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Kortrijk Tourist Information

2009-11-06T20:11:00.000-08:00

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Kortrijk Tourist Information
By Meredith Booney
Kortrijk, also referred to as Courtrai, is a historical city situated in West Flanders in Belgium. Positioned on the Lys River, Kortrijk was first established by the Romans under the name of Cortoriacum. Possessing a population of over 70, 000 individuals, Kortrijk remains a thriving city: one that is surrounded by many other famous locations, tourist attractions, and popular cities in Belgium. The cities nearest to Kortrijk include Halluin, Menen, Neuville-en-Ferrain, Roncq and Wevelgem, and travellers staying in Kortrijk, will therefore find the attractions in such cities easily accessible during their stay in Belgium. Other popular cities nearby Kortrijk include Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Liège, Mechelen, Mons, Namur and Ostend.

Famed for its textile manufacturing, Kortrijk started producing both lace and linen as early as the fourteenth century. Tourists will find that Kortrijk is home to a number of spinning and finishing mills, and the Battle of the Golden Spurs actually took place very nearby historic Kortrijk, and the city has established a memorial for the battle in 1906 called the Groeningstraat, just east of the Grote Markt.

Places of interest:

The Municipal Museum of Fine Arts in Kortrijk, also known as the Stedelijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, is home to one of the finest art galleries in Belgium. The museum holds the extraordinary paintings of the sixteenth century painter, Roeland Savery, as well as the extraordinary works of other painters; a number of archaeological artifacts, ceramics, porcelain, pottery and, because the museum is housed in a seventeenth century patrician house, travellers get the opportunity to enjoy the astounding beauty of Renaissance architecture. The museum is open Saturday through Thursday and is closed on Fridays and special holidays.

Situated in the heart of Kortrijk, tourists will find the Grote Markt, a popular Kortrijk tourist attraction. Within the Grote Markt, tourists can see the World War I memorial, the ruins of the clothes hall, the Grote Markt Belfry, first built in 1307. Additionally, the official town hall of Kortrijk, the stadhuis was built around 1420, still possesses some of its original Gothic architecture and travellers can view the myriad craved statues throughout the building. Finally, if tourists possess an affinity for architecture, while staying in Kortrijk they can view the two large towers that form the Broeltorens: fortification towers established in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.

Things to do:

Guests in Kortrijk can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the River Lys or they can enjoy the many sites that a historic city like Kortrijk has to offer. Typically tourists rave about the architecture in Kortrijk. Visits can see the Menin Gate, established in 1927; a memorial for the British soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and the Church of Our Lady is just a stroll away from the Broeltowers, a short distance from Grand Place. Outside the Church of Our Lady, the ruins of the original castle that once enclosed the church still remain and the church is the oldest building in the city of Kortrijk. Further, a highlight found in the Church of Our Lady is that site seers can view paintings of all the former rulers of Flanders. Meanwhile, buildings like the Palace of Justice offer a striking contrast in terms of architecture, giving the city of Kortrijk an equally modern appeal.

Food & Drink:

For those tourists looking to get a cultural taste of Belgium’s finest foods, the most popular specialties ordered among dining tourists in Belgium are Endives with Béchamel Sauce, Ardennes Sausages and ham, Belgian Waffles, Mussels and chips, and of course, the favorite traveling treats are Belgium chocolates. While visiting Belgium, tourist may also want to try some of the world-famous beer that Belgium offers: over 400 different brews of Belgium’s famous beer are available, including fruit bear, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, and Duvel, among many.

The Café Rouge-Kortrijk requires no reservations in advance, and has everything a hungry tourist desires. Further, the Café Rouge-Kortrijk possesses ultra modern architecture, its décor is one of sophistication and it is famed for its tea, served with a side of cake and chocolates. Diners have the option of trying fondue, flavored potato chips, soups, salads, waffles served with fresh fruit, and crème brulee, among other fine dining options.

Alternatively, in nearby Wevelgem, tourists can dine at Biggles, a restaurant revered for their fine service and friendly atmosphere, or the La Dolce Vita, at Stationsstraat 10 near the railway station, an Italian restaurant offering pizza and tagliatelli, among other fine dishes. Finally, travellers can enjoy fine wine in almost any of the cafes in Belgium, as many of the sites have a license to sell spirits.

Hotels & Accommodation:

Center Hotel
Bed & Breakfast Full House
Kennedy Hotel
Best Western Hotel Belfort
Parkhotel
Entertainment:

The nightlife in Kortrijk offers much to the traveler looking for adult fun and entertainment. Further, while staying in Kortrijk, guests will have accesses to unlimited recreational facilities. Nearby Brussels is home to ten theaters, cinemas, discos, and entertaining clubs like the Le Fuse, Les Jeux d'Hiver and The Music Village.

Kortrijk offers more than fine accommodations, dining, as it offers easy accessibility to site seeing adventures. For instance, while visiting the Castle’t Hoge, tourists can bask in the beauty of the International Rose Garden. The Castle’t Hoge demands no entry fee and families can spend the day enjoying the scenic view. Travellers can also relax at any number of the cafes and pubs located in the Grand Place, Kortrijk. Again, many of the pubs offer the national drink of Belgium, beer, and there are over 400 fine varieties to choose from.

All of the sites in Kortrijk are easily accessible. Travellers can visit tourist attractions via rental cars or they can travel by train to other major cities in Belgium. Meanwhile, some tourists choose to cycle along the Lys River and to take in the fresh air and gorgeous view. Essentially, no matter what form of transportation tourists utilize, they will find an extraordinary abundance of things to do, see and enjoy while staying in Kortrijk, Belgium.

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Meredith Booney - Website: www.belgiumcities.infoMeredith Booney is a freelance travel writer with over 20 years of experience writing for travel journals, newspapers and magazines.

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Hotel Bruges Belgium

2009-11-06T20:10:00.002-08:00

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Hotel Bruges Belgium
By Alan Hope
My wife Anne and I decided to visit Bruges in Belgium and visit the Christmas markets.

We drove down to Folkestone and caught the Channel Tunnel and then drove direct to Bruges from Calais. The road network was excellent.

We had arranged to stay at the Hotel De Tuilerieen which overlooks one of the most beautiful canals in Bruges- Den Dyver. This luxury hotel in Bruges Belgium has its own car park and having parked the car we did not get in it again until we left four days later.

The hotel was reputedly a luxurious hotel in Bruges Belgium and it lived up to its reputation.

The hotel has forty five rooms of different grades. We were upgraded to an executive room overlooking the canal. The room was huge, beautifully presented with antique furnishings and a wooden floor-a throw over one of the chairs. The large bathroom was a contrast-designed in a contemporary style.

The hotel served a champagne breakfast in a delightful dining room and as we travelled on foot around Bruges, which is a compact city, we were able to partake in the alcohol at breakfast! The hotel does not serve dinner but this was not a problem as Bruges has many quality restaurants including some with Michelin stars.

The small lounge bar in this luxury hotel in Bruges Belgium had a roaring log fire and it was relaxing to return to the Hotel De Tuilerieen in the afternoon to take tea on the leather sofa in front of the fire.

The staff were professional and most pleasant with any request being dealt with impeccably.

There is a small indoor heated swimming pool,sauna, steam room and jacuzzi which we used at midnight upon returning to the hotel from dinner. Candles abound around the hotel and there are white Christmas lights on the frontage of the hotel to welcome you.

This is indeed an exclusive hotel in Bruges Belgium.

We cannot wait to return.

Enjoy!

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Alan Hope runs a lifestyle management and concierge service business for both UK and Overseas clients.Visit his website at:www.arrangeitlifestylemanagement.co.uk/id183.html

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Finding Accommodation In Belgium

2009-11-06T20:10:00.001-08:00

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Finding Accommodation In Belgium
By justinanderson
If you are lucky enough to be taking a trip to Belgium, there are multiple types of accommodation that is available. You can go with a four or five star hotel if you want the ultimate experience with charm and class. Many of these hotels are parts of a larger hotel chain, while others are boutique in nature. If you want to experience the best accommodations, than you will have to pay the price. You should expect to pay at least two hundred dollars a night for these rooms.

When planning a trip to Belgium you can also choose to save a little money and make yourself feel more at home by staying at a quaint bed and breakfast. These are the best value and experience as you get to sample the local food and meet new people in the area for anywhere from sixty dollars to one hundred and sixty dollars per night. Bed and breakfast accommodations often have a very relaxing, homey feel to them which is perfect for someone who is on vacation.

If you are going on vacation in Belgium and want to save as much money as possible for the amazing attractions and dining, than you should check out the many hostels that are available. These rooms will usually cost you around twenty to thirty five dollars per night, which is the perfect price for anyone on a budget.

One of the popular places to stay in Belgium is the Bedford Hotel & Congress Centre. This hotel is easily accessible from all major areas in the city. The rooms are decorated in warm tones with marble bathrooms, mini bars, cable TV, as well as wooden desks. All guests can enjoy the traditional delicious French cuisine and amazing panoramic views of the city while working out in the fitness room. This hotel starts at about ninety five dollars a night.

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Written by Justin Anderson. Find the latest information on Bed and Breakfast Hotels in Belgium andNetherlands as well as Bed and Breakfast.

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An Overview Of Belgium For Travelers

2009-11-06T20:09:00.001-08:00

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An Overview Of Belgium For Travelers
By Richard Monk
Located on the European mainland, Belgium often is short-shifted in discussions of Europe. Following is an overview of Belgium for travelers.

An Overview of Belgium for Travelers

Belgium is located on the coast of the North Sea between Holland, German and France. The name comes from the Belgae, a celtic tribe.

Belgium’s geographic location places it at the crossroads of much of Europe, particular in relation to the United Kingdom and mainland Europe. As a result, the country has been heavily influenced by the powers that be in Europe during certain periods of times. You can find aspects of Romans, Celtics, Germanic, French and Spanish influences.

Ruled by various European empires, the cities of Bruges, Brussels and Antwerp were major commercial trading posts. They also produced some of the more spectacular artists in Europe, including Eyck and Rubens.

In modern times, the country is really three separate states with significant autonomy. The country is divided up into Flemish, Walloon and a smaller Germanic area. The Flemish are Dutch speaking while the Walloon are oriented to French. The divisions between these areas are significant and they have significant autonomy from the federal government. One might argue they are countries unto themselves.

The official name of Belgium is the Kingdom of Belgium. The country is located in Western Europe and covers approximately 12,566 square miles. Brussels is the capital of the country and has a population of approximately 922,000 people. The second largest city is Antwerp with 452,000 residents.

The people of Belgium are known as Belgians. Total population for the country is 10.4 million with a paltry annual growth rate of less than one half of one percent. The country is divided into three linguistic regions, Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. French is the dominant language in Wallonia, Dutch in Flanders and German in the Brussels area. Most people of Belgium claim Roman Catholic as their faith, but Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Anglican communities exist. The literacy rate is 95 percent.

Belgium is an odd hodgepodge of influences. That being said, everyone seems to get along in these modern times and Brussels is a major financial center in the Europe.

Richard Monk is with FactsMonk.com - a site with facts about everything. Visit us to read more about country facts and Belgium facts.

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All About Visiting Belgium

2009-11-06T20:07:00.001-08:00

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All About Visiting Belgium
By justinanderson
Belgium is a country that is surrounded by France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg. It has a compact size which makes it thperfect country to travel. The capital of Belgium is Brussels and is also known as the heart of the country.

Brussels, Belgium is also the headquarters for NATO. There are so many different cultural attractions for travels such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Ancient Art, the Comic Strip Museum, and one of the most popular, the Chocolate and Cocoa Museum. The Chocolate and Cocoa Museum features one of Belgium’s best known products.

The capital is not the only place to experience in Belgium. In fact there are many enchanting cities including Ghent, Liege, and Bruges which all have impressive architecture, top-rated cuisine, as well as the night life.

Bruges, Belgium has been known as the "Venice of the North" because it is one of Europe’s most magnificent and well-preserved medieval cities. One of the best parts about this amazing city is that getting to Bruges could not be any easier. You can get there by Eurostar, a ferry, or Eurotunnel, than take a drive to Bruges.

If you are into popular fashion and modern design then you will want to visit the newly reinvented Antwerp. This city in Belgium is known as being a new hotbed for fashion and design. Antwerp, Belgium has many other sights to offer visitors as well including the mountainous area of the Ardennes region all the way to the East. There are also gorgeous coastline resorts set on the Western seaboard.

Belgium is a country that is best known for its specialty products such as ubiquitous beers, delicious chocolates, beautiful lace, and of course Belgian waffles. If you visit Belgium you must stay at one of their comfortable and inviting bed and breakfasts that they are so well known for.

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Written by Justin Anderson. Find the latest information on Bed and Breakfast Hotels in Belgium andNetherlands as well as Bed and Breakfast.

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belgium

2009-11-06T20:06:00.000-08:00

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Belgium And Beer
By Eileen Church, Fri Dec 9th

In addition to some wonderful history, the country of Belgium is"The Beer country". Bordering France, Luxembourg, Germany andThe Netherlands, Belgium is in the heart of Europe. Thistechnologically advanced member of NATO and the EU is truly abeer-lovers haven.

So much so, in fact, that the Belgian Brewer's Guild boasts thata beer lover could easily enjoy a different beer every day andnot have to duplicate his selection for over a year. How's thatfor choices, beer lovers?

In a practice that dates back a long time, some of Belgium'smore famous breweries are actually brewed in monasteries. Theseare called trappiste breweries and are brewed by members of themonastic order. There are five well known trappiste breweries:Chimay, Orval, Rochefort, Westmalle, and Westveltren.

They all produce multiple types of beers with the exception ofOrval. They believe that producing a single beer allows them toconcentrate on one product and not lose focus by concentratingon multiple beers.

Most breweries produce a "dubble" or "tripple" variety,referring to the strength of the beer which is the result of thefermentation activity. The trappiste beers are bottleconditioned and are often stored in cellars where they canevolve into some wonderful beers with age.

More widely available are the "biere d'abbaye" or "abby beers"that are no longer brewed at the abbeys but have been contractedout to local
brewers. The original formula is used by thebrewer, but the beers are more plentiful to more modern brewingcapabilities.

Recently, Belgian beers and ales have greatly influenced thebrewing in America. A few examples of this are typified by CelisBrewery in Austin, Tx., New Belgium of Ft. Collins, Co., NorthCoast Brewing in Ft. Bragg, Ca., and Unibroue in Quebec.

If you haven't already tried beers from Belgium, you're in for arare treat. After all, it's not "The Beer Country" for nothing.

About the author:Eileen Church is the webmaster of http://www.funbeers.com whichis a great beer resource site. Be sure to visithttp://www,funbeers.com soon.

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christmas in austria

2009-11-06T20:05:00.001-08:00

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Christmas In Austria
By Alex Daniels
In Austria Christmas begins on the feast of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas is the historical 'Santa'. He was a priest from Myra, which is part of modern-day Turkey. He is also the patron saint of children, Russia and sailors. His feast date falls on December 6th. Good children are given candy, nuts and fruits.

On Christmas Eve, the Christkindl (Christ Child), a golden-haired baby, brings the children their presents. Austrians, generally speaking, don't believe in Santa Claus. He also decorates the tree. Throughout the holiday season, Austrians attend Christmas Markets with lots of holiday decorations and edible treats. If you live close enough to Salzburg, you will probably attend the Adventsingen. This performance, which attracts a world-wide audience, is full of folklore and music.

Austrian families decorate their homes with the Tannenbaum, a Christmas tree, which is a throw-back to their Germanic history. Many also have a crèche, which is a small the Nativity scene. Baby Jesus is NOT placed in the scene until Christmas Eve.

On Christmas Eve, Christkindl arrives. Children are summoned by bell ringing and led into the Christmas room, which is now fully decorated and filled with presents. Families open their presents and begin celebrating this holiest of holidays by singing carols, especially Silent Night (Stille Nacht), a uniquely Austrian creation. This carol was first heard at Midnight (Mitternachtsmette) at the Church of St. Nicholas in 1818. Fr. Joseph Mohr penned the lyrics; the melody was composed by Franz Xavier Gruber. At the time, Fr. Mohr was the church's assistant pastor and Mr. Gruber, the choir director.

After Mitternachtsmette, people return home to eat. Fried carp (Gebackner Karpfen) is a traditional main course. Veal and other kinds of meat are also found on many tables. Desserts might include chocolate and apricot cake and Austrian Christmas cookies. Yummy.

On Christmas day, Austrians quietly celebrate the birth of Jesus. They usually get together with family and friends. The 26th is St. Stephen's Day. This is another day off from work and school. It's also another

opportunity for get-togethers. Austrians keep their Christmas trees up until the Feast of the Epiphany on January 6th. This is the day that the Church believes that the Three Wise Men brought the Christkindl his gifts. On this day boys and girls dressed in costumes go from house to house singing songs. They receive gifts and treats for their efforts.

Christmas in Austria lasts for a good month. It's a time of peace, joy, inspiration and cheer.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Alex, lover of Holidays, Family & Model Hobbies, consults for MoveableModels.com, a site offering pedal cars and diecast model cars.

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A Visitors To Vienna Austria

2009-11-06T20:04:00.001-08:00

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A Visitors Guide To Vienna Austria
By Thomas Smith
The country of Austria consists of nine states; one of them being Vienna. In addition to being one of the nine states Vienna is also the capital of Austria. So when it comes to this country, Vienna is the place to be. It is easily the biggest city in the entire country, and also has the highest population. The city of Vienna is the home to nearly 1.6 million people. And with all of these people comes a variety of cultures, beliefs, and religions. This makes Vienna one of the most fully diverse cities in the area.

Before you can travel to Austria you will need to know where it is located. Believe it or not some people have no clue where Austria is, or how to get there. But generally speaking, it is not difficult to find in the slightest. Austria is located in Central Europe, and is close to countries such as Slovakia and Hungary. The close proximity to these countries helps to keep the tourism industry at a steady pace.

Taking a trip to Vienna can be tons of fun. It may not be the most popular tourist destination in all of Europe, but Vienna can definitely hold its own. The culture is different than anything else in the area, and there are many attractions that you will be able to see when in the city. Vienna has a long history of culture, particularly in the arts. There are several theaters in Vienna that are considered to be the best in the world. Visiting these will really open your eyes up to the rest of the world. The Burgtheater is most popular, and you will want to make sure that you see every detail that it has to offer. In addition, Vienna is home to several museums that house some of the best art in the world.

The weather in Vienna is typical of Central Europe. As a tourist you can visit Vienna during anytime of the year, but your best option would probably be during the months of June through August. During the summer months the weather is usually dry, and the temperature holds steady around 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. During winter months the temperatures in the area can drop into the lower 30s making it a bit cold to enjoy your vacation to the area.

The Vienna International Airport is the best way to get in and out of the city if you are an international traveler. In 2005 alone, more than 230,000 flights went out of and landed at this airport. It is among the best airports in Central Europe.

The

tourism industry in Vienna is not great, but it is holding steady to say the least. Even though people do not look at Vienna as a great vacation destination, after you have been there once you will definitely want to go back the first chance that you get.

You may publish this article on your website or ezine providing you leave the article "as is" and retain the resource box with live link back to the Search Austria Hotels website.

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You can find luxury hotel Vienna by going to the Search Austria Hotels website www.searchaustriahotels.com/Vienna-1.shtml Our website also showcases Vienna vacation packages, car rentals, flights to Vienna and last minute deals.

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Austria Off The Beaten Path - Zell Am See

2009-11-06T20:03:00.001-08:00

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Austria Off The Beaten Path – Zell Am See, Innsbruck And Bad Gastein
By Nomad Rick
Mention Austria and everyone thinks of Vienna and Salzburg. In addition to great names, Zell am See, Innsbruck and Bad Gastein are great locations off the beaten path.

Zell am See

Zell…am…See. The name just rolls off the tongue, but it pails in comparison to the place. Often described as heaven on earth, Zell am See is a dream location in the mountains of Austria. With towering mountains on one side and a lake on the other, the town looks like something out of a postcard. If you pull up photographs of the town, you’ll swear they have been touched up with a software program. This town is simply that beautiful. In the winter, Zell am See is all about skiing with numerous resorts for glacier skiing. In the summer, one can lounge on a boat on the lake or hit the mountains for hiking, camping and rock climbing. The Krimml Waterfalls are extremely impressive. Zell am See isn’t the cheapest of travel destinations, but it should top the list if money isn’t a concern. The best month to go is December when skiing is good and winter festivals occur in the town.

Innsbruck

Built on the Inn River, Innsbruck was the home to the 1976 Winter Olympics. And for good reason. As with much of Austria, the town is picturesquely set against mountains and ripe with street cafes and surrounding areas that look like something out of the movie Heidi. As the Olympic designation would suggest, the town is a good launching point for hitting the slopes, but there is much more to it. The historic district has the cobblestone atmosphere you’ve come to expect from town in the Alps. In addition to atmosphere, you can visit historic locations such as the tomb of Emperor Maximilian 1.

My only gripe with Innsbruck is the boring, modern developments around the core of the town that were brought on by the Olympics. They sort of kill the mood, which brings us to Bad Gastein.

Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein definitely gets a nomination for name of the year. It just sounds like a town where bikers would hang out. Admittedly, it is hard to image Austrian Hells Angels, but you get my drift.

Bad Gastein is an old Austrian village without the droll modern fixtures of Innsbruck. Built overlooking a valley, the town has some incredible views. Historically, Bad Gastein is the spa town of Austria with emperors and other VIPs taking in treatment. For

atmosphere, the town feels like it hasn’t changed since the 19th century. If you’re looking for old world Austria, this is the place. Make sure to hurry though as the town is supposedly grabbing the attention of developers who are thinking hotels and casinos are a must.

If you visit Austria, Vienna and Salzburg are definite destinations. Just make sure you get out to the incredible towns in the mountains.

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Rick Chapo is with Nomad Journals - makers of travel journals. Visit NomadJournalTrips.com for more articles on Austria travel and Adventure Travel.

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Tax Haven Raises 2006 Price

2009-11-06T20:02:00.001-08:00

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Tax Haven Raises 2006 Entry Price
By Roger Munns -
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years, and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra

and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleinterchange.com

For an on-line guide to Monaco and Monte Carlo including a map, the weather, flights and Nice Airport information visit www.yourmonaco.com For Monaco real estate www.monacoproperty.net , Andorra property www.propertyandorra.com

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Mountain Tax Haven And A Record Property Price Rise

2009-11-06T20:01:00.001-08:00

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Mountain Tax Haven And A Record Property Price Rise
By Roger
Andorra, a small independent country and European tax haven in the Pyrenees, saw real estate prices rise in value by 19.3 per cent last year, and one local travel guide thinks that another rise in prices is likely in the year ahead.

Best known for her ski resorts, Andorra attracts nearly ten million tourists a year, but it's not just the holiday makers who are falling in love with the country and buying second homes that is fuelling the price rises, the guide says.

'Quite a few tourists do like Andorra enough to buy a ski apartment, and there is an active local market too. But what really pushes the prices up is that there's a third stream of buyers, people from around the world who want to take residency and benefit from Andorra's tax haven status.'

Property currently for sale in Andorra include one bedroom apartments at 210,000 Euros, two bedroom apartments in Soldeu, the main skiing area of Andorra, at 272,000 Euros and 280,000 Euros in another ski village Arinsal, and three bedroom apartments in the capital Andorra la Vella at 333,000 Euros. Houses start from around 900,000 Euros.

Andorra property specialists have also noticed an increase in buyers recently, and comment that a large part of the increase in buyers is the increased attention from potential overseas property buyers in the UK.

'The number of buyers from the UK has increased quite noticeably over the last couple of years', they say, 'With many quoting higher taxes in the UK as their reason for moving to Andorra. Most seemed convinced that the tax take from their earnings will rise more in the years ahead, and are planning for retirement and selling their businesses now'.

They also comment that historically tax havens have been popular no matter how the economy is. When someone buys a property in Monaco it often doesn't matter to them if it's a few hundred thousand Euros as they're going to save more than that in tax during the time they are resident in Andorra.

Real Estate Price Increases

Demand for property in Andorra for the year ahead is every bit as high as in the past claim local estate agents, with many potential buyers already having planned visits.

Surprisingly perhaps for a tax haven, mortgages for a property are as available as many European countries, with rates around the same level. Up to eighty per cent of a property's value is often agreed by the banks in Andorra.

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good

conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. Residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn't policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

'Given the tax advantages Andorra has', note the Andorra travel guide, 'A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come.'

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

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Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price

2009-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

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Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years,

and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Tribune Properties produce a guide for Monacowhich includes a map of Monaco and details of the Monaco Grand Prix.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax

2009-11-06T19:59:00.002-08:00

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Andorra Tax Haven Introduces Capital Gains Tax
By Roger
The Andorra government has introduced Capital Gains Tax in a move that has surprised many in the tax industry.

Andorra is a well known European tax haven, and residents benefit from a zero rated income tax and inheritance tax.

The reason for the introduction of the capital gains tax according to the Andorra authorities is to try to slow down the high property inflation seen in the principality in recent years.

Property prices have risen an average of ten per cent over the last decade, but this has been increasing recently with a 19 per cent rise recorded in 2005, and 16 per cent in 2006, leading to worries that locals might be priced out of the market.

As well as the local market, Andorra property sells to second home buyers and international buyers wanting residency. With property prices a quarter of rival tax haven Monaco, demand has increased from international buyers.

But any hope of the new capital gains tax dampening property prices is unlikely to work, according to Andorra property companies.

'While there is a large disparity between Europe's top two tax havens - Monaco and Andorra - in property prices, the advantages of buying a property in Andorra, gaining residency and having no income tax far outweighs any capital gains taxes', they say, pointing out that Andorra prices are a quarter of those of Monaco's.

Long Term Benefit

'Besides the increase in property prices that offset any Capital Gains Tax', they continue, 'It's on a sliding scale, with one per cent reduced for each year of residency. So for example if someone maintains residency for ten years, the capital gains tax will be five per cent of the property price increase. If someone stays a resident for fifteen years there will be no capital gains tax at all to pay on the increase of their property value.'

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. According to a local travel guide residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a

year in Andorra, but this isn't policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

'Given the tax advantages Andorra has', note the travel guide, 'A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come, and for those who like skiing it's a holiday and tax paradise in one!'

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Andorra Real Estate Rises Again 2006

2009-11-06T19:59:00.001-08:00

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Andorra Real Estate Rises Again 2006
By Roger
While property prices have risen in most parts of Europe, tax havens have outstripped most for property inflation.

Little known outside of the skiing and financial communities, the small European tax haven of Andorra has seen some startling rises in her property values in the last two years, with a repeat performance in 2007 possible.

In 2005 property inflation hit 19 per cent, and in 2006 the official property inflation reached sixteen per cent, and according to Andorra property specialists Tribune Properties 2007 is likely to see a further ten per cent rise.

'There are three streams of buyers for Andorra', say one local estate agency, 'An active local market, second home buyers looking for ski apartments, and international buyers who want to gain residency in a tax haven. The international buyers add pressure on prices and often buy three or four bedroom apartments and chalets, making sure that the top end of the market is as active as the low and mid range properties.'

With a lack of snow for the first eight weeks of the Andorra ski holiday season, the second home buyers could be thinner on the ground than usual. The number of tourists is down by some fifteen per cent, and that could impact the property market as some visitors like it so much they buy a property in popular resorts such as Arinsal and Soldeu. So we feel a ten per cent rise in Andorra property values could be realistic for 2007.'

Andorra as a tax haven destination has been benefitting recently from the high cost of real estate in Monaco. Monaco recently became the most expensive country for property in Europe, and while a 32m2 studio in Monaco will cost close to a million Euros including the closing costs, Andorra offers over 100m2 three bedroom two bathroom apartments at less than half the price - with the same tax advantages as better known Monaco, bringing out a map of Andorra for many investors recently.

The different type of buyers tend to head for different areas of Andorra, with the ski apartment buyers tending to purchase in the key ski resorts of Soldeu and Arinsal.

Those looking for residency go more for the year round villages and towns which have a resident community.

Outside of the capital (la Vella) these tend to be La Massana and the upcoming village of Anyos, Ordino and Arinsal, although Arinsal's nightlife during the ski season early December to late April tends to steer many newcomers to La Massana and Ordino.

New Hotels

In addition to attracting international buyers in increasing numbers for residency, the Andorra authorities have invested heavily in their ski infrastructure, boosting the country's tourism potential and subsequently Andorra's real estate market.

And for this year's ski season Andorra has opened a new family friendly ski park in Arinsal, moving away further still from her old image of a cheap and cheerful ski holiday for 18-30 year olds to one that caters well for all.

One of the few drawbacks when taking residency in Andorra compared to Monaco has been access to a major international airport. While Monaco enjoys close proximity to Nice Airport, with a ten minute helicopter ride available, Andorra's nearest

airports have been Barcelona and Toulouse, three hours away, with no direct flights to Andorra.

Recent road improvements between Barcelona and Andorra has cut this by thirty minutes, and there is a possibility of a scheduled helicopter service, Andorra weather permitting, or more likely ten minutes from the Spanish Andorra border, allowing quicker access to international flights for business people considering Andorra residency.

Other improvements within Andorra include new tunnels, allowing quicker access to the ski fields, and driving around Andorra easier.

With more demand from international buyers who want to take advantage of Andorra residency, the Andorra government announced in February that it was increasing the number of residency applications from the previous 200 year a year to 500.

'Andorra is becoming more popular among the international buyers', comment a local travel guide, 'And with Monaco real estate prices sky high it comes as no surprise that the government has moved favourably by allowing more residents. But it's not just the tax free living they come for - it's the Andorra weather as well for many who see the ideal opportunity to live in a tax free environment and enjoying winter sports too.'

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

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Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price

2009-11-06T19:58:00.001-08:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price
By Tribune
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years, and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving

their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Tribune Properties produce a guide for Monaco and Monte Carlo, which includes a map of Monaco and details of hotels in Monaco as well as the Monaco weather.The guide also includes details of the Monaco Grand Prix. Also covered are hotels in Monte Carlo and a map of Monte Carlo.For property in Monaco visit Property for sale in Monaco, for property in Andorra visit Property in Andorra

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Villas And Investment Opportunities On Spain's Costa Blanca

2009-11-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Villas And Investment Opportunities On Spain's Costa Blanca articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Villas And Investment Opportunities On Spain's Costa Blanca
By Thomas James, Fri Dec 9th

Spanish property prices have risen dramatically over the pastthree to five years, which has had a two fold effect. Firstlyfrom an investment point of view, people looking to provide anincome stream through property rentals, have begun to turn theirbacks on the Spanish Costa's. Secondly people seeking a homefrom home in the sun, have also begun to look elsewhere, luredfor the same reason, property prices.

Investment opportunities have begun to appear in the formereastern block countries such as Bulgaria. Villas and investmentproperties in these countries have begun to look attractive fromboth the investment point of view, and also to those peopleseeking a new lifestyle. There are however, some major drawbacksthat should be fully investigated before one parts with anymoney, in what could turn out to be a very costly investmentmistake.

Spain has been the destination of choice for the sun-seekingBritish tourist for many years and as such is geared up to copewith investors in the property market. The tertiaryinfrastructure is in place, evidence of which can easily be seenin institutions such as banks, all of which employ Englishspeaking staff. This is also the case when one looks atinsurance companies, medical facilities and just about everyother service provider.

Investing in Spanish property is pretty much a safe bet. Whenone invests in bricks and mortar in a country like Spain, youknow that it will return a healthy dividend.

Villas and investment properties in a country like Bulgariahowever, are far from a done deal. The infrastructure is biasedtowards Bulgarians, so the first obstacle you are liable toencounter will be the language barrier. When looking at propertyfrom the investment angle, you only need to ask yourself onequestion, which is how many holiday makers will go to Bulgariaas opposed to Spain?

Property prices will reflect what is happening in a particularregion be it in Spain, or elsewhere. As an investment property,whether it's a villa or an apartment, it should be returning anincome at the earliest point in time from the property purchase.Investing in Spanish property whether on the Costa Blanca, CostaCalida, or the Costa Almeria is going to be a much safer optionto accomplish this criteria.

Property can be a fairly volatile market it is thereforeadvisable to look at countries like Bulgaria, who are trying tojoin the European Union. One need look no further than theshenanigans taking place between Austria and Turkey, which is atpresent trying to join the EU. So whilst Bulgaria is scheduledto join in 2007, entry is by no means a forgone conclusion.Investing in a country like Bulgaria could ultimately turn outto be a very costly investment mistake.

Investing in Spain, when one looks at the property market fromall angles, doesn't after all, look like the expensive option.An investment in a recently democratised country like Bulgariacould in fact turn out to be even more expensive, should thecountry revert to communism and snatch back all properties ownedby foreign nationals.

Villas and InvestmentProperties are realtors on the Costa Blanca and are amongthe leaders when it comes quality of service and the selectionof properties they have to offer.

Villas, apartments, Town houses, land and all other types ofinvestment property can be found on their books. So if you areserious about buying a property look them up, after all, itcosts nothing to look!

About the author:Thomas James is a freelance writer and has written many articleson the subject of Spanish property investment. He can becontacted at tom@europeannewmedia.com and his website is located at European New Media

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

The World's Best Pickles

2009-11-04T19:54:00.002-08:00

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The World's Best Pickles
By Janette Blackwell, Fri Dec 9th

I knew they were the world’s best pickles the moment I tastedone. That first taste took place around 1950, and I’ve tasted alot of pickles since, am a pickle hound in fact, but I’ve nevercome across anything else as good.

They came to us by way of my Uncle Ronald Smith, who was anelectrician in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana where I grew up.One day he was doing electrical work for a Bulgarian family, andthey rewarded him with a sample pickle. He liked it so much hegot the recipe and gave it to his wife Gladys, who gave it toGrandma Glidewell, who made it and gave some to me, and Ithought I’d died and gone to pickle heaven.

And thus, although they became an old Glidewell family recipe,they are really an old Bulgarian family recipe. The Bulgarianfamily, whose name I do not know, told Uncle Ronald that inBulgaria, when the first heavy frost kills the tomato vines,they put all their end-of-garden vegetables –- including thosegreen tomatoes -- into a barrel, fill the barrel with picklingbrine, and eat the best pickles in the world all winter. Itturns out, though, that the pickles’ travel from Bulgaria to theU.S. was only one leg of a more ancient journey. Because Imentioned them to an Iranian woman, and she said, “My family hasalways made pickles like that! Exactly like that, except we addtarragon.”

Iran being the new name for the ancient kingdom of Persia, whoknows how many centuries these pickles go back?

There’s more: I later lost the recipe’s brine proportions. Gavesome thought to its travels between Persia and Bulgaria, lookedin an Armenian-American cookbook (Treasured Armenian Recipes,published in 1949 by the Armenian General Benevolent Union) andthere they were, under “Mixed Pickles No. 2.” Turns out theworld’s best Armenian pickles are just like the world’s bestBulgarian and Persian and American pickles, except they includedill, and sometimes green beans and coriander seed.

So this is an old, old recipe belonging to the whole humanfamily.

END-OF-GARDEN PICKLES

Vegetables:

Green tomatoes*, cut in half or quartered if large Carrots,peeled and cut into strips Cauliflower, separated into smallflorets Baby onions, peeled, or larger onions halved orquartered Green peppers, cut into broad lengthwise slicesGarlic, two peeled cloves per quart jar Medium-hot peppers, twosmall whole peppers per quart

You can also add unpeeled and unwaxed small cucumbers, zucchini,or lightly cooked green beans, though we never did. The hotpeppers add adventure and zest, but if you prefer to save yourtears for really sad occasions, why not?

Amounts and proportions depend on what vegetables you have andhow many quarts you plan to make. You don’t have to have thegreen tomatoes, and the other things can be bought in a grocerystore. But you do need a variety of vegetables, and you have tohave the onions and garlic, or you won’t have the world’s bestpickles. You will have the world’s so-so pickles, and that wouldbe a shame.

Armenian-Persian-Bulgarian Brine

To one quart of water add 1/4 cup pickling salt (salt that isn’tiodized), and one cup of white distilled vinegar. Bring themixture to a boil. This is enough brine to cover two quarts ofmixed pickles, with a little left over.

Processing

Follow the canning instructions in a good, standard cookbook.Or, if you plan to eat them right away, pack the vegetables intoclean quart jars, pour over them the hot brine, and keep thepickles covered in the refrigerator. Some of the moreimpressionable vegetables, like zucchini, will be ready to eatin only two or three days. ________

* The green tomatoes for this recipe should be at least thinkingof getting ripe. A tomato demonstrates its thoughts along thisline by getting a white overlay on top of the green.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author:Go STEAMIN’ DOWN THE TRACKS WITH VIOLA HOCKENBERRY, astorytelling cookbook -- and find Montana country cooking,nostalgic stories, and gift ideas -- at Janette Blackwell’s Foodand Fiction, http://foodandfiction.com/Entrance.html -- or visither Delightful Food Directory,http://delightfulfood.com/main.html

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The Best Beach Resorts In Bulgaria

2009-11-04T19:54:00.001-08:00

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The Best Beach Resorts In Bulgaria
By Marinova Marina, Thu Dec 8th

The Bulgarian Black sea coast is about 400 kilometers long withlarge and small resorts. Sun-seekers have a wealth of choicesfor accommodation. Most of the hotels are privately run andmaintain Western standards of health and safety. Among the mostpopular resorts is the northern Black Sea coast resort of GoldenSands, which has 61 hotels, many recently fully renovated.

The resort, 17 km north of Varna, is an attractive combinationof a calm and warm sea, forested slopes near the beach, mineralsprings and a tempting choice of good quality restaurants. Thearea is famous for the purest sand on the Black Sea coast.

Also on the northern Black Sea coast, very close to GoldenSands, Riviera Holiday Club has six hotels located on the beachin a nice and quite park.

Sunny Day tourist complex, 10 km north of Varna, has four hotelsranging from five stars to two. The resort also has twowell-equipped spa health centres, with treatments from mud bathsto laser therapy to aromatherapy available.

Thirty km from Varna, Albena has a total of 14 900 beds in 43hotels, ranging from two to four stars. Nestled in a picturesquebay, the resort has a temperate climate and boasts a wide sandybeach. Water sports, a children’s amusement park, and many finerestaurants complete the picture.

On the southern Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach has more than 100hotels, 2 campsites, over 130 restaurants, taverns with folkloreshows, bars with floor shows, night clubs, casino, discos andcafes. Sozopol, about 30 km south of Bourgas, has a smallerrange of hotels, with about 1,800 beds between them. Sozopol isone of the oldest of Bulgaria's coastal towns. It is founded in610 BC by Miletian Greeks. Today, this charming place is apopular tourist resort best known for its casual ambience, sandybeaches and distinctive nineteenth-century stone and wood houses.

Nessebur, named a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1983,draws about a million visitors annually, and its narrow,historically venerable streets, are often choked in mid-summerwith tourists sampling its culinary delights and shopping formemorabilia. The town, which dates back about 9,000 years and isfamed for its beautiful medieval churches, has a competitiverange of hotels and private accommodation.

About the author:Marina Marinova is a free-lance specialized in travel articlesabout Bulgaria. Currently she writes mainly forwww.discover-bulgaria.com

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Pros And Cons Of The Bulgarian Real Estate Market

2009-11-04T19:53:00.001-08:00

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Pros And Cons Of The Bulgarian Real Estate Market
By Theodora Borissova, Wed Dec 7th

Real estate market in Bulgaria for the last 15 years hasimproved consistently, but still could be defined as developing. Since the introduction of the currency board in 1997 Bulgariahas been politically stable country with a developing economyand the preferential conditions and guarantees for foreigninvestors have generated excellent business opportunities andinvestment growth potential. Bulgaria real estate prices are byfar lower than other destinations in Europe but the estimatedacceptance of Bulgaria in the European Union providesunprecedented growth potential that will certainly boost theprices of the Bulgaria real estate in the near future. Bulgarianmarket or real estate is still unexplored and undeveloped to acertain extent, which makes it very attractive and profitable.

Bulgaria has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws inthe region regarding Bulgaria real estate, as well as theforeign investors. According to the Bulgarian Constitution andlegislation foreign persons and companies can invest in realestate in Bulgaria either personally or through a local legalentity. Generally speaking, foreigners as persons can acquireonly buildings but not land. Therefore, the most popular andpreferred by non-residents ways to become the real estate ownersare: As far as houses, villas, flats and limited ownershiprights (the right of use, the right to build a house, etc.) areconcerned, you can directly purchase them as a person.

The capital of Bulgaria - City of Sofia and the area of theBlack Sea Coast are vastly booming urban centers and touristdestinations with relatively more sophisticated market, whichhave attracted foreign opportunity investors in recent years.Sofia and in the biggest Black Sea Coastal Cities are also thenewest trends in Bulgarian Real Estate Market. It appears to bevery attractive for investment purposes in the last two-threeyears. That is why we must point out several Pros and Cons,which we consider important:

Pros:

fast developing real estate market; liberal foreign investmentlaws; improving bank mortgage system; stable political andeconomic environment; excellent return on investment (ROI);limited currency risk (BGN pegged to EURO under stable currencyboard); significant foreign investment in real estate.

Cons:

land purchase restriction for foreigners (due to therequirements of the European Union for Bulgaria's accession toEU in 2007, this restriction will be removed); underdevelopedinfrastructure in some regions; limited buying power ofBulgarian consumers.

About the author:Theodora Borissova is a relationship manager in BB Media Ltd - acommunication agency with years of experience in graphic and webdesign. The company has developed successful marketing campaignsfor Bulgarian Real Estate and Best Bulgarian Properties

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Property Investing In Bulgaria's Capital Sofia

2009-11-04T19:52:00.001-08:00

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Property Investing In Bulgaria’s Capital Sofia
By Tem Pearson
Sofia, as Bulgaria’s capital, offers foreign purchasers a wonderful investment opportunity. Many foreigners actually miss the idea of investing in Sofia, in favour of the faster growing costal resorts such as Sunny Beach and the ski resort of Bansko.

Last year, however, Sofia saw the greatest property value growth in Bulgaria, showing that there is a great deal of potential in the capital. Sofia is approximately 550 metres above sea level, situated at the bottom of Mount Vitosha. Interestingly, Sofia is actually the highest capital in Eastern Europe and has a population of around one million.

Sofia has had a relatively troublesome history and has only recently become fully free from communism. Since its liberation, Sofia has developed itself as the financial, political and cultural centre of Bulgaria.

As well as being historically important, Sofia is also culturally and geographically significant. Throughout Sofia, there is an enormous selection of pavement cafes, restaurants and large parks. One of the great plus points of Sofia is its wonderful location; within half an hour of the city is the Vitosha National Park as well as the superb skiing in Vitosha. Bulgaria has started a campaign to host the 2014 Winter Olympics; if it is successful, Sofia is likely to see even greater growth.

A leading Bulgarian lawyer has commented that ‘as far as the smaller investor is concerned, there is an over saturation at the Black Sea, so Sofia offers an attractive alternative’. He also stated that between the years of 2002 and 2005, property prices in Sofia have doubled.

Prices of Property in Different Parts of Sofia

One-bed apartments in Sofia can be bought for around 50,000 Euros. Although these are considerably smaller on average than the one-bed apartments on the coast and in seaside resorts, which are typically around the 50 to 60 square metre-sized apartments.

As with most large cities, central apartments of a reasonable size are in huge demand, with a two-bedroom apartment of approximately 100 square meters setting you back in excess of 75,000 Euros.

Slightly out of the centre of the city, there are more bargains to be found, with larger properties of four or five bedrooms costing around 70,000 to 90,000 Euros. One of the exceptions to this is the up-market Lozenets, where prices are often higher than the very central areas. A two bedroom apartment of 120 square metres could cost as much as 160,000 Euros, in this area.

Central apartments will always be in reasonable demand for both locals and tourists. Most of the nightlife, bars and restaurants are around the central areas, making such apartments popular, if a little noisy!

Further outside the centre, towards the National Park and ski resorts, the entertainment is not quite as lively. However, the scenery becomes truly spectacular, attracting locals seeking a quieter life, whilst still being close to the city centre.

Lozenents, as one of the most salubrious areas of Sofia, attracts the high earning locals,as well as visitors who want to feel that they are staying in the lap of luxury.

Rental Market in Sofia

Renting a property in Sofia is relatively easy, with several market options available. More foreign companies are now starting to open up offices and branches in Bulgaria where the workforce is qualified, but a great deal cheaper than in the UK. As a result, there is an increasing demand for good quality apartment accommodation for the wealthier employees, in the capital.

Sofia is also a popular tourist destination, due to its wonderful location combining cultural excellence with much historical significance.

Sofia offers a wealth of opportunities for any investor, regardless of their target market. As well as already being a fascinating place to stay, Sofia is also a city that is on the up, both as a tourist destination and an economic powerhouse.

Ignore Sofia at your own peril!

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

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Property In Bulgaria What Is All That About

2009-11-04T19:51:00.000-08:00

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Property In Bulgaria What Is All That About?
By Nicholas Marr
2007-01-23

Property in Bulgaria has caused so much activity amongst all involved in the overseas property industry that you can easily get dizzy from the amount of information and property available in the region. One thing is for sure Bulgaria as an emerging market that is set to change the former member of the Soviet Union forever

Bulgarian facts

Bulgaria officially the Republic of Bulgaria is a country in Southeastern Europe, It borders the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, and Romania to the north, mostly along the Danube.

Modern Bulgaria

Bulgaria opened its doors to tourism and foreign investment the early 1990s. Bulgaria's 8 million inhabitants live in an area as large as England and enjoy an attractive mix of landscapes which have made Bulgaria such a popular holiday destination. Its sunny Black sea coast attracts holiday makers in the summer. Its Ski resorts in Bansko, Barovets and mount Vitosha make it an affordable place to ski in the winter. The quiet Bulgarian villages, historic buildings and cosmopolitan cities make it ideal place to visit all year round. Investors tip the Capital Sofia as a sound place to invcest in property abroad.

Property in Sofia Bulgaria

Sofia is getting richer and is definitely on its way up both business and tourism help make the city an attractive place to invest. Businesses are setting up in Sofia and evidence around the city is clear with impressive modern buildings, multi national company offices, BMW and Porsche dealerships to name but a few. Tourists visit the city all year round, helped by low cost airlines flying into Sofia Airport. The impressive architecture makes Sofia a good place to wander around; churches such as the Aleksander Nevski Memorial Church will always attract those looking for a relaxing city break. Property investors buying property in Sofia do not need to rely on seasonal tenants to fill their investment properties. The combination of local and foreign employees and visitors to Sofia make the city an attractive place to invest.

Buying property in Bulgaria the process

Buying property in Bulgaria means in most cases that overseas property buyers will need to set up a limited company. The exception to this is when a buyer purchases a leasehold property such as an apartment. In this case you do not own the land and therefore foreign buyers can buy Bulgarian property without the need to set up a Bulgarian registered company. Entry to the EU in 2007 will hopefully see these rules change

Property In Bulgaria

2009-11-03T18:11:00.001-08:00

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Property In Bulgaria
By Parag Sheth
ABOUT BULGARIA

Bulgaria is a small, yet stunning Balkan country located in the South East of Europe and bordered by Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia and the Black Sea.It has a rich and varied history, influenced by the Romans, Greeks, Bulgars and the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires.

It is a former communist country with 28 provinces, and entered the United Nations in 2004 and will shortly be a member of the European Union. There is a commitment to economic reform by the Bulgarian Government (a democratic republic).

In Bulgaria, you will find ski resorts (in the Winter months), sunny beaches, Ancient Thracian burial mounds, spas and stunning landscapes (including caves) and architecture. Bulgaria has a temperate climate – dry in Summer and cold in Winter.

Bulgaria dates back to the 1st millennium B.C. and is one of Europe’s oldest nations. The Thracians were the earliest people to inhabit the country , but it was invaded by the Romans in 188 B.C. and after many wars, became a Roman Province in 45 A.D. Many Thracian artefacts from those times have been found, and Roman influences are seen, for example, the Roman theatre at Plovdiv.

After being allied with the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius in the 6th Century, Great Bulgaria formed two states - Volgar Bulgaria and Danubian Bulgaria (based on the rivers). Later, another state was formed which is now known as Macedonia.

The two main states had different characteristics and influences. In the 10th Century, Volga Bulgaria became one of the greatest Muslim civilisations in Eastern Europe. However, it was conquered firstly by the Mongolians and later by the Russian Tsar Ivan Grozni in the middle 16th Century. Christianity was adopted by Danubian Bulgaria.

After the vast expansion of Bulgaria under King Simeon I in the 9th Century (which was the “Golden Age” for Bulgaria), the Byzantines finally captured Bulgaria after numerous attempts and it later fell under control of the Turkish Ottoman Empire. It wasn’t until 1878 that Bulgaria became free of Ottoman rule and a principality was formed.

In 1944, Bulgaria became a republic under the control of the Bulgarian Communist Party, but democratic changes started to take place in 1989 and a new constitution was later endorsed.

Property Market

There is no doubt that Bulgaria is benefiting from their forth coming entry into the European Union (EU) expected in 2007, which has both increased the profile of the country, increased visitor numbers and opened up access to large development grants from the EU.

Recently, property has been far and away the best performing asset in Bulgaria, with overseas investors looking to take advantage of the value for money, in comparison to some of the more mature member countries of the EU. While the average price rise in property in 2003 was an impressive 25%, areas such as the Black Sea resorts, the capital - Sofia and the Ski resorts of Borovets and Bansko have experienced rises of between 50% and 100%. As the membership date for entry to the EU approaches, many market analysts expect a further increase in activity.

While foreign investors are allowed to own buildings in Bulgaria, they are not allowed to own land. Therefore the last couple of years have seen a number of umbrella companies set-up under the Bulgarian system as a way to bypass the land restriction.

Currently there is a big rush on holiday homes and retirement properties in Bulgaria, with foreign investment leading the way. Property values are set to rise still further, with signs that price rises are starting to filter through to the more rural areas, in an inevitable catch up period.

Bulgaria now has a firm foothold in the holiday market, with many of Europe’s larger travel companies keen to highlight the attractions of this relatively fresh and unknown country. This can only help inward investment, and the external image of the country.

Why Invest in Bulgaria?

After being blighted by social unrest, corruption, and law and order problems, the country has made great strides over the last few years. Corruption has been a major problem at political level, but pre-set conditions of entry to the European Union have forced change upon this former soviet controlled country. One of the main successes has been the proposed integration with the rest of Europe.

In a country where mortgages only make up 5% of total credit, against 15% in the developed countries, the infancy of the property market is further highlighted. A potential three fold increase in mortgage activity would substantially increase the activity in the property, and should keep the market buoyant for some time to come.

At present the percentage of owner occupied properties is in the region of 90%, which would indicate a buy-to-let market in its infancy. Running and maintenance costs are still only a fraction of those in developed EU membership countries, further adding to the potential for capital growth.

As the recently embraced free market economy continues to touch all areas of the economy, and the standard of living and basic wages increase, so there will be more
inward investment. The country has great transportation links, being surrounded by fellow EU members, Greece and Turkey, but also having access to the major Black Sea shipping routes.

The Bulgarian authorities have made great strides in simplifying the trade system in the country, with particular emphasis on the property sector. They appreciate that foreign investment needs to be encouraged, if their free market ideals are to be met. A growing economy and a property market in its infancy bode well for future growth.

Outlook

While the Bulgarian property sector continues to move ahead, there are a few characteristics which are unique to the countries trading system. As the authorities continue to embrace a free market culture, with no regulation, the property sector can encounter short term bouts of volatility due to seasonal swings in buyers and sellers.

While the country has taken on the free market ideals of the west, it is taking time for the reporting systems to catch up. There is often a time lag between property transactions and the effect on the market, but this is slowly starting to filter through.

Not surprisingly, the natural population trend of Bulgaria has been falling for a few years, as workers leave for better paid employment in other countries of the world. This has however forced workers to move into the larger cities in search of employment, thereby creating potential “hotspots” in the property market.

Contrary to popular belief, the remaining population of the country are taking on a more confident outlook to work, life and prosperity, which has seen the start of a feel good factor. This factor is expected to be the fuel which fires the economy in the short to medium term, with many expatriates expected to return “home” in due course. An interesting and mostly untapped property market continues to grow.

The author of this article moderates at Totally Property - a Real Estate Forum that specialises in Property in Bulgaria.

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Property For Sale In Bulgaria - Emerging Property Markets 1

2009-11-03T18:10:00.000-08:00

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Property For Sale In Bulgaria - Emerging Property Markets 1
By James Wittering, Thu Dec 8th

i>The latest investment property headline is this: Popular andwell trodden markets such as France and Spain are out, Bansko isin.

Where?

Bansko, Bulgaria. Fast becoming one of Europe's hottest skiresorts and showing no signs of slowing down for beginners,Bansko is where the smart money is being invested. From aslittle as £30,000 (US$52,594) you can own a 1 bedroom apartmentin the heart of Bulgaria's trendiest ski resort, at the base ofthe imposing Pirin Mountain range. It sounds impressive but isit just a flash in the pan or a serious investment opportunitypromising high rental yields and real capital growth?

The skiing is first class, that much is not in doubt. The highpeaks offer powder white snow for up to 5 months of the year andthe summer season continues for a further 2, providing awonderful holiday home for ski enthusiasts and great returns forbuy-to-let investors. Plenty of money has been pumped intofacilities and the ski school ensures that beginners and expertsalike are catered for. There are plans to double the length ofthe runs at Bansko over the next 10 years so whilst this is arelatively new ski resort; it is certainly a progressive andwell maintained one.

A very old town full of character, situated just 150km south ofSofia, Bansko is about 2 hours from the nearest Bulgarianairport. It lies at the base of Vihren, the highest mountain inthe Pirin range at almost 3000m. Bansko is interestingly placedgeographically, close to the border with Greece and Macedoniaand there is the planned Greek-Thessalonic Highway that willconnect Bansko to Greece by road. It is said that on a fine dayyou can see all the way to the Aegean from the Pirin Mountains.In theory, when you finish skiing in Bansko in April you coulddrive to Greece for a dip in the Aegean.

The cobbled streets of the town itself are clean and well lit.Amongst the obligatory 'après ski' styled bars and night-clubsare the mehanas, underground taverns offering localcuisine and live music. Currently the town is representative ofa building site with scaffolding and cement mixers a plenty.Looking beyond the production equipment, one can quite quicklysee that the ends will justify the means. Bansko has clearlybeen the subject of considerable investment into an improvedinfrastructure. Certainly more so than competing, better knowntowns such as Borovets or Pamporovo.

Non-skiers are catered for with beautiful walks, historic Romanruins, volcanic mineral spring water public baths, equestrianactivities and plans for at least one 18 hole golf course. Theenvironment itself is protected by UNESCO and is Bulgaria'slargest national park, ensuring that overdevelopment should notrear its ugly head, or at least, limit it's impact.

So what do you really need to know?

There have been a few negative stories floating around in thepress and on TV, but as with all things most of these issuescould have been easily curtailed with a little good advice andlots of homework. It is important to remember that you aredealing with an emerging market; by it's very nature not aspredictable as the currently stagnating Costa-del-everyman.Having said this it seems that these warning signs pertain toproperties on the Black Sea Coast rather than ski resorts. Theski season in Bansko is considerably longer than the coastalseason and the mayor of Bansko is attempting to restrict Banskoto just 8000 beds, ensuring that the region does not becomeoverdeveloped and saturated.

Regardless of what you chose to do, it is very important to seekindependent legal advice. No matter how seductive the salespatter, you need to know that planning permission has beengranted, the land title ratified, and that there is nooutstanding mortgage on the land
and so on.

Always be wary of developers who want you to agree to adifferent price on the notary deed. This can adversely affectyour capital gains tax when you come to sell.

Always enquire about added costs such as maintenance charges youmight be expected to pay above and beyond the purchase price andbe aware that not all agents provide refundable deposits.

So is Bansko a good bet for the future?

Yes. A long ski season is great for buy-to-let investors and itis already a proven, popular destination for skiers. Lots ofmoney is being spent on improving infrastructure and facilitiesand with accession into the EU for Bulgaria in 2007, significantcapital growth can be expected. One of the most importantfactors will be access and with several budget airlinescurrently looking to add Bulgaria to their list of destinations,property in Bulgaria, specifically Bansko, should enjoy a hugeincrease in demand.

If you're reading this then you're already using the internet toresearch Bulgarian property investment issues. Another great wayto figure out what's going on is to seek the opinions of thosewho have already bought: Check out www.talkbansko.com

Emerging property markets are exciting and potentially veryprofitable. Just go in with your eyes open and armed with asmuch independent information as you can.

About the author:James Wittering is the marketing manager for ExclusiveProperties International who help their clients to buildinvestment property portfolios from all corners of the globe.They also have property for salein Bulgaria.

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Property Development In Bulgaria

2009-11-03T18:09:00.002-08:00

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Property Development In Bulgaria
By surrinder Ahitan, Thu Dec 8th

When it comes to investing in real estate, the old adage that"timing is everything" truly does apply. If you are interestedin property investment in Bulgaria, you should be aware ofproperty development in Bulgaria that will impact the realestate market, including the availability of houses for sale inBulgaria.

Most financial experts and real estate analysts maintain thatthe present day and age is a perfect time to make a realproperty investment in Bulgaria. The underlying reason for thecountry becoming a prime market for real estate investmentcenters on a number of new developments that have occurred andthat are in the process of occurring over the course of thecoming year and a half. When it comes to property development inBulgaria, one of the most fundamental changes has involved thealteration of the government system in the country. Thefundamental change in the government system in Bulgaria hasresulted in a loosening of the restrictions that were one inplace in regard to the ownership of real estate. Indeed, upuntil recent years, foreign nationals -- individuals andcompanies alike -- generally were prohibited from owning realestate in that country. Foreign property investment in Bulgariawas generally prohibited. Since the collapse of the Warsaw Pact,Bulgaria has taken a course in which it not only permits foreigninvestment in the country, but the government has enacted lawsdesigned to encourage foreign investment, including foreignownership of real property.

Perhaps the most substantial of the property development inBulgaria is the movement of that nation towards full membershipstatus in the European Union. Commencing in 2007, Bulgaria willobtain full membership status in the European Union. Thistransition towards membership in the EU is spurring on foreigninvestment. In point of fact, many foreign nationals are movingto gain a foothold in real property investment in Bulgaria,including taking advantage of houses for sale in Bulgaria to beused as income generating rental property.

Analysts who have been monitoring the Bulgarian financial andreal estate markets over time maintain that the present day andage is the optimal time for eager investors to make purchases ofreal estate in the country. With the new property development inBulgaria, both in the governmental and economic sector, thepresent day investment in real estate is expected to pay offtremendously over the course of the coming decade.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

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Properties Fo Sale In Bulgaria

2009-11-03T18:09:00.001-08:00

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Properties For Sale In Bulgaria
By surrinder Ahitan, Wed Dec 7th

A great deal of attention has been paid to properties for salein Bulgaria in the major urban areas in that country. Inaddition, the growth of property investment in Bulgaria inresort communities -- particularly in the mountainous regions ofthe country and around the Black Sea -- has been phenomenal inthe past few years. However, when it comes to propertyinvestment in Bulgaria in some of the more rural areas of thecountry, people have been a bit slower on the uptake, perhaps abit reluctant to put money into buying real estate in ruralareas.

In point of fact, if you are interested in properties for salein Bulgaria, you would be well served in taking a close look atthe rural parts of the country. (Indeed, Bulgaria -- with apopulation of just at 8 million souls -- remains a largely ruralcountry.)

Perhaps the primary reason that you will want to considerproperty investment in Bulgaria in the rural part of the countryrests in the reality that tourism is expected to increasemarkedly when Bulgaria becomes a part of the European Union in2007.

For generations, Bulgaria has been a popular holidaydestination for men and women who are residents of some of theother Eastern European countries. These holiday travelersflocked to the Black Sea resorts by the thousands annually. (Asmentioned, properties for sale in Bulgaria in the resortcommunities have been very buoyant recently.)

With the opening of the borders that will accompany admissioninto the European Union, Bulgaria will experience an even moresignificant influx of holiday travelers in the future. A goodnumber of these people will be interested in touring Bulgaria,including visiting some of the interesting and historicdestinations in the more rural parts of the country. Thus, aperson with the foresight of taking advantage of propertyinvestment in Bulgaria will be in a position to profit from theincrease in tourism that is anticipated in all sectors of thecountry.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Points To Consider When Contemplating Bulgaria Holiday Homes

2009-11-03T04:58:00.001-08:00

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Points To Consider When Contemplating Bulgaria Holiday Homes
By surrinder Ahitan, Thu Dec 8th

Bulgaria as a nation has undergone a significant transition inrecent years that will culminate in 2007 when the nation becomesa full member of the European Union. As a result, real estate inBulgaria literally is becoming hot property as far asinternational investors are concerned. In addition, houses forsale in Bulgaria to be used for holiday or vacation purposes aretrading rapidly on the market today. If you are interested inBulgaria holiday homes opportunities, you may be interested infinding out a bit more about the country as whole and the realestate market specifically.

Geographically, Bulgaria is located in southeast Europe and hasa land mass that is about the size of England. The population ofthe country is at about eight million people. Over the course ofmany years, Bulgaria -- with its Black Sea resorts -- was apopular holiday destination for people from throughout EasternEurope. In recent years, a growing number of people fromdifferent points around the globe are considering Bulgaria as aholiday destination. As a result of this increased interest inthe country, and a growing number of tourists to Bulgaria,houses for sale in Bulgaria have become solid investments.

In looking for Bulgaria holiday homes that might meet yourobjectives, geography is not the only issue at hand. Younecessarily need to determine the primary use you will make ofyour Bulgaria holiday homes. For example, if you intend tosettle in the country to take advantage of the new opportunitiesthat are arising in that nation, you may want to purchase aresidence for your personal use and for that of your family. Onthe other hand, you may want to otherwise take advantage of thechanges in the nation by taking advantage of a Bulgaria holidayhomes to invest in a property that you can turn around and rentto holiday travelers and others who find themselves in Bulgaria.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Join The Bulgarian Property Boom With Confidence

2009-11-03T04:57:00.001-08:00

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Join The Bulgarian Property Boom With Confidence.
By Tim Wright, Thu Dec 8th

An Irish property investor in Sydney, Australia has created aninvestment kit that provides potential buyers with all of therelevant facts, figures and information to confidently buyBulgarian property, which grew an average of 30% in 2004."Bulgarian Property - The Overseas Buyers’ Kit" contains acomplete guide to the tax and ownership laws, calculators andvarious information-gathering templates.

During a trip to Europe at the beginning of 2005 Tim Wright,creator of the kit, found that the Bulgarian property market wasa hot topic although some people showed great reluctance toinvest in an unknown market place. The package was designed toanswer potential investors questions and to provide the toolsand peace of mind to invest in the Bulgarian market. Thecalculators can be used to determine potential returns once allthe relevant initial and annual costs, such as State andMunicipal taxes, have been deducted. "Bulgarian Property - TheOverseas Buyers’ Kit" is the one-stop-shop for foreign investorswho want to buy in a high-growth market and understand all ofthe legalities and costs upfront.

The high growth in the market is expected to continue long afterBulgaria's anticipated membership to the European Union isgranted in 2007. Entry into The Bulgarian Property market isextremely low when compared with neighbouring Europeancountries. Some websites offer properties for as little as 4,500Euro. But Bulgaria is now experiencing an influx of investmentespecially into the areas of infrastructure and tourism andproperty prices are rising accordingly.

With a low cost of living, fantastic snowfields and the BlackSea along the Eastern border, Bulgaria is quickly becoming thesun and ski holiday destination of choice for many Europeans.New developments are springing up especially in the coastaltowns of Varna and Burgas, along with the ski towns of Borovetz,Bansko and Pamporovo. Many multinationals have also set-upoffices in the capital Sofia.

The Kit was created to answer the most common questions on theminds of investors concerning risk, best locations andinvestment rental returns. The package can be utilised by thoselooking to buy either a rental property or a holiday home.

The templates enable to buyer to quickly gather and organisetheir research on multiple towns, properties with the potentialrents, expenses and ultimately the rental returns, so as toleave no stone unturned when investing in a foreign propertymarket. The Kit also contains a checklist to guide the investorthrough the entire purchase process, even down to finding thecorrect insurance and a property manager if needed.

"Bulgarian Property - The Overseas Buyers’ Kit" can assistanyone considering investing in the market and taking advantageof the current rise in property prices.

About the author:Tim Wright is an international property investor with and isauthor of "Bulgarian Property - The Overseas Buyers' Kitavailable at www.bulgarianpropertybuyer.co.uk

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Investing In Bulgarian Property - The Fast Track To Huge Capital Gains Article

2009-11-03T04:56:00.000-08:00

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Investing In Bulgarian Property - The Fast Track To Huge Capital Gains
By Mark Gardner Emerson
There are amazing profits to be made in the Bulgarian property market. Careful research can even uncover properties that offer instant equity and guaranteed returns.

Bulgaria is currently the EU investment hotspot. The prospect of capital gains of 30% per annum, and the cheapest property in Europe is attracting investors from across the globe.

Millions of euros are being spent each and every month by investors eager to cash in and this is set to continue unabated, with the prospect of full EU accession in 2007. Entry into the European Community always prompts massive price increases, with 100% capital gains in a single year, quite commonplace.

All property types in Bulgaria offer incredible value for money and are experiencing good capital gains across the board. However, with careful research, unbelievable opportunities are to be found in this booming market.

The sheer volume of properties can offer a bewildering choice and in any region or resort the asking price of the properties on sale can vary massively. It is vital to accurately gauge the market value of each particular area.

In the off plan market especially, developers will launch their new projects with introductory discounts to stimulate sales. Properties are available with discounts of up to 20%.

The property for sale in Bulgaria is primarily designed for the holiday trade and corporate letting market. Forward thinking developers, have already begun to sign agreements with major holiday companies and corporations for letting the properties they are building. The income generated is then passed to the purchaser, as a further inducement to stimulate sales.

There are currently deals available which will offer anything between 2% to 15% as a guaranteed rental.

Bulgaria offers the best investment opportunity around today. The low cost of entry, consistent prices rises and the expected capital gains surge from EU accession next year, provide an irresistible mix for the property novice and seasoned investor alike.

www.investmentpropertybg.com offer a free service to locate either resale or off plan properties, with prices that range from under £10,000. With offices both in the UK and Bulgaria they have a wealth of local knowledge and a massive portfolio to choose from.

Mark Emerson is the sales director for Investment Property BG Ltd. The company specialises in high return investment property in all areas of the Bulgaria marketplace with prices from under £10,000. You can obtain a free copy of their investment guide ‘5 Reasons You Must Invest In Bulgaria Now’ and access their properties at www.investmentpropertybg.com/.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Internatinal Investment In Bulgaria Still Strong

2009-11-03T04:55:00.000-08:00

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International Investment In Bulgaria Still Strong
By Tim Wright, Wed Dec 7th

The strong growth in the Bulgarian economy is continuing andthis is emphasised by the confidence in the market shown bycompanies such as GE for example.

*GE Commercial Finance Real Estate recently announced it willbe acquiring a 50% stake of the Mall of Sofia. The Mall is anenormous trade, business and entertainment centre currentlyunder construction in the heart of the capital city.

The acquisition is costing approximately EUR 37M and was made bya consortium of GE Commercial Finance Real Estate and QuinlanPrivate.

This investment can only encourage the current growing trend inthe Bulgarian property market and indicates GE's intentions toexpand to the countries in Central and Eastern Europe.

*Copenhagen Airports has announced it will increase theirplanned investments in Bulgaria's Varna and Burgas airports fromEUR 106M to EUR 140M by the end of 2008. The added investment isbeen used to bring the airport and its facilities up to date andto deal with the constantly increasing passenger traffic.

A corporate analysis on the airports of Varna and Burgas showsthat unless urgent reforms are implemented at both facilities,the airports may see a decrease in expected traffic as soon asnext season.

Tour operators are likely to redirect tourists to alternativedestinations due to insufficient quality of services and thiswould have a knock-on effect for hotels with poor bed occupancyand a possible slowdown in the overall economic development ofthe region. Bulgaria's top three airports at Sofia, Varna andBurgas have seen a 20% increase in passenger traffic.

*New European low cost air-carrier Wizz Air has completed itsfirst flight with destination Sofia. Tickets for the flightstarted selling in Bulgaria three months before, and 155passengers were on board for the new beginning.

Wizz Air is now flying the Sofia-Budapest Route four times aweek, and is looking to expand the number of flights out ofother Bulgarian airports and increase the destination sitesthroughout Europe, focusing on the markets of Central andEastern Europe. The airline took off at the end of May from thesouthern Polish city of Katowice, initially flying to Budapest,London's Luton airport, Rome, Milan, Venice and Berlin.

In closing, the above investments in the real estate sector,infrastructure and travel reflect the growing confidence in thefuture of Bulgaria as a major player in the region and move thecountry closer to expected EU integration in 2007

About the author:Tim Wright is an international property investor and regulararticle contributor. He is the author of "Bulgarian Property -The Overseas Buyers' Kit" available athttp://www.bulgarianpropertybuyer.co.uk

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Houses In Bulgaria Are Plentiful

2009-11-03T04:54:00.000-08:00

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Houses In Bulgaria Are Plentiful
By Surrinder Ahitan, Thu Dec 8th

If you are interested in houses in Bulgaria, you are entering abuyers' market. At this point in time, there literally is a realestate boom within the country through which the market is flushwith houses for sale in Bulgaria.

When it comes to houses in Bulgaria that are on the market atthe present time, many people want to purchase property in anurban area. In this regard, when it comes to Bulgaria home saleoptions in the larger cities in the country, there are a numberof viable options available to people on the hunt for houses inBulgaria. Over the course of the past decade, a number of themore historic, grand properties in cities in Bulgaria have beensubjected to serious and significant renovation. As thesesplendid residences are being restored to their traditionalsplendor, they are also being updated with the latest and moremodern accoutrements available today. While the pricesassociated with these historic houses for sale in Bulgaria areclimbing, a person interested in owning and renovating such aresidence can obtain such a property for a reasonable price atthe present time. However, a person looking towards a Bulgariahome sale featuring a notable historic property in a city needsto keep in mind that real estate experts predict the pricesassociated with these properties to sharply increase during thecoming eighteen months.

The costs associated with all types of real estate propertiesin Bulgaria, included houses for sale in Bulgaria, are expectedto climb dramatically as the country moves closer to fullmembership of the European Union. Although many men and womenare seeking these historic properties in the major cities withinBulgaria, some people are interested in historic houses for salein Bulgaria for more commercial
reasons. As an example, thereare a growing number of people interested in historic houses inBulgaria to be purchased and used as lodging for tourists. Anumber of these fine houses in Bulgaria are being converted intoinns and "bed and breakfasts" for people who are spending timein the country on holiday.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

House For Sale In Bulgaria

2009-11-02T20:06:00.002-08:00

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House For Sale In Bulgaria
By surrinder Ahitan, Thu Dec 8th

Over the course of the past five years, there has been somethingof a housing boom throughout Bulgaria.

This has particularly been the case in rapidly developingresort communities such as Sunny Beach, Messambria and otherlocales in Bulgaria. If you are looking for a house for sale inBulgaria, particularly new houses for sale Bulgaria in apleasant, beautiful community, you might want to considerproperties for sale in Bulgaria located in one or another of thebooming resort communities.

There are a number of definite benefits to investing in a housefor sale in Bulgaria resort communities. Of course, there is atremendous personal benefit to be had by buying a house for salein Bulgaria that is located in a resort area -- you can be theproud owner of a holiday property in a truly spectacularlocation. The Black Sea resorts that are being rejuvenated inBulgaria are likely to become some of the hottest holiday spotsin the world. By getting through the door early, by making thepurchase of a house for sale in Bulgaria that is situated in aresort community, you will be able to obtain a property at amuch more reasonable price than you will be able to find even ayear from now. You will be able to take possession of a house(or apartment) in a lovely resort that will provide you withtremendous pleasure through in the years to come.

One of the other definite benefits to buying properties forsale in Bulgaria that are situated in resort communities isfound in the fact that these houses for sale in Bulgaria can endup being tremendous investments. With more and more peoplescheduling holiday and vacation trips to Bulgarian resorts eachand every year, the demand for properties that can be rented orleased by holiday travelers has increased dramatically. Byinvesting in houses for sale in Bulgaria that you can turnaround and rent or lease to visitors to the country can be anexceptional way for you to broaden and strengthen your financialportfolio both in the short and the long term.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Holidays To Bulgaria

2009-11-02T20:06:00.001-08:00

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Holidays To Bulgaria
By Peter Hartley, Thu Dec 8th

Holidays To Bulgaria

A lot more people these days are choosing Bulgaria for theirsummer holiday. As more and more people are discovering Bulgariaas holiday destination the tour operators and flight companiesare starting to expand their service into this country. There isstill an awful lot for Bulgaria to do before they get accessioninto the EU ( which is currently set for 2007 ).

Bulgaria has a lovely coastline and there are 2 main holidaydestinations one in the north called Golden Sands and one in thesouth called Sunny Beach. These 2 destinations are where themain hotels accommodations are located.Large tour operators arebased in these resorts the likes of First Choice. When having aholiday in Bulgaria there is two options to choose from. Thefirst being the normal package holiday from travel agents whichyou will be staying in the normal hotel at half board or allinclusive. The second option would be a private villa orapartment booked directly with the villa or apartment owner.After that you will have to book your own flights to the country.

The second option of the private villa or apartment in Bulgariais a very cost effective option. Lets have a look at the process.

There is a few websites offering villa or apartment Holidays toBulgaria. Your first point of contact would be the internet tosearch for the options available to you. Now because the privaterental market in Bulgaria is in its infancy the prices of villasor apartments are very reasonable. This would cost you a lotless than booking a private rental in the likes of Spain. Onceyou have chosen the property you are wanting to book you wouldcontact the owner directly to either check availability or tobook the property.

Flights is the harder bit there is a few companies that havejust come on the market offering cheap flights to Bulgaria thelikes of wizzair but with this company it is not a directlyflight you usually have to stop off in Budapest. The maincompany is First Choice which offer the best deals I have seenon the internet to date. As Bulgaria gets more and more popularwith British tourists then more of the cheap flight companieswill introduce regular flights to the country making it aneasier option for people. Generally a private rental Holidaydone through the internet yourself should save you roughly about£100 - £150 per person.

Lets have a look at the destinations for Bulgaria. Golden Sandsis the smallest of the 2 big resorts it is found about 20kmoutside Varna and is a beach resort to rival any of the europeanresorts and with the prices of things in Bulgaria it is likelythat you would not spend as much on a holiday to Bulgaria as youwould to other European resorts.

Sunny Beach is the southern resort and is 4 times as big asGolden Sands. Again Golden sands is a beach resort like anyeuropean resorts with a multitude of hotels apartments andvillas for rent. The restaurants are delicious and thefriendliness of the locals always make you feel at home.

There are other not so well known smaller resorts the likes ofAlbena, Kranevo, Sozopol, Sinemoretz, Balchik that are worthvisiting and all within easy reach of either a City the likes ofVarna or Bourgas or one of the bigger resorts.

What is becoming more popular these days is the rural holidaysto Bulgaria where people just want to get away from the hustleand bustle of normal life and want a more relaxed, friendlyatmosphere. Staing in a rural area and experiencing the realBulgarian way of life is a must. The locals are so friendly andare only too happy to invite yo to experience their way of life.Village life in Bulgaria is recommended if you are looking forrelaxation or de-stressing as nothing is more calming than lifein a real Bulgarian Village.

In Summary as Bulgaria gets more popular with british touriststhere is an abundance of private rental property forholidaymakers to choose from. Bulgaria is a lovely country whichis waiting to be explored. It is an unspoilt country with plentyto offer holidaymakers that are looking either for a busynightlife or the peace and quiet rural life of the countryside.So why not have a look at what is on offer in Bulgaria and bookyour Holiday to Bulgaria now.

About the author:Peter Hartley has been renting villas successfully for 3 years.He also promtoes websites on the internet.www.holidaystobulgaria.com is the place for private villarentals in Bulgaria.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Golf Course Construction Swings Into Action On The Bulgaria

2009-11-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

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Golf Course Construction Swings Into Action On The Bulgarian
By Ian Hunt, Fri Dec 9th

There has been much interest in the high plateau areaoverlooking the northern coast at Topola just north of Balchikin Bulgaria. Investors who have bought land in this locationhave enjoyed substantial gains in the value of their Bulgarianproperty investment, but will this continue?

For the most part of 2005 there was little activity on the golfcourse construction site. This lead to speculation that the golfcourse may not actually be built. However, in recent weeks therehas been a flurry of building activity and visitors to thisattractive location on the Black Sea Coast can now visualizethat this really will be an exemplar property development inBulgaria.

The 18 hole golf course will also offer clubhouse facilities,restaurants, bar, swimming pools, tennis courts and volley ball.Luxury villas in this fabulous development will be available andtop prices will be up to £300 000.

Ian Hunt at Best Bulgarian Estates Ltd, a UK based Bulgarianproperty agency, said,

'The development of the golf course at Balchik is great news forpeople who have invested in land and property adjacent the golfcourse. The ongoing construction will now prompt more landowners and developers to build properties at Topola. But it isstill good news for people considering investing in Bulgaria.Building plots at Topola can still be purchased for around £15000.

It is possible to build a good standard Bulgarian villa foraround £30 000. In light of the golf course construction manypeople, now looking for potential investment opportunities willbe attracted to the area. We think the price of land in thisarea will rise significantly over the next few months. This iscurrently an excellent investment opportunity'

View golf courseplots and other Bulgarian property

Ian Hunt BestBulgarian Estates Ltd

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About the author:Director Best Bulgarian Estates Ltd, Bulgarian real estate anddevelopment

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Free Advice On Buying Investment Property In Bulgaria

2009-11-02T20:03:00.000-08:00

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Free Advice On Buying Investment Property In Bulgaria
By Ewan McGarrie
Property in Bulgaria is a strong favourite with British overseas property buyers who have been buoyed by the potential for high capital appreciation. Whilst there has been undoubted capital growth, 42% in 2005 according to international surveyors Knight Frank, the property market had its problems like any developing country should therefore be treated with caution.

Some of the property in Bulgaria has been of a sub-standard quality and property rental potential has been overblown. Overseas property buyers have invested predominantly in the areas of Bansko, Sunny Beach and Sofia. In the main, these areas have been overdeveloped where supply outstrips demand. The prices of many properties in Bulgaria are out-with the budget that can be afforded by local residents and are reliant on overseas property buyers who buy for investment or lifestyle reasons.

Overseas property buyers hoping to rent out their Bulgarian property should ensure that their property has agreements with travel companies as Bulgaria is not the sort of country where tourists turn up and rent holiday apartments on impulse. Rental potential in many areas should be estimated at approximately 3%-4% net and not the 10% that is quoted by some. Genuine guaranteed rentals schemes are an attractive option to many investors as it gives peace of mind with regard to relying on a rental income, if necessary, and saves having to spend time marketing the property. Guaranteed rentals are not always genuine and are sometimes merely the result of the price increase in the property. Genuine guaranteed rentals can be given where the developer has agreements in place with tour operators and is therefore assured of occupancy levels.

Property in Bulgaria is still appealing for property investors. EU entry and the associated levels of investment as a result of membership will no doubt assist capital appreciation. Additionally, tourism levels are increasing making buying a ski property, golf property or beach property all the more appealing. The main consideration when buying property in Bulgaria is to focus on areas that are not over-developed. We can only recommend property in Bulgaria where our analysis has shown that there is good growth potential and importantly, the possibility to sell or rent at a later date.

Ewan McGarrie writes about Bulgarian Property Investments at www.propertyinvestment.co.uk/

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Financial Legal And Taxation Issues Of Purchasing In Bulgaria

2009-11-02T20:02:00.000-08:00

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Financial, Legal And Taxation Issues Of Purchasing In Bulgaria
By Tem Pearson
Not the most interesting of subjects, but extremely important nonetheless! Before it is possible to realize the dream of purchasing a property in Bulgaria, it is important to have a good idea of how the purchase will work for you, financially and legally. Issues such as how a property can be funded and what the purchase process is are vital, if you do not want to end up with a nasty shock further down the line.

Bulgarian Mortgages

When purchasing in Bulgaria, an investor has two key options: buying via a local Bulgarian mortgage provider, or raising the cash in their home country and buying the property for cash. There are, of course, companies that sell off-plan properties that offer their own financing structure. However, investors should be particularly wary of these companies and should always obtain independent financial and legal advice, before agreeing to any payment plan.

With so many providers, it is virtually impossible to give a definitive answer as to which option will prove the cheapest in any individual set of circumstances. As a general rule, most individuals who have a relatively straightforward financial situation will be better off raising the cash against their existing property. Although interest rates are low in Bulgaria, the choice of companies that offer mortgages to foreign investors is extremely limited, resulting in limited bargaining power and therefore fewer deals.

At the time of writing, the only three companies that offer mortgages to foreign individuals are the Greek banks Piraeus, DSK and BulBank. Mortgage rules in Bulgaria are rather simple and, in general, a UK citizen earning at least £15,000 a year can obtain a mortgage for up to 200,000 Euros. Interest rates are around the 6 to 7 percent mark, but only 70 percent of the property’s value can be borrowed and the term is set at 20 years. These restrictions mean that it is often better to consider a ‘home’ mortgage and then to buy in cash.

Another potential issue with Bulgarian mortgages is that they take a lot longer, administratively, than most other countries. Expect the process to take somewhere in the region of 12 weeks. Also, if you are buying off-plan, be aware that you will often be unable to obtain the full mortgage value until the property is complete, although there will be staged payments normally expected throughout the build process. Make sure that you consider how these payments will be met.

Legal Issues

One of the most fundamental issues, at the moment, for foreigners hoping to purchase a Bulgarian property, is that under the Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, anyone who is not a citizen of Bulgaria cannot own property, personally. Actually the law states that you cannot own land, but can own buildings, but this, in reality, does little to help the situation!

This will eventually change after Bulgaria joins the EU, but investors should not expect to be able to hold property directly until around 2014.

Instead, foreign investors will have to set up a Bulgarian company which will then purchase and own the property. Although this sounds complicated, the process in fact is relatively easy and only costs around £700.

Be aware as well that it

is common place in Bulgaria to expect a purchaser to sign a power of attorney to allow issues such as insurances to be dealt with. Many foreign investors are wary of this procedure, as it is not common place in countries such as the UK.

Taxes

A foreign investor will normally be taxed in line with the country where they are resident; any gains will have to be declared in their annual tax returns in their country of residence. When purchasing a property in Bulgaria, investors are subject to a purchase tax. This is based on the ‘tax estimation price’ which is set by the vendor or his agent. Generally, this price is much lower than the actual sale price. Bear this in mind when reading the advertisements and do not expect to be able to buy a property for its tax estimation figure.

When purchasing abroad it is vital that you receive English speaking, knowledgeable and independent advice, so that you can be certain that you are getting the best deal possible, both financially and legally.

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

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Buy Properties In Bulgaria Article

2009-10-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

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Buy Properties In Bulgaria
By surrinder Ahitan, Thu Dec 8th

Two seminal events make the decision to buy properties inBulgaria a financially beneficial endeavor in the 21st century.

One of these events already occurred -- the opening up of theBulgarian real estate market following the collapse of theSoviet Union and the Warsaw Pact. The second of thesesignificant events that will further the boom in Bulgarian realestate and that will enhance the financial benefits of propertyinvestment in Bulgaria, will be the entry of the country intothe European Union in 2007.

In reality, this period before Bulgaria's membership in theEuropean Union is an ideal time for a financially astuteindividual to take steps to buy properties in Bulgaria.Presently, when it comes to investing in Bulgaria property, themarket favors the buyer. In many places around the country, aperson has the ability to buy properties in Bulgaria atremarkable prices. By taking steps now -- and before Bulgariabecomes a full member of the European Union -- propertyinvestment in Bulgaria can greatly and significantly enhance anyperson or company's investment portfolio. Financial analystspredict that with Bulgaria's entrée into the European Union in2007, a tremendous influx of foreign investment will be made inthat country. A large number of business enterprises fromdifferent parts of the world are expected to set up operationsin Bulgaria. Most of these operations will need to buyproperties in Bulgaria, which will drive up the value of realestate in many locations across the nations.

As a result, by investing in Bulgaria property today, by makingthe decision to buy properties in Bulgaria before the countrybecomes a part of the European Union,

shrewd person willacquire an asset or assets that will only rise in value in thevery immediate future. The buy low and sell high principle willplay out graphically in Bulgaria over the course of the nextcouple of years. By being on the proverbial (and somewhatliteral) "ground floor" today by making the decision to buyproperties in Bulgaria, a real estate investor should be able torealize a solid increase in net worth and a likely profit in theshort term.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Buying Property In Bulgaria - Dates For Your Diary Article

2009-10-27T00:26:00.000-07:00

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Buying Property In Bulgaria - Dates For Your Diary
By AdrianM, Mon Dec 5th

In just a couple of weeks time Bulgaria will begin the finalphase of her journey towards full EU membership on 1st January2007. This will no doubt be a somewhat turbulent two years butfor the property watcher and real estate investor it is the nextsix months that is set to be the most interesting. In fact,everybody considering a property purchase in Bulgaria should nowadd a number of new trigger dates to their decision-making diary.

December 17th … the date of the next EU summit at whichBulgaria hopes to be given a definite date for signing the EUaccession treaty. This issue has been the source of considerablemedia speculation for some weeks but now seems to have come to ahead. Within the past few days, Germany, France, Portugal andLuxembourg have all given top-level ministerial backing to theneed for a firm signing date early next year.

March 2005 … the month in which Kamelia Kassabova, chairof the special Committee dealing with Constitutional amendments,expects to see the removal of the existing restrictions on landpurchase by foreigners. Currently, the constitution does notallow foreigners to buy land, a provision that is largelyacademic because those who want to do so simply set upcompanies, which are permitted to make such purchases. TheCommittee has now agreed on amendments that will allow landsales to foreigners in two categories: firstly, EU citizensentitled to buy land under the EU accession treaty and,secondly, both EU and non-EU citizens entitled to land purchaseunder an international treaty. Kassabova has that said she wantsto have these amendments submitted to Parliament before the endof this year so that the law can be changed by March 2005.

April - May 2005 … the critical time period during whichit is expected that Bulgaria will sign the EU accession treaty.According to MEP Catherine Guy-Quint, who co-chairs the jointparliamentary committee handling Bulgarian - EU integration, themost probable date is May 9th.

June - July 2005 … the timeframe for Bulgaria’sforthcoming general election. Parliamentary speaker, OgnyanGerdzhikov, has scheduled either June 26th or July 3rd as themost likely dates.

Interestingly, this busy but otherwise fairly typical politicalschedule harbours a hidden agenda. Heading into the elections,the Government would dearly like be seen as the party that hascarried Bulgaria through to the last, irreversible step of herEuropean journey. To be able to claim this achievement, though,they need to …

· Establish the date for signing the EU accession treaty· Remove the land sale restrictions - which is aprecondition of EU accession · Complete the EU treatysigning process

And because Parliament is dissolved forty days before theelections, the key date for all of this to be completed is 22ndMay which is the last possible day of work for MPs during thisterm.

The impact of this on property prices is likely to enormous.Alongside the annual price increases of 25 to 30% that are nowmore or less embedded in the property market - and the majorupsurge in property values widely forecast for January 2007 -Bulgaria will soon have a new Government with a full politicalterm in which to implement their own and the EU’s continuingreforms. She will be a de-facto EU member and every Europeancitizen will be able to buy property in Bulgaria without anyrestrictions or limitations.

Put another way … we now have a sequence of events mapped outover the next six months which, both individually andcollectively, will make property purchase in Bulgaria easier,more attractive, less speculative and, ultimately, moreprofitable. And even the most novice student of economics willknow that this will bring about an increase in demand and acorresponding rise in prices.

Salespersons are sometimes criticised for using such phrases as:‘there has never been a better time to buy’ or ‘buy now becausethis price won’t last’.

This time … they might just be true.

About the author:Article written by: AdrianM

Bulgaria PropertyGateway One-stop service for property purchase andinvestment opportunities in Bulgaria - buy houses, property,real estate, apartments, rental properties, holiday homes

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Buying Property In Bulgaria Article

2009-10-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

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Buying Property In Bulgaria
By AdrianM, Fri Dec 9th

There is no doubt that real estate in Bulgaria is one of today'smost profitable investment opportunities. Data returns from theReal Estates National Association show that Bulgarian propertyprices increased by an average of 26% through 2003, with onlymarginally lower forecasts for 2004 - and in the past fewmonths, purchasers of off-plan apartments in the Southern Parkarea of Sofia realised a 30% increase on their investment evenbefore their properties were completed.

In addition, a detailed value analysis survey covering 3000properties randomly selected from all sectors of the market isconducted each quarter. The latest of these surveys wascompleted in September 2004 and shows that ...

themarket value of the 3000 properties surveyed was approximately67 million Euro
for every property on sale at 40,000 Euro ormore, there were four below this price
80% were priced below40,000 Euro and made up 34.7m Euro of the market value
60%were priced below 20,000 Euro and made up 14.8m Euro of themarket value
39% were priced below 10,000 Euro and made up6.2m Euro of the market value
13% were priced below 5,000Euro and made up 1.3m Euro of the market value
Whileidentifying and locating the right property for your budget isobviously a key factor, the survey also points out that there isa lot more to consider when purchasing a property in Bulgaria.Under existing law, for instance, only Bulgarian residentindividuals and entities can own land and, although this is dueto change in the near future, what it means today is thatforeign nationals wishing to invest in property will need toregister a Bulgaria based company and open a business bankaccount.

This can all seem to be a pretty daunting prospect at theoutset but, provided that you have access to the necessary

localexpertise, it is actually a surprisingly simple procedure. Infact, it’s so simple that the entire purchasing package - fromflights, car hire, accommodation and English speaking staff foryour viewing trip, through the set-up of your business, thetranslation and registration of documents, to the transfer oftitle deeds - can usually be completed in just 4 to 6 weeks.

About the author:Article written by - AdrianM

Webmaster - BulgariaProperty Gateway

One-stop service for buying houses, property and real estate inBulgaria

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Bulgaria-The Place To Be And The Place To Buy Article

2009-10-27T00:23:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria - The Place To Be And The Place To Buy...
By AdrianM, Fri Dec 9th

Identified some three years ago by the New York Times as asleeping beauty about to rouse herself, Bulgaria is now verymuch awake to her potential. With an economic climate attractingproperty investment from all corners of the world, a dynamictourist industry set to soon rival that of Spain and astructural development programme on-track for full EU membershipin 2007, the Bulgarian success story is evolving daily. Blendall of that with a rich and mysterious cultural heritage, awealth and diversity of nature that simply takes the breath awayand a rural tranquility hard to find anywhere else in Europe andyou have a sense of what makes Bulgaria such an extremelyattractive Balkan Beauty.

The past few months have seen a flood of media coverage with afocus upon the property bargains to be found in the towns andcities of Bulgaria, in rural and village homes, in the skiresorts and in beach-front apartments on the Black Sea. Thecollective message is that Bulgaria is the place to be and theplace to buy ...

And it's all true. Bulgaria does offer genuine propertyopportunities. The tourist industry is bringing in some 4million visitors a year. Property developers are followingrapidly in their wake and real estate agents across Europe nowboast Bulgaria as a key destination in their portfolios.

There are thousands of properties and houses for sale inBulgaria today and, even if you think that you may have

missedthe property boat in other countries, you'll find that there arestill plenty of tickets available. Holiday properties,investment opportunities and rural and village homes top theproperty buyers' list of priorities - but demand is high andprices are rising so if you are considering a property purchasein Bulgaria we recommend that you start your informationgathering and decision making now

Bulgaria-the Investment Oppertunity With Prices For Everyone Article

2009-10-27T00:22:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria-the Investment Opportunity, With Prices For Everyone
By Mark Gardner Emerson
The secret is well and truly out for Bulgaria. With the cheapest property prices in Europe, and a ridiculously low cost of living, people are buying Bulgarian properties in their droves.

Traditionally, property investing has been for the well-heeled, and the well-connected. Exotic foreign climes, slick city centre apartments and bustling holiday hideaways have offered huge returns to the canny and knowledgeable investor. Bulgaria has certainly bucked the trend, with property prices are for all of the above that are well within the reach of the average investor.

Seduced by the fantastic climate, a laid-back lifestyle and fast appreciating prices, returning holidaymakers have fuelled the price of property, in more traditional European resorts, for years. Unfortunately, the growth in prices has been so dramatic, as to push prices in favourites such as Spain and Portugal, to record highs that are way out of the reach of the average purchaser.

Bulgaria is a refreshing change. Likened to Spain, some 15 years ago, this Balkan jewel offers a variety of properties that will fit in see even the smallest budget. It boasts fantastic coastlines, the longest ski season in Europe, dynamic and vibrant cities and truly breathtaking countryside. Even better, the prices are 60 to 80% cheaper than any of its more fashionable equivalents.

For those with a tiny budget, there are country cottages, with acres of land studded with fruit trees for less than £10,000. Slick city centre apartments can be acquired, with fantastic all year round rental potential, for less than £20,000. The Black Sea has temperatures higher than that of the Mediterranean on the Spanish coast during the summer months. There, studio apartments with fantastic sea views, can be bought for less than £30,000. The mountains offer miles and miles of unspoilt, tree-lined ski runs. Even with guaranteed rental of 15%, studio apartments can be found in the popular resort of Pamporovo for less than £25,000.

Prices have risen steadily by 20 to 30% over the last several years. They will be catapulted even higher early in 2007 with full entry into the EU. To maximise their return, and to obtain the very best prices, the smart investors are putting their money into Bulgaria now. This country is set to be the European investment hotspot for the next several years, offering fantastic returns from the small-time investor and corporate purchaser alike.

have a huge portfolio to trouble all the investment opportunities currently available in Bulgaria. They currently have a full range of absurdly cheap investment properties in the countryside, with prices from under £10,000. Also on offer are ski apartments with guaranteed rental, the only coastal villas with full disabled access and even a ten- bedroom countryside mansion, with pool for just £70,000.

Mark Emerson is the sales director for Investment Property BG Ltd. The company specialises in high return investment property in all areas of the Bulgaria marketplace with prices from under £10,000. You can obtain a free copy of their investment guide ‘5 Reasons You Must Invest In Bulgaria Now’ and access their properties at www.investmentpropertybg.com/

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Bulgaria-Some Interesting Statistics Article

2009-10-25T20:36:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria - Some Interesting Statistics
By Michael Coy, Mon Dec 26th

111

The number of thousands of square kilometres of Bulgarianterritory (making it half the size of the UK)

9

Thousand feet high - that's Mount Musala, the highest point inthe country (just under 3 thousand metres, as lofty as all butthe biggest Alps, and dwarfing Britain's Ben Nevis (1,340 m).

nine also represents the number of cities in Bulgaria with apopulation greater than 100,000 (Sofia, the capital, has alittle over a million residents).

40

The percentage of Bulgaria under the plough: it is very much afarming nation (compare Britain's 23%)

7.5

Million people - that's Bulgaria's population: looking at itanother way, Bulgaria has 68 people per square kilometre,compared with Britain's 250 - and the Bulgarian population isfalling! 38

The number of British pence which equal one Bulgarian lev (sothere are just under three leva to the pound)

It is also the percentage of Bulgaria's land which is covered inforest

37

Thousands of kilometres of motorway, the same amount in bothBritain and Bulgaria - and Bulgaria, remember, is half the size!

1,600

The number of natural hot springs in Bulgaria.

2

Bulgaria is two hours ahead of Greenwich meantime (three insummer).

15

Professional soccer clubs in Bulgaria's premier division

512

The number of years that Bulgaria was ruled by the Turks(1396-1908).

4,000

The number of known caves in Bulgaria's mountains: there areplenty waiting to be discovered.

4

The number of Bulgarian kings (in the modern era, anyhow): theystarted with Alexander in 1879, and ended with Simeon II in 1946(he was deposed by the Russians when he was ten years old, butlived on in exile, returning to Bulgaria to become primeminister of his country - he won the 2001 elections)

90

The number of days an EU citizen can spend in Bulgaria withoutrequiring any visa or special travel documents.

10

Percentage of the Bulgarian population which is ethnicallyTurkish.

380

The number of kilometres (240 miles) of Black Sea coastlineenjoyed by Bulgaria.

5

The countries which have land borders with Bulgaria: Rumania,Greece, Turkey, Serbia & Montenegro and Macedonia

2007

The year in which Bulgaria expects to join the EU.

About the author:Michael Coy is a qualified Barrister and teacher in English,History and French. Michael regularly contributes articles toSunseeker Homes (http://www.sunseekerhomes.com) the Spanish propertyinformation website.

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Bulgaria Ski Resorts - The Low-down To purchasing Bulgarian Property Article

2009-10-25T20:33:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria Ski Resorts – The Low-down To Purchasing Bulgarian Property
By Tem Pearson
Bulgaria has some of the best skiing in Europe and, as such, the ski resorts are attracting foreign investors at an impressive rate. Bansko and Bovoret are the two main ski resorts in Bulgaria; Bansko being the largest and most famous of the resorts. Between 2001 and 2004, the Bulgarian government has invested over 100 million Euros in the resort, with extra ski facilities such as an extra ski lift and improved transport links.

In 2005, Bulgarian ski resorts saw an increase of 36 percent in the number of UK visitors, meaning that rental potential in the area is ever increasing.

An important issue that many foreign investors do not necessarily realise is that, within Bulgaria, there are two distinct tourist markets, the costal resorts and the mountain resorts. Coastal resorts are certainly booming, currently, with literally hundreds of off-plan investment opportunities. Savvy investors will also be considering the mountain resorts. Coastal resorts actually freeze during the winter and are effectively shut for business. This means that the rental season is relatively short, at 20 weeks or so. Mountain resorts have year round appeal, skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. Weekly rental may not be as high, but when the year round appeal is taken into account; the overall returns may be greater.

Bulgaria does have a wide range of ski resorts to suit every type of skier, so before diving in, consider the various options that this mountainous country has to offer.

Bansko

As previously mentioned, Bansko remains one of the largest and most popular resorts in Bulgaria. The season is particularly long in Bansko, starting before Christmas and not ending until mid May. New hotel and apartment blocks are springing up all over Bansko, with prices starting at around the 50,000 Euros for a managed apartment.

In terms of location, Bansko is on the River Glazane, at the north eastern end of Pirin. Sofia is the nearest airport, although this is over 170 kilometres away. Most of the large ski companies offer transport links so the distance is not much of an issue. In total, there are approximately 65 kilometres of marked pistes for skiers of all levels, including many ski schools for adults and children alike. For the more adventurous, there are also slalom runs and cross country courses that run for more than 5 kilometres.

Borovets

Borovets, although now largely overshadowed by the rapidly growing Bankso, is actually the largest ski resort, in Bulgaria. Borovets is situated on the slopes of Mount Musala, in the Rila Mountains. The nearest town is Samokov which is only 12 kilometres away. Sofia is the nearest airport, at 72 kilometres away, with plenty of companies offering cheap or free transfers. Borovets, like Bankso, has a wonderful climate and a long skiing season. Prices here are slightly higher than in the other resorts, largely due to its favourable location and modern facilities. Expect to pay from around 45,000 Euros for a modern apartment, although as the resort is older than many of the others ski areas in Bulgaria, there is also a wide range of larger family homes available with a huge variety of prices. Many of these properties are in need of renovation, so picking up a bargain is a real possibility, in this area.

Pamporovo

One of the more modern ski resorts in Bulgaria, Pamporovo is located in the central Rhodopi Mountains. As well as being the most southern resort in Bulgaria, it is also the most southern ski resort, in Europe. Those after nearly guaranteed sun should head to this wonderful resort, as it is renowned for having excellent snow and a sunny climate with around 120 days of sun in every ski season. The season starts in mid December and ends in mid April. Sofia is more than 240 kilometres away, but Plovdiv is only 85 kilometres away. Prices for a one bed apartment start from as little as 36,000 Euros.

Other Resorts

There are, of course, other smaller resorts in Bulgaria, all of which have their own charm, although not attracting the large volumes of tourists. These include, Semkovo, Malyovitsa, Govedartsi, Dobrinishte, Chepelare and Uzana.

Ski resorts are a popular choice for those buying property in Bulgaria, due to their year round rental potential and the increasing popularity of these resorts. Anyone investing in Bulgaria would be very wise to take a close look at the ski resorts because, arguably, this is where the largest amount of capital growth is expected in the foreseeable future.

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

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Bulgaria Property Investment - The Facts Article

2009-10-25T20:32:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment - The Facts
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Benefits and Cons on Bulgarian Property Investment

With residential property in the UK having reached a peak for the current future, investors have been desperately looking around for alternative locations with investment potential, and Bulgaria is tops on everyone’s list. Many investors have already noticed that Bulgaria offers very good value for any money that is spent and it also has letting potential as a holiday destination.

The best investment opportunities in Bulgaria right now include the ski resort of Bansko and the Black Sea resorts of Varna and Bourgas. The capital Sofia is developing rapidly as a commercial Mecca as well, signalling that capital appreciation and rental yields should be very strong in the foreseeable future. Bulgaria saw property price increases of 35% in 2004 however the average yields on rental properties are still 8% to 12% thanks to the fact that most investors are buying in the Black Sea coastal resorts and 15% in ski areas. Some of them are investing in new developments instead.

For example, studio apartments in the Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach can cost the investor as little as £16,850. There are good opportunities out there for both city-centre buy-to-let properties and vacation homes that are also offering letting potential. Let it be known though, that despite promising returns, investors have to be wise to the risks that are potentially involved in buying in an emerging economy like this one.

Low prices attract the buyers who are looking for a quick-fix solution to pension problems, but as many agents as you can find will admit there is no guaranteed resale market in Bulgaria (or anywhere else for that matter) and little existing benchmark for measuring price increases other than more and more investors paying higher prices on a monthly basis. That is why long-term investment is recommended over instant returns.

There is, however a genuine demand for quality rental properties but written contracts with holiday companies are absolutely needed as a means of ensuring the buyer a guaranteed yield. Travel agents and tour agents who are no longer enjoying big mark-ups in Spain are looking for higher profit margins in Bulgaria and this does cause problems in the long-term future. High street travel agents and tour operators do have an amazing number of sun and ski holidays available in Bulgaria today and they are selling well, which goes well for future returns for quality locations and developments.

If you are really wondering what the benefits are to investing in Bulgarian Property; it is definitely the cost. The cons of course is that nothing in property investment is completely fail safe and therefore you need a regent in Bulgaria to act on your behalf and help you find a piece of property that will do exactly what you need it to.

For More Information Bulgaria Property Investment Off Plan

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Bulgaria Property Investments Article

2009-10-25T20:31:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investments
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Bulgarian Real Estate

Bulgaria real estate prices are by far lower than most other destinations in Europe but the estimated acceptance of Bulgaria in the European Union provides extremely high growth potential that will certainly boost the prices of the Bulgaria real estate in the near future. It is best to buy now while the buying good. Bulgarian market or real estate is still relatively unexplored and undeveloped, which makes it very attractive and profitable.

It will probably be shocking for you to learn just how many strategic real estate properties are still waiting for their owner to appear and earn a ton of money from the natural beauty that is around. Bulgaria has one of the most liberal foreign investment laws in the region regarding Bulgaria real estate, as well as the foreign investors too. Basically, foreigners can purchase only buildings but not land in Bulgaria. Only Bulgarian citizens and legal persons can actually obtain the ownership of Bulgarian land.

What this means is that the most popular and preferred by non-residential ways that you can become the real estate owners and they are: As far as houses, villas, flats and limited ownership rights (the right of use) are concerned, you can directly purchase them as a person. However, if you are thinking of buying Bulgaria real estate as well as the land it sits on, you have to set up a company that will be the owner of the property instead of you. Setting up a company in Bulgaria is very easy and all that you really need to do it is a good solicitor or barrister (lawyer) to act on your behalf.

If you are thinking of buying Bulgarian property, you must take some things into consideration first. The usual term for the old owners of the Bulgarian property has to move out of it after the sale is completed within one month. This could be changed if the buyers require a shorter term however the change must be negotiated first. You should not expect the property to be empty right after signing of the final contract.

Also, any foreign buyers who are purchasing Bulgarian property must be aware that in Bulgaria there are such terms as the "tax estimation price" which is for the purposes of real estate taxation and it good to know that it is much lower than the actual selling price. Most of the Bulgarian property owners wish that the "tax estimation price" was actually is written in the title deed, and not the selling price which the buyers are paying because it is just easier and saves many headaches in the end. Because of this you should expect to see differences between the price you are paying and the price that is actually written in the title deed.

Bulgarian agents can not be held responsible for these types of price changes. If the property buyer wishes that the purchasing price is written in the property title deed they must generally notify the agents in advance so that they can negotiate on this with the seller of the property.

For More Information Please go to Bulgarian Property Investment

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Bulgaria Property Investment Off Plan Taxes Article

2009-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment Off Plan & Taxes
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Bulgarian Property Investment Tax Basics

The Bulgarian property tax structure may appeal to you if you are sick of paying inflated local fees in your area and are looking for something better. Many foreign investors and second home owners buy property in Bulgaria because the property taxes in Bulgaria are a lot lower than the property taxes in their locale. Bulgarian property tax is one of the most popular topics on property forums these days. The information below will help you cut through the confusion.

PROPERTY PURCHASE TAX
Chances are this will be the first Bulgarian property tax you will come across. When you buy property in Bulgaria, the property will be subject to a notary and a municipal tax. The notary tax is paid on the higher end of the market price or the book value of the property. You actual rates will vary and are usually less than 1%. Not to mention that 2% of the market value of the property is paid as a municipal tax. This money eventually goes to the municipality in where the property is situated. You will pay these taxes after you have signed the notary deed.

ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX
All property owners in Bulgaria have to pay an annual property tax just like anywhere else. The current annual tax rate for a house is 0.15% of the capital value of the property. So for example, if a house cost 20,000 on purchase, the annual Bulgarian property tax payable would be 30.

Aside form this tax; the owners also have to pay a waste-collection tax. The rate for this greatly depends on the location and size of the place. The amount of tax that is payable is usually about £30 a year for rural property and about £100 per year for apartments in the larger city centres. You must also think of the non-tax costs when you buy in Bulgaria. If you have an investment apartment in Bulgaria, you are obligated to pay annual maintenance charges and management costs. These are much like annual service charges that you must pay on Apartments in order to cover managing agents as part of the upkeep of the common area. These charges will vary according to the different types of property.

PROPERTY RENTAL TAX
If you rent out your property (sublet or landlord), then the profits from the rent that you get will be taxed for the accounting year in question. If you live in Bulgaria, the tax is assessed in accordance with your tax status in Bulgaria. This status is based on a table that has different tax rates. If you are not living there, you will be taxed on a flat rate of 15% on the taxable profit. You will also have to consider any additional taxes that you have to pay in your home country.

COMPANY TAX
If you own a company in Bulgaria, you should note that in January 2005 the rate of income tax for a corporation in Bulgaria was reduced from 19.5% to 15%. The tax year in Bulgaria ends on the 31st of December. A limited company has no choice but to file an annual report by the 31st of March. If you incorporated a limited company sp that you could purchase a house or land, then there will be no tax liability, as the company was not trading at the time of the purchase. However, you still have to submit company accounts to the Companies’ House Register in Bulgaria every year if you are going to satisfy the authorities that the company was not trading. This is a legal requirement that must be accomplished. Accountants in Bulgaria can carry out this service at a reasonable cost if you need it.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT)
Any actions that involve land and lease of property for residential purposes are exempt from the VAT Tax. However if you have purchased a property as a limited company, then when you come to sell your property you may have to add VAT to your sale price. Right now you must register your company for VAT if the turnover is higher than 50,000 Leva.

VAT in Bulgaria is currently set at 20%. So in effect; it’s actually higher than it is in the UK (17.5%). I would advise you to get a good accountant either in Bulgaria or your home country to handle these matters for you. Just make sure that the accountant specializes in overseas property tax.

For Further Information please go to our website Bulgarian Property Investment

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Bulgaria Property Investment Off Plan Article

2009-10-22T19:56:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria - Property Investments Off Plan
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Why Bulgarian Property Investment?

The Bulgarian Economy is growing steadily and doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. There is currently a strong growth in industrial production in Bulgaria. Employment and credit has resulted in high GDP growth over the last few years. The economy in Bulgaria has grown at an average yearly rate of 4.8 % over the last five years and in spite of this, inflation has been greatly reduced to the of 2.3 % in 2003.

Foreign direct investment (‘FDI’) into Bulgaria has also increased every year since then. FDI reached US$7.4 billion in 2003 from a rate of US$5.7 billion in 2002 (which is a 30% increase). The outstanding growth in the Bulgarian economy should maintain a strong property market and lead to higher Bulgarian property prices. Bulgaria Property prices are currently low; making the best time to invest. Property in the better residential areas of Sofia sells for around £67 – £82 per square foot.

It is clear that Bulgaria property is significantly cheaper than many other countries in the areas surrounding Bulgaria. When it comes to the low Currency risk; the Lev has been pegged to the Euro since its introduction at a fixed rate. From 1997 the Lev was pegged to the DM at a rate of 1 Lev to 1 DM. The current cost of domestic borrowing is relatively high - The rate that Bulgarians pay for a floating rate mortgage is around 10 – 12% pa.

It is currently possible to achieve high rental yields on property when you invest in Bulgarian property. The current Rental yields on residential property in Bulgaria are currently in the range of 10 – 12% of the purchase cost and on commercial / industrial property you get yields of 16% which makes the property more obtainable to foreigners.

A lot of residential property that is available is unsuitable for letting. There is currently no set up where individual leaseholders can be compelled to contribute towards the cost of repairs to common parts and exterior of buildings unless their leases specifically contain

provisions about it. While suitable provision can occasionally be made in the leases of recently constructed buildings, the buildings that are constructed in the communist era, or earlier, hardly ever have these kinds of clauses in leases. The result of this is that unless all the owners in a block agree to make the repair, nothing may be done about it all. Even in the best residential areas of Sofia the common parts of older blocks are often run down looking and are, difficult to let. Good quality modern blocks of flats therefore command a premium in the letting market. This allows the new investor to get their property extremely cheap.

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Bulgaria Property Investing - The Way Forward Article

2009-10-22T19:55:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria Property Investing – The Way Forward?
By Tem Pearson
Anyone with any interest in property investment abroad would have been hard pushed not to have heard about the potential growth area of Bulgaria. During the last 12 months, property prices have risen, on average, by around 25 percent. But remember, this is an average and some savvy investors have achieved a gain of 100 percent, in the last year!

This is not to say that the market has hit stagnation. On the contrary, Bulgaria has a very rosy future with further gains predicted. Currently, property is the fastest growing asset in the country and is still showing considerable growth.

Bulgaria has become increasingly stable over recent years, economically, politically and socially. The country is going to join the EU in 2007, which suggests that property prices will continue to rise, over the coming years.

Tourism is also a growing industry with approximately 4 million tourists visiting, last year, an increase of 13.5 percent on the previous 12 months. Interestingly, last year, the number of British tourists increased by over 60 percent. One of the main reasons that Bulgaria is so popular with tourists is that it offers such a wide range of holiday types including, ski, mountains and beach holidays. This year-round appeal means that tourists flock to Bulgaria every month of the year, perfect for the buy to let investor.

At the moment, foreign individuals are not allowed to own land in Bulgaria. Rather confusingly, foreign investors are allowed to own buildings but not the land! This will change when Bulgaria joins the EU in 2007, as property laws will have to harmonise with the rest of Europe, therefore allowing individuals to purchase land in Bulgaria. The relaxation of these rules is likely to lead to a considerable boom in foreign ownership and consequently in property prices. If you want to get in before the rush, it is possible to purchase property through setting up a Bulgarian company which costs approximately £650.

New build prices in Bulgaria currently start at approximately £20,000 for a brand new studio apartment; up to £120,000 for a luxury three bed apartment with superb views. Individual properties that require renovation vary dramatically in price and vendors are often up for negotiation so do your research and get haggling!

Buying land is also a very good way of maximizing gains in Bulgaria. Consider that a new build, off-plan apartment will sell at around 900 Euros per square metre, but that land with planning permission would sell at around 60 Euros per square metre. A conservative expert suggests that a property could be built (including the land costs) for 400 Euros per square metre. As you can see, the figures certainly stack up if you can cope with project managing a new build in a foreign country.

A real winning point that Bulgaria has to offer is the sheer variety of resorts. Beach lovers will be delighted with the choice of resorts, namely Albena, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach and Duni. Bulgaria has a Black Sea coast that is served by two airports, Varna and Bourgas. It is the beach resorts that have seen the largest surge in property building in recent years, with most off-plan apartments being available
on the coast.

As well as the beach resorts, Bulgaria has internationally renowned ski resorts, which double up to offer wonderful mountain hiking opportunities, during the summer months. The Balkan Mountain range is the backbone of Bulgaria and offers a range of ski resorts for both beginners and experienced skiers. Bansko is currently considered to be the main resort; however, there are many other smaller resorts to choose from, should you want to get off the beaten track.

Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria and offers wonderful investment opportunities. Many large international companies are investing in Eastern Europe, due to the cheaper yet dedicated workforce. More jobs mean more employees requiring central accommodation, a dream for property investors.

Bulgaria has so much to offer the international property investor, with something for every taste and budget. With a wide range of resorts and a growing economy, Bulgaria justly deserves a second look!

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Bulgaria Property - Can The Profits Continue Article

2009-10-22T19:54:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property - Can The Profits Continue?
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Why Bulgarian Residential Property increased

The increase in residential Bulgarian property prices in the recent months has brought a disgusting amount of media coverage of the market these days. You can actually read articles about their property investment in almost all daily and weekly newspapers and magazines. Real estate has become an attractive topic even to government officials, whose public statements have caused even more increased hustle around residential real estate prices.

The Bulgarian property investment market is just another free, unregulated market, where the mechanisms of supply and demand command the movement of prices up- or down. At the same time, their unique property investment market has some specific characteristics all its own, which make it an extremely unique market. Some of these characteristics include: their lack of sufficient information; a reaction lag when it is compared to the other sectors of the economy; non-standard product; lack of a mobility of properties, in addition to, buyers and sellers; and a limited number of transactions that are available in one person’s lifetime.

What this means is that the smooth mechanisms of their free market economy would be influenced by all of these factors and should be seriously considered when you are analysing the property market for your investment. Any economics student these days would tell you that prices rise when either supply shrinks or the demand for something increases. What has happened on the Bulgarian real estate market this year in particular is that both supply and demand have grown significantly with demand outweighing supply and therefore leading to higher sales prices.

What is more interesting than this is what has actually caused this demand to grow at such a pace in the first place. The size of the population, their combined disposable income, availability of mortgage credits and government actions can influence demand for residential properties is directly responsible for this.

The population of Bulgaria has been decreasing slowly in recent years, but at the same time the poor economic conditions in the countryside have forced many Bulgarians to move to the bigger cities for in search of cheaper establishments. This has led to an increase in the number of potential buyers of real estate in Sofia and the bigger cities. Thanks to this the real estate market has been its most active in these markets and is expected to continue to be in the short and semi-long term.

The number of people is not a sufficient reason in itself for the increased demand for properties; the disposable income of households is an extremely important factor as well. The steady economic growth of the Bulgarian economy over the past few years has allowed some portions of Bulgarian society to be able to earn and save more money.

Disposable income of Bulgarians is even more enhanced by the availability of mortgage loans where there wasn’t any before. Although interest rates are still high at 8.5 to 12.5 per cent a year, many Bulgarians have taken this opportunity to be able to enjoy a new home now rather than wait for the right amount of money to be accumulated in 10 to 15 years. The increased competition between all of the commercial banks will cause even more interest rate drops and stimulate the demand for residential properties in the future.

For More Information please go to our website Bulgarian Property For Sale and Investment

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Bulgaria Property - A Boom Market Article

2009-10-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria Property - A Boom Market?
By Tem Pearson
It is hard to avoid the topic of Bulgaria property, these days. It seems that you can purchase a spectacular mansion for little more than a month’s salary. But is all of this fact or fiction? Surely the whole thing seems simply too good to be true?

Actually, Bulgaria has well and truly earned its reputation as the hidden gem of Europe. Last year alone saw property prices increase by an average of 25 percent, with some of the fastest growing areas seeing rises of over 100 percent.

So have you missed the boat? Absolutely not! Many experts believe that the best is yet to come for this magnificent country.

Stability

One of the main reasons that Bulgaria has suddenly been seen as the place to invest is that it has achieved considerable stability, politically, economically and socially, in recent years. So much so that Bulgaria is set to become a member of the EU in 2007. Entry into the EU is likely to add fuel to the housing and tourist market, with foreign investors being able to purchase property directly, instead of having to purchase by setting up a Bulgarian company, as is the case at present. Those looking to buy in the country should note that there will be a considerable transition period and purchasing directly will not be available, immediately. Prices, however, are likely to begin rising, particularly from 2007 onwards.

Natural Surroundings

Bulgaria has one of the most varied terrains of all European countries. Most noticeable is the extensive Black Sea coast which has attracted a great deal of interest recently, with literally hundreds of opportunities for investors looking for a luxury beachside apartment at minimal cost.

As well as the traditional beach offerings, there are also some sprawling country areas that are practically untouched by modern technology, offering purchasers the possibility of a real bargain to renovate or a tranquil escape from contemporary living.

Skiers are also incredibly well catered for, with some of the best pistes in Europe, not to mention one of the longest skiing seasons in the world. When skiing is over for the year, the mountain areas offer wonderful scenery and a refreshing break from every day pressures.

Economic Investment

Another driving issue for Bulgaria is that international companies such as Kraft, Nestlé and SAP are starting to invest heavily in the country. These large companies benefit from a qualified workforce at a fraction of western costs, in the country’s capital, Sofia. As a result, employment is at an all time high and prospects are improving, every month, for the younger generation.

This increase in employment opportunities has led to a very healthy rental market for upmarket city apartments.

Tax advantages are also huge in Bulgaria, with some of the lowest taxes in Europe driving investment and growth.

Tourism

Of course, one of the driving factors in terms of rental potential is always going to be the tourist market.

Last year, westerners quite literally flocked to the country to take advantage of the cheap costs of living and speedy transport links. Bulgaria boasts four international airports, all of which allow easy access to most parts of the country. A flight to Bulgaria from the UK takes, on average, less than 3 hours, making a quick getaway a very real option.

Travel companies are also flocking to the area, due to the country’s cheaper labour costs and favourable climate, meaning that they can offer luxury holidays at rock bottom prices.

Traditionally, the only real downside of investing in Bulgaria was the risk of instability. With EU accession imminent, however, it seems that this worry has all but disappeared.

As a politically and economically sound country, Bulgaria seems to be very much on the up.

Investors would be wise to give this hidden gem careful consideration!

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Bulgaria Offers Very Attractive Property Investment Article

2009-10-22T19:51:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria Offers Very Attractive Property Investment
By Investors Provident, Fri Dec 9th

A cultural treasure trove stuffed to bursting with the ancientmonasteries, churches, mosques and Roman and Byzantine ruins,and located in the very heart of the Balkan Peninsula isBulgaria. Investors Provident have recently launched theirinvestment section on Bulgaria and offers its clients some verydiverse and high capital growth investment opportunities.

Since its escape from the yoke of communism, Bulgaria hasstruggled to join the modern world. It became a member of NATOin 2004 and is due to join the European Union in 2007. With theBlack Sea to the east, Romania to the north, Serbia andMacedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south, it'sa country that retains a charming mixture of the old and the new.

The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Almost completely rebuiltafter the bombings of World War II, its city centre has a weirdand wonderful mix of architecture; right down to a yellow-brickboulevard. North of Sofia is the Balkan range, Bulgaria'slongest mountain chain, which flows down to the Danube. For thesun and sea, the Black Sea coast offers some of the best in restand relaxation at affordable prices. The southern section of thecoast is home to picturesque bays, spacious beaches, dunes and awarm sea.

There are no words to describe the phenomenal rise in propertyprices taking place in Bulgaria's tourist areas. Some developershave seen their tourist property complexes rise in value inexcess of a colossal 100% in a year! Even if spread across theboard, it still averages out to a sizeable capital growth of35%. But why this discovery after all these years?

Since the collapse of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has beenopening itself to the West, and its natural attractions have notgone unnoticed. This is hardly surprising given that Bulgariaoffers long sandy beaches, summers of clear blue skies and awarm Mediterranean style sea only two hours flight from the UK.This, coupled with a phenomenally low cost of living, and itstransition to a fully functioning market economy has madeBulgaria one of the major hotspots within Eastern Europe. Whereelse would you get a delicious three-course meal for two with abottle of good local wine for £8?

The World Tourism Organisation placed Bulgaria near the top interms of tourism growth. In 2003 growth increased by 23%compared to 2002 and the proceeds comprised 13% of the country'sGDP. Bulgaria's rising property prices have been greatlyinfluenced by the European

Union which has had a tremendousimpact already. This will be even greater after the countryjoins the EU in 2007, if as is expected, it follows the patterndemonstrated by Ireland.

Investors Provident is one of the few companies offeringattractive investment opportunities in Bulgaria along the SunnyBeach (Black Sea Coast), Bansko (ski resorts), city centreSofia, towns of Burgas and Varna, and other growth areas.Properties can be bought for as little as £20,000 on the beachfront for studios and one beds up to £120,000 for 3 beds / 2bath apartments.

Investors who have never considered Eastern Europe as part oftheir strategies are now rethinking their moves. 20% to 30%capital growth in a space of just 6 months is a return that willattract novices and professionals alike, and this is just thebeginning.

For further information, please visit:http://www.investorsprovident.com/Europe/Bulgaria

About the author:Investors Provident offer off plan investment properties andholiday homes across the world. We have properties from Dubai,Australia, Cyprus, Bulgaria, Turkey, UK and US.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Bulgaria Property Investment Off Plan Article

2009-10-20T23:10:00.002-07:00

Bulgaria Property Investing - The Way Forward Article

2009-10-20T23:10:00.001-07:00

Bulgaria Property - Can The Profits Continue Article

2009-10-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

Bulgaria Property - A Boom Market Article

2009-10-20T23:08:00.001-07:00

Bulgaria Offers Very Attractive Property Investment Article

2009-10-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

Bulgarian Property Prices Triple Between 2000-2005 Article

2009-10-19T03:43:00.000-07:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Bulgarian Property Prices Triple Between 2000-2005 articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Bulgarian Property Prices Triple Between 2000-2005
By Tim Wright, Fri Dec 9th

The Sofia News Agency (26 Oct 2005) writes that home prices inBulgaria's regional centres have increased 1.5 to 3 times overthe last five years. This is obviously welcome news for allinvestors who have bought property in the Bulgarian market. Itwill also be reassuring for those considering a future realestate investment in the country.

Such high levels of growth are unprecedented in normal marketsituations and it is clear to see that the Bulgarian propertymarket can in no way be described as "normal" at the moment.Typically, a property will double in value within the timeframeof between 8 to 10 years. This takes into account both cycles ofgrowth and decline in which time the overall movement is adoubling of the property's' value.

For the Bulgarian property market to show signs of up to 200%growth in only a 5 year period signals the increasing confidencein the country's prospects. The Bulgarian stock market has alsotripled over the past two years in anticipation of imminent EUmembership in 2007.

Bulgaria's government has recently approved amendments to theExcise Duties Act to increase the excises on alcohol andcigarettes. The amendments are in line with the EU taxation lawand Bulgaria has committed to reaching the minimal EU excises ona step-by-step basis. In accordance with the entry to theEurozone (€) planned in 2009, Bulgaria has speeded up the paceof excise revision. In a promising gesture, EU finance ministershave signalled the euro coins will feature the state emblems ofBulgaria as of 2007.

In summary, a booming property market with strong internationalinvestment, a doubling in value of the local stock market andthe determination of both the government and EU ministers forthe country to meet the EU membership criteria by the agreeddate of 2007 all indicate a strong economic future for Bulgaria.

About the author:Tim Wright is an international property investor and regulararticle contributor. He is the author of "Bulgarian Property -The Overseas Buyers' Kit" available athttp://www.bulgarianpropertybuyer.co.uk

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to bulgaria that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

Bulgarian Property Market Insight Article

2009-10-19T03:42:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Market Insight
By Steve Avery, Fri Dec 9th

GOLF GRABS BULGARIA!

At the present time there are only three golf courses in thewhole of Bulgaria: one at Elin Pelin, near the capital, Sofia,and two owned by Air Sofia. These are located at Ihtiman, openedin 2000, 40km from Sofia, and at Sliven, opened in 2004, 90kmfrom the Black Sea.

Because of the increasingly rapid rise in foreign interest inBulgaria recently, several more golf courses are proposed. Oneof these will be located at Razgrad, in the north-east, about90km from the Black Sea. More are scheduled to open in the nextfew years: two at Kavarna and one at Primorsko, near Sozopol.

Mountain and ski areas will be represented by a golf course inthe ski town of Bansko this year, and a very large golf complexbetween Kostenets and Borovets, the country's foremost skiresort. This is scheduled for 2007, the year of Bulgaria's entryinto the European Union, and will be located at Dolna Banya,already near Bulgaria's first golf course at Ihtiman.

BulgariaProperties.net Ltd has purchased almost 6 acres of primedevelopment land adjacent to the proposed golf course at DolnaBanya. The plans are to construct about 220 apartments around acomprehensive sports complex, with access to the golf course bya short footpath. The amenities on site are to include tennis,volleyball, squash, badminton, lawn bowls, boules (boccia),shooting, archery, croquet, mountain biking, and fishing nearby.Indoor facilities will include a 140-seat main restaurant andcabaret stage, a huge main bar (perhaps the largest inBulgaria), a sports bar with projection TV, snooker, pool, tablefootball, table tennis, a Chinese restaurant, Indian restaurant,fast food cafeteria, pizzeria, gymnasium, sauna, massageparlour, clinic, chemist, sports shop and minimarket.

Steve Avery, a Director of BulgariaProperties.net Ltd, said, “Itmay sound like a cliché, but we really were in the right placeat the right time! After two years in this business, I justcouldn’t believe my luck to find such a gem. Anyone involved inthis project should make a serious return on their investment.”

On Borovets and Bansko generally, Steve had this to say: “Apartfrom having ski lifts and ski runs, these two towns are quitedifferent from each other, and appeal to different groups ofpeople. Bansko is an old, traditional residential town with lotsof character and no fewer than 180 quaint taverns full of localpeople singing and dancing to a typical Bulgarian folk band.Borovets, by contrast, is purely a resort, with hotels, modernwest European-style bars and night-clubs, cafés and restaurants.Residential property and holiday homes are therefore readilyavailable in Bansko, but not in Borovets, where the closest youcan get is usually in one of the surrounding villages.

‘As for property values, Bansko went mad for a period of threemonths at the end of 2003, with land prices doubling, and thencalmed down. Many poor goatherders suddenly found that they wererich. Nothing wrong with that, I say. Since then values havebeen pretty steady there until now, when they’re starting tocreep up again. The reason for this is that the sudden surge inforeign tourists to Bansko has left the supply of holidayaccommodation woefully short of the demand. And this trend showsno sign of abating. To try to cope with it, there have sprung upmany hotels and apartment projects, but it seems unlikely thateven these will be able to satisfy the demand for accommodationfor several years yet. As a result, the prices for suchapartments range from 1,000 Euros per sq.m. for a ground-floorunit facing away from the mountains, to 1,350 Euros per sq.m.for a top-floor example with a mountain view. Yet, people buythem. I guess, because a 1 bedroom 60sq.m. apartment for £41,000is still a far better deal than you’d get in Spain. I’ve hearddevelopers claim that 90% of their apartments are sold within 3weeks! I only hope that we have such luck when ours are releasedin April!

‘In this respect Borovets, again, is different. Although it’sBulgaria’s first and best-known ski resort, it stagnated foryears… until now. The ‘Super Borovets’ project, funded by EU,governmental, foreign and local business sources, is scheduledto run from 2005 to 2009, and will revitalise the whole regionaround the town to a radius of 10-12km. This has already startedto affect property values in the surrounding areas. To give anexample, in March 2004 we bought, unseen, a half-acre plot in avillage 15km from Borovets. When I visited it, I discovered thatit wasn’t suitable for building apartments; so, I put it on themarket in August. By November it was sold at an 80% profit –after all costs were deducted!

‘I am personally of the opinion that the ‘Bansko effect’ couldstrike around Borovets at any moment. That’s the reason whyBulgariaProperties.net Ltd is developing four projects here, andonly two in Bansko. We can sell these apartments about 15%cheaper – at the moment, anyway. Borovets must surely offer abetter return on investment, regardless of the type of propertybought: land, a shack, whatever. You won’t find new apartmentseasily, though. As far as we know, BulgariaProperties.net Ltd isthe only developer building them. I don’t, however, expect thismonopoly to last for long.

‘Bulgaria’s third ski region is at Pamporovo, which, likeBorovets, is purely a resort. Funding is starting to come in,but full development, if it happens at all, is likely to followseveral years behind Borovets. Its distance from Sofia (a day’sdrive) makes it less attractive to visitors from north and westEurope. It is, however, popular with Greeks, because of itsproximity to the frontier. One of Bulgaria’s major motorwayroutes to Greece will pass very close to Pamporovo, and thisshould boost its popularity, as well as making the MediterraneanSea more accessible.

‘Property values are lower here than in Bansko and Borovets, butare creeping up gradually. I reckon that Pamporovo is a goodlong-term prospect; say five to ten years. The only reason whyBulgariaProperties.net Ltd has no developments here is becauseI’ll probably have retired before the boom happens.”

How does a mountain area investment compare with coastalproperties?

“Significant differences yet again. Until recently, most of theinvestment was flooding into the northern Black Sea coastresorts, from Varna down to Sunny Beach. The area became verypopular as a result of the Bulgarian government’s ‘Bulgaria theBeautiful’ TV campaign back in the ‘80s, and the subsequentinterest of package tour operators. Now that the north issaturated with developments, the interest has begun to creepdown the coast. This is causing a steep rise in property values.They are still lower than those in the north, but the gap isclosing. An investment in the south should therefore offer abetter ROI.

‘Don’t expect, though, the ambience of the south to become likethat of the north. When I discussed the subject with theChairman of the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency last year –an extremely intelligent and able young man, I must add – hetold me in no uncertain terms that he did not want the south tobecome like the north. His very words were: “We don’t wantanother Benidorm.” So, prospective property purchasers need tobear this in mind, and balance their desire for more capitalgrowth, or their willingness to accept less, with the differentrental market appeal of the two regions, along with their owntaste in holidays.

‘There is one highly significant factor, however, which veryoften goes unnoticed until it is too late; and it applies to thewhole coast. Most people don’t know that it freezes on the coastin winter. When they see the coastal resorts basking in the hotsummer sunshine, it’s difficult to imagine snow on the ground.The entire coast simply shuts down in the winter, and nothinghappens. It’s a dead as a doornail. Therefore, rental income canbe fairly assured for 15 weeks, possibly 20, plus some odd bitsin the shoulder seasons of April and October. The coast has afive-month season from May to September, compared to nine monthsin the ski areas. Those people buying only for rental income,therefore, would find the mountains far more lucrative.

‘Rents vary greatly, and depend on many factors, most of whichshould be obvious: location, size, view, amenities. The standardof finish and the condition of the property can also determineyour market quite radically. To appeal to west Europeans, and tocommand the highest rents, your property must be well finishedand appointed, and be in tip-top condition. If it is not, youstill have a market for east Europeans, who tolerate lesssalubrious surroundings because they pay much less, usuallyabout half of the west European rates.

‘Generally, summer rental rates on the coast equate to winterrates in the ski resorts, both seasons being about five months.Remember that you also have about four months’ additional rent,though at lower rates, during the summer in the mountains. Theserates should increase gradually,
as the Government programmes tomake the ski towns more popular for summer holidays make theirmark.

‘There are several Bulgarian agencies willing to manage yourrental properties for you. Expect to pay about 20% of the rentas a fee.”

What about properties in the countryside?

“Not a serious contender in the ROI stakes, I think. Not if youconsider the effort involved. You can pick up property verycheaply indeed in the inland areas, away from the resorts.Almost always it’ll need some kind of work; anything from aface-lift to demolition. There’s often no inner staircase to thebedrooms, no bathroom, and the toilet is in a shed in thegarden. This kind of property is great for buyers who want toget away from their homeland, and disappear in the beauty ofnature permanently. As a business, it could appeal toself-builders or DIY enthusiasts, prepared to do it for fun, andaccept a low return on their financial and physical investment.As for rental income, forget it!”

And the cities?

“Again, there are differences, even between cities. The primecity is, of course, Sofia, the capital. Buy the right apartmenthere, in the right area, and you can expect a guaranteed rentalreturn of about 12% per annum. The flavour of the month is gatedcommunities, particularly in the south of the city. Thediplomatic residential district of Vitosha is one of the bestbets. There is a ready demand for luxury accommodation fromdiplomatic staff and executives seconded by foreign companies,usually on a long-term basis, and this demand should increase as2007, the year of Bulgaria’s accession to the European Union,approaches. Although you should expect to pay high for suchproperties by Bulgarian standards, it’s still only the price ofa tarted-up Victorian terraced flat in a UK provincial town.

‘There’s virtually no market for tourist rentals in Sofia, asit’s probably the least interesting European capital city. It’salso very polluted, although they are trying to clean up theiract, ready for EU entry in 2007.

‘Plovdiv, the country’s second city, is much more pleasant. Ithas a quaint old town, as well as modern business districts. Ittherefore bridges the gap between business and tourism, as faras rentals are concerned. Plovdiv is connected to Sofia by anexcellent motorway, on which you can keep the pedal to themetal, if you’re prepared to risk an on-the-spot fine of 50 Leva(about £18).

‘Veliko Tarnovo is probably Bulgaria’s most touristic city, withits citadel and mediaeval ramparts. Most people who buy propertyhere do so to make it their main home. The city itself isbeautiful, and it has everything a townie needs. Drive a shortdistance, and you’re in some wonderful countryside. You couldn’treally make a good living from rentals, but it’s the perfectplace to retire to.

‘There’s one more thing which is important enough to mention:Mineral baths. These exist all over Bulgaria, the mostsignificant being at Narechen, south of Plovdiv, and MominProhod, near Kostenets. Scientific studies rank Bulgaria amongthe foremost in Europe for hydrothermal, bioclimatic and mudtreatments, sea cures and other health resources. Bulgaria is aworld leader with its exceptional diversity of medicinal herbsand the excellent curative properties of its apian products. Anyproperty near a spa should attract a premium to its sales orrental value.”

Full details about the ‘Super Borovets’ project, price madnessin Bansko, golf developments in Bulgaria, and new apartments inBansko and Borovets can be seen at the BulgariaProperties.netLtd web site www.BulgariaProperties.net. Or you can e-mailadvice@BulgariaProperties.net, or call the company at +44 (0)871226 2296 +44 (0)871226 2296 to order a free 28-page hand-out, or just for a chat,if you prefer. They always have time for you.

About the author:This article is the copyright of Steve Avery, ofBulgariaProperties.net Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Bulgarian Property Investment - Will The Bubble Burst Article

2009-10-19T03:41:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment - Will The Bubble Burst?
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA, Fri Dec 9th

Can Bulgarian Property Investment Stay on Top?

Many politicians and government officials, as well as, otherindividuals, believe that Bulgaria’s accession to the EU andNATO will drive real estate prices up practically overnight. Letme tell you that this will not happen that fast, but it willhappen over a longer period of time. The accession to the EU andNATO has both positively affected the development of theBulgarian property investment market, which gave us a sense ofsecurity to Bulgarians and foreign investors alike.

The Bulgarian property investment market has dealt with seriouschanges in the beginning of the year. The residential propertymarket in the larger cities was dealt with in US dollars. Thedecline of the dollar against the euro has forced most of thesellers to convert the dollar price values into euro. What’shappening here is that they did that at an exchange rate thatwas a great deal different from the market which is what drovesales prices up at least 10 per cent.

Although prices have been driven up, this is a really positivething for the market in the long term. The Bulgarian lev ispegged to the euro, and the average salary there is denominatedin leva or in euro, and so it just makes sense to have propertyinvestment prices to also be denominated in these twocurrencies. The commercial market has already experienced that ayear ahead, except the reasoning behind it is different.

All of these positive economic and political signals combines inthe Bulgarian economy have been the driving force behind boththe Bulgarians and foreign nationals in purchasing residentialproperties with an investment purpose in mind. They can do thisbecause of the excellent potential that the rental market stilloffers provides to its buyers.

These properties are usually leased to foreign managers ofmultinational companies or foreign diplomats
at high rentallevels. Then, in few years and after very large capital gainsare expected from the sale of the property. This makes a greatdeal of sense and it is expected to happen, if the Bulgarianeconomy continues to grow at the rate that it is going at now.

The government has taken a small but significant step in helpingto get the properties market moving in that the process ofacquiring all necessary permissions for a new construction hasbeen shortened a great deal. The market is still waiting for thelong expected change to the constitution, that will allowforeign nationals to get land in Bulgaria.

About the author:Learn the Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Profitable PropertyInvesting by Damian Qualter Managing Director ofBuyProperty4Less - FREE Guide Click Here Now! Bulgarian Off PlanProperty

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Bulgarian Property Investment - Why Are Prices Still Rising Article

2009-10-19T03:40:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investments - Why Are Prices Still Rising
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA, Fri Dec 9th

Why Bulgarian Residential Property Prices are Still Rising?

The increase in residential Bulgarian property prices in therecent months has brought a disgusting amount of media coverageof the market these days. You can actually read articles abouttheir property investment in almost all daily and weeklynewspapers and magazines. Property investment has become anattractive topic even to government officials, whose publicstatements have caused even more increased hustle aroundresidential property investment prices.

The Bulgarian property investment market is just another free,unregulated market, where the mechanisms of supply and demandcommand the movement of prices up- or down. At the same time,their unique property investment market has some specificcharacteristics all its own, which make it an extremely uniquemarket. Some of these characteristics include: their lack ofsufficient information; a reaction lag when it is compared tothe other sectors of the economy; non-standard product; lack ofa mobility of properties, in addition to, buyers and sellers;and a limited number of transactions that are available in oneperson’s lifetime.

What this means is that the smooth mechanisms of their freemarket economy would be influenced by all of these factors andshould be seriously considered when you are analysing theproperty market for your investment. Any economics student thesedays would tell you that prices rise when either supply shrinksor the demand for something increases. What has happened on theBulgarian property investment market this year in particular isthat both supply and demand have grown significantly with demandoutweighing supply and therefore leading to higher sales prices.

What is more interesting than this is what has actually causedthis demand to grow at such a pace in the first place. The sizeof the population, their combined disposable income,availability of mortgage credits and government actions caninfluence demand for residential properties is directlyresponsible for this.

The population of Bulgaria has been decreasing slowly in recentyears, but at the same time the poor economic conditions in thecountryside have forced many Bulgarians to move to the biggercities for in search of cheaper establishments. This has led toan increase in the number of potential buyers of propertyinvestment in Sofia and the bigger cities. Thanks to this theproperty investment market has been its most active in thesemarkets and is expected to continue to be in the short

andsemi-long term.

The number of people is not a sufficient reason in itself forthe increased demand for properties; the disposable income ofhouseholds is an extremely important factor as well. The steadyeconomic growth of the Bulgarian economy over the past few yearshas allowed some portions of Bulgarian society to be able toearn and save more money.

Disposable income of Bulgarians is even more enhanced by theavailability of mortgage loans where there wasn’t any before.Although interest rates are still high at 8.5 to 12.5 per cent ayear, many Bulgarians have taken this opportunity to be able toenjoy a new home now rather than wait for the right amount ofmoney to be accumulated in 10 to 15 years. The increasedcompetition between all of the commercial banks will cause evenmore interest rate drops and stimulate the demand forresidential properties in the future.

Bulgarian Property Investment - The Pros And Cons Explained Article

2009-10-19T03:39:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investments - The Pros And Cons Explained
By Damian Qualter BA MBA, Fri Dec 9th

Bulgarian Property Investment - The Pros & Cons

With residential property in the UK having reached a peak forthe current future, investors have been desperately lookingaround for alternative locations with investment potential, andBulgaria is tops on everyone’s list. Many investors have alreadynoticed that Bulgaria offers very good value for any money thatis spent and it also has letting potential as a holidaydestination.

The best investment opportunities in Bulgaria right now includethe ski resort of Bansko and the Black Sea resorts of Varna andBourgas. The capital Sofia is developing rapidly as a commercialMecca as well, signalling that capital appreciation and rentalyields should be very strong in the foreseeable future. Bulgariasaw property price increases of 35% in 2004 however the averageyields on rental properties are still 8% to 12% thanks to thefact that most investors are buying in the Black Sea coastalresorts and 15% in ski areas. Some of them are investing in newdevelopments instead.

For example, studio apartments in the Black Sea resort of SunnyBeach can cost the investor as little as £16,850. There are goodopportunities out there for both city-centre buy-to-letproperties and vacation homes that are also offering lettingpotential. Let it be known though, that despite promisingreturns, investors have to be wise to the risks that arepotentially involved in buying in an emerging economy like thisone.

Low prices attract the buyers who are looking for a quick-fixsolution to pension problems, but as many agents as you can findwill admit there is no guaranteed resale market in Bulgaria (oranywhere else for that matter) and little existing benchmark formeasuring price increases other than more and more investorspaying higher prices on a monthly basis. That is why long-terminvestment is recommended over instant returns.

There is, however a genuine demand for quality rental propertiesbut written contracts with holiday companies are absolutelyneeded as a means of ensuring the buyer a guaranteed yield.Travel agents and tour agents who

are no longer enjoying bigmark-ups in Spain are looking for higher profit margins inBulgaria and this does cause problems in the long-term future.High street travel agents and tour operators do have an amazingnumber of sun and ski holidays available in Bulgaria today andthey are selling well, which goes well for future returns forquality locations and developments.

If you are really wondering what the benefits are to investingin Bulgarian Property; it is definitely the cost. The cons ofcourse is that nothing in property investment is completely failsafe and therefore you need a regent in Bulgaria to act on yourbehalf and help you find a piece of property that will doexactly what you need it to.

About the author:Learn the Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Profitable PropertyInvesting by Damian Qualter Managing Director ofBuyProperty4Less - FREE Guide Click Here Now! Bulgarian Off PlanProperty

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Bulgarian Property Investment - How Do Investments Look Article

2009-10-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment - How Do Investments Look?
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA, Fri Dec 9th

How do Bulgaria’s Property Investment look?

Bulgaria has turned into one of the most attractive destinationsin Europe for companies and individuals alike; who want to spendtheir money on property investment. The regeneration ofdisadvantaged areas was a chance to bring them back, put themback on track and turn them into successful civilian andbusiness units.

The programmes that have been implemented so far in this areashowed that public and private partnerships were the best toolto use as a means of achieving the most positive results interms of employment, social benefits, education and others inplaces, which had been abandoned by both businesses andresidents in Bulgaria in the past.

Reps from the state bodies, municipal administrations andnon-government organizations who were involved in the process ofregeneration in Bulgaria, shared their experience and views ofhow the different authorities can participate in helping toassist the disadvantaged areas in and around the city centers.

Thanks to the new low prices attract the buyers who are lookingfor a quick-fix solution to pension problems, but as many agentsas you can find will admit there is no guaranteed resale marketin Bulgaria (or anywhere else for that matter) and littleexisting benchmark for measuring price increases other than moreand more investors paying higher prices on a monthly basis. Thatis why long-term investment is recommended over instant returns.The future is looking very good right now, should the economicconditions continue to thrive.

There is, of course a genuine demand for quality rentalproperties but written contracts with holiday companies areabsolutely needed as a means of ensuring the buyer a guaranteedyield. Travel agents and tour agents who are no longer enjoyingbig mark-ups in Spain are looking for higher profit margins inBulgaria and this does cause problems in the long-term future.High street travel agents and tour operators do have an amazingnumber of sun and ski holidays available in Bulgaria today andthey are selling well, which goes well for future returns forquality locations and developments. As long as Bulgariacontinues to grow, the property investment image looks verygood.

About the author:Learn the Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Profitable PropertyInvesting by Damian Qualter Managing Director ofBuyProperty4Less - FREE Guide Click Here Now! Bulgarian Property

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Bulgarian Property Investment - For Profit Article

2009-10-18T20:07:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investing - For Profit
By Damian Qualter, Fri Dec 9th

Bulgarian Property Investment Tax Basics

The Bulgarian property tax structure may appeal to you if youare sick of paying inflated local fees in your area and arelooking for something better. Many foreign investors and secondhome owners buy property in Bulgaria because the property taxesin Bulgaria are a lot lower than the property taxes in theirlocale. Bulgarian property tax is one of the most popular topicson property forums these days. The information below will helpyou cut through the confusion.

PROPERTY PURCHASE TAX Chances are this will be the firstBulgarian property tax you will come across. When you buyproperty in Bulgaria, the property will be subject to a notaryand a municipal tax. The notary tax is paid on the higher end ofthe market price or the book value of the property. You actualrates will vary and are usually less than 1%. Not to mentionthat 2% of the market value of the property is paid as amunicipal tax. This money eventually goes to the municipality inwhere the property is situated. You will pay these taxes afteryou have signed the notary deed.

ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX All property owners in Bulgaria have to payan annual property tax just like anywhere else. The currentannual tax rate for a house is 0.15% of the capital value of theproperty. So for example, if a house cost 20,000 on purchase,the annual Bulgarian property tax payable would be 30.

Aside form this tax; the owners also have to pay awaste-collection tax. The rate for this greatly depends on thelocation and size of the place. The amount of tax that ispayable is usually about £30 a year for rural property and about£100 per year for apartments in the larger city centres. Youmust also think of the non-tax costs when you buy in Bulgaria.If you have an investment apartment in Bulgaria, you areobligated to pay annual maintenance charges and managementcosts. These are much like annual service charges that you mustpay on Apartments in order to cover managing agents as part ofthe upkeep of the common area. These charges will vary accordingto the different types of property.

PROPERTY RENTAL TAX If you rent out your property (sublet orlandlord), then the profits from the rent that you get will betaxed for the accounting year in question. If you live inBulgaria, the tax is assessed in accordance with your tax statusin Bulgaria. This status is based on a table that has differenttax rates. If you are not living there, you will be taxed on aflat rate of 15% on the taxable profit. You will also have toconsider any additional taxes that you have to pay in your homecountry.

COMPANY TAX If you own a company in Bulgaria, you should notethat in January 2005 the rate of income tax for a corporation inBulgaria was reduced from 19.5% to 15%. The tax year in Bulgariaends on the 31st of December. A limited company has no choicebut to file an annual report by the 31st of March. If youincorporated a limited company sp that you could purchase ahouse or land, then there will be no tax liability, as thecompany was not trading at the time of the purchase. However,you still have to submit company accounts to the Companies’House Register in Bulgaria every year if you are going tosatisfy the authorities that the company was not trading. Thisis a legal requirement that must be accomplished. Accountants inBulgaria can carry out this service at a reasonable cost if youneed it.

VALUE ADDED TAX (VAT) Any actions that involve land and leaseof property for residential purposes are exempt from the VATTax. However if you have purchased a property as a limitedcompany, then when you come to sell your property you may haveto add VAT to your sale price. Right now you must register yourcompany for VAT if the turnover is higher than 50,000 Leva.

VAT in Bulgaria is currently set at 20%. So in effect; it’sactually higher than it is in the UK (17.5%). I would advise youto get a good accountant either in Bulgaria or your home countryto handle these matters for you. Just make sure that theaccountant specializes in overseas property tax.

About the author:Learn the Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Profitable PropertyInvesting by Damian Qualter Managing Director ofBuyProperty4Less - FREE Guide Click Here Now! Bulgarian Off PlanProperty

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Bulgarian Property Investment - Agencies Article

2009-10-18T20:06:00.001-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment - Agencies
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA, Fri Dec 9th

Bulgarian Property Investment Agencies

Everyone’s into Bulgarian property investment these days. It isthe thing to do in property investment these days. The marketreached incredible heights in 2004, and was severely boosted byforeigner interest and by the increased buying power ofBulgarians because of the increased availability of mortgageloans. Because of this, hundreds of agencies have sprung up, andnot just in the big cities but in the resorts as well.

Some others just have a website and prefer to appeal straight tothe foreigners through these portals, but mostly Brits and Irishwho are very eager to invest in cheap Bulgarian property rightnow, and often with the intention of using it themselves as avacation home but also; it is fairly safe to assume that themoney that is invested will rise faster than if it were sittingin a bank at home. The expectation that everyone currently hasin mind; that Bulgarian property investment will continue torise up to the country’s EU entry in January 2007 keeps themarket afloat.

In spite of an average rise of 25% last year (this figures keepson changing; depending which survey you read, prices are stillsomewhat low by current EU standards, even though Sofia islooking less of an investment these days, thanks to so much newconstruction going on and rental demand fairly low. Its not justforeign interest that has helped to raise property investmentsprices either. As the Bulgarian economy becomes stronger thepeople have the extra income that is needed in order for them tobuy property and the mortgage boom over last couple of years hasmeant that even those without savings can buy a first or secondhome. Other major rise areas are the Black Sea, especially thesouthern stretch, which has begun to look a lot like the CostaDel Sol with its concrete developments, and the ski town ofBansko.

There are of course many chances that arise outside of this aswell. There are other large ski resorts and quite a largepotential for the development of new ski resorts in those placeswhere there are currently only one or two pistes. Bulgaria islucky

enough in that almost everywhere in Bulgaria has thebeauty and peace that is needed and it is difficult to say thatone place in the mountains is better than another, althoughlocation and proximity to cities, airports, etc. is of extremeimportance if you are looking to rent the property out.

The market is right now not regulated, in fact you don’t evenneed a license to operate as an estate agency, so the ground isvery ready for various rip-off merchants to practice theirtrade. If you are buying from overseas you need to do somethorough research on the many sites available before using themand take a serious look at the photos of houses, get a good ideaof price ranges and check out where is a good place to buy.

About the author:Learn the Tips, Tricks & Secrets of Profitable PropertyInvesting by Damian Qualter Managing Director ofBuyProperty4Less - FREE Guide Click Here Now! Bulgarian Property

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Bulgarian Property Investment Article

2009-10-18T20:04:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property Investment
By Damian Qualter, Fri Dec 9th

Why Bulgarian Property Investment?

The Bulgarian Economy is growing steadily and doesn’t seem to bechanging any time soon. There is currently a strong growth inindustrial production in Bulgaria. Employment and credit hasresulted in high GDP growth over the last few years. The economyin Bulgaria has grown at an average yearly rate of 4.8 % overthe last five years and in spite of this, inflation has beengreatly reduced to the of 2.3 % in 2003.

Foreign direct investment (‘FDI’) into Bulgaria has alsoincreased every year since then. FDI reached US$7.4 billion in2003 from a rate of US$5.7 billion in 2002 (which is a 30%increase). The outstanding growth in the Bulgarian economyshould maintain a strong property market and lead to higherBulgarian property prices. Bulgaria Property prices arecurrently low; making the best time to invest. Property in thebetter residential areas of Sofia sells for around £67 – £82 persquare foot.

It is clear that Bulgaria property is significantly cheaper thanmany other countries in the areas surrounding Bulgaria. When itcomes to the low Currency risk; the Lev has been pegged to theEuro since its introduction at a fixed rate. From 1997 the Levwas pegged to the DM at a rate of 1 Lev to 1 DM. The currentcost of domestic borrowing is relatively high - The rate thatBulgarians pay for a floating rate mortgage is around 10 – 12%pa.

It is currently possible to achieve high rental yields onproperty when you invest in Bulgarian property. The currentRental yields on residential property in Bulgaria are currentlyin the range of 10 – 12% of the purchase cost and on commercial/ industrial property you get yields of 16% which makes theproperty more obtainable to foreigners.

A lot of residential property that is available is unsuitablefor letting. There is currently no set up where individualleaseholders can be compelled to contribute towards the cost ofrepairs to common parts and

exterior of buildings unless theirleases specifically contain provisions about it. While suitableprovision can occasionally be made in the leases of recentlyconstructed buildings, the buildings that are constructed in thecommunist era, or earlier, hardly ever have these kinds ofclauses in leases. The result of this is that unless all theowners in a block agree to make the repair, nothing may be doneabout it all. Even in the best residential areas of Sofia thecommon parts of older blocks are often run down looking and are,difficult to let. Good quality modern blocks of flats thereforecommand a premium in the letting market. This allows the newinvestor to get their property extremely cheap.

About the author:Learn the Tips, tricks & Secrets to Successful PropertyInvesting. FREE REPORT - Click Here Now!!Bulgarian PropertyInvestment

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Bulgarian Property For Sale - An Eye To Investment Article

2009-10-18T20:03:00.000-07:00

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Bulgarian Property For Sale- An Eye To Investment
By surrinder Ahitan, Wed Dec 7th

In addition to seeking out a Bulgarian property for sale forpersonal or family use, there are a number of people who areinterested in finding a Bulgaria house for sale for investmentpurposes. In other words, these people want to purchase aBulgarian property for sale, hold on to the property for amoderate amount of time (perhaps leasing it out during theperiod of ownership) and then they desire to sell the residencefor a profit.

In point of fact, some people are able to make good moneythrough the process of making the purchase of a Bulgarianproperty and then reselling the property after the passage of areasonable period of time.

The overall Bulgarian real estate market has becomeincreasingly attractive for investors in all sectors --industrial, commercial and residential. Indeed, when it comes toa Bulgarian property for sale, housing prices on average in thecountry are rising at a rate of about twenty to twenty-fivepercent per year. Therefore, if a person were to make thepurchase of a Bulgarian property with the intention of holdingfor ultimate resell, he or she likely will make tidy profit in ashort amount of time.

In the immediate future, the Bulgarian real estate market isexpected to remain hot and vital.

This includes the sector ofthe market that includes the proverbial "Bulgaria property forsale." Residential property is expected to increase in value atthe present rate through at least the end of the decadeaccording to most financial analysts involved in Bulgarianeconomy.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

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Bulgarian Property Article

2009-10-18T00:31:00.001-07:00

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Bulgarian Property
By Damian Qualter, Fri Dec 9th

Bulgarian Property Investment

Bulgaria property investment prices are by far lower than mostother destinations in Europe but the estimated acceptance ofBulgaria in the European Union provides extremely high growthpotential that will certainly boost the prices of the Bulgariaproperty investment in the near future. It is best to buy nowwhile the buying good. Bulgarian market or property investmentis still relatively unexplored and undeveloped, which makes itvery attractive and profitable.

It will probably be shocking for you to learn just how manystrategic property investment properties are still waiting fortheir owner to appear and earn a ton of money from the naturalbeauty that is around. Bulgaria has one of the most liberalforeign investment laws in the region regarding Bulgaria realestate, as well as the foreign investors too. Basically,foreigners can purchase only buildings but not land in Bulgaria.Only Bulgarian citizens and legal persons can actually obtainthe ownership of Bulgarian land.

What this means is that the most popular and preferred bynon-residential ways that you can become the real estate ownersand they are: As far as houses, villas, flats and limitedownership rights (the right of use) are concerned, you candirectly purchase them as a person. However, if you are thinkingof buying Bulgaria real estate as well as the land it sits on,you have to set up a company that will be the owner of theproperty instead of you. Setting up a company in Bulgaria isvery easy and all that you really need to do it is a goodsolicitor or barrister (lawyer) to act on your behalf.

If you are thinking of buying Bulgarian property, you must takesome things into consideration first. The usual term for the oldowners of the Bulgarian property has to move out of it after thesale is completed within one month. This could be changed if thebuyers require a shorter term however the change must benegotiated first. You should not expect the property to be emptyright after signing of the final contract.

Also, any foreign buyers who are purchasing Bulgarian propertymust be aware that in Bulgaria there are such terms as the "taxestimation price" which is for the purposes of propertyinvestment taxation and it good to know that it is much lowerthan

the actual selling price. Most of the Bulgarian propertyowners wish that the "tax estimation price" was actually iswritten in the title deed, and not the selling price which thebuyers are paying because it is just easier and saves manyheadaches in the end. Because of this you should expect to seedifferences between the price you are paying and the price thatis actually written in the title deed.

Bulgarian agents can not be held responsible for these types ofprice changes. If the property buyer wishes that the purchasingprice is written in the property title deed they must generallynotify the agents in advance so that they can negotiate on thiswith the seller of the property.

About the author:Damian Qualter - Real Estate & Property Investment SpecilaistLearn How To Build a Low Risk Property Portfolio in UK &Overseas. We have Sourced £70m of Property for Our Investors inthe Last 2 years. Free Bulgarian Property Investment Guide -Click Here Now Bulgarian Property

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Bulgaria Investment - Property Profits Article

2009-10-18T00:30:00.001-07:00

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Bulgaria Investment - Property Profits
By K Damian Qualter BA MBA
Can Bulgarian Property Investment Stay on Top?

Many politicians and government officials, as well as, other individuals, believe that Bulgaria’s accession to the EU and NATO will drive real estate prices up practically overnight. Let me tell you that this will not happen that fast, but it will happen over a longer period of time. The accession to the EU and NATO has both positively affected the development of the Bulgarian real estate market, which gave us a sense of security to Bulgarians and foreign investors alike.

The Bulgarian property investment market has dealt with serious changes in the beginning of the year. The residential property market in the larger cities was dealt with in US dollars. The decline of the dollar against the euro has forced most of the sellers to convert the dollar price values into euro. What’s happening here is that they did that at an exchange rate that was a great deal different from the market which is what drove sales prices up at least 10 per cent.

Although prices have been driven up, this is a really positive thing for the market in the long term. The Bulgarian lev is pegged to the euro, and the average salary there is denominated in leva or in euro, and so it just makes sense to have property investment prices to also be denominated in these two currencies. The commercial real estate market has already experienced that a year ahead, except the reasoning behind it is different.

All of these positive economic and political signals combines in the Bulgarian economy have been the driving force behind both the Bulgarians and foreign nationals in purchasing residential properties with an investment purpose in mind. They can do this because of the excellent potential that the rental market still offers provides to its buyers.

These properties are usually leased to foreign managers of multinational companies or foreign diplomats at high rental levels. Then,

in few years and after very large capital gains are expected from the sale of the property. This makes a great deal of sense and it is expected to happen, if the Bulgarian economy continues to grow at the rate that it is going at now.

The government has taken a small but significant step in helping to get the properties market moving in that the process of acquiring all necessary permissions for a new construction has been shortened a great deal. The market is still waiting for the long expected change to the constitution, that will allow foreign nationals to get land in Bulgaria.

For more information please go to our websiteBulgarian Property For Sale and Investment

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Bulgaria Holiday Homes Article

2009-10-18T00:29:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria Holiday Homes
By Surrinder Ahitan, Fri Dec 9th

B>Points to Consider When Contemplating Bulgaria holidayhomes

Bulgaria as a nation has undergone a significant transition inrecent years that will culminate in 2007 when the nation becomesa full member of the European Union. As a result, real estate inBulgaria literally is becoming hot property as far asinternational investors are concerned. In addition, houses forsale in Bulgaria to be used for holiday or vacation purposes aretrading rapidly on the market today. If you are interested inBulgaria holiday homes opportunities, you may be interested infinding out a bit more about the country as whole and the realestate market specifically.

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Geographically, Bulgaria is located in southeast Europe and hasa land mass that is about the size of England. The population ofthe country is at about eight million people. Over the course ofmany years, Bulgaria -- with its Black Sea resorts -- was apopular holiday destination for people from throughout EasternEurope. In recent years, a growing number of people fromdifferent points around the globe are considering Bulgaria as aholiday destination. As a result of this increased interest inthe country, and a growing number of tourists to Bulgaria,houses for sale in Bulgaria have become solid investments.

In looking for Bulgaria holiday homes that might meet yourobjectives, geography is not the only issue at hand. Younecessarily need to determine the primary use you will make ofyour Bulgaria holiday homes. For example, if you intend tosettle in the country to take advantage

of the new opportunitiesthat are arising in that nation, you may want to purchase aresidence for your personal use and for that of your family. Onthe other hand, you may want to otherwise take advantage of thechanges in the nation by taking advantage of a Bulgaria holidayhomes to invest in a property that you can turn around and rentto holiday travelers and others who find themselves in Bulgaria.

About the author:Surrinder Ahitan's website Bulgarian-Property-Advice.com provides detailed information and advice onthe most lucrative areas to invest in Bulgaria. You will learnhow to get around, get a flavor of the language, history,culture and more.

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Bulgaria A Great New Holiday Destination Article

2009-10-18T00:27:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria, A Great New Holiday Destination
By Tem Pearson
Whenever we think of the perfect holiday destination, Bulgaria seldom pops up in top position on our wish lists. Having said this, the popularity of Bulgaria as a holiday destination has increased dramatically in recent years, due to the wide range of resorts, easy transport links and cheap cost of living.

Getting to Bulgaria

Transport links to Bulgaria are particularly good. There are four international airports in Bulgaria: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas, all of which have regular flights from other capital cities. Flights from London take approximately 3 hours and arrive on a daily basis.

The national carrier for Bulgaria is the recently renamed Bulgaria Air, previously known as Balkan Air Tour. Sofia flights arrive from the UK daily and Varna flights operate at least three times a week.

Those considering flying to Bulgaria should also consider British Airways, as they offer flights from Europe and the United States to both Sofia and Varna. The internal air carrier, Hemus Air, offers link flights between airports and also provides excellent communications, at a reasonable price, with the rest of Europe (London included).

As well as air travel, there are excellent national and international rail links. Most of the trains do travel through Sofia, so it is perfectly feasible for visitors to make their way from the capital to any of the costal resorts, within a matter of a couple of hours.

Despite being a coastal country, Bulgaria does not have an extensive sea transport system in place connecting it to other countries in Europe. Most of the links are with other countries in the Mediterranean basin and Russian ports. Having said this, the commercial ports are highly active and some real bargains can be found.

Legalities

Visiting Bulgaria on holiday should present few difficulties for most standard visits, provided that you do not stay in the country for more than 30 days, in any 6-month period. Residents of the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and EU countries are all included within this rule.

Different Resorts

One of the reasons that Bulgaria has become so popular, as a holiday destination, is due to the wide variety of holiday resorts available. Whilst the coastal resorts have some of the best beaches in Europe, there are also mountain resorts that can offer unrivalled skiing. Combine this with a rich and colourful cultural and historical background and it is easy to see why Bulgaria has become the holiday destination of choice for thousands of holidaymakers.

Costal resorts offer exceptional bathing conditions, golden sands and clean, calm waters, ideal for the younger visitors. As well as a pleasant average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius, the new resorts, being built at an impressive rate, offer luxurious living at rock-bottom prices. For the more active visitors, most resorts have a wide range of sporting and entertainment facilities readily available.

Skiing is also considered world class in Bulgaria, with the season starting in mid December and

going all of the way through to May, in some of the higher locations. Bansko is currently the most popular of the skiing resorts combining modern ski technology with rich history, although Borovets should not be overlooked, with over 40km of pistes to choose from. Other picturesque ski resorts include Chepelare and Pamparova.

Other specialist holiday operators make the most of the country’s rich history and include trekking holidays, as well as health spa breaks, as the coastal area is thought to be an excellent area to conduct natural healing.

There is no doubt that whatever your pleasure, you will find a holiday to remember, in Bulgaria. After Bulgaria joins the EU in 2007, it is likely that its infrastructure will improve and yet more people will flood to the country in search of a dream holiday, at a fraction of the price.

Unearth this hidden gem and get in there, fast, before the crowds beat you to it!

Providing essential information on buying Bulgarian property, Tem Pearson is dedicated to offering all the necessary information for people looking to buy property in Bulgaria. Visit www.buying-property-abroad.info/Bulgaria.

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Bulgaria - A Big - Small Treasure Article

2009-10-18T00:25:00.000-07:00

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Bulgaria - A Big-small Treasure
By Ivaylo Yordanov
One can describe many things as big-small. Actually, big-small is something small that has the characteristics of something much bigger than itself. And with that in mind, I come to think of Bulgaria. I am sure that many of you who read this have heard of this country and will ask "Why is Bulgaria a big-small" Well, I will try to explain.
Bulgaria covers a total territory of 111 000sq/km - that is why it is small. But I am sure you have no idea of how many beautiful things there are in this small area - and here comes the big part.

Bulgaria is a country with a long history, full of ups and downs and critical events. The country culture has been influences by many other nationalities and that is why Bulgaria has now many important historical places. One such place is Etara. It is an open-air museum, but seems more like a whole town, still capturing the traditional spirit and architecture of the Bulgarian national revival. The people there still practice the old Bulgarian crafts, including pottery. Etara is like a place out of time, where the past is still alive. Another such place is the village Arbanassi. It is an old settlement and holds some ancient monasteries. One of them is the St. Nikola monastery that was built during the Assen dynasty - there still can be seen preserved wall decorations and icons dating back to 1716. Near Arbanassi is the town of Veliko Turnovo, where you will be amazed by the great fortress Tsarevets, which was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom. It still is a mighty settlement and there even is a "Sound and Light" show in the evenings. An amazing place is the Madara Horseman - a picture, carved into the stone during the 8th century with dimensions, which equal these of a real horseman. It still looks breath-taking and is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Some other historical places include the Rila Monastery, Pliska (first capital of Bulgaria), the Troyan Monastery and many more.

Bulgaria has also a gorgeous nature. There are many places to go and admire the beautiful landscape. First of all, there are many mountains in the country. Rila Mountain is a wonderful place - there is the highest peak on the peninsula - Mousala (2925m). You can also visit the Seven Rila Lakes, many huts and ski tracks. Another mountain is Pirin - the most fascinating one in Bulgaria, also part of the World Heritage List. There are many nature reserves in Bulgaria and one of them is Srebarna which houses nearly 100 different bird species, most of which endangered. Actually, I don not need to list any more natural places worth visiting, because when you go

to the surroundings of almost every town in Bulgaria, you will find something incredible to look at.

As far as culture is concerned, the best places to visit are the bigger towns - Varna, Burgas, Veliko Turnovo and of course the capital Sofia. Sofia can be compared to many European capitals - it is a large city with many people and numerous places to go if you are a culture-lover or just enjoy the nightlife.
With all this I hope that even some of you will agree with me that the little country Bulgaria holds so many interesting and marvelous things that it can be easily called big-small.

Ivaylo Yordanov is the author and can provide you with additional information about Bulgaria resorts, by using the Contact Us page of the site below. Additionally, more comprehensive information is available at Bulgaria hotels and accommodation Bulgaria Black Sea resorts hotels and summer vacations

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Tax Haven Raises 2006 Price Article

2009-10-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

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Tax Haven Raises 2006 Entry Price
By Roger Munns -
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years, and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra

and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleinterchange.com

For an on-line guide to Monaco and Monte Carlo including a map, the weather, flights and Nice Airport information visit www.yourmonaco.com For Monaco real estate www.monacoproperty.net , Andorra property www.propertyandorra.com

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Mountain Tax Haven And A Record Property Price Rise Article

2009-10-16T19:21:00.000-07:00

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Mountain Tax Haven And A Record Property Price Rise
By Roger
Andorra, a small independent country and European tax haven in the Pyrenees, saw real estate prices rise in value by 19.3 per cent last year, and one local travel guide thinks that another rise in prices is likely in the year ahead.

Best known for her ski resorts, Andorra attracts nearly ten million tourists a year, but it's not just the holiday makers who are falling in love with the country and buying second homes that is fuelling the price rises, the guide says.

'Quite a few tourists do like Andorra enough to buy a ski apartment, and there is an active local market too. But what really pushes the prices up is that there's a third stream of buyers, people from around the world who want to take residency and benefit from Andorra's tax haven status.'

Property currently for sale in Andorra include one bedroom apartments at 210,000 Euros, two bedroom apartments in Soldeu, the main skiing area of Andorra, at 272,000 Euros and 280,000 Euros in another ski village Arinsal, and three bedroom apartments in the capital Andorra la Vella at 333,000 Euros. Houses start from around 900,000 Euros.

Andorra property specialists have also noticed an increase in buyers recently, and comment that a large part of the increase in buyers is the increased attention from potential overseas property buyers in the UK.

'The number of buyers from the UK has increased quite noticeably over the last couple of years', they say, 'With many quoting higher taxes in the UK as their reason for moving to Andorra. Most seemed convinced that the tax take from their earnings will rise more in the years ahead, and are planning for retirement and selling their businesses now'.

They also comment that historically tax havens have been popular no matter how the economy is. When someone buys a property in Monaco it often doesn't matter to them if it's a few hundred thousand Euros as they're going to save more than that in tax during the time they are resident in Andorra.

Real Estate Price Increases

Demand for property in Andorra for the year ahead is every bit as high as in the past claim local estate agents, with many potential buyers already having planned visits.

Surprisingly perhaps for a tax haven, mortgages for a property are as available as many European countries, with rates around the same level. Up to eighty per cent of a property's value is often agreed by the banks in Andorra.

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good

conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. Residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a year in Andorra, but this isn't policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

'Given the tax advantages Andorra has', note the Andorra travel guide, 'A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come.'

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Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price Article

2009-10-16T19:20:00.000-07:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years,

and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Tribune Properties produce a guide for Monacowhich includes a map of Monaco and details of the Monaco Grand Prix.

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our Monaco And Andorra Tax Havens Raise Entry Price website.

andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax Article

2009-10-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

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Andorra Tax Haven Introduces Capital Gains Tax
By Roger
The Andorra government has introduced Capital Gains Tax in a move that has surprised many in the tax industry.

Andorra is a well known European tax haven, and residents benefit from a zero rated income tax and inheritance tax.

The reason for the introduction of the capital gains tax according to the Andorra authorities is to try to slow down the high property inflation seen in the principality in recent years.

Property prices have risen an average of ten per cent over the last decade, but this has been increasing recently with a 19 per cent rise recorded in 2005, and 16 per cent in 2006, leading to worries that locals might be priced out of the market.

As well as the local market, Andorra property sells to second home buyers and international buyers wanting residency. With property prices a quarter of rival tax haven Monaco, demand has increased from international buyers.

But any hope of the new capital gains tax dampening property prices is unlikely to work, according to Andorra property companies.

'While there is a large disparity between Europe's top two tax havens - Monaco and Andorra - in property prices, the advantages of buying a property in Andorra, gaining residency and having no income tax far outweighs any capital gains taxes', they say, pointing out that Andorra prices are a quarter of those of Monaco's.

Long Term Benefit

'Besides the increase in property prices that offset any Capital Gains Tax', they continue, 'It's on a sliding scale, with one per cent reduced for each year of residency. So for example if someone maintains residency for ten years, the capital gains tax will be five per cent of the property price increase. If someone stays a resident for fifteen years there will be no capital gains tax at all to pay on the increase of their property value.'

Buying a property in Andorra is often seen as a route to residency, which entitles people to live in Andorra and benefit from her tax haven status.

To obtain residency in Andorra, applications need to be submitted in Catalan. A notarised copy of the applicants passport, birth certificate and a certificate of good conduct from the home country are submitted at the same time. According to a local travel guide residency normally takes between three and six months to be approved.

Once residency is granted, residents are supposed to spend six months a

year in Andorra, but this isn't policed.

One of the drawbacks for those looking to become a resident in a tax haven when considering Andorra has been that the country has no airport of its own, and is unlikely to have ine future given that it is located in the Pyrenees. The nearest airports are Barcelona and Toulouse.

Recent improvements in the road from Barcelona to Andorra though have cut the travelling time by some thirty minutes to two hours fifteen minutes.

'Given the tax advantages Andorra has', note the travel guide, 'A two and a quarter hour trip to the nearest international airport could be viewed as a small price to pay for those who will be saving substantial amounts of money in tax. Especially when you consider that their properties could be rising in value quite significantly in the years to come, and for those who like skiing it's a holiday and tax paradise in one!'

Article Source: http://www.article-outlet.com/

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax website.

Andorra Real Estate Rises Again 2006 Article

2009-10-16T19:14:00.000-07:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price By Tribune While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates. Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.Rising PricesGiven Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years, and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.With Andorra and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving
their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.
Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com
Tribune Properties produce a guide for Monaco and Monte Carlo, which includes a map of Monaco and details of hotels in Monaco as well as the Monaco weather.The guide also includes details of the Monaco Grand Prix. Also covered are hotels in Monte Carlo and a map of Monte Carlo.For property in Monaco visit Property for sale in Monaco, for property in Andorra visit Property in Andorra

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.
And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price website.

Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price Article

2009-10-16T19:10:00.000-07:00

Below, you'll find extensive information on leading Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price articles and products to help you on your way to success.

Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price
By Tribune
While Monaco is a well known European tax haven, Andorra has remained little known outside of the financial community - despite enjoying the same tax advantages and arguably more private banking than her better known rival.

In contrast to the similar financial benefits both Monaco and Andorra residents enjoy, the two small countries have quite different climates.

Monaco has good all year round weather and is located next to the French Riveria, while Andorra is in the Pyrenees and between early December and late April attracts nearly ten million tourists for ski holidays. Monaco has year round tourists, peaking twice a year in May for the Grand Prix, and September for the Yacht Show.

Neither Andorra or Monaco have their own airports – Nice airport has a helicopter link, a ten minute ride direct to Monaco, Andorra is not so fortunate and the nearest airport is Barcelona, a three hour drive away from the principality.

Both countries have opted to stay out of the EU, preserving their ability to maintain a no income tax policy.

The biggest difference is the entry price for becoming a resident – which entails buying or renting a house or apartment.

One bedroom apartments in Monaco start at 800,000 Euros, but in Andorra the same size apartment starts at less than a third of the price at 250,000 Euros. And while a house in Monaco is a rarity, there is a good choice of houses for sale in Andorra, with prices starting at under a million Euros.

Rising Prices

Given Andorra’s property price advantage for would-be residents choosing between Europe’s primary tax havens, it has come as a surprise to many that the closing costs for buying a property in Andorra has not only been less than half that of Monaco, but also less than buying a property in many other mainland European countries at around four and a half per cent.

But Andorra has just raised property closing costs by introducing a three and a half per cent sale of goods and services tax on property purchases from January 1, 2006 - bringing the tax haven more in line with neighbouring France and Spain.

Demand for property in Andorra and Monaco is unlikely to be affected by the recent increases though, according to European tax haven specialists Tribune Properties.

‘Andorra and Monaco have historically seen an increase in property activity and residency applications when taxes are increasing elsewhere. The new German government has recently increased the top rate of income tax and the United Kingdom has seen an increase in the number of indirect taxes, making the zero per cent personal income tax both Andorra and Monaco offer an attractive preposition to high income earners.

Andorra’s property inflation has been over ten per cent annually for the last three years, and when the 2005 figures are released we would expect it to be four years in a row, with no sign of a levelling off of demand for the year ahead.

With Andorra and Monaco’s high speed cable and broadband internet access more and more company owners are moving

their residence to low and no tax countries and running their companies from a distance geographically, while being able to share information with their head office in real time’.

As well as buying a property in Andorra or Monaco, both countries require residency applicants to establish a local bank account and deposit around 50,000 Euros (Andorra) or 100,000 Euros (Monaco), take out private health insurance, and to live there for six months of the year.

Article Source: http://www.articleblender.com

Tribune Properties produce a guide for Monaco and Monte Carlo, which includes a map of Monaco and details of hotels in Monaco as well as the Monaco weather.The guide also includes details of the Monaco Grand Prix. Also covered are hotels in Monte Carlo and a map of Monte Carlo.For property in Monaco visit Property for sale in Monaco, for property in Andorra visit Property in Andorra

We strive to provide only quality articles, so if there is a specific topic related to andorra tax haven introduces capital gains tax that you would like us to cover, please contact us at any time.

And again, thank you to those contributing daily to our Andorra And Monaco Tax Havens Raise Entry Price website.