The Altinkum Didim Yacht Marina in Turkey has been in the pipeline for an absolute age, but the waiting is finally over – the £33.6 million marina will open next month, potentially giving a huge boost to property in the Altinkum area…

The luxury marina will cover more than 287,000 square metres of land between Third Beach and Parlementerler, to the west of Altinkum and is set to change the face of the Turkish coastline at Didim.

The largest marina in the Southern Aegean, the Didim D-Marina will include a heliport, customs, own pier and high-end shopping centre, not to mention space to moor more than 1,000 yachts, blowing Bodrum’s 450-berth site out of the water.

The marina boasts berths for 623 yachts afloat and space for 600 yachts ashore, plus yacht lifts for 300 and 100 tonne boats.

Restaurants and bars will be opened all around the marina, which is to be built by Dogus Holdings, one of the biggest organisations in Turkey. They will also retain a 25-year operating lease.

The marina will also have ferry links to the Greek islands of Kalimnos, Kos and Leros, as well a customs post, port authority facilities and passport control.

Didim D-Marina signifies a new lease of life for the already buoyant Didim region, as it will open up the area to a whole new tourism market. Local property developers are expecting an influx of international investors following the marina’s launch. Whilst prices in the area are currently low, it is thought that the new project will have a dramatic effect on them, despite the current global crisis.

More than 5,000 homes have already been bought in the Aydin district, under which Didim and Altinkum fall, according to the Turkish Land Registry.

Overall, German residents show the greatest interest in real estate in Turkey but they are closely followed by British and Greek people.

A Spokesman for Dogus Holdings said, “Property in the Didim area, close to the marina is currently very affordable.

“A simple two bedroom apartment can be purchased for £30,000 to £45,000, but the growth trend in property prices means that you should expect to double your investment within the first five years, perhaps even sooner.

“This area will provide serious long term gains in property values for it is a perfect location for investors. There has never been a better time to invest in Didim property.”

Alongside the new marina, there are also plans to construct a golf course nearby. The course, which will be completed in 2013, has already had its plans approved by the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

News submitted by Dan Johnson, The Move Channel

The construction of a man-made island and the development of coastline that basks in sunshine nearly 365 days a year sounds like something you would associate with the United Arab Emirates but in a bid to enhance its future tourism appeal, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is doing just this.

The Cypriot government is hoping to lengthen its tourism season and also attract upmarket visitors by giving planning permission to a total of four new marinas located in the island’s main resorts, Limassol being the grandest of them all.

Construction of Limassol Marina will commence in early 2009 and is set to be completed, with its artificial island, by 2013. The marina will have 1000 births available, 400 connected to the mainland and 600 on the island which will also hold an array of properties, boating services and entertainment areas. The three other ports along the southern side of the island to receive make-over’s in the next few years are Larnaca, Paphos and Ayia Napa which will all have some large scale development carried out. No less than 900 spaces will be available for births at each port with the marina at Larnaca, set to start construction around the same time as Limassol, being able to accommodate the “super yacht” (yachts that are over 35 metres long) as well as hosting a cruise liner terminal.

“The size of these projects is quite amazing” says Martin Pearce, UK Sales Director of Aristo Developers a leading property developer on the island. “For example, currently Larnaca can host up to 200 vessels but this enhancement will mean that up to 1000 vessels can take advantage of the facilities at the port. Other popular towns such as Paphos and Ayia Napa will all have similar features and will provide better accessibility for skippers wanting to explore the island. As a company we are excited to see these projects get under way and the feeling in Cyprus is that it will not only create more jobs in the areas mentioned but will also appeal to a different kind of visitor.”

So what will these nautical enhancements mean for an island that has such a rich history and culture? Cyprus has seen a steady growth in tourism over recent years but figures now show that the popular island has reached a plateau of approximately 2.4 million arrivals and revenues of around €42.5 billion per year.

Antonis Paschalides, Minister of Commerce says, “Our vision is for maritime tourism to become a predominant source of revenue and the backbone of the island’s development effort”.

The government of Cyprus has been taking the development of its tourism industry very seriously with Paphos International Airport and its new terminal and facilities also recently opening. According to airport-technology.com the passenger growth in Cyprus is now expected to be between 3.5% and 4% a year and time will only tell what the impact of the planned marinas will do to increase these figures.

Pearce says: “In addition to the boost this gives to the tourism industry in Cyprus, it is another sign of the commitment Cyprus has to the continued development of its first class infrastructure and the benefits this will bring to investors” Aristo Developers have a large number of properties around the planned new marinas some even offering private boat shelters. “For those looking for a property close to the water with more secluded and private boating facilities we have opportunities surrounding the bay at Latchi which has a well established yachting marina” says Pearce. “If on the other hand you want to be closer to some of the bigger marinas we have properties in and around the areas of Limassol and Paphos; there really are many options and with all main ports being regenerated you are never far away from the first class marine facilities that Cyprus offers.”

One development available is the luxury villas of Agnades Village which is just a 4 minute drive outside the stunning surroundings of Latchi a small village with its own yachting marina and port. Situated at the foothills of the Paphos Forest only metres from the sandy beaches, these properties provide an ideal location for those looking for an overseas home suitable for holiday use, permanent living and retirement. Prices start from €462,600 / £410,700 plus VAT Aristo Developers will also be attending the 2009 Boat Show being held at London Excel which will host some of the world’s finest yachting and sailing companies from the 9th -18th January 2009.

News submitted by Amanda Sharples, Aristo Developers

Dream Homes Worldwide is pleased to exclusively market Hydra Blue, a brand new frontline ocean project on Al Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. Hydra Blue is set to be one of Abu Dhabi’s key investment projects, with ROI of more than 100% predicted.

With the UAE’s richest emirate climbing high in the property stakes, now is an ideal time to invest in a first-class property in Abu Dhabi’s latest creation, Al Reem Island. The developer of this multi-billion dollar project has recently hit the headlines in the UK when it purchased Manchester City, one of the Premier League’s top teams. This fantastic island, located just 600 metres off the coast and accessible by three bridges, is a natural island that is currently undergoing a complete transformation to create a huge residential, commercial and business district to accommodate over 280,000 residents.

• EXCLUSIVE to Dream Homes Worldwide
• Frontline location with uninterrupted views of the Gulf and Abu Dhabi
• The best location on Al Reem Island – superb rental opportunities
• Invest today – ROI of more than 100% predicted
• Hydra Blue will offer residents a truly five-star lifestyle
• on-site facilities include: concierge service, swimming pool, gymnasiums, food & retail outlets
• Leading property development company – recently purchased the Premier Leagues Manchester City

Call Dream Homes Worldwide on + 34 952 908 803 to speak to an investment consultant about
Hydra Blue, Al Reem Island

Zero Five Zero enjoys a prime beach front location in Madinat Al Arab, Waterfront Dubai’s premier community and one of the most strategically advantageous locations in the UAE overlooking the Pal Jebel Ali from the rooftop swimming pool. The modern architecture and luxury interior design of the Zero Five Zero development ensure many apartments enjoy unobstructed sea views from private gardens.
situated midway between the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and is close by the new Dubai World Central whilst being conveniently located from the new Dubai Airport. An excellent transportation network with a well planned road network and public transport system ensures businesses and residents will have easy access to other areas within Zero Five Zero.
Waterfront Dubai’s Central Business District will offer state of the art office facilities and a world-class environment in which to work, play, relax and do business.

• Only 20% needed to secure your purchase
• Strategically advantageous location within UAE
• Convenient distance from new Dubai Airport
• 10 minutes from world class Dubai Waterfront Central Business District
• 180-metres from stunning beaches
• Quality internal fixtures and fittings, including a fitted kitchen with white goods
• Fully equipped state-of-the-art gymnasium with Jacuzzi
• Dedicated parking spots at basement level
• 24-hour concierge and security services
• High speed internet access with advanced technology features
• Elegant boutiques coupled with fine dining

Call P&O Homes on + 350 200 47474 to speak to an investment consultant about
Zero Five Zero, Waterfront Dubai

As Ras Al Khaimah becomes an international business and tourism centre, new developments are being envisioned in the UAE’s fourth largest emirate. Bab-Al-Badr “gateway to the moon”, is a man-made cluster of four coral-shaped paradise islands emerging southwest over 29 million sq. ft of lands, in the map of Ras Al Khaimah,  Al Marjan Islands.

• AED 6.6 billion freehold retail complex overlooking a cultural paradise in Arabian Gulf
• architectural opus of 14 & 13 elliptical towers linked by a Sky Bridge
• 8-storeys comprising serviced studio apartments, townhouses & duplex apartments
• state-of-the-art facilities – swimming pool, gym, supermarket, health club and salon
• Professional property management services – maintenance & cleaning
• 24-hour restaurants & coffee shops
• Bab-Al-Badr set to become another world-class business and residential community icon

Call P&O Homes on + 350 200 47474 to speak to an investment consultant about
Bab Al Badr, Ras Al Khaimah

Island city Abu Dhabi, capital of the UAE, is a very interesting place in which to invest right now.  Like many of its Arab neighbours, the authorities are keeping mindful of the day when oil runs out – although that could be as far as 90 years away for Abu Dhabi – and diversifying into trade, financial services and tourism, with some incredible projects under way.

With arguably a more considered master plan than neighbour Dubai where rampant construction is taking place as the egg timer on its oil reserves ticks down to about 20 years, Abu Dhabi has instigated Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, an urban development programme covering everything from land use to transportation for the next two decades, over which time its population is set to triple to three million.  Focusing on the cultural and the tasteful, Abu Dhabi has secured a Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum set to open in 2011, a Louvre to be completed in 2012 and a real coup, the last date of the 2009 F1 calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the all-new Yas Island Circuit.

Andy Welland, MD of GEM Estates comments, “The spotlight will begin to shift from Dubai, or at least be shared by both Emirates, and the island marina developments such as Al Reem Island and Saadiyat Island connected by bridge to the main city will undoubtedly become highly sought-after addresses.  With residential, leisure and business facilities and cutting edge architectural design, off-plan property prices have already risen by up to 50% over the past year, and demand is not expected to meet supply until at least 2012 according to Morgan Stanley so there is certainly room for growth for a few years yet.”

Harbour Heights on Al Reem Island is an iconic waterfront residential building comprising 41 storeys of penthouses, duplexes and studio, one, two and three bedroom apartments as well as an abundance of leisure and fitness facilities.  One of the few residential towers in a predominantly business district, Harbour Heights has a refreshing infinity pool overlooking the busy harbourside promenade and shopping arcade as well as a state-of-the-art gymnasium, Spa with steam room and sauna, meditation and yoga room, games room with pool, table tennis and table football plus a children’s play centre.  The properties themselves boast smart home technology with the benefit of covered parking and 24 hour concierge services.  Al Reem Island itself offers a sophisticated lifestyle with unique facilities including a healthcare centre, schools, hotels, shopping centres, golf courses and beaches.

Prices for Harbour Heights Al Reem Island start from: 2,344,000 AED (approx 448,102 euros)

News submitted by Sarah Drane, GEM Established

Admiral Bay in Dubai Maritime City is located in the designer city of Dubai between Port Rashid and the Dry Docks. An ultra-modern 50 storey mixed-use tower situated by the edge of the ocean, Admiral Bay is designed to be in harmony with the environment. This green luxury development that lets you live, unwind and relax in a choice of truly stunning 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, designed as a luxurious refuge from everyday stress, devotees of health and fitness will find all the latest facilities and amenities.

• Located in Maritime City designated a free-zone and waterfront community
• Tower contains only residential units
• Only 14 Residential Plots in the Harbour Residence Area
• Exquisite waterfront views
• Exclusive restaurant for the tower at the ground floor, with Lounge/Juice bar
• Spa and gym with an outdoor swimming pool on the podium roof deck
• Ground floor waterfront Retail Shopping arcade
• Prices from 4.970.000 AED
• Flexible Payment Plan

Call P&O Homes on +00 35020047474 to speak to an investment consultant about
Admiral Bay @ Dubai Maritime City

Property Frontiers are pleased to launch the Renaissance at Shorelands, a development of extremely spacious and luxurious residences based on the waterfront in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Trinidad’s wealth of natural resources has generated huge investment in the island and has seen the country’s economy rapidly grow and the GDP double since 2001. Trinidad is now the world’s largest supplier of ammonia and methanol and the 5th largest supplier of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplying 70% of the USA’s LNG requirement. Its energy sector is making the country one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean.
The Renaissance will offer contemporary living space with each residence offering the highest standards of fixtures and fittings, large terrace areas and luxurious en-suite bathrooms. It is also conveniently located 15 minutes from down town Port of Spain, 20 minutes from Trinidad’s championship golf course and very close to schools, places of worship, supermarkets, pharmacies and shopping centres. Incorporating the highest standards of design, facilities and services, Renaissance will surpass any development currently in Trinidad and will be in strong demand from the executives working for the ever expanding oil and gas companies arriving in the area.

Evidence of this is in the fact that the building is already 75% sold, construction is well under way and the building has received lots of publicity locally. 85% of current buyers are intending to be owner-occupiers, ensuring those few residences that are placed in the rental market are highly desirable. The developer is anticipating a 6% yield in the 1st year, with rentals increasing around 5-8% annually – equating to a gross income upwards from £60,000 per year!

News submitted by Caron Lockwood, Property Frontiers

Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, August 2008: The Dubai-based luxury residential property developer, Select Group, today announced it had awarded its construction contract to the Ras Al-Khaimah based Construction Technology Contracting. (CTC) for its Pacific project on the off-shore man-made development of Al Marjan Island.

Pacific valued at a total of 1 Billion AED, is a joint development of Select Group in partnership with the UK-based Select Property. It will comprise six contemporary, architecturally spectacular properties, each named after Pacific Islands.

Commenting on Pacific and awarding of the contract, Mr. Rahail Aslam, CEO of Select Group said: “Pacific is an exclusive water front project, one of our first developments in the Northern Emirates of Ras Al Khaimah in partnership with the UK-based Select Property. The contract has been awarded to CTC after careful evaluation of their capabilities and we are convinced that they are the right construction partner for the project which is due for completion in 2011.”

“Pacific has been conceived in the backdrop of increasing investment interest in the realty sector of Ras Al Khaimah promising attractive return on investment. Our projection for Pacific is to deliver 20 per cent capital appreciation per annum and rental yields of 10 per cent,” he said, adding that Al Marjan Island is similar to Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, which has rewarded its investors with returns in the range of 400 to 500 per cent since the launch in 2002.

Together, the project will be spread across 25,300 square metres on the top isle of Al Marjan Island offering panoramic views of the Gulf and the natural surroundings of Ras Al Khaimah.

Designed by award-winning architects JRHP, Pacific will consist of studios, one and two bed room apartments, Duplexes, Pacific Suites and Gulf Suites. The price of units will start from AED 582,230 for a studio, AED 777,398 for one-bed room apartments, AED 946,904 for two-bed Pacific Suites and AED 1,214,369 for two-bed Gulf Suites. All properties benefit from a private beach and five star amenities, including rooftop infinity pools, health club, spa, 24-hour security, maid and concierge service.

Select Group and Select Property were the first company to offer investors the security of a self imposed Escrow regime with a 15 year payment plan. This unique payment plan ensures easy instalments for all investor categories.

“Right from the official announcement investor enthusiasm for Pacific has been tremendous and with the appointment of CTC, construction is all set to start targeting handover on time. We are also proud of the fact that we are the first developer to award a construction contract for a project on Al Marjan Island,” Mr.Aslam said.

CTC, established in 2005, is one of the leading contractors in Ras Al Khaimah with expertise in both design and construction. “We have been able to gain an excellent reputation in finishing the projects assigned to us to the highest standard and within the development schedule of the project. We look at Pacific as a significant addition to our portfolio,” Mr. Waddah Bassmaji, CEO CTC LLC said.

The projects awarded to CTC include the contract for the entire Ras Al Khaimah Free Trade Zone (RAKFTZA) and the expansion of the Hilton Ras al-Khaimah Resort and Spa, among others.

News submitted by Helen Cotton, Select Property Group

UK based overseas property developer Select Property has today launched West Avenue, a 32 storey luxury Manhattan style complex on one of the last remaining plots on Dubai Marina.

• Manhattan-style Residential development on Dubai Marina
• Tower Number Seven Launched as First Six Sell Out
• prime location on Dubai Marina, next to the Marina Mall and opposite Bay Central,
• Competitively priced for Dubai Marina. One of the last plots to be sold at off-plan on the marina, with five star luxury properties from only £146,179.
• No mortgage needed – 15 year payment plan available
• Security of escrow account
• Studios, 1 and 2 bedroom apartments and 2 bedroom Marina and City Suites and luxury penthouses
• West Avenue Dubai Marina is highly marketable to both business and leisure residents

For more information on West Avenue or Select Property

Call +44 161 488 355