Buying Property Abroad In Emerging Markets 23/04/2008
The Association of International Property Professionals’ ‘International Property Market Report’ found that around 30-35% of British money spent on overseas property is spent in emerging markets.  But how is this figure likely to compare now that there is a globally understood downward trend in real estate investment? In this article we look at buying property abroad in emerging markets and try to determine whether it makes fiscal sense or not to go out and buy a home overseas in a non-established marketplace given the current fiscal situation. Clearly it can make sense to invest in property in emerging markets where the numbers add up!  I.e., where there is either short-term demand for real estate units that is surging and creating a situation where you can buy off plan and flip the... more

Funding Agricultural Consolidation 24/03/2008
What started off as challenge in land consolidation is fast becoming an attractive financial investment. Agricultural land funds are turning Bulgaria's inefficiently small rural land plots into bigger and more manageable farms for later leasing to agricultural operators. As domestic and international investors become increasingly interested, agricultural land prices are going up and the farming business is set to get a boost. Land dispersion has been an issue in the country since the fall of communism. The agricultural land market has been paralysed; mostly due to the fact that plots were excessively divided and dispersed. With plots often less than one hectare in size and ownership randomly distributed, farmers who want to expand production have had to negotiate with an array of... more

Eastern Europe To Benefit From Weak Pound 14/04/2008
The tourist trade in eastern Europe could be set to benefit from the weakening pound, an expert has suggested. According to Helen Warburton of the Post Office, many consumers in the UK are looking outside of the eurozone because the currency is now much stronger than the sterling. In fact, the pound has now fallen to a record low against the euro, which means people face much higher costs if they visit countries such as Italy, Spain or France. Ms Warburton told the Daily Mail that there have been "significant increases" in the cost of popular purchases such as food and drink. Therefore, holidaymakers are opting to visit destinations with more favourable exchange rates, such as Bulgaria. Speaking to the newspaper, Ms Warburton said: "People are looking for destinations where... more