GEM Estates (Global Emerging Markets) was established in 2004 in direct response to the biggest shift in the recent history of the overseas property market. Suddenly buying a home abroad became so much more than just a holiday bolthole on the Côtes, Costas or Keys and the world became the property investor’s oyster – with ‘emerging’ the new buzzword. Emerging markets however are not for everyone.

Over the years GEM Estates’ has forged relationships with a number of clients who perhaps favour lifestyle considerations over investment. Possibly finding it hard to envisage a finished product from architect’s drawings these buyers are drawn to more established markets where they can get on a plane, visit the area, see completed properties and make an informed decision. GEM Established is the solution.

Running alongside the emerging market business, our portfolio covers classic holiday destinations across the globe including Portugal, Cyprus, Spain, USA, Dubai and Turkey where the recipe is right for warm weather, vibrant cultures, easy accessibility and plenty of Blue Flag beaches and first-rate golf courses to keep the whole family amused. Naturally lower risk than the emerging markets, these established destinations offer steady capital appreciation, tried-and-tested rental opportunities and of course the added bonus of a holiday home for sunshine breaks.

GEM Established is now working alongside with a range of reputable developers, many of whom we’ve partnered for several years promoting their emerging market products, and whichever country appeals you can be assured that we’ve checked out bank guarantees, escrow accounts, financing options and licenses on your behalf.

Here are a couple of morsels to tempt…

Starting with Spain, the founding father of holiday destinations, this country remains as popular as ever. One of the most accessible countries for northern Europeans, Spain’s tradition for family beach and golf holidays has turned it into a leading market for overseas property purchase.

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Granada, home to Spain’s most visited monument, La Alhambra, is the countryside development of Mirador de Iznalloz which is priced from an unbelievably low 65,209 euros proving that ‘established’ doesn’t have to mean ‘expensive’. The one two and three bedroom apartments are nestled into a traditional village with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants whilst golf, a watersports lake, beaches and the majestic Sierra Nevada ski resort are all within easy driving distance.

With stunning views, all properties at Mirador de Iznalloz have fitted kitchens with appliances, underground parking and storage plus the benefit of a swimming pool, paddle tennis court, barbecue area and pretty gardens. Prices start from 65,209 euros for a one bedroom apartment and payment terms are 3,000 euro deposit, 30% on private purchase and 70% upon completion scheduled for the end of 2009. Bank guarantees and build licence are in place.

Moving onto Cyprus, sitting at the southernmost point of Europe, this country is steeped in history and myth. The birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the island has been settled since around 9,000 BC and is famed for its beautiful beaches, fantastic climate and friendly people. One of Britain’s most beloved isles, after its own of course, northern Europeans have been house-hunting and holidaying in Cyprus for decades.

Within Cyprus’ most renowned award-winning golf resort just a few minutes from Paphos you will find the key-ready development of Apollo Heights. The one and two bedroom apartments alongside three bedroom semi-detached villas share communal pools whilst the ground-level properties have the option of a private pool within their own garden.

The 18-hole Cabell Robinson golf course is on the doorstep of Apollo Heights as is an outstanding Spa facility. Membership to both is available, and in some cases included, dependent on the property purchased. The resort’s village square with tavernas, restaurants and supermarket is within easy reach meanwhile the sandy beaches are a mere five minute drive.

The developers are currently offering a unique 15% discount and free furniture package on selected units, this equates to a discount of more than 100,000 euros in some cases. Prices start from 312,000 euros for a discounted one bedroom apartment which is complete and ready to move into. Up to 70% finance is available.

News submitted by Sarah Drane, GEM Established

Renowned for its fine wines, good gastronomy and liberating revolutions, France is one of the most popular property investment areas in the world, especially when it comes to quaint, remote, rural retreats. This month TheMoveChannel.com announces a number of new rural French property developments, looks at some of the regions that offer rustic charms and ponders the question, why is the French countryside so splendid?

Rural properties in France may not be an investment opportunity UK investors have considered in the past, so TheMoveChannel.com provides an overview of rural France and its culture.

Rural Lifestyle

Living off the fat of the land and relaxing in the shade with a glass of red wine as the sun beats down, illuminating the backdrop of green fields and rolling hills. This is the image of rural France and one that’s not a million miles from the truth.

With a vast amount of agricultural land and wine growing areas, countryside living in France tends to be largely self-sufficient. Plenty of local produce is grown and sold and many of the locals seem to survive by buying and selling to each other. This seems easier to do in the small remote towns and villages, where community spirit still seems to exist in abundance.

However, governmental services such as police, schools, fire stations and libraries can be somewhat limited in scope, or absent altogether in some of the more secluded areas.

Public transport is also usually restricted or missing and many people use their own vehicles. If this is impractical, they may walk or use the assistance of an animal such as a horse when riding a cart.

Food & drink

Food and drink is a popular pastime all over France, but especially in the countryside where the lifestyle is a pace slower and the mentality more relaxed.

The fat of the agricultural land serves plenty of fruit and vegetables, and the livestock produces a wide selection of meat and cheeses.

Fish, especially sardines, lamb, goat and duck are all favoured flavours of rural France. Duck is very fashionable and used liberally, with foie gras and confit de canard (duck simmered then preserved in its own fat), particularly popular.

Truffles – known as the “Black Diamond” – are sold in most traditional open-air markets and are an extravagant but widely used delicacy.

With olive groves and vineyards in abundance, it is no surprise that olive oil, olives and plenty of wine are on the menu in most homes.

Cahors is one of the oldest wine-growing areas in France and produces enough red wine to rival Bordeaux. Chilled white wine is very popular when the hot dry summers descend, with the fuller, heavier red being preferred when the air is lighter and the heat has dissipated.

Pace of Life

While the French countryside offers a sense of serenity and of stepping back in time, there is evidence of much modernization.

The once-neglected roads are being improved on a regular basis, while cozy cafés and mini markets are popping up all over the place.

Also on the increase are state subsidies for houses and villages, to protect the rural heritage and attract a regular influx of visitors.

Rural Traditions

Small towns and villages retain a civic life which seems to cultivate rural values – both good and bad – with a sense of a close community spirit tangible, but also a climate of suspicion and distrust towards outsiders that stumble upon their green and pleasant land.

Top Regions for Rural Property

Provence

The warm, dry Mediterranean climate shapes the cuisine of Provence, with an abundance of seafood from the coast and the regions rugged landscape making it an ideal place for the grazing of goats and sheep.

For those that like the quieter life of a remote setting, Provence has numerous rural villages and towns all offering something different. The Var area is covered with vineyards, olive groves and lavender fields and is France’s largest grower of cut flowers.

Vaucluse has miles of jagged mountains to the east and cultivates vast quantities of fruit and vegetables in its very fertile plains.

Luberon is composed of three mountain ranges and has gentle valleys sprinkled with orchards and wooded hills of oak and pine, while the surrounding villages are formed by rusty stained stone and steeped in colourful history.

Cheap rural property prices seem to be a thing of the past in the Provence countryside, but it is still possible to buy 2 to 3 bed houses in the villages of Var or Vaucluse for between €250,000 and €350,000.

Normandy

Situated along the coast of France, south of the English Channel, between Brittany and Picardy, the territory of Normandy is divided between French and British sovereignty.

Within the rural area are vast amounts of agriculturally rich countryside with crops and apple orchards, as well as lush forests.

The region is renowned for its delightful cuisine, which specializes in seafood, duck and cream, as well as the famous Camembert cheeses.

The area of Calvados is dominated by agriculture and known for producing butter, cheese, cider and the apple based spirit that shares its name, Calvados (Spirit).

Well-served by sea, road and rail connections, Normandy’s easy access from the UK makes it a favourite with British buyers.

There’s an abundance of farm buildings and barns, land and lakes for sale in the rural areas of Normandy featuring a wide range of property styles – timber-framed barns, town houses and châteaux are all available.

House prices in Normandy are much more competitive compared to other areas of France. An outlay of around €45,000 will buy you a quaint cottage in Calvados, in need of renovation, while a budget in the region of €150,000 will get you a large, stone-built longère with land and possibly some outbuildings in Manche.

TheMoveChannel.com, the leading international property portal,  announces a number of new rural French property developments or properties for sale, including:

· 5 bed villa (£548,540, Villedieu, Normandy)

· Restoration project (£41,940, semi detached stone house, Passias La Conception, Normandy)

News submitted by Jon Moore, The Move Channel