Calgary Real Estate Market Expected To Get A Boost In 2011

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While its true that the Canadian housing market didnt crash like the market did below the border, markets across the nation have not been completely unscathed over the last year either. The real estate prices in Calgary in 2010 were the lowest this area has seen in a decade but it appears that the market will see a significant rebound this year, according to the Conference Board of Canada.

The Calgary market was certainly quite affected in 2010 with fewer homes of all kinds being sold overall and home prices sitting at less than stellar levels. So far this year, the market seems to be on an upward trend and will continue that way, according to the experts.

There are many factors that will surely have an effect on real estate in the Calgary area this year including: the strong Canadian dollar in comparison to the US dollar, the new rules that will soon be in place regarding Canadian mortgages, and the strong price of crude oil.

While a strong Canadian dollar always seems like a good thing, the reality is that when our dollar is strong compared to the US dollar, there are fewer Americans investing in Canadian goods. A more even ratio of value between the USD and CAD could suppress real estate sales preventing us from further economic recovery.
The new Canadian mortgage rules arent anticipated to help or hinder growth in the long run, but it reasonable to assume that some home owners will push to buy homes before the changes go into effect.
The price of crude oil has the potential to be an influential factor in how the Alberta housing market performs this year as the higher price tends to result in increased production in the oil sands. Higher production results in more jobs and more money in the province for real estate purchases. The addition of unrest around the Suez Canal this quarter, adding uncertainty to shipping through the area, may also help increase the attractiveness of Alberta oil sand crude.

The current affordability and low interest rates will help to boost housing sales and eventually support higher prices as the demand grows. It is anticipated that home sales will increase by almost 20% in 2011, with prices of Calgary homes for sale increasing by about 4% for single family dwellings. In comparison, the number of condo sales are expected to rise by over 15% with a price increase of around 2%.

Menorca Real Estate Prices Set For A Price Crash

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A sunshine Spanish Mediterranean holiday home for many Europeans, but especially the British, has been an aspiration achieved by many since the early 1980’s, when the UK allowed the free flow of capital, and property price gains allowed many to sell up in Britain and move to Spain and her islands – Menorca for example.

A slow down of Brits buying abroad happened in the early 90’s when recession hit the country, but overall the pace of number of people buying a home and often buying a business too has been relentless.

And with a growing number of British moving abroad, the UK’s financial infrastructure followed them, with British banks setting up branches in Spain and the Spanish islands like Menorca (ironically some of the British banks have now been taken over by Spanish ones), mortgage companies tailoring products for overseas home purchase,low cost airlines providing flights to Menorca and insurance companies offering building and contents cover.

For many of the British buying in Spain, it was like Britain with sunshine.

But times have changed, Spain is flooded with unsold brand new and re-sale properties, and property prices have crashed. In Britian property prices have dropped and are expected to fall further for the next year or more.

Confidence is low – unemployment in the UK is expected to hit 3 million before it peaks, and people with some money who might ordinarily have considered buying a property abroad are often keeping it in assets where the money is easily accessible – something it’s not when tied up in a property during a recession.

And of course the financial infrastructure that supported the British buying homes and businesses in Spain and her islands is in full retreat. The banks who were lending money readily to Brits moving abroad aren’t lending much, and many of them have been bailed out with taxpayers’ money – overall a dismal picture of a once flourishing overseas property market.

So, is now a good time to buy in Spain and her islands? If you’ve always fancied an apartment or villa in glorious Menorca – is this the time to take the plunge?

Part of that answer depends upon your individual financial circumstances, but if you need to borrow to buy a second home, and if you need income from holiday rentals to sustain your new Menorca property…halve the figure you think you might achieve and re-calculate to get closer to what you might realistically get from renting out to those taking Menorca holidays in today’s market.

But if you have a surplus of cash and are ready to buy a property in Menorca – is now a good time to buy?

There’s a property glut in Spain. If property was water, Spain and her islands would be renamed Atlantis. Developers and private owners alike are more than keen to sell, and anyone who is a cash buyer won’t have to wait long before they see a bargain. But don’t necessarily buy the first property you like that seems good value.

Draw up a list of say three or four apartments or villas you have viewed and liked and put in an offer of around sixty per cent of the already discounted price, starting with your favourite one, telling the owners that the offer remains good for two weeks, and at that time you will look elsewhere. Within a couple of months you, perhaps even weeks, you could have the property you want at an amazing price, even if the owners come back with a counter offer.

One bit of advice from UK based Tribune Properties is to avoid buying a brand new property.

‘Only buy a new property in Menorca if you’re absolutely certain that the developer has the funds to finish off a development and the promised infrastructure that goes with the new development…and even then only spend what you can afford to lose. Guarantees are often useless if a developer goes bust. And just don’t buy a property under construction – the development could be mothballed for years to come – along with any deposits and staged payments already paid by a buyer.’

Their final bit of advice is not good news for Menorca property developers either, or for private re-sales.

‘If you can hold on a few months, you might find even better bargains than there are now in the autumn when the same owners who are selling now have failed to find a buyer, and at the end of the holidays season owners might be prepared to listen to offers in the hope of finally selling their Menorca property.’

The Real Estate Market Of Rohini

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After a lot of research Jyoti, 32, and Ramesh Aggarwal, 36, have decided to purchase a two-bedroom, 1,000 sq ft apartment in a society complex in Sector 9, Rohini for Rs 38 lakh. Not only did they compare prices in their research, they also looked at factors that affect general day-to-day living, such as level of congestion, availability of greenery and open spaces, likelihood of water shortages during summers, and travel time to important destinations. Finally, took a decision and bought an apartment in Rohini.

There are many reasons why one would like to purchase a home in Rohini. And one of the main reasons why anyone would feel attracted to purchase a property in Rohini is because of its connectivity with the metro.

After the Metro became operational, prices have risen by 40-60%, according to a property broker of the area.

A property dealer based in Netaji Subhash Place explains the price rise in terms of reduced travel time. He said that till a few years ago, it took one-and-a-half hours to travel from Rohini to central Delhi areas like CP and ITO, so its property was available at a low price. After the coming of metro, the travel time is now only 40-45 minutes, and the commute being far more comfortable than a road journey, Rohinis society apartments now boat of a price of Rs 3,150-4,500 per sq ft. This is at par with prices in areas like Patparganj in East Delhi which are only a 30-minute drive from CP.

Not only metro, of late Rohini has witnessed a lot of commercial development as well, which has led to overall development of north-west Delhi. In fact, entertainment-wise Rohini has given newer options to people residing in the nearby areas.

There are some common factors that have contributed to an increase in prices in Rohini like easy availability of bank loans, high salaries commanded by young professionals, and the massive influx every year of people from other states into Delhi.

Rohini has options for every pocket: If you think you can afford one, go for a society apartment. These kinds of apartment boast of better-quality construction, high-maintenance, comparatively more open areas compared to DDA flats, and of course better security arrangements. The up-market complexes, about a dozen within Rohini, are equipped with lifts and have power backup system.

Such society apartments are mainly located in sectors 7-14 and out of these, sectors 9, 13, 14 and Prashant Vihar are available at a very high price, because of the quality of development and due to proximity to Metro stations (East and West).

Other option is DDA apartments that usually cost less than society apartments. 1 BHK LIG apartment costs around Rs 2,000 per sq ft, and prices of two-bedroom MIG apartments range between Rs 2,350 and Rs 2,900 per sq ft. The construction quality of a DDA apartment is usually inferior as compared to a society apartment, so you may have to spend some amount before you can actually start living in one. DDA flats are located in sectors 2-8, 15-18, and 24.

For people who are looking at low-budget options, they are available in sectors 23, 24, 25 and 28. These sectors are a little far from the Metro line. According to Mr. K.K. Wadhwa of Wadhwa Property, a plot of 32 sq m would cost around Rs 18 lakh in Sector 7; in Sector 28, the same plot-size would cost you just Rs 9-11 lakh in this sector.

A development that is sure to attract people from all over west Delhi to Rohini is Planet Pogo, a theme park, which is being developed in Sector 10. The company that developed Appu Ghar, Unitech Amusement Parks, and Turner International India are partnering this project. It is scheduled to be launched in the last quarter of this year. As far as shopping and entertainment options are concerned, Rohini has M2K Mall in Sector 3, and PVR Complex in Prashant Vihar. There is also a district court at Madhuban Chowk in Rohini.

So, if you are looking to buy or rent a house in west Delhi, you should definitely consider all the options available within Rohini. It undoubtedly has quality housing, good connectivity and all the amenities one expects in a well-developed area.

Joseph Kavana Is the Chief Executive Officer of Miami-Based K Group Holdings

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Joseph Kavana was born in Uruguay in 1949 and has been residing in Miami since 1980. He has worked as an active developer and investor for more than twenty years in the real estate industry. Joseph Kavana is now serving as Chairman and CEO of K-Group Holdings, Inc., a leading real estate development company involved in various prestigious projects. For the past 25 years, K Group Holdings, Inc. has successfully evolved as an active investor and manager of strategically-selected companies throughout the world. K Group International Development, a division of K Group Holdings, is a diversified real estate investment and development company working in the United States and Latin America. The company is actively involved in the development of a project known as Yoo Punta Del Este in Uruguay and Yoo Nordelta in Argentina.

From 1980 to 2000, Joseph Kavana has served as Chairman of the Board and CEO of Sagaz Industries, Inc. The company manufactured and distributed soft goods products for the automotive industry. In a short period of time, under his expert leadership, the company became leader in the automotive aftermarket. In 2000, he sold the company to Pennzoil Quaker-State. He then created K Group Holdings Inc, driving force behind Metropica, a premier mixed use development in the heart of Sunrise, Florida.

Joseph Kavana was also involved in various land development deals such as Jacaranda West (Plantation, Florida) and Chapel Trail (Pembroke Pines, Florida), which represented more than 400 acres of land. Recently, he has made significant contributions in Sunrise, Florida where in 1994/95; he purchased 65 acres of land through Sawgrass Property Investments and Sawgrass 17 Acres Partnership. Joseph Kavana has an extensive knowledge in various asset classes including land development, commercial/retail, multi-family as well as industrial. Mr. Kavana is also active in several other real estate and development projects that spread across various properties and establishments. Check out the complete details about achievements of Mr. Kavana, by browsing through www.kgroupholdings.com.

Best Locations In Bangalore To Buy Residential Property

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When you think of buying a residential property in Bangalore, the choices are many, ranging from simple one room house to independent villas. But, choosing a location can be quite a cumbersome task, as you have to choose a property that suits your needs and your pocket too. The price of a property depends on the type of the property and the location. You will need a bigger pocket if you are eyeing the central areas that are well connected and located in the heart of the city. Or, if you are satisfied staying in some interior part of the city, you don’t need to worry much about the expenses.

The most popular areas like Brigade Road, M.G. Road, and Cunningham Street etc. are mostly known for their commercial importance and it’s a mammoth task finding a house in these areas. Apart from that, there are some residential areas as well, that may not be as pocket-friendly as you want your desired locality to be. For example, Sadashiv Nagar, Whitefield(Villas), Off Cunningham Road, Off Palace Road etc that are known to be the abode of the affluent.

Following is a list of stylish, well-planned residential areas in Bangalore that are well connected and yet, are average budget localities:

Indira Nagar-Located within a diameter of few kilometers from Domlur airport, the area is well connected to rest of the city. It can boast of several renowned hospitals and educational institutions as well. There are a number of shopping options in addition to nearby pubs, bars, restaurants, gyms etc. The area can be classified as an average budget area.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.4736/sqft and Rs. 16/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 8935/sqft.

Koramangala-Reputed firms and business houses, renowned educational institutions, St. John’s Hospital and a number of shopping centers and malls, this area is surely a very good option to settle down. Criss-crossed by many roads and near to Indira nagar, the area doesn’t seem to be facing any sort of connectivity issue.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.4614/sqft and Rs. 18/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 6570/sqft.

Banshankari- A medium budget locality at about 15 Km from railway station and 25 Km from the airport, the major connecting road is the 100 feet ring road. There are a number of new projects developed recently or under development in the area.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.4232/sqft and Rs. 9/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 3693/sqft.

Jayanagar- Lying close to Banshankari, Jayanagar is a well developed residential area with a cosmopolitan setup. There are a number of shopping complexes, educational institutions and some of the most famous food joints, e.g. Mughal Darbar, Taj Darbar, Blue lagoon etc., in the area.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.4974/sqft and Rs. 15/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 10167/sqft.

Malleshwaram-It is one of the greenest localities of the Garden City. The place is naturally beautiful with the lush greenery all around.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.5223/sqft and Rs. 16/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 8312/sqft.

Marthahalli- Close to Whitefield and Sarjapur, the area is well connected and offers lots of new projects as well, to choose from. It is again a medium budget locality.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.2617/sqft and Rs. 12/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 2863/sqft.

BTM Layout-Located in the southern Bangalore, the area houses the IIM. It is a well planned residential colony with developed road system and separate market place.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.3174/sqft and Rs. 12/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 5110/sqft.

Madiwala- An area for small budget home seekers, Madivala is one of the most crowded areas of Bangalore. Though the interiors of the locality are not comparable to those lying in the vicinity, it is nearby to BTM, Koramangla, and HSR Layout areas.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.2785/sqft and Rs. 12/sqft respectively.

HSR Layout- The area is well connected to Whitefield, Marthahalli, and Electronic City, where most the offices are located. Well connected to the city and better infrastructure makes it dearer. You can find any number of medium budget houses in this locality.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.3351/sqft and Rs. 12/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 4402/sqft.

K R Puram- Krishna raja Puram or K.R Puram is well connected to the city. You can find hundreds of flats in this area, depending on your needs and budget.The average price and rent for apartments in this area is Rs.1796/sqft and Rs. 10/sqft respectively. The price for residential plots, on an average is Rs. 1151/sqft.