Property Bargains To Be Had In Spain?

The Spanish property market is not melting down, contrary to what you may have read. In fact the market for quality property is holding its ground, so forget that fantasy of bagging a nice villa for a song. But it is also a buyer's market, which means bargains can be achieved, though if you want quality, you have to pay the price
The event that sparked the doom-laden headlines was a fall in the Spanish stock market on 24 May. Jittery investors dumped property company stocks, dragging down the Spanish index and other European stock markets for good measure (London fell 0.77%). The stock market has not recovered its confidence in Spain's housing market, and most of Spain's quoted property companies have lost 25% to 30% of their market capitalization since February.
But whilst the stock market hogs the headlines with bad news, what is actually going on in Spain's housing market?
According to the Spanish government's figures everything is hunky-dory. Average property prices rose by 7.2% over 12 months to the end of March, and a market that was boiling just a few years ago, with prices doubling in 5 years, continues to glide towards a soft landing.
But official figures aren't the whole story, and are best taken with a large pinch of salt. Data from some other sources, and the confessions of costa estate agents, suggest stagnant or falling prices in many coastal areas popular with British buyers. Speculative investors have disappeared to riskier shores, buyers are fewer in number and more cautious, and a galloping construction boom has lead to a glut of certain types of properties in some areas. The big picture is of a struggling market.
But there is also some good news. Though some buyers have lost confidence in Spain, there still appears to be a huge reserve of buyers if the price is right.
To understand what is really going on you have to look at market segments in different regions.

COSTA DEL SOL

Buyer activity on the Western Costa del Sol peaked in 2003 and has been falling ever since. Corruption scandals, money laundering busts, and illegal building problems in Marbella damaged buyer confidence in the whole region, and a deteriorating price-value calculation encouraged potential buyers to look elsewhere. "Property prices are back to where they were 2 to 3 years ago," explains Mark Clifton of the International Property Partners in Marbella.
But after several difficult years there are now some grounds for optimism. Malaga airport is being expanded, and a new rail link under construction along the coast should significantly improve access, and boost visitor numbers. Corruption is being tackled, demand is diversified, and vendors many now realize they have to accept offers. Attractive properties in the right areas and the best developments appear to selling quickly if the price is realistic, and inland there is an acute shortage of the kind of fincas that British buyers with money are after. "Buyers today are savvy people with money, who are well informed and know what they want, not the deranged investors with 100% mortgages who inflated the bubble a few years ago," explains Barbara Wood, of The Property Finders.
It is now a better time than it has been for years to get quality property for a reasonable price that represents good value. But there is also still a glut of rubbish 2-bedroom flats in undesirable locations all along the coast. Steer well clear of these properties, as prices may well fall.
At the eastern end of the Costa del Sol, in Almeria province, they are building to many identikit apartments. Expect trouble in this segment, perhaps with exception of beach front apartments and other desirable locations in limited supply.

MURCIA

Murcia is an ambitious late comer to the property game. There has been an explosion in the region's property supply, with 10 times as many properties now being built than 10 years ago, much of it on golf course developments intended for foreign buyers.
In recent years relatively high prices on the costas to the north and south drove property buyers, especially investors, into the arms of Murcia's developers, with their easy-to-sell off-plan investments. But prices increased too far too fast, and resale prices on many projects have been dribbling down in search of demand for the last couple of years.
"Some developers don't seem to build what British buyers want," comments Gordon of Blue Med Properties. "When prices rise, buyers expect more in return, so there is now a glut of properties on new developments that don't match buyer requirements at the price. That's going to stop prices rising anytime soon."
There are fewer British buyers around than in past years, though the ones that there are seem well informed, looking for value, and serious about buying if they can find it. Overall, the number of transactions are down, and given the amount of new property coming onto the market, expect prices to remain anaemic for some years. The few outstanding developments in the region, such as Hacienda del Alamo, which tick all the right boxes for British buyers, should benefit from buyers who like the region, and don't mind paying for quality.

COSTA BLANCA

The south Costa Blanca, centred on Torrevieja, is a great example of how to turn a lovely coastline into something closely resembling a council estate. Inland, the property market is a minefield of illegal built projects. Big estate agents on this patch happily stuff their financially-challenged clients with outrageous commissions of 20% or more in return for paying for a 200 quid inspection trip (sangria included) If it's not cheap, then it's not good value, and if it is cheap, then it's just cheap. This is a down market area with a bad cement habit, so don't expect prices here to go anywhere, except perhaps down.
The North Costa Blanca, from Alicante up, is a different world, especially the upmarket area around Javea, Denia, and Moraira. The market on the coast is subdued but stable, and many vendors are no longer asking silly prices. "There are fewer transactions then before, but there is still substantial interest in quality properties in good locations that a core of affluent buyers want," explains David Mear of VillaMia in Javea. Even so, there are also pockets of overdevelopment in this area, and prices for the had to sell stuff might need to come down by 10 to 20% to find a buyer.
Inland the market for detached properties with the right characteristics appears in fine fettle. "Detached properties with a bit of land and a pool, within 1 hour of the coast and the airport, and under 300,000 Euros are selling well. I can't find enough of them for my clients," says Andrew Lupton, head of Stacks Relocation in Spain.

COSTA BRAVA

Transaction prices on the Costa Brava, in particular the Baix Emporda part of the coast (Spain's answer to Tuscany), have been rising gently in the last couple of years. There is a good stock of upmarket properties, the market hasn't been flooded with new apartments, and demand is driven by both European and local buyers from affluent cities like Barcelona. Nevertheless, the market is cooler than it was, with more properties on the market than before. Buyers have more negotiating power as a consequence, and vendors will consider offers. "There are still some silly asking prices around, but the chances that someone will pay them are lower," explains Louisa Grundon of local agents PCI.
Whilst Spanish demand holds up it's difficult to see prices falling, though it is also hard to imagine prices growing as strongly as they have in recent years. There are two factors that could shake up the market. On the one hand, the TGV-fast train will soon connect Girona and Barcelona, which could give demand for property a boost, and further drive up prices. But on the other hand, if the Spanish economy turns down, local demand for second homes could dry up, pushing down prices.

MALLORCA

In the last decade Mallorca has consolidated its position as Spain's top upmarket destination, and the first choice for A-list celebrities. Prices are high, but buyers are affluent, and there is a large stock of high-end properties, so it's all relative. And in a rare display of enlightened thinking for urban planners in Spain, they even banned new development on the island from a couple of years, so there has been some restraint on the supply of new properties. As with the rest of Spain, the market has cooled down, and asking prices are more realistic. "Buyers are better informed, and vendors more disposed to negotiate if they want to sell," explains David Novi, of Novi Properties Mallorca. "The overall number of transactions is down, but transaction prices are stable, foreign demand is steady, and it doesn't look like prices will fall." Mallorca benefits from diversified and affluent European demand, which reduces the risk of investing in property on the island. Menorca is stable, with low levels of new construction. Ibiza is a bit riskier, as there is a lot more property on the market, and its rave image is starting to get a bit tacky. On Formentera, owners can still ask what they want.

WINNERS & LOSERS

Recent headlines have rung the bell on Spain's property boom, but in most areas popular with British buyers the boom ended several years ago. In place of the boom's monoculture now we have a nuanced picture of regional market segments performing in different ways. As with all periods of change, there will be winners and losers.
The real losers are the short term speculators who over-extended to buy off-plan for short-term gain in the final years of the boom. The lucky ones are breaking even, the rest are losing some or all of their deposits. The overhang of distressed investors will soon be gone from the market.
Potential losers include anyone dumb enough to buy an obviously unattractive apartment in an overdeveloped area in the present market, or anyone ill-informed enough to pay a silly asking price.
Loses may be more widespread if Spain goes into a construction-lead recession in the next couple of years. Unfortunately, this is not out of the question, given the extent to which Spain's economy depends upon the housing sector for job creation and economic growth. A recession would hit Spanish demand for holiday homes hard, and prices could fall across the board. But even in this worst case scenario, which is hard to imagine when Spain's economy is growing so strongly, quality property that appeals to foreigners will suffer least, and market will recover in due course.
Winners include anyone who bought an attractive property in a good area 5 years ago or more. These properties should still sell in today's market for a reasonable return.
And potential winners also include anyone prepared to make the effort to find good value in today's market. The market for quality property has not collapsed, nor will it, so forget about getting quality on the cheap. Bargains are not about cheapness, they are about good value, and now that the boom is over, this is the best time in years to find a bargain in Spain. Over the long term, the right property in Spain should deliver reasonable financial returns, to add to a great quality of life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/970628

The Benefits of Computers

Whilst some people curse computers for going wrong, the truth is that they are integral to our modern life - both from a social and business point of view. From the time they were invented they have been speeding up the way we do things and helping us connect quickly and easily across the world.

The modern computer is not only amazing because of the processing power it has or the amount of data it can store - it is also amazing because of the internet which was developed to aid the way people use computers.

The internet is a free resource where anyone can contribute and access information. The information is returned quickly to the user, usually via a search engine such as Google. Research is possible by anyone into just about any subject imaginable.

Computers have sped up the pace at which we can live our modern lives. Complex calculations can be done in seconds and word processing can be done easily. This has helped speed up the pace of work. Information is easily copied and backed up and it can be sent at speed.

Computers have enabled us to connect globally. We can see a website from a company on the other side of the world and even do business via e-commerce sites at any time of the day or night.

We connect via social networking sites and email and this allows people to keep in touch like never before. People can join a forum and discuss specialised topics or they can create a blog and talk about their subject of choice.

The integration of computers with other devices has pushed the usefulness of computers into new areas. They can be found in smart phones, cars, medical equipment, simulators and much more.

Another benefit of computers is that they have cut down the amount of paper that we need. E-mails can be read on the screen, whereas letters would previously be sent. E-cards can be sent instead of traditional ones and information can be stored on computer hard drives rather than on paper.

The computer has revolutionised our world, as has those things associated with it such the internet, software and hardware, and the computer will continue to advance and change our lives for years to come.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5585595

Get the Best Life Insurance

Life insurance policy is one of the most essential things that a person should get in his or her lifetime. Earning members of your family must specially get a top life insurance plan to help their dependants handle the challenges of life in the event of their sudden death.

To get advantages of life insurance all you have to do is pay a small amount of money yearly to your insurance provider. In case of your death, your nominee would get an amount called the sum assured. These funds can be used for the education of kids, to repay loan or to fulfill the daily requirements of life. Though life insurance won't be able to fill the emotional trauma of the family of deceased, although it is extremely beneficial in making them capable of meeting the financial challenges which might take place in the wake of a death.

Other advantages of life insurance

Life insurance is looked upon a useful means of investment. Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPS) are popular amongst people who can take a higher element of risk. You can take a policy that suits your requirement and risk appetite. In addition, tax saving is another reason why many people take insurance coverage. Under section 80C, money paid as premium of life insurance policies is exempted from income tax close to the limit of Rs. 1,00,000 per year. Besides, the proceeds from a life insurance policy on maturity also get tax exemption.

Forms of insurance policies

Various types of insurance policies are available these days. You can compare life insurance policies and choose a policy that best meets your financial goals. Most well known forms of insurance policies are discussed below: 

Term insurance in India

This type of insurance policy is even known as the pure protection plan. Term Life Insurance is a straightforward policy which insures only the risk of death of the policyholder for a given period. If the policyholder does not die during this stipulated period, then no payment is made. Term Insurance is the cheaper form of life insurance plus is appropriate for those seeking to insure their life at minimum cost of costs.

Experts believe term insurance should be taken at an early age, as the premiums are lower. Because it is a pure risk coverage option, the policy can be taken by any person no matter their age, occupation or sex. Apart from, Term insurance should be taken as long tenure as available from the insurance provider.

Best pension plan in India

Pension plans offer monetary stability to policyholders during their retirement days. This policy is considered crucial in today's scenario where children are increasingly heading away from the joint family structure as well as aged have to fend for themselves. One needs to do pension planning during income earning years to gain regular payments at the time of retirement days. Under this plan, a policyholder gets Pension payments or annuities as long as he/she is alive. In certain policies, the pension is paid to the spouse or nominee even after the policyholder's death.

Experts think a person must begin a person early in the career. However, prior to selecting a policy it is recommended make an evaluation of the pension amount you may need and moreover the premiums you can pay for.

Best child plan in India

Child life insurance policy is quite useful when you are securing your child's future. The insurance policy can be taken by the parent of the guardian as early as when the child is 3 months old. As the policy is started at an early age premiums are low. The policy insures the risk of the child's life and moreover the amount assured amount gets transferred in the name of the child once he/she is 18 years old. This money can be utilized for kid's higher education, business ventures, marriage or even any other investment.

Choosing the best life insurance plan: To select the right insurance policy you can take help of insurance comparison websites such as the MyInsuranceClub.com. The websites assist you to compare quotes from top insurance providers in India. You can compare lnsurance and even choose a policy that best meets your requirement. 

Tax Advantages of Life Insurance

TAX ADVANTAGES OF LIFE INSURANCE

As the foregoing example illustrates, the utility of life insurance stems both from the "double return" character of lifeinsurance itself and its relatively "tax-sheltered" position.

The return on life insurance is twofold. First, there is an investment return, represented by tax-free accumulation of interest on the going cash value. Secondly, there is a tax-free mortality return, that is, the ultimate proceeds paid out at death almost invariably represent a gain over the total premiums paid in. In addition to these income tax advantages we have seen that where the insurance policy is owned by a member of the insured's family, or by a trust or by a corporation, the proceeds which are paid at the death of the insured are not subject to the estate tax.

As will be further considered, these tax advantages of life insurance can be compounded by careful planning. Suchmeasures, similar to the following, should be considered:

1.      The use of tax-protected income dollars to carry life insurance. Trust income which is tax-protected as far as the individual is concerned, and corporate dollars which otherwise might be declarable as dividends payable from the profits of the corporation, can be utilized for the payment of premiums.

2.      Carrying life insurance by borrowing against cash value to pay premiums, and paying out only a pure insurance cost plus interest dollars that under today's law are tax deductible.

3.      Guaranteeing the replacement of capital dollars spent today by tax-free life insurance proceeds to materialize at death. The family may be protected more effectively, for example, by funding charitable gifts made during the donor's lifetime, such funding being accomplished with a life insurance policy on the donor, the ownership of which is in some one other than the insured-donor. At death, the insurance covers what was given away, but is not subject to estate tax, since the deceased was not the owner of the life insurance. In this way, annual tax deductions may be claimed for the gifts, but the entire value of the gifts will be realized and recouped by the family at the death of the insured-donor.

Spiral Bound Notebooks

We have just added this colorful range of spiral bound notebooks to our website which would look good on any executives desk or in their briefcase.  These are a practical cost effective way to promote your business or service.

Advantages of Using Promotional Business Gifts

There are multiple advantages of using promotional business gifts in your marketing plan. These can be given to customers as an incentive gift with a purchase, an outright gift or as a traffic builder for events like grand openings and special sales events. Internally you can benefit from using promotion business gifts as rewards for employees, special thank you gifts or appreciation and deal maker gifts to give to clients and business associates.

Promotion business gifts are not terribly expensive when purchased in bulk. You have the unique opportunity to make every piece a small advertisement for your company, service or product. Use printed items to the maximum at sale events or conventions. These are commonly known as advertising promotional gifts and there are literally hundreds of thousands from which to choose.

Besides their affordability, promotional gifts and corporate gifts extend a measure of goodwill to customers and clients. Many items are very useful items, such as laptop bags, clothing, clocks, miniature radios and computer accessories. Some of the standard promotional items most businesses first order are printed pens and printed bags. Add your company logo or product image to the promo items for maximum advertising reach. Your message will be around and in the public eye a lot longer than the one event at which they are presented.

Printed business gifts include desk items like small lamps, photo frames, desk sets, pens and pencils, mugs, mouse pads, and a raft of other desk and computer accessories. Fancier corporate gifts are more expensive but you normally are not purchasing them by the hundreds or thousands. Printed bags, umbrellas, glassware, wall clocks and other larger items will fall into this category. For a very special client there is no limit on what you can purchase and use for advertising printed gifts. As long as there is available space on an item there is room for an imprint, engraving or embossing.

That is one of the best features about using promotional business gifts. For conventions and meetings order imprinted note pads, convention folders, pens, pencils and lanyards. Printed gifts will always remind the recipient of your business. They provide a convenient way to keep your contact information within easy reach. Promotional items have been in use since the time of George Washington and the industry is thriving globally today. The bottom line is that most people love to get an advertising gift.

Promotional Pens as Complementary Articles

The promotional pen is probably one of the most popular items ever in the history of promotional products. Promotional pens have ruled the popularity charts for ages and continue to do so till date. All thanks to their low cost nature and the universal utility they offer, promotional pens are one of the most widely used business gifts. This simple and easy to use promotional item can be used in more than one ways. Whether one gives them away to his employees or distributes it as freebies amidst the customers, it is completely one's call. But, irrespective of how you plan to put this fantastic promotional item to use, you are sure to hit the right notch.

There are countless ways in which these promotional pens can be put to use. One of the methods of using this promotional item could be giving it away as a complementary gift article. This incredible promotional item can be given away along with a certain or every purchase that a customer makes from your company. Giving away promotional pens as complementary articles has a dual advantage. One it pleases your customers by offering them more value for the same amount of money and secondly it helps in boosting your sales. This free gift gives your customers a reason to be happy and impressed with your company. And at the same time, promotional pens as complementary articles also work as an incentive for customers to buy your products and services.

While giving away these promo pens, as a free gift along with a certain purchase is one great idea, there can be various other ways to use it as a complementary article. How about thanking your customers for their visit to your store with these promotional pens? Giving away promotional pens to each and every one who visits your store as a thank you gift is one great idea to cast a long and indelible impression on customers mind. Your customers are sure to be much more than just impressed for the gratitude that you have shown via these promotional pens. And, who knows you store might just be flooded with people, courtesy-these promotional pens.

Promotional pens can also be provided as a complementary article along with a couple of other stationary items. You can place this fabulous promotional item along with other products like a notepad, pen pot, business card holders and the like. This wonderful promotional pen is sure to have a harmonising effect and make your gift a complete and a perfect one. So the next time you are looking for a gift for your interest groups, stack in these promotional pens with other stationary goodies and gift your audience the perfect thing.