To many travellers, one of the biggest pleasures of a holiday is enjoying a few drinks in the evening, (and afternoon, and morning) so visitors to Bali will be horrified to hear that the country is facing an alcohol shortage, which tourism chiefs fear may dent the tourist high season which is so crucial to the Bali economy…

The alcohol drought is due to customs officials confiscating thousands of bottles of booze from some of the island’s top hotels, restaurants and bars.

But why, I hear you cry? Well, apparently the bottles have counterfeit tax labels meaning they are being illegally sold. Popular tourist areas such as Kuta and Nusa Dua are said to be running low on their supplies of alcohol, and hoteliers and bar owners are concerned that this may deter tourists from visiting Bali.

As the credit crunch has led to many people choosing to have a staycation this year, Brits may well avoid Bali and opt for less riskier destinations closer to home. As everyone knows that the British have a reputation – whether deserved or not – for enjoying their booze on holiday- this latest alcohol shortage could prove the deciding factor when it comes to holidaying in Bali this year.

Perry Markus, Head of the Bali branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association, said, “We’ve asked for this confiscation process to be temporarily suspended because we are running out of stocks.”

Ida Bagus Subhiksu, Head of the Bali Tourism Board, believes the raids could damage Bali’s international reputation, “We asked the customs office to stop the process and if they have to do something, please continue it later on, after the high season,” he added.

This latest alcohol problem isn’t the first to hit Bali recently – 26 people, including four foreign tourists, died after drinking local rice wine – called Arak – which had been poisoned with methanol.

Arak has become increasingly popular in Bali since a Government crackdown on imported alcohol forced up the price of spirits and wine.

The case of Queenslander Schapelle Corby almost five years ago – in which a hugely high profile trail followed her conviction for smuggling cannabis into Bali- although she maintains it was put into her bag by airport workers – also deterred a number of Australians from visiting the country.

News submitted by Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

Investors concerned about the notorious Cyprus property title deeds issue will be interested to hear that new legislation has been introduced in a bid to clear up years of problems – however, before you pop the champagne corks – the new rules will only apply to new purchases, meaning that vast numbers of owners will still be without legal documentation…

Thousands of overseas buyers have chased cheap property deals in Cyprus over the last five years, but buyer confidence has taken a knock after some owners found developers were hanging on to title deeds for their property in Cyprus.

As so many of the property owners in Cyprus are foreigners, this new legislation surrounding title deeds was crucial to their peace of mind about the ownership of their homes.

Up to 100,000 buyers – both locals and foreigners – have paid for their properties but have no legal documents to prove that they own them – which means that they are trapped as they are unable to sell them on without the documents.

But now, much to buyers’ distress, the Cypriot Government has seemingly reneged on a promise to sort out the mess and ‘help everyone,’ as it confirmed that the new law will not effect old transactions.

This means that buyers remain at the mercy of the developer who sold the property to them and the banks that hold their title deeds as collateral for loans.

The Cyprus Property Action Group, which is a collection of British nationals who have bought homes on the island and are campaigning for better protection for foreign property owners, are furious.

Back in February of this year, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband revealed that the British High Commissioner to Cyprus had ‘received assurances’ from the Cypriot Interior Ministry that they would introduce a bill to address the situation soon. At that point there was no mention of the new law relating only to future transactions, thus the buyers assumed the rules would help all of them.

Tasos Coucounis of law firm Andreas Coucounis & Co, said those denied deeds could file an action in court.

Cyprus Property Magazine reported that Mr Coucounis advised if vendors still failed to issue a deed after a successful action, buyers can “ask for Specific Performance of his sale contract from the court, in which case a Court Order for Specific Performance can be issued fast and presented at the Land Registry for transfer of the Title Deed without the vendor’s signature or participation”.

Now, they face a long court battle to get the rights to their title deeds and months more worry in the meantime.

News submitted by Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

The islands of the Maldives, a string of iridescent pearls stretching across the Indian Ocean, are best known for luxury breaks and honeymoons, but now, the Government has announced plans to make the country carbon-neutral within ten years, in a bid to combat climate change and appeal to green tourists…

The Maldives, the lowest nation in the world, stands to be one of the countries most affected by global warming thanks to rising sea levels which could submerge the islands within 50 years.

Scientists and climate experts have predicted that sea levels could rise by as much as a metre by the end of this Century.

Thus, if the sea levels continue to rise at their current rate, the future looks pretty bleak (and watery) for these 1,192 paradise isles as many of them are already only 1.5 metres above sea level.

The islands, which lie near the southern tip of India and Sri Lanka, are inhabited by around 400,000 people who live across 250 of the islands.

In a desperate bid to control the effects of climate change, the Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, has announced his Government’s plan to make the country ‘carbon-neutral’ within the next 10 years, hoping that other countries will follow suit.

As the Maldivian economy relies so heavily on tourism, raking in over £700,000 each year, the Government is also hoping that the carbon-neutral promise will attract more environmentally conscious tourists.

The Government is working with climate energy experts to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources.

A new British film about climate change, called ‘The Age of Stupid,’ provided the perfect backdrop against which to launch the carbon-neutral pledge.

The President admitted that becoming carbon-neutral would be very expensive, but it was something they simply had to do – giving new meaning to ‘costing the earth.’

President Nasheed said, “Climate change isn’t a vague and abstract danger but a real threat to our survival.”

New home

Shockingly, contingency plans have already been put into place in case the islands are submerged at some point in the future.

Mr Nasheed plans to create a sovereign wealth fund using tourism revenues to buy land in either India or Sri Lanka, where the culture is seen to be fairly similar.

He fears that if he does not take action, the future descendants of the 300,000 islanders could become environmental refugees.

News submitted Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

Land offers the safe familiarity of an old friend in times of economic downturn. It’s a tangible asset and one which can never be taken away. As supply diminishes and demand does the opposite, land values almost always rise and at a much faster pace than property. So why not opt for a headache-free, 45,000 USD investment into a plot of land in the Dominican Republic? And enjoy the added protection of a guaranteed buy-back in two years at 167% of asking price.

The lush paradise of the Dominican Republic basks in 26ºC all-year round and provides a colourful tapestry of cultures and landscapes which keeps even the most adventurous traveller returning for more. The eastern coastline boasts pristine white beaches, the longest coral reef on the island and more than a dozen golf courses designed by a who’s who of golf from Dye to Faldo, Gancedo to Nicklaus. This is the setting for Punta Cana, touted as the Dominican Republic’s most significant tourist resort, and known as the ‘coconut coast’ for its 30 miles of swaying palms – palms which offer their name to the area’s newest first-rate residential development.

Swaying Palms offers a wealth of living and leisure options from tennis courts and an oversized 850m² swimming pool to restaurants and supervised children’s play. But its real investment appeal lies in the plots. Fully serviced with utilities, the 500m² plots have permission for a 200m² footprint enabling a two-storey villa of up to 400m². Priced at just 90 USD/m² these are way below market value, up to 30%, with other plots in Punta Cana fetching around $300 USD/m². The land is freehold with full title deed and all you have to decide is whether to build or take advantage of a guaranteed buy-back.

Managing Director of GEM Estates, Andy Welland, comments, “As the well-known phrase goes ‘land is purchased by the acre but sold by the square foot’ and the disparity between entry prices and exit prices can be quite significant. Due to the sought-after location of Punta Cana and his below market value starting price, the developer at Swaying Palms can comfortably guarantee a buy-back at $75,150 USD in two years giving a fabulous return of 167%. What’s more, investors can choose whether to pay in either four quarterly or 12 monthly instalments after putting down the initial 20% deposit, all of them interest-free. This kind of safe secure investment doesn’t come up too often.”

Plot owners at Swaying Palms will have full access to all the facilities within this gated five-star community including the private beach. They can also take membership of the Owners Benefits Club which, amongst others, secures access to five of the top golf courses in the area and discounts 15% off food and drink at the beach club. Swaying Palms also has an on-site rental and administration office, wi-fi and satellite television.

Swaying Palms is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Punta Cana’s International Airport serving London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Manchester with direct flights of around eight hours in length.

News submitted by Sarah Drane, GEM Estates

A traditional favourite with British holidaymakers, the small island of Malta is hoping to attract the luxury property investor. Once home to mass-market developments, Malta has learnt from its mistakes in the past and is now concentrating on high-end developments.

The Maltese emphasis is on the luxury sector, perhaps nowhere more so than in the capital, Valletta, whose Grand Harbour waterfront is currently seeing the fruits of a long restoration project. Costing around €25 million, Valletta Waterfront has been transformed from dilapidated rows of warehouses into a buzzing restaurant and retail area and a top tourist attraction. Near the Waterfront is the main quay, the principal entry point for the increasing number of cruise liners that include the island on their itinerary. The quay has just been lengthened to over 300m at a cost of €2 million and now allows larger cruise ships to dock.

Luxury property development is centred around specific areas on the island. Tigne Point is one such example. This rocky outcrop, which looks over to Valletta on the other side of the water, is a focus for luxury apartments. Construction at Portomaso in the St Julian’s district in the north of the capital includes a private marina.

Between joining the EU in 2004 and adopting the euro last year, property prices on Malta increased by around 8% annually. However, in common with many countries, Malta has seen a decline in its property market since 2008. According to the latest Knight Frank Global Price Index (Q1 2009), prices on the island experienced a year-on-year fall of 5.6% with a 1.7% drop in the first quarter of this year.

Maltese property is popular with foreigners who make up between 30% and 40% of buyers, with the British dominating the foreign buyer market. However, buying a property on Malta usually involves applying for a permit and the island implements strict purchase regulations for non-Maltese nationals. There are also rental restrictions – second homes cannot generally be let unless they are a villa with a pool or come into the category of “first-class luxury flat”.

“Malta has many attractions including its year-round climate and the increased availability of low-cost flights,” says James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, “but it’s a small island and doesn’t suit everyone. And its purchase and rental regulations also restrict investment.”

News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk Investment Property

2008 was a good year for tourism on the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta. Recently released figures show that the island had its best year yet thanks to improved marketing and increased arrivals with the low-cost airlines. It all added up to an impressive annual increase of 3.8%. In addition, two popular low-cost carriers have added Malta to their destination list for 2009, promising increased arrivals and property investment potential.

Malta has long been a favourite with retirees, particularly from the UK, but the island’s tourism demographics are changing and with the introduction of more budget airline routes and an aggressive marketing campaign from Air Malta, it is becoming the destination of choice for visitors of all age ranges, seeking the warmth of the Maltese sun.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk Investment Property, says that the perception of the island is changing and this is thanks mainly to Ryanair and Air Malta with their competitively-priced flights. “The low-cost airlines are the key for both tourism and the local property market, this range of new flights can only be good news for Malta.”

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) also highlights the introduction of low-cost flights to the island in autumn 2006 as fundamental in turning the tide for Maltese tourism and an official commented that 2009 promises to be another good year with both easyJet and Ryanair announcing new routes to the island. EasyJet will begin a Newcastle-Malta route in April 2009 and Ryanair began flights from Edinburgh in March and will run a Bristol-Malta flight from July.

However, MTA officials are concerned about the 5.8% decrease in the number of British tourists to Malta in 2008, despite the fact that British tourists accounted for a huge (35.2%) percentage of all visitors to the island. The additional problem of the pound losing value against the euro means that UK visitors to Malta are likely to drop further, so they are now turning their sights to the euro zone and emerging countries such as Russia. The numbers of tourists from the euro zone increased considerably in 2008 with tourists from Germany and Italy – the next two biggest markets for the Maltese tourism industry – increasing by 16% and 27.1% respectively from 2007, while those from Spain increased by a staggering 32.2%.

The MTA is determined not to become complacent about the country’s excellent annual growth, particularly in the face of the global economic crisis. Their marketing strategy ensures that there is something for everyone – the island is fast becoming a significant port of call for cruise operators and the MTA is targeting specialised operators for activity and spa holidays as well as events and concert travel.

News submitted by Alison Kane, Obelisk Investment Property

The award-winning development of Vila Jardins do Oceano, just 40 two and three bedroom villas in an idyllic beachfront location, has been quick to sell due to a clever combination of high quality and low pricing. With just a handful of homes remaining, the developer has acknowledged prevailing economic conditions and offered some enticing incentives for buyers. For risk-free capital growth, look no further…

Andy Welland, Managing Director of GEM Estates, comments, “Vila Jardins do Oceano is one of the only resorts on the entire Cape Verdean archipelago where you can pick up a two bedroom villa within 60 metres of the beach for less than 300,000 euros. Compared with neighbouring Santiago-based projects, price per square metre here is around 10% less. Looking across to other islands at developments where even a single brick is yet to be laid, Vila Jardins do Oceano comes in at 33 to 50% less expensive. Reassuringly no corners have been cut in order to arrive at these prices. In fact, market-leading construction techniques make the villas the most comfortable homes in Cape Verde. Combine this with a thriving rental market and steady capital appreciation and it all adds up to a sound investment.”

With construction in full swing, the resort is scheduled to complete in August 2009 and become available for paying guests. The development is backed by the Exchange Bond therefore buyers will be able to secure one of the last remaining units with a small 3,000 euro deposit and then have nothing further to pay until the completion date – but of course locking themselves in at today’s below market value price. The developer is also offering 5,000 euro cash-back when owners furnish their homes from a choice of packages and a free Toshiba branded air-conditioning upgrade. But it doesn’t stop there.

Thanks to the participation of a respected Cape Verdean hotel chain, Vila Jardins do Oceano is able to guarantee an uncapped rental income of 3% per annum for the first two years from completion. Beyond this point yields are expected to be high by virtue of the fact that Santiago is already served by direct flights to Europe, including Paris and Lisbon, and the nation’s first finished golf course, the Nick Faldo Estrela Santiago, is set for a 2010 opening thus attracting the lucrative golfing market. The Island’s hotels already run at a healthy 70% occupancy but with tourist arrivals soaring year-on-year, demands on short-term rental accommodation are high – great news for owners at Vila Jardins do Oceano. Lastly, mortgage arrangement and legal fees associated with the purchase will be paid for, regardless of your choice of solicitor.

Tucked around a sheltered private cove, which will receive a layer of white sand to cover the existing volcanic, Vila Jardin do Oceano’s two and three bedroom villas face south and thanks to their staggered arrangement on a gentle slope, each has unhindered sea views. On private plots of between 385 and 500m² with a fresh water swimming pool apiece, the villas (130m² for two bedrooms and 180m² for three) are tastefully decorated and equipped with all appliances whilst on-site amenities are comprehensive for what is essentially a boutique resort. Two tennis courts, a bar, restaurant and the showpiece, an iconic infinity swimming pool – Cape Verde’s first. The resort is a three minute stroll from Cidade Velha, planned UNESCO world heritage site and vintage colonial port.

Vila Jardins do Oceano observes the strictest planning controls with build density remaining below 20% and just a single storey – excepting sunny roof terraces. The resort’s construction adopts the ICF (Insulated Concrete Forms) technique developed in Hawaii which creates an energy-efficient home offering even temperature distribution, fire resistance, sound resistance and hugely reduced electricity bills. Extra thick walls have a cooling effect and air-conditioning use is literally slashed in half. Vila Jardins do Oceano also has an unlimited water supply via an ecologically sound dual desalinization plant.

Vila Jardins do Oceano is priced from 299,999 euros for a two bedroom villa within 60 metres of the beach. Pay just 3,000 euros now with nothing more until completion in August 2009 where an uncapped 3% rental guarantee kicks in for two years. Personal use is permitted for a generous 12 weeks per year. Up to 75% mortgages are available through a Portuguese bank subject to status.

News submitted by Sarah Drane, GEM Estates

The number of foreigners calling the Balearic Islands home rose dramatically last year, with reports that Majorca was one of the safest areas in invest in due to a balanced supply and demand situation – but now, Majorca is suffering huge drops in house sales, with the number of British buyers falling by 50 per cent…

Long a favourite with the rich and famous, Majorca is traditionally the most popular of the Balearic Islands.

Stunning coastlines and months of mellow sunshine provide the perfect backdrop to its role as the super yacht hub of the western Mediterranean. The true jewel in the crown is the capital city of Palma which offers a far more cosmopolitan and cultural twist that most holiday hotspots.

The other Balearic Islands, namely Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera, are also popular with holidaymakers and investors and, according to Spain’s National Statistics Institute, the number of foreigners living in the Balearics rose by a whopping 17.2 per cent last year.

More than 32,000 foreigners arrived to set up home on one of the islands last year, with Germans heading up the exodus. German nationals now account for the largest single group of immigrants to the Balearics, swiftly followed by Brits, Moroccans and Italian citizens.

Majorca’s stunning capital city of Palma is the most populous town, followed by Calvia, where over 33 per cent of residents are foreign. Ibiza Town came in third place with 11,604 foreigners, or almost a quarter of its inhabitants.

But, local estate agent Engel & Völkers, which specialize in selling luxury properties in Majorca, said that Majorca endured one of the most challenging financial quarters at the end of last year.

According to the Engel & Völkers report, sales fell by 30 and 35 per cent in the last few months of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007.

British buyers have dropped by 50 per cent and the main buyers at present are German, Scandinavian, Swiss and Spanish.

The only area which has proved to be the exception is the southeast of Majorca which has had its best year yet. Twenty minutes from Palma airport is the exclusive town of Puerto de Andraitx which has the reputation of being the ‘prettiest harbour in the Mediterranean.’

Celebrities flock to this area, which boasts some of the most expensive property in Majorca. As super rich celebrities aren’t so concerned by the credit crunch, this area has bucked the trend and sales have remained stable or even increased.

As the island has a balanced supply and demand situation, which is driven by strict controls on new development, easy access and a sophisticated infrastructure, sales on the island look set to level out.

News submitted by Jon Moore, The Move Channel

Some property investments can appear a little too good to be true. Affordable entry level pricing from £85,000, 100% finance with only a £1,000 deposit to pay, 10% rental guarantee, little or no tax, fully SIPP-able, world-class hotel management, the support of big names from Gary Player golf to a Pat Cash tennis academy – all set against a backdrop of Caribbean picture-postcard perfection. At times like this attending a seminar is a sensible option. Hear the facts, meet the developers, ask a multitude of questions and make your own mind up without obligation.

Throughout February and March GEM Estates invites you to attend (appointment-only) seminars about five-star Caribbean property investment either in London or even closer to home at your computer via a real-time online presentation. You can book online at GEM-Estates.com or by calling UK 0800 036 0068.

On the evening of Wednesday 18 February Dr Rohan Weerasinghe will be your host at London’s Grange Holborn Hotel on Southampton Row. Rohan has helped literally hundreds of people become financially free and develop successful businesses and is best-known for his charismatic no-nonsense approach to both speaking and business. An ideal candidate for exploding the myths of too-good-to-be-true Caribbean property investment.

Maria Davies will take over the reins on Tuesday 3 March, also at London’s Grange Holborn Hotel. As an eminent property columnist, expert and successful property investor for almost 20 years, Maria will explain why she believes this Caribbean investment opportunity is, in her own words, “the best we’ve ever seen… BAR NONE”.

Meanwhile on Tuesday 17 February and Wednesday 4 March online presentations will be made available, by appointment, to enjoy an interactive seminar from the comfort of your own home – again questions will be made welcome and real-time feedback given. No obligation and no excuses to explore what could be a lucrative investment opportunity in today’s climate.

Our developer partners have offered a further confidence booster. The pound has had a life of its own recently which causes its fair share of headaches if you’re trying to forward-manage your cashflow over stage payments in a foreign currency. All of GEM Estates Caribbean products (Barbados, Dominican Republic, St Vincent, St Lucia) have now been fixed in sterling so further fluctuations will be irrelevant. What’s more, with all developments under the management of Oasis Hotels and Resorts, rental income is not a problem, in fact guaranteed, so the smallest studio apartments in St Vincent at just £85,000 will generate a more-than-satisfactory 10% annual income. Who said the Caribbean was expensive?

The long and short of it is recession or no recession, the profile of individual keen on a Caribbean getaway has been unaffected. Throw in those incredible facilities from Trader Vic’s restaurants to Spas and you have an investment winner on your hands. But don’t take our word for it. Hear from Rohan and be seduced…

We’ll let Rohan have the final word, “This is not a get rich quick scheme and not for people who are looking for a quick ‘buck’. However, if you are looking for solid growth, a serious return on your money and a genuine income year on year, over a 5 to 10 year period (and more) then you should seriously take a look at this.”

You can book your online caribbean property seminar by calling GEM Estates on UK 0800 036 0068 today

For those purchasers keen to be ahead of the game, The Philippines is the latest market to burst onto the international property scene. Blue Coral is a 5 star resort offering studio and 2 bedroom apartments and 2 and 3 bedroom villas on the eastern side of the stunning coral island of Mactan.

This Southeast Asian island country offers the attractive blend of a tropical climate, low cost of living, thriving economy and good accessibility and is proving to be a destination more popular than ever with a near 4% rise in tourist arrivals reported for Jan – Oct 2008 compared to the previous year (Central Bank of the Philippines).

Named after the 16th century King Philip II of Spain, The Philippines comprises over 7,000 separate islands in the western Pacific Ocean. It has a population of 90 million and although around 180 languages are spoken across the islands, the two official languages are Filipino and English. Philippine culture is a mix of pre-Hispanic Austronesian (Malayo Polynesian) civilisations, Hispanic and American culture, and to a lesser extent Chinese, Arab, and Indian cultures.

Following a period of marshal law from 1972, the People Power Revolution of 1986 led the country back to the thriving democracy it is today. Turbulence in the late 1980′s gave way to stability and economic growth in the 1990′s. The Philippines is regarded as a newly industrialised country and now receives substantial contributions from manufacturing and mining sectors as well as remittances from overseas Filipinos. Tourism is hugely important as is, increasingly, outsourcing from international businesses. The Philippines has the potential to become one of the largest economies of the world in the 21st century according to Goldman Sachs’ ‘Next Eleven’ paper.

The Philippines also represents an exciting alternative to traditional property investments in the West, particularly given recent economic developments. According to a recent World Bank report, thanks to various fiscal and other reforms during the last several years The Philippines is in a good position to weather current difficulties. The report cited continued strong performance in private investments and construction, in addition to better than expected crop harvest yields. There was also higher manufacturing output and continued remittance from the 8 million Filipinos who work overseas.

Such economic resilience is likely to lure increasing international investment into the property market. Demand from Europe, the United States and Russia for city centre and resort properties has been brought about thanks to cheaper prices and the requirement from investors to shift their money into strong emerging markets. Savvier investors are looking for investments with the potential for high monthly rental yields and developments such as the Blue Coral Resort and Spa on Mactan Island, which is to be run as a managed resort hotel, increasingly seem a sound investment. Philippine hotel rates are on a par with the US or Europe, whilst entry level purchasing prices for freehold property are much lower. A deposit on a new fully furnished, five star apartment or villa for example can be as low as £2000.

Mactan Island, subject to much developer interest, is located in part of the central Philippine province of Cebu in the Bohol Strait. This beautiful coral island is surrounded by azure water with extensive mangrove forests and offers some of Asia’s best diving facilities and lush golf-courses. There are modern shopping centres, fine-dining restaurants and lively entertainment centres. Thanks to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and its proximity to Cebu, the area’s tourism industry has boomed significantly with the local economy feeling the positive effects. Recently, a further £4 million of investment in the airport has been announced, together with the planned addition of another terminal due to the increasing volume of passenger traffic.

Steve Worboys, Managing Director of Experience International, comments:

“Our development on Mactan Island is ideal for property purchasers or investors who are disappointed with the returns on traditional investments and who want to look abroad towards exciting emerging markets. Our properties, to be run as part of a fully managed resort, will allow purchasers or renters to experience the best of life in The Philippines, surrounded by a plethora of facilities. These will include 26 spa rooms, a gymnasium, water sports, diving school, wellness spa, health pools and a private beach.

“The ‘credit crunch’ has affected The Philippines to a much lesser extent and given the local price of property and the increasing demand for accommodation in the area, we estimate that properties taking part in our rental management scheme will yield 19.5% per year and up to 150% return on investment over 5 years. These numbers, together with all the other benefits, make investing in the resort seem like simple common sense.”

News submitted by Charlotte Ashton, Experience International