

by foreign investors point towards a positive outlook for

name basis on strategy and industry developments.

Turkey’s long-term fundamentals. Turkey GRI provides you

It is reserved for the top real estate investors, financiers,

with a gateway to this exciting market. The event features

owners and developers from across the world and is by

discussions covering the hottest topics, including: New Hotel

personal invitation only. By invitation only, it is limited to

Developments – picking up or slowing down?

the Chief Real Estate Executive within any organization or

Office in Turkey – is it becoming increasingly attractive for

the immediate second-in-command. The unique quality,

investors? Residential in Turkey – where are the next hot

guaranteed seniority and small size of the audience, as well

spots? Shopping Mall Development – no signs of abating?

as the quiet and unpressured seclusion of the conversations,

Institutional Investors – is it time to turn bullish on Turkey?

makes the GRI Chairmen’s Retreat a unique occasion for

Urban Regeneration in Turkey – opportunities and challenges

property company chiefs and investors from across the world

Sustainability – vital or trivial?

to get to know each other and explore opportunities to do business together.

CONTACT: UK Office +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

THE FRANCE SHOW EXHIBITION DATES: 17 - 19 January 2014 VENUE: Earls Court Exhibition Centre,

BULGARIAN HOME EXHIBITION EX HIB ITIO N

EXHIBITION DATES: 16 - 19 January 2014 VENUE: Tishinka Exhibition Centre,

EX HIB ITIO N

Warwick Rd, London

Tishinskaya Sq. 1, Building 1, Moscow

Enjoy all that France has to offer! The France Show brings you

Bulgarian Home Exhibition is an international exhibition for

the best of France – property, food, wine, holiday ideas, travel

Bulgarian property and investments sector. The event will

offers and entertainment – all under one roof.

provide a best ground where investors and private buyers meet developers, agents and providers of services and

It includes a great French market, cookery demonstrations,

expertise. It’s an international event focused on residential

tutored wine tastings, language theatre and a chance to

property sales and investment.

play pétanque. The France Show also hosts the largest French Property Exhibition in the UK. Tickets cost £10 or £13 on the door. Children under 16 and accompanied by a paying adult are admitted free of charge For more details see: http://www.thefranceshow.com/

WEBSITE:/www.bgshow.ru/?l=eng

www.opp-connect.com

WEBSITE: www.thefranceshow.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION SECOND HOME INTERNATIONAL – EXPORAMA, OSLO

SECOND HOME INTERNATIONAL, GHENT EXHIBITION DATES: 22 - 23 February, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Flanders Expo Ghent

EXHIBITION DATES: 16 - 17 March 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Exporama, Hellerudsletta, Kragerudveien

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €150 (discounts

50 2013 Skjetten - Oslo

apply of booking other Second Home Exhibitions)

EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €250

Second Home International’s Flanders Expo Gent fair is aimed

Are you also looking for a unique second home? Or do you

at the middle-aged, including two-income adults (aged 40+)

want more information about the benefits of investing in a

with higher than average net income and children who have

second home?

left home. That age group used to be more likely to save money, but now they want to enjoy it.

Whether you are looking for a villa in Spain, an apartment in

Property buyers include those who buy for holidays, others

Portugal or a chalet in Austria, Second Home International,

who hope to find a spot where they finally go to emigrate

at Exporama, Oslo, provides lots of options. Popular holiday

and the third group sees the purchase as a pure investment.

destinations like Spain, France, Turkey are well represented,

Traditional destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal

as well as more exotic destinations like South Africa.

and Turkey are the main targets

CONTACT: +32 (0)9 241 99 97

CONTACT: +32 (0)9 241 94 96

EMAIL: info@fairsconsult.com

WEBSITE: www.secondhome-expo.be

WEBSITE: www.secondhome-expo.no

MOSCOW OVERSEAS PROPERTY WORKSHOP

SECOND HOME INTERNATIONAL – JAARBEURS UTRECHT EXHIBITION DATES: 28 - 30 March, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Jaarbeurs Utrecht,

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 27 - 28 February, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Hotel “Borodino”

ITIO

Jaarbeursplein, - 3521 AL, Utrecht, EXHIBITING PRICE PER SQUARE METRE: €150 (discounts

Moscow overseas property workshop is a place where

apply of booking other Second Home Exhibitions)

professionals of real estate market meet; it aims to create an opportunity of a quick and efficient search of new partners

www.opp-connect.com

for foreign and Russian real estate companies.

Property buyers include those who buy for holidays, others

For the foreign developers and agents, who want to enter

who hope to find a spot where they finally go to emigrate

Russian real estate market or to work on it more effectively,

and the third group sees the purchase as a pure investment.

participation in Moscow Overseas Property Workshop will

Traditional destinations such as France, Spain, Italy, Portugal

be a unique opportunity to hold dozens of meetings with

and Turkey are the main targets.There are bargains to

both direct clients and Russian professionals during just two

be found, especially in Spain, where reductions of more

days, to create an agent network and learn more details and

than 30% are no exceptions. Former Soviet bloc countries

secrets how to work successfully in Russia.

are gaining rapidly in popularity. The United States is also

For the Russian professionals meeting with direct clients

extremely popular with visitors. Second Place is also a

together with meeting with a wide range of developers

meeting place for professionals in the second home market

and agents from different countries will help to conclude

and Second Home International organizes seminars about

new agent contacts, learn first-hand about trends and new

buying a second home.

products of foreign real estate markets, and also get new ideas for business development.

CONTACT: +31 (0)30 888 78 77

CONTACT: +7 (495) 644 97 27

EMAIL: info@fairsconsult.com

EMAIL: info@homesoverseas.ru

WEBSITE: www.secondhome.nl

WEBSITE: www.mopw.ru

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

MIPIM-WORLD PROPERTY MARKET EXHIBITION DATES: 11 - 14 March, 2014

MOSCOW GOLF AND LUXURY PROPERTY SHOW EX

HIB

VENUE: Palais des Festivals, Cannes, France

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 25 - 26 April, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Tishinka Exhibition Centre

ITIO

MIPIM is the leading international real estate forum and a

The organizers of the international Moscow Golf & Luxury

global market place. We bring together industry decision

Property Show invited best professionals to participate: large

makers from around the world, allowing them to establish

overseas and Russian property investments experts, leading

lasting relationships, present new projects and lay the

developers and real estate agencies and representative

foundations for fruitful collaboration. Over the course of just

of golf industry. Moscow Golf & Luxury Property Show will

four days, MIPIM shapes the future of the rapidly expanding

become a real show of overseas property & golf offers!

real estate market, allowing delegates to gain a unique overview of the global market.

CONTACT: +7 495 777-25-77 EMAIL: moscow@aigroup.ru WEBSITE: www.mipim.com/

WEBSITE: www.luxurypropertyshow.ru

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY SHOW, DUBAI EXHIBITION DATES: 8 - 10 April, 2014 VENUE: Dubai International Convention

EX HIB ITIO N

BRITISH GRI 2014 EXHIBITION DATES: 29 - 30 April, 2014 VENUE: Sofitel St James, London

EX HIB ITIO N

& Exhibition Centre London has been topping the commercial property investorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; The IPS (International Property Show) is an innovative event

list by attracting capital from all over the world. In 2014

held annually in Dubai for companies that are involved in sale

British GRI introduces an exciting new European stream,

of real estate and property to different buyers.

explores the new investment hotspots and, as always, brings together the UKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading real estate players with

It is accredited by the Dubai Real Estate Regulatory Authority

international investors.

(RERA) so that companies can improve their profitability, enhance competitive advantage, and sell properties to

British GRI gathers senior-level real estate players from

visitors and investors.

around the world to discuss investment opportunities in the UK and Europe. Loved for its informal, closed door inclusive

The International Property Show aims to bring together

discussions GRI offers a unique opportunity for networking

developers, real estate brokers, private and institutional

and deal making. British GRI 2014 takes a wider European

investors from the Middle East, Europe and the Asia

angle, includes more sessions on the secondary markets and

Pacific regions.

assets, even more foreign investors and a larger distressed/

CONTACT: +971 4 39 23232

CONTACT: +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: info@strategic.ae

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.internationalpropertyshow.ae

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/British2014

www.opp-connect.com

opportunistic focus.

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

CITYSCAPE JEDDAH 2014 EXHIBITION DATES: 3-5 May, 2014

GRI LOTEAMENTOS & COMUNIDADES PLANEJADAS 2014, SÃO PAULO EX

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Jeddah Centre for Forums and Events

EXHIBITION DATES: 20-21 May, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Sao Paulo

Cityscape Jeddah 2014 will prove to be the arena for

Driven by the need for diversification, gated and planned

Saudi real estate stakeholders to showcase their projects

communities (‘loteamentos’) have emerged as the hottest

and services, network with key investors and developers

new trend in the maturing Brazilian real estate market.

from around the world and participate in content driven discussions with industry leaders.

Over 200 senior developers, investors, lenders and institutions will get together in Sao Paulo for the inaugural

Exhibit or sponsor at Jeddah 2014 to influence and network

GRI Loteamentos e Comunidades Planejas 2014. In a series

with the most liquid real estate investors, real estate

of discussions, real case studies and interaction workshops

developers, government authorities, architects, consultants

you will be brainstorming the biggest opportunities in

and other senior-level real estate professionals involved

gated community developments.

in the design and construction of major public and private commercial real estate developments.

You will not only learn about the drivers and key projects, but also find local and international partners to ensure

Be part of unprecedented three days of networking

your pipeline is full of the most profitable opportunities.

opportunities to meet and establish relationships with key

Join the leaders in the market and position your business

players in the industry.

at the forefront of this incredible new trend.

CONTACT: 00971 4 407 2764

CONTACT: +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: Adele.laker@Informa.com

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.cityscapejeddah.com

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/BrazilLoteamentos2014

DEUTSCHE GRI, FRANKFURT 2014 EXHIBITION DATES: 7 - 8 May, 2014

SPAIN GRI MADRID EX

HIB

VENUE: The Westin Grand Frankfurt

ITIO

EXHIBITION DATES: 20 - 21 May, 2014

HIB

VENUE: Madrid

ITIO

On May 7-8, the Deutsche GRI will bring together the

Join Spain’s Leading Real Estate Investors, Developers & Lenders

leading international players and national decision-makers

in Madrid for the inaugural Spain GRI.

that are driving the real estate business in Germany today.

Spain GRI brings together senior real estate executives to discuss

Like all GRI meetings, the Deutsche GRI will have no

key issues, opportunities and challenges in the Spanish market.

speakers and no panelists, just informal discussions in

With renewed interest from investors, increased transaction

small groups, where everyone participates equally.

volumes and high profile deals, 2013 has seen market confidence and liquidity improve. This change poses questions.

Join us in Frankfurt and engage in interactive discussion

How much capital is available? What type of deals are being

with like-minded colleagues covering the latest

chased and are there enough opportunities? Who is lending?

developments in the German market. Get involved,

What does SAREB mean for the industry? What of the domestic

connect and develop valuable relationships with the

banks? With fundamentals still an issue, how to identify

decision makers of the industry.

opportunities and maintain caution?

www.opp-connect.com

Attendees will discuss these and other issues, from life inside

Now in its 10th year, the Deutsche GRI 2014 will once again

and outside opportunistic deals in distressed assets to choosing

gather over 300 local and international decision makers in

local partners.

real estate in Germany.

GRI offers a unique opportunity once a year for networking and deal making. Hear first-hand from fellow experts, contribute to the shared expertise and meet friends – both old and new.

CONTACT: +44 20 7121 5060 EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Deutsche2014

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Spain2014

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 EXHIBITION

GRI AFRICA 2014 NAIROBI

ASIA GRI 2014 HONG KONG EX

HIB

EXHIBITION DATES: 18 - 19 June, 2014

ITIO

VENUE: Nairobi

EXHIBITION DATES: 10 - 11 September, 2014

HIB

ITIO

VENUE: Hong Kong

Focusing on the largely untapped sub-Saharan region,

As the crisis clouds over Europe and the US continue to linger,

the Africa GRI 2014 will provide sector analysis, risk

will Asia’s considerably stronger economic fundamentals be

assessment, partnerships and joint ventures. The event

enough to attract long term international investors?

focus will be on informal group conversations, in which all present will discuss investment and development

The 5th Asia GRI will bring together the most senior

opportunities in Africa.

investors, developers & lenders in the market to challenge

Join Board and C-level real estate professionals who meet

this, in a series of 20 open and informal discussions,

new partners, build personal relationships, and develop

peer to peer. Join them to air your view on the best

lasting friendships over a series of 20 discussions where

opportunities in the market, and to meet like-minded

everyone participates.

partners driving the industry today.

Africa GRI 2014 will bring together the leading SubSaharan players and international real estate investors and developers over 20 discussions to discuss these longer term trends and indicators for the region, identifying the principles of successful and sustainable growth on the continent through real estate.

CONTACT: +44 20 7121 5060

EMAIL: info@globalrealestate.org

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Africa2014

WEBSITE: www.globalrealestate.org/Asia2014

PROPERTY INVESTOR DATABASE RENTAL

AIPP MEDIA TYPE: Consumer Guide

OT H

LAUNCH DATE: 2006

DIA

MEDIA TYPE: Database rental

OT H

LAUNCH DATE: N/A

MAIN TARKET MARKETS: Whole industry

MAIN TARKET MARKETS: Property investors in the UK

RATE CARD PRICE:

RATE CARD PRICE: Please contact us

DIA

One page £1,800 half page £900 quarter page £450 P I Media’s investor database currently stands at just under A not-for-profit organisation, the AIPP is improving standards

50,000 records. The majority of these derived from visitors

of professionalism in this market. In a largely unregulated

attending our Property Investor Show exhibitions (held 1-5

industry, AIPP Members voluntarily agree to follow a

times annually) since 2004 – plus additional opt-in requests

professional Code of Conduct.

received throughout the year. Subscribers have a speciﬁc interest in investing in property and property-related

London-based, AIPP appear at UK property shows and

ﬁnancial services. In terms of proﬁle, the ‘average’ investor

produce an annual How To Buy Safely Abroad guide.

on the database earns two to three times the national average income and already owns 4+ investment properties (a mix of UK and international investment property). For companies looking to promote property, they represent a highly targeted audience.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 8877 0610

EMAIL: admin@aipp.org.uk

EMAIL: enquiries@propertyinvestor.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.aipp.org.uk

WEBSITE: www.propertyinvestor.co.uk

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3207 9095

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 OTHER MEDIA

HOME FINDER PROPERTY

LUCKYWU.COM MEDIA TYPE: Website

OT H

LAUNCH DATE: 2011

DIA

MEDIA TYPE: Print & web publication

OT H

LAUNCH DATE: 2006

MAIN TARKET MARKETS:

MAIN TARKET MARKETS: Real estate practitioners,

The Chinese international property investment market.

associations, banks, property enthusiasts, investors,

RATE CARD PRICE: From £100 per month

professional individuals and institutions

DIA

RATE CARD PRICE: On application Luckywu.com, meaning lucky house in Chinese, is the ﬁrst website dedicated to bringing Chinese buyers together with

Home Finder property magazine has a mission to connect

overseas properties for sale. Designed to make advertising

you with the world of real estate. We bring you engaging

your property simple and efﬁcient, Luckywu.com is the best

real estate news and features, opinion pieces and industry’s

way to provide Mandarin language information on properties,

happenings from credible sources and backed by solid

developments, off-plan investments for international

analysis that form an invaluable guide to property buying and

developers and agents alike.

investment. To date, there are three titles under the Home Finder umbrella - Home Finder which is available at major bookstores and newsstands; Home Finder Plus, distributed at suitable events and selected outlets and locations, and Home Finder Export that transports Malaysia’s unique quality lifestyle and its properties to foreign buyers. Just as you put your stake and mark your niche, discover Home Finder a home for all your property buying and investment needs.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3086 7710

CONTACT: +603 62018337

EMAIL: sales@luckywu.com

EMAIL: stephanie@homeﬁnder.com.my

WEBSITE: agent-en.luckywu.com

WEBSITE: www.homeﬁnder.com.my

BUYASSOCIATION MEDIA TYPE: Website

TOTAL SEND OT H

LAUNCH DATE: 2006

DIA

MEDIA TYPE: Email marketing LAUNCH DATE: 2011

DIA

MAIN TARKET MARKETS: UK, South Africa, Australia, USA

RATE CARD PRICE: On application

RATE CARD PRICE: N/A

BuyAssociation is a one-stop shop for independent

Total Send is an online based email marketing platform that

information and advice on buying property overseas. It

allows you to send out mass newsletters, create stylish opt-in

provides in-depth buying guides, regular columns of expert

forms, manage subscribers, use auto responder follow ups &

advice and news, and is an invaluable tool for unbiased

much more. Our service also allows you to see full statistics

advice. Due to tremendous success, we’ve extended our lead

of each campaign you send, including the number of opens,

generation solutions to allow us to generate project-speciﬁc

clicks, bounces, unsubscribes, etc.

databases. Leads are generated for a ﬁxed marketing cost and delivered exclusively to you in real time.

www.opp-connect.com

MAIN TARKET MARKETS: Worldwide

leads across a network of online platforms and targeted

OT H

CONTACT: +44 (0)333 123 0320

CONTACT: +44 (0)203 519 1082

EMAIL: info@buyassociation.co.uk,

EMAIL: luke@totalsend.com

WEBSITE: www.buyassociation.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.totalsend.com

The best property buyers & sellers travel first class

You can reach them from ÂŁ475 International Property & Travel magazine reaches ďŹ rst and business class passengers of 57 airlines with over 75,000 readers each issue

c o m p l i m e n t s o f th e air lin e t h e f i n e s t h o m e s , t r av e l a n d l i f e s t Y l e vol 20 no 3

Front Cover:

Mandalay by RA Shaw Designs See Page 6

Available for free on iOS and Android!

Official sponsor of the International Property Awards. To advertise or to enter the awards, call +44 (0)1245 250981 or visit www.ipropertymedia.com and www.propertyawards.net

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MAGAZINE

FRENCH PROPERTY NEWS LAUNCH DATE: 1989

INTERNATIONAL RESIDENCE MA GA

FREQUENCY: Monthly

ZIN

LAUNCH DATE: 2004

MA GA

FREQUENCY: Two issues per year

ZIN

CIRCULATION:30,000 Digital: 49,000

CIRCULATION: 35,000

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED: No

MAIN MARKETS DISTRIBUTED TO: UK

DISTRIBUTION: Directly to potential visitors at the leading

COVER PRICE: £3.99

overseas property shows in Russia, through direct

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: £1,750

distribution and through an extensive network of high level distribution points.

French Property News is produced for anyone considering a

MAIN MARKETS DISTRIBUTED TO: International Residence

French property purchase, either now or in the future. Packed

is Russia’s leading overseas property magazine and targets

full of expert advice from property professionals including

Russian potential buyers in the Russian speaking countries.

estate agents, lawyers and builders, it is the ultimate

COVER PRICE: €4.50

househunter’s guide to the French property market. With

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: €2,490

in-depth regional guides to help readers ﬁnd their ultimate location in France, and inspiring real life stories from those who’ve already bought their property, the magazine has been a source of information and inspiration for over 20 years. Archant is the UK’s largest independently-owned regional media business. It is a community media company active in the ﬁelds of regional newspaper and magazine publishing, contract printing and internet communications. CONTACT: +44 (0) 1242 265896

CONTACT: +7 495 926 9695

EMAIL: karen.tait@archant.co.uk

EMAIL: anna@aigroup.ru

WEBSITE: www.french-property-news.com

WEBSITE: www.InternationalResidence.ru

PROPERTY INVESTOR NEWS

INVESTMENT LIFE FREQUENCY: Bi-monthly

MA GA

FULL A4 PAGE: US$4,695

ZIN

LAUNCH DATE: 2002

MA GA

FREQUENCY: Monthly

ZIN

CIRCULATION: 13,000 Investment Life is Asia’s number one investment and lifestyle

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED: No

guide, providing readers with a value added magazine

DISTRIBUTION: Postal subscription

experience and brands with the opportunity to engage

MAIN MARKETS DISTRIBUTED TO:

with Asia’s aspirational and high net worth demographic.

UK/overseas landlords + intermediaries

The Investment Life editorial panel, consisting of global

COVER PRICE: £99 p.a

investment specialists provides insight and in-depth analysis

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: £2,575

that allows the Investment Life editorial staff to dig deeper and get under the skin of markets in order to provide

Property Investor News is the monthly magazine for landlords

unparalleled insight into investment trends on both a

and intermediaries/property trade professionals. We report

regional and global level.

on all aspects of the residential buy-to-let sector including investing overseas and holiday lets. By subscribing to Property Investor News, you can ensure you discover the best investment locations and strategies while keeping up to date

www.opp-connect.com

with property legislation. We’ll also keep you informed on how

to minimise your property tax liabilities, and how to make the most of creative ﬁnance and joint venture opportunities.

CONTACT: +65 6534 9390

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 8 906 7772

EMAIL: info@panashcomedia.com

EMAIL: paul@property-investor-news.com

WEBSITE: www.panashcomedia.com

WEBSITE: www.property-investor-news.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 MAGAZINE

INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY & TRAVEL LAUNCH DATE: 1991

MA GA

FREQUENCY: Bi-monthly

OPP MAGAZINE ZIN

LAUNCH DATE: 2004

MA GA

FREQUENCY: Monthly

CIRCULATION: 25,000

CIRCULATION: 4,500 print / 110,000 digital

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED: No

DISTRIBUTED: Free distribution in upmarket outlets

DISTRIBUTION: Controlled circulation and subscription

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR:

COVER PRICE: From £7

Full page £4,500, half page £2,500, quarter page £1,490,

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: £2,050

ZIN

advertorial £1,500 MAIN MARKETS DISTRIBUTED TO: Internationally, primarily

Overseas Property Professional (OPP) is the only dedicated

via British Airways First/Business Class lounges

business-to business title for the worldwide international residential real estate industry. OPP’s impressive group of

The most effective way to target a premium audience of high

English and Mandarin magazines, websites and newsletters

wealth individuals who travel first and business class with

is the best way to reach the overseas property industry.

the world’s leading airlines. We place your properties and

The group’s readers and users are key decision-makers

services in the hands of the perfect demographic, driving

and business leaders. Between them they plan, fund, build,

sales and increasing brand awareness with a new audience

sell and market the world’s most important residential

every day. Readers who want – and can afford – it all.

developments. OPP itself is a monthly A4 magazine and its

– On board 57 airlines including BA, Emirates, Etihad

reader proﬁle is 66% international real estate agents; 6%

– Premium in-flight and airport lounge exposure

developers; 21% independent ﬁnancial advisors; 3% ﬁnancial

– Premier locations, 5 star London hotels, members clubs,

professionals; 4% other. More than 110,000 overseas

private medical facilities and outlets in 25 countries.

property professionals get a monthly digital edition of OPP.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 1245 250981

CONTACT: +44 (0) 208 734 3972

EMAIL: advertising@ipropertymedia.com

EMAIL: chris.nye@opp-connect.com

WEBSITE: www.international-homes.com

WEBSITE: www.opp-connect.com

A PLACE IN THE SUN LAUNCH DATE: 2004

FLORIDA REALTOR MA GA

FREQUENCY: Quarterly

ZIN

LAUNCH DATE: 1916

MA GA

FREQUENCY: Monthly

ZIN

CIRCULATION: 16,000

CIRCULATION: 105,908

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED: No

INDEPENDENTLY AUDITED:

DISTRIBUTED:

Yes, Business Publication Circulation (BPA)

UK and overseas newsstand, paid and free subscriptions

DISTRIBUTION: Periodical Class USPS mail

COVER PRICE: £3.99

COVER PRICE: $24.95 USD per year: no single copy sales.

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: £1,800

RATE CARD PRICE, FULL PAGE FULL COLOUR: $4,680 USD

A Place in the Sun is a dedicated overseas property magazine

Florida Realtor is a news and business magazine published

and the ofﬁcial title of the Channel 4 TV series in the UK.

to provide information for real estate professionals including

Every issue offers advertisers the opportunity to feature

brokers and salespersons across the state. Florida Realtor

alongside expert advice, opinion and case studies of Brits

delivers clear and concise articles encompassing technology

who have bought property overseas. There are display

trends, promotional strategies, selling skills, motivational

advertising and sponsorship opportunities plus country-

techniques, and product reviews. Other key topics include the

speciﬁc sections to target buyers.

effects of legal and regulatory issues on Florida real estate professionals as well as information needed to enhance their Realtors and groups allied to the profession by providing a forum in which to develop and apply new ideas.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 3027 2920

CONTACT: +1 (4) 07 438 1400

EMAIL: sales@aplaceinthesun.com

EMAIL: Joeb@ﬂoridarealtors.org

WEBSITE: www.aplaceinthesun.com

WEBSITE: ﬂoridarealtors.org/magazine

www.opp-connect.com

professionalism. Florida Realtor plays a vital role between

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ONLINE

CYPRUS PROPERTY NEWS

HOMESANDTRAVEL LAUNCH DATE: 2010

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: AVG: 1,900

LAUNCH DATE: 2005

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 22,180 (October 2011)

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: Avg: 3,250

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 91,982 (October 2011)

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 2 mins

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR:

MAIN TARGET MARKETS:

3 mins 21 secs (October 2011)

Property (both UK and Overseas) plus travel

ADVERTISING: Self-funded ... No advertising

ADVERTISING: BANNER: £150 to £200

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Primary market is British ex-pats, aged 30 to 65 years, male and female, singles and couples,

www.homesandtravel.co.uk provides information about the

middle to high-income earners looking to purchase a

property and travel industries, including everything from

holiday home or a permanent residence in the government-

retirement developments in the UK to properties around the

controlled areas of the Republic of Cyprus.

world. The site is packed with up-to-date articles that will help you to decide the what, where and how in buying a home

Cyprus Property News is the Island’s leading on-line resource

both in the UK and abroad.

for overseas home buyers and property investors. Owned, funded and operated independently, it provides the latest news and analysis of events shaping the property market and offers opinion and guidance on purchasing real estate. Its archive contains more than 1,600 news items, features and articles dating back to 2004 – so there’s plenty to look though.

CONTACT: Stewart Andersen, Homes & Travel, 18 Campana Road, London, UK

CONTACT: +357 25934816

EMAIL: stewartandersen@homesandtravel.co.uk

EMAIL: Nigel.Howarth@cyprus-property-buyers.com

WEBSITE: www.homesandtravel.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.news.cyprus-property-buyers.com

RIGHTMOVE OVERSEAS

ANGELS MEDIA LTD LAUNCH DATE: 2007

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 50,000

LIN

LAUNCH DATE: Rightmove launched in 2000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 90,000

& Rightmove Overseas in 2007

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 2 mins and 2 seconds

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 27,000

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: The global property market

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 11 million

ADVERTISING: £799 a month

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 10 mins

LIN

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Angels Media is a Marketing & Public Relations agency

UK buyers searching for properties worldwide

working in the property and finance spheres. It also owns

ADVERTISING: Average customer spends £260 per month

some of the industry’s most respected publications, such as Estate Agent Today and Landlord Today.

Rightmove Overseas is the UK’s leading overseas property

Over the last five years it has run these publications alongside

portal, displaying over 95,000 properties in over 75 countries.

its marketing services. This means we have unrivalled

It is the place for people looking to invest abroad or make

knowledge and connections within its sectors.

the move overseas. Its advertisers are overseas property estate agents, developers and private owners who have

www.opp-connect.com

property for sale all over the world.

100

CONTACT: +44 (0)7931 531383 EMAIL: Marc Da Silva, propertyjournalist@yahoo.co.uk

CONTACT: +44 (0) 1908 712 106

WEBSITE: www.angelsmedia.co.uk

EMAIL: Shameem.golamy@rightmove.co.uk

www.propertyoverseastoday.com

WEBSITE: www.rightmoveoverseas.co.uk

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ONLINE

PROPERTYGURU GROUP LAUNCH DATE: 2006

PROPERTY ABROAD ON

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 6.5 million

LAUNCH DATE: 2000

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 80,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 60 million

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 323,000

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 12 mins

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 2 mins 50 secs

MAIN TARGET MARKETS:

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: UK, America, Europe, Asia

Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia

ADVERTISING: £50 per month for up to 20 properties advertised or £100 per month for unlimited properties.

PropertyGuru.com.sg, Singapore’s leading property portal

Banner and newsletter advertising starts from £50.

and a flagship website of PropertyGuru’s Network – Asia’s Property Guru. PropertyGuru.com.sg is used by over 4.5

Property-Abroad.com features properties and websites from

million consumers who view over 50 million pages.

agents around the world and has contractual agreements

A favourite with local property seekers, PropertyGuru.com.

with over 1000+ reputable agents. Its websites feature

sg is the largest online property database in Singapore, with

over 171,000 properties in over 100 countries around the

several awards under its belt and features real time access

world as well as overseas property news and guides. It was

to multi-media rich content covering property and home-

founded in January 2000 by Les Calvert the founder and CEO

related products, services, news, advice, guides and tools.

of the company.

It works closely with prominent real estate developers in Singapore and overseas, over 20,000 housing agents, and home-related firms. CONTACT: 0845 2000 467. CONTACT: Steve Melhuish

Outside the UK - 00 44 1429 890498

EMAIL: steve@allproperty.com.sg

EMAIL: les@property-abroad.com

WEBSITE: www.propertyguru.com

WEBSITE: www.property-abroad.com

MONDI LAUNCH DATE: 2001 UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 46,103

BOLIGIUDLANDET ON

LIN

LAUNCH DATE: 2003

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 8,500–9,500

LIN

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 383,154

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 140,000-180,000

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 4.02 mins

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 8 minutes

MAIN TARGET MARKETS:

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Denmark, but now also Sweden

Spain, Turkey, France, Italy, Austria, Portugal, Egypt,

and Norway. Visitors by country (Oct. 2011) Denmark 75%,

Dutch Antilles, Greece, Switzerland, Brazil, Florida

Sweden 15%, Norway 5%, Others 5%

ADVERTISING: Available on request

ADVERTISING: From €201

Mondi is an independent interest organisation and news

This is the only homes abroad trade fair brand in Denmark.

site for Dutch and Belgian overseas property buyers. It

In 2008, the company launched a property portal with

represents the interests of its members and provides them

properties for sale and let, a news section, forums, a bi-

with guidance information on how to purchase a home or

weekly newsletter, and an expert panel where visitors can

investment property abroad as smoothly and successfully

get advice and guidance in connection with the purchase of

as possible.

a holiday home abroad. Living Abroad Fair are typically held twice a year.

CONTACT: +45 39 20 08 55

EMAIL: info@mondi.nl

EMAIL: info@boligiudlandet.com

WEBSITE: www.mondi.nl

WEBSITE: www.boligiudlandet.com

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +31 (0)13 5784103

101

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ONLINE

FRACTIONAL LIFE LAUNCH DATE: 2006

A PLACE IN THE SUN ON

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 366,980 annual visitors

LAUNCH DATE: 2009

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 40,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 153,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 309,000

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 7 mins

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 5 min 30 sec

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: FractionalLife.com targets every

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: British buyers of overseas property

sector where consumers can share ownership of high-value,

ADVERTISING: On application

low-use assets. The main sectors covered are real estate, aviation, supercars, yachts, superbikes, racehorses, wine and

www.aplaceinthesun.com is the ofﬁcial home of the UK’s

spirits and fashion.

Channel 4 television show and the associated magazine and exhibition brands. It is also a property portal in its own

Launched in December 2006, Fractional Life is the lifestyle

right and the UK’s leading overseas property media brand.

brand dedicated to growing the fractional ownership

A Place in the Sun Live exhibitions take place twice per year

marketplace. Based in the UK, the company has three

– in London every Spring and at the NEC Birmingham each

divisions: interactive, fractional consumer exhibitions

autumn. A Place in the Sun’s website features over 30,000

and trade conferences, and publishing. With 19 different

searchable properties, alongside editorial content and a huge

categories including fractional property, destination and

back catalogue of TV shows.

PRC clubs, aviation, boats and yachts, classic and super cars and more, the website is the most comprehensive for users looking for help and advice, and purchase information from over 300 fractional operators. CONTACT: +44 (0)20 8340 7989

CONTACT: +44(0) 20 3207 2920

EMAIL: piers@fractionallife.com

EMAIL: sarah.norman@aplaceinthesun.com

WEBSITE: www.fractionallife.com

WEBSITE: www.aplaceinthesun.com

PROPERTYSHOW ROOMS.COM

HOLIDAYLETTINGS LAUNCH DATE: 1999

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: over 1.1 million

LIN

LAUNCH DATE: 2003 UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: N/A

LIN

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: Over 27,000,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: N/A

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 6-7 minutes

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: N/A

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Worldwide

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cape

ADVERTISING: £239+Vat a year for a Classic Advert or

Verde, Cyprus, Dominican Republic, Egypt, England, France,

£299+Vat a year for a Premium Advert which includes a listing

Italy, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Panama, Portugal, Spain,

on TripAdvisor.

Thailand, Turkey and UAE ADVERTISING: 700 Euros per year

www.opp-connect.com

Holiday Lettings advertises 300,000+ privately owned

102

holiday cottages, villas and apartments in 150+ countries

Propertyshowrooms.com is a leading international property

worldwide. Whatever your vacation preference, or the size

portal with more than 200,000 listings in over 85 different

of your group, you can find holiday rentals for you such

countries, attracting property investors from all over the

as villas in Spain, holiday cottages in Cornwall, villas in

world. The properties are supplied by quality estate agents

Portugal, apartments in Sydney and many more. Spanish

and developers ensuring an excellent selection of current and

speakers may prefer to use its sister site Niumba.com to

competitively priced listings are available to every visitor. We

view listings in the Spanish language.

pride ourselves on working with our agents and developers to create bespoke advertising campaigns, dependent on their target market. No matter how big or small the budget, we will ﬁnd the best way to market your properties to right clients.

CONTACT: 01865 312000

CONTACT: 0034 952 471 774

EMAIL: kate@holidaylettings.co.uk

EMAIL: media@propertyshowrooms.com

WEBSITE: www.holidaylettings.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.propertyshowrooms.com

THE OPP MEDIA GUIDE 2014 ONLINE

GLOBAL PROPERTY GUIDE

GLOBAL EDGE LAUNCH DATE: 2007

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 45,263

LAUNCH DATE: 2004

LIN

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 160,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: n/a

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 390,000

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: n/a

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 2.3 minutes

MAIN TARGET MARKETS:

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Our reader is the residential

Internationally-focused real estate agents around the world

investor, interested in returns, yields, and proﬁts. We are international. We are big on emerging markets, where

Globaledge.co.uk helps property developers connect with

we provide an amazing depth of analysis. And we target all

internationally focused estate agents. Our award-winning

countries where English-speaking people buy.

daily news service keeps agents informed of the latest

ADVERTISING:

international property events and our opinion pieces

http://www.globalpropertyguide.com/advertise

provide commercial insights into the most proﬁtable strategies and markets. Developers wishing to develop their

In-depth research for residential property investors. Keeping

agent networks are offered minimum lead guarantees and

investors up to date on new trends, developments, and

our clients include Pierre & Vacances, A Place in the Sun and

themes. Comparison is a key interest - which market has the

Fair Media Group.

best yields? Which offers the lowest taxes? Whose GDP is growing fastest? We provide comparables on a global scale to help residential property investors. We also host investor guides. We have listings. We run highly effective email campaigns.

CONTACT: +44 (0) 20 7 199 7891

CONTACT: +44(0)7583212428

EMAIL: Ashley.rigg@globaledge.co.uk

EMAIL: matthew@globalpropertyguide.com

WEBSITE: www.globaledge.co.uk

WEBSITE: www.globalpropertyguide.com

1-PROPERTY.RU LAUNCH DATE: 2004

WWW.BELLEVUE.DE ON

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 100,000

LIN

LAUNCH DATE: 1990

UNIQUE VISITORS PER MONTH: 70,000

LIN

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: 500,000

PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH: n/a

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: 3.2 minutes

AVERAGE TIME SPENT PER VISITOR: n/a

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: 1-property.ru is speciﬁcally

MAIN TARGET MARKETS: Germany, Spain, Italy, Greece,

targeting potential Russian

France, Portugal, USA, Austria, Switzerland, Croatia

speaking buyers and investors ADVERTISING: Listing an object on 1-property.ru costs from

www.bellevue.de enables our target group to view and

€.50 for 3 months.

buy property throughout Europe – with the help of unique search functions and Europe’s largest database for selected,

1-property.ru was launched in 2004 to cater to the growing

exclusive real estate. Our current standard advertising rate is

Russian overseas property market. As our target audience is

€55,90 per month

Russian speakers around the world, the entire portal is only in the Russian language. Rather than relying on inefﬁcient auto-translators all property details are translated by professional translators.

CONTACT: +49 40 696 595 305

EMAIL: Moscow@aigroup.ru

EMAIL: dkalweit@bellevue.de

WEBSITE: www.1-property.ru

WEBSITE: www.bellevue.de

www.opp-connect.com

CONTACT: +7 495 926 9695

103

www.rightmoveoverseas.com

800,000

PEOPLE

SEARCHED FOR OVERSEAS PROPERTY IN THE LAST 30 DAYS

Kick start 2014 and put your properties in front of the right audience

Start advertising today

+44 (0)1908 712 044 overseas@rightmove.co.uk Source: Google Analytics Unique Visitors