Real Estate & Investing

UK Financials Ltd asked:


Easy to get a Commercial Mortgage in the UK with UK Financials LTD

UK Financials Ltd provides vital capital for predominantly the small and medium sized business. Each case can be considered against criteria other than audited accounts and detailed projections – information that is increasingly costly and less relevant for small and medium sized businesses.

Our process is geared towards being simple, quick and flexible. Our mortgage products are available with terms up to 30 years, generally up to 79% LTV (for transactions up to £500k). 100% advances can be made with additional security (either residential or commercial property) from the borrower. Early repayment charges apply.

Commercial Lifeline is independent Commercial Mortgage brokers saving you money on your Commercial Mortgage and Bridging Finance through lender choice.

Get our free Commercial Mortgage guides by visiting our Commercial Mortgage Guide page.

As is the case when applying for any mortgage, be it a residential or a commercial mortgage, the better your credit and the better the collateral, the easier the process becomes. But that doesn’t mean that if your credit is less than perfect, or you want to purchase commercial property in a less then desirable part of the city, that you are automatically locked out of getting the money you need. It just means that you need a “friend” in the business.

When you are applying for a commercial mortgage your potential lender will consider your credit rating, your business’ balance sheet, the purpose of the loan, and the type and location of the proposed property as well as that property’s appraised value. If every one of these items do not fall within the lender’s acceptable guidelines then you may get a “no thank you” instead of a pile of money. Considering the amount of paperwork that you may have to complete in order to get a decision, be it a positive or negative one, you want to make sure that you have the best chances of securing that loan before you even start. And that is where having a “friend” in the commercial mortgage business comes into play. If you were going duck hunting, and only had one shell with you, then you’d better be a pretty good shot. On top of that, you’d better not be planning to serve roast duck to a crowd because you’re only coming home with one duck if any. Oddly enough, the same holds true when you are applying for a commercial mortgage.

Different lenders have different requirements for granting an approval. Since your goal is to make getting a commercial mortgage loan approval as easy as possible, then you need to carry more than one shell with you

We provide term finance on properties including:

Farms Pubs, restaurants, take-away units Shops and shops with living accommodation Hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, holiday lets Industrial units, factories, offices, warehouses

UK Financials Ltd represents you and submits your commercial mortgage loan application to many lenders. Your “one shell” turns into a whole case of ammo as your application makes it across the desk of potentially hundreds of lenders. The odds are greatly in your favor that you are going to get an approval from at least one lender and, the truth is, many borrowers end up with several interested lenders and can actually negotiate the terms and conditions which suit them exactly.

Since your commercial mortgage loan broker doesn’t earn their fee unless you get approved, they work with you to make getting a commercial mortgage loan as easy as possible. And, since the broker gets paid by the lender and not you, there is absolutely no reason not to engage their services. Even if you had access to the same quantity of lenders as a broker does, you would have to fill out a separate commercial mortgage application and submit it to each lender. That process alone would take you more time than it takes to drive across the continent. A broker uses the same application and sends it to all of their lenders. That fact alone makes it easier to get a commercial mortgage than doing it yourself does. Even better is the fact that the broker already knows the terms and conditions that each of their lenders utilize. The broker will only send your application to those lenders whose qualifications you already meet.

Parmdeep Vadesha asked:


Copyright (c) 2008 Parmdeep Vadesha

More and more people are putting UK and international property into their portfolio of savings and investments. With property investing comprising a big industry in the UK, it is natural that it is attracting a lot of investors who are on the lookout for great investment opportunities. If you are interested in property investing in the UK, you might want to take a peek at what’s going to be in store for you.

The United Kingdom holds a place as one of the world’s greatest trading powers and is home to the biggest financial center in the world. The country’s economy is the fourth largest in the world. Aside from these facts, here are a few more that make investing in the UK a practical alternative.

Rental Property Is Big Business in the UK

Purchasing a home today requires enormous financial commitment. With the prices of houses constantly increasing, a lot of young professionals perceive house-buying as next to impossible. They find it difficult to raise adequate capital for a deposit on a property. What becomes the next most viable alternative is renting. This then creates a big opportunity for property investors, who will find the established rental market in the UK an advantage.

Low-deposit structure. A lot of new-build properties belong to a low-deposit structure, making it possible for property investors to buy more than one apartment. This allows them to spread the risk factor between units.

Buy-to-let schemes are attractive alternatives. Property investors will find that buy-to-let financing is appealing since many schemes allow multiple purchases without the need for additional proof of financial standing. This is because the mortgage is obtained on the value of the property and the rental income rather than the individual making the purchase.

More investors are coming in. With high city bonuses house markets are being driven higher as a growing number of people are seeking to invest their money in property which is considered the most secure type of investment. Property investing in the UK is a lucrative endeavour, but if you don’t feel too confident about being able to do it, finding an experienced property investor to guide you would help you get the boost you need. You can find them in property investing web sites, or from friends or relatives who are also in the business.

As sometimes word-of-mouth is not enough, you may want to seek more information and advice from other property investors who have invested in the UK. You can do this by joining the tycoons-forum.com, where more experienced property investors are constantly meeting up to discuss all things related to property investing. This is one way of gathering information on the latest and most exclusive investment properties. You can also find resources on different issues related to property purchasing, such as land ownership, legal, infrastructure, rental and management, taxation, and more.

The steady and continuing growth of the property market in the UK poses a profitable opportunity for property investors. As long as you are equipped with all the information you need to have to endure in this industry and you keep yourself well-informed, there is no reason why you won’t make it big in this business.

Property asked:


New York (PTI): A US court has ordered India to pay a real estate tax of USD 42.4 million after it rejected New Delhi’s argument that a 26-storey building occupied by its diplomatic staff is exempted from tax under international treaties.

The building located in posh mid town Manhattan partly houses the Indian Mission to the United Nations which is exempt from tax. But the New York city is demanding a tax on the 20-storeys occupied by its diplomatic staff.

India has been arguing that tax cannot be levied as the diplomatic staff, who occupy the apartments, are exempted from tax, but US District Court Judge Jed S Rakoff ruled Monday that under Vienna conventions, only the residence of head of the mission is exempted.

The Indian Ambassador to the United Nations has a residence in a nearby building in Manhattan and the residential apartments in the Mission building are occupied by the junior diplomatic staff.

Besides, India, the Judge also ordered Mongolia to pay USD 4.3 million and the Philippines USD 10.9 million. Mongolia’s tax obligations arise from the two floors of its six-storey building occupied by the staff.

But the Philippines case is quite different as it has rented parts of the building to a restaurant, an airlines office and bank.

Jeff Seems asked:


Whether you think you can still find affordable French property is going to depend to a large extent on a couple of factors. Where in France you want to live and how much work you want to do. If you’re prepared to live away from the coasts and mountain ski resorts you’ll find some very good value houses in France. French property gets even more affordable if you’re prepared to get your hands dirty.

There are a lot of misconceptions about the French property market. Many people seem to think you can buy yourself a French house for next to nothing. Sure, if you live in the south east of England you’ll find a similar place in France for about 25 – 30% of the price, but you gone are the days when you could buy a six bedroom farmhouse with a few acres of land for 50,000. The market has matured and, unfortunately for us, the French are much more aware of what they’ve got and what they can get for it.

Similarly people think that you can buy a wreck and renovate for peanuts. It’s just not the case. French building workers, electricians, plumbers, etc., are usually highly skilled and in great demand, which of course means they’re not cheap! If you have the skills to do it yourself you’ll find materials at a good price but can you do building work and electrics and plumbing? Can you do them to the increasingly stringent French standards? If you can’t, you might find your home insurance is invalidated.

But I don’t want to give the impression that it’s all doom and gloom and bargains can’t be had. For many of us France is still a country with lots of very desirable and very affordable property.

There genuine bargains are for older properties that are very popular with foreign buyers but not with the French. The majority of the French would rather live in a new house than renovate. Indeed it’s a much cheaper choice for them. In addition to this, it’s difficult for the French to get a mortgage on a house that requires renovation. Finally there’s the lack of employment in many rural areas that leaves many young French people with no option but to move to the towns and cities.

If you want to live by the coast, you’re probably going to struggle to find something. As a general rule these areas have been well developed over the last ten to fifteen years and the barns that could be converted have been done, the houses in need of renovation have been renovated. The north coast is still not expensive by many people’s standards, but prices drop quickly when you come inland.

As you move down the west coast prices increase until the south where they’re just plain expensive by anyone’s standards. Nice and Cannes is millionaire territory and the alps aren’t cheap. Fine if you want a fortnight skiing but not the place to look for bargain homes!

No, it’s the rural heart of France that offers the real bargains even now. The Limousin has become more popular recently with an influx of Dutch, German and English buyers in part due to improved air links. It’s the Centre that offers the best house values in France at the moment though. If you’re looking for truly affordable French property, that’s the place to go.

George Gonigal asked:


Who would have thought that Asia’s largest slum – Dharavi- would become a prized property in Mumbai? Today, every inch of land in Dharavi is sought after. The civic agencies have called in private property and infrastructure developers to revamp the locality.

Real estate developers are striving to get hold of this redevelopment project since Dharavi’s development plan will free 535 acres of urban land in Mumbai. The Maharashtra government has embarked on a Rs 9,260 crore plan to redevelop Dharavi. Big real estate developers like DLF, Emaar MGF and Akruti Nirman have expressed their interest in rebuilding Dharavi. The Maharashtra government claims that many global property builders have also bid for this project but the details have not been disclosed. The government has received expressions of interest from 26 consortia – with three partners each. Of the 78 companies that have shown interest, 25 are international ones; only one consortium is completely Indian.

Meanwhile, the scramble for a piece of Dharavi has begun. The property prices in Dharavi have almost doubled, fetching around Rs 6,000 – 10,000 per sq The slum occupies around 535 acres of land bank in the heart of space-strapped Mumbai, between the city’s swank Bandra Kurla Complex on the one side, and residential neighbourhood Sion on the other.

Inspired by this sudden surge in property values, the real estate developers are now keen to consider the redevelopment of other slums in Mumbai.

Property developers have started looking at the northeastern pockets of the city. These areas have a lot of land available, and are well connected with road network. Moreover in a city where residential property rental values are among the highest in the world, re-development provides an affordable option for property developers and home seekers. Hence, it is a win-win situation for all.

For more details on Mumbai Properties, log on to magicbricks.com

Matthieu Cany asked:


There are different ways to find cash for a property purchase. If you are among those who want to buy a property in France but find it difficult to get the finances, the following tips may help you.

- Apart from selling your own UK property, the first thing you can do is to rent out your UK property so that you can take a French mortgage. The rental income of your own property will help you pay the mortgage off for the new property.

- If you do not own a property, a solution is to take a French mortgage but the difference lies in the fact that you will repay it from your UK salary.

- The third solution you can exploit is taking a UK mortgage. It is probably the most standard and usual way to buy a property in the UK. However the rates in the UK are usually higher than those for French mortgages.

- If you are property owner in the UK, you can also remortgage or get a mortgage on your UK property. This will enable you to release enough equities for your French purchase because the property prices in France are still cheaper compared to the UK.

- The last alternative is an equity release on your Spanish villa. This means unlocking some of the value in your home by taking out an equity release plan, enabling you to make the most of your property to generate the cash when you need it. That is to say, if you have a property in Spain, you can take a loan on it to finance the one you want buy in France. This solution suits people who are “asset rich but cash poor” according to Bill Blevins (from Blevins Franks Company).

Now you have all the clues to finance your French property. You must wonder which one suits you best by answering simple questions, such as “do I want to sell my property, rent it out or none” or “how much do I need”.

The Global Property Guide asked:


The winners: Singapore, South Korea and the Philippines

Singapore experienced Asia’s highest residential property price increases during 2006, with 9.5% real (inflation-adjusted) house price rises.

There were also 9.3% real house price increases in South Korea, and 9.1% real house price increases in the Philippines. These were seen in the Global Property Guide House Price Indices, the biggest collection of residential property price indices.

Singapore’s strong 2006 GDP growth rate, at 7.9%, pushed up demand for Singapore property. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) private residential property price index rose by 10% (9.5% in real terms) in 2006.

South Korea also saw a strong rebound in property prices, despite continued efforts by the government to depress the market. The Kookmin Bank’s house price index rose 11.6% in Dec. 2006 (9.3% in real terms) from a year earlier.

In the Philippines, strong economic growth and reduced inflation contributed to the continued recovery of the real estate sector. In addition, demand from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and dual citizens has been strong, pushing prices up. Luxury condominium prices in the Philippines rose 15% (9% in real terms) in 2006, following an 11% nominal price rise in 2005, according to Colliers International.

Japan and Hong Kong are laggards

Japan’s residential property market continued to fall in 2006, despite repeated attempts by the media to portray the market as rallying. Nevertheless, the residential urban land price index registered a smaller fall in 2006 (-2.8%) compared to last year (-4.7%).

Hong Kong’s property market turned negative (-2.13%) in 2006, after impressive gains in 2004 (27%) and 2005 (8%). Higher interest rates in the US, mirrored directly in Hong Kong, were a major cause of the downturn.

Taiwan’s messy political crisis seems to have frozen residential prices, with 0% appreciation during 2006. In real terms, Taiwan experienced a decline in house prices during 2006 (-1.7%). During three years prior to the second quarter of 2006, Taiwan’s Sinyi house price index rose 17%.

In Malaysia, house prices did not to keep pace with inflation. Malaysian house prices today are at the same level as 1995, in real terms.

Thailand saw the end of ending its strong post-Asian crisis property market recovery, as the political crisis impacted the economy. House prices moved up just 1.9% in 2006 (-2.4% in real terms), after 2005’s price increase of 7% (1.5% in real terms), and 2004’s rise of 9% (6% in real terms).

Indonesia managed to reduce 4Q 2006 inflation to 6% from 16% during the first three quarters. With the house price index registering a 6.6% increase in 2006; house prices rose by 0.5% in real terms.

The 2007 elections – risks abound

2007 is an election year in Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, and political uncertainty is likely to increase. There will also be elections in Japan and Hong Kong, but they are unlikely to have much impact on the real estate market. In Thailand, uncertainty will increase if elections are not called.

The Philippines. A victory for President Arroyo’s party in the upcoming Congressional elections would be positive for real estate. Election years in the Philippines bring money inflows, but also increased uncertainty. But if Arroyo wins enough seats in Congress she will push constitutional change, removing constitutional limits on foreign ownership of real estate and companies – good for real estate.

South Korea. The economic interventionism of left-of-center President Roh Moo-hyun has been damaging for Korea’s housing market. His support is crumbling, and a less interventionist president may be elected in December. But even if the opposition Grand National Party wins, excessive government intervention in the housing market has a very long history in South Korea.

Taiwan. Parliamentary elections at end-2007 will provide a strong lead on whether the Kuomintang (KMT) can regain control of the presidency in 2008 from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). President Chen Shui-bian’s two terms have largely been spent on keeping him from being ousted. Significant banking and tax reforms have been held hostage by politics.

Japan. Half of the seats in the upper house will be contested in July. Seats held by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) may be reduced, risking its reform agenda. These seats were won with the help of former prime minister and popular reformist Junichiro Koizumi.

Hong Kong. Donald Tsang is up for re-election as chief executive where elections are still largely ceremonial and Beijing’s anointment is the only significant factor. Pro-democracy campaigners are hoping and pushing for reforms to full democracy and Mr. Tsang’s failure to push for constitutional reforms in 2005 means that this will be his last term.

Thailand. The sooner elections are called, and Thailand is returned to democracy, the better it will be for the property market and the economy as a whole. The fate of Thailand’s property market hinges on the junta. If the junta prolongs military rule, the market will suffer.

The Global Property Guide sees inflation risks to be minimal in Asia in 2006. But other risks threaten the real estate market, particularly the re-emergence of bird flu in several countries, Indonesia in particular.

Surinder Ahitan asked:


A lot of people are making real money with their residential property investment portfolios.

While the concept can be daunting to new investors, the key to making money is simple.

And who doesn’t want to make money?!

You may already know just how simple it is, but if you haven’t, here is a quick guide along with some helpful tips.

A lot more than luck is required to make good investments of any kind. Really, with any investment the more you know the better you’ll do. With that in mind, you can study up on the basics of residential property investment. Nothing is more valuable than money, and the best way to protect and increase yours is with a solid strategy.

If you’ve done your homework and are ready to take the next step, then that means you’re going to be viewing a lot of residential investment properties. The number one mistake first-time investors make is buying into the hype of so-called hot properties, and overseas properties are all the hype right now. Sure, having the ocean in your backyard sounds nice, but that’s for tourists not for property investors.

For some new investors, the prospect of making their first residential property investment is overwhelmingly exciting while others feel only anxiety or fear. Both feelings are normal but letting your excitement override your good sense can prevent you from making the best investments, and letting fear hold you back can keep you from ever getting started.

Begin by considering the following questions:

· What are you really looking to accomplish?

· What type of long-term goals have you set?

· What are your expectations?

· What type of finance options do you have available?

Is Income or Capital growth, more important to you? Or perhaps both?

When buying and selling investment property, each investor will have their own goals and strategies. Regardless, many still fall for typical sales lines and enticing new deal offers over and over again. The best advice for new investors would be to start by determining and focussing on their investment property strategy goals. The following four basic options to property investments are:

1. Flipping Property – In order to profit from the sale.

2. Buying Development Land.

3. Invest in “Income Generating Property” in the “Buy-to-Let” and “Commercial Property” markets.

4. Invest in Property Development Companies.

Once you have decided which investment property strategy is best for your specific situation and goals keep the following business factors in mind: Consulting with most Professionals may seem like a good idea. Just remember that you should see your solicitor for legal advice, your bank manager for financial advice, your accountant for tax advice and your local real estate agent for actual property investment advice and also for any tips on where to find some of the better investments. Use professionals specifically in their areas of expertise only.

Lastly, beware of the media and incorrect and often misleading information. Stay on top of the property market by following top sources only.

IFP Ltd asked:


It is, of course, the nightmare we all dread. Having found your perfect dream home in France, you move into it only to find that the condition of the property is significantly worse than anticipated.

George and Alexandra Mortimer in the Landes found exactly than when they discovered serious water *********** into several rooms in the house, notably the basement and living room.

‘We raised the matter with the previous owners, who denied there was a serious problem; the particulars of the property provided no information on its condition, and the notaire also considered that as we had purchased the property en l’état (in condition as seen) then there was nothing he could do.’

Well possibly, but the law on this issue is not quite as clear cut as the notaire indicated.

In general, it has to be said that the principle of ‘caveat emptor’ (buyer beware) applies as much in French law as it does elsewhere.

However, in France the seller has an obligation to disclose to the buyer all important information concerning the property.

There is nothing in French law that states precisely what must be disclosed by the buyer, save that the information must be something of a profound nature, of which the seller was aware at the time of the sale, and about which, if the buyer had known, they would not have proceeded with the purchase, or would have offered a lower price.

In particular, the seller is obliged to disclose any ‘hidden defects’ (vices cachés) in the property.

If they do not do so, then it is possible for a court of law to annul the sale, or at least reduce the price paid by the purchaser.

Notaires sometimes seek to limit the use of the vice caché protection by a standard exclusion clause the in the sale contract.

In practice whether a court of law would uphold this clause would depend on the circumstances of the case. If the court considered that the buyer had been deliberately misled by the seller, then they could annul the clause.

Indeed, this is precisely what has happened in a number of important court cases, although in other legal decisions the clause has been upheld. It all depends on the circumstances, notably whether the seller acted in good or bad faith.

Our advice to all buyers is that you should press for the removal of this clause in the sale contract. The seller may well object to you doing so, but if they do, then their motives for doing so need to be questioned.

You should certainly be hesitant about accepting to buy en l’état unless you fully understand what you are buying.

Ensure also that any important clause on the condition of the property that may have been included in the sale contract is transferred over into the conveyance.

There are particular guarantees on a house constructed within the last ten years, and there is additional protection if the seller is a property professional – property dealer, property developer or builder – as their own disclosure obligations are more prescribed. Property professionals cannot use the vice caché clause.

Estate agents also have a legal obligation to provide advice to the seller, but you will find few willing to say much in writing!

Learn more in www.french-property.com

Nick Stuart asked:


Spanish property provides a great opportunity to invest and earn a profit in a short time frame. In Spanish property for sale you will get each type of properties such as for holiday home or retirement property. Rates raises as the beaches become nearer but in past few years the rates are slowed down. The charming beauty of Spain and the lovely weather make it ideal for holiday homes, retirement homes or as an appreciating investment. So ensure first you buy your own Spanish property for sale while it is still cost-effective.

Spanish property for sale offers you a rich database of all varieties of properties with all amenities of modern lifestyle to traditional old looking home which can suits your needs. If you are seeking such Spanish properties for sale you can access them easily right from your home through the help of web. And the best thing of online property sale is that you can compare the property prices and choose out of them with nominal rate and your suitability. Spanish real estate has a big network of online databases as it the most demanding place in Europe. Especially, UK people love to buy home here at the best possible prices.

While to buy a property in Spain you don’t have to be a Spanish citizen. Spanish laws allow overseas investors to invest in Spanish properties. It is now simpler than ever to clear up the formalities and have a ideally suited Spanish property for your dream home. But investing in a big amount always is precautious about the correct investment deal and legal paperwork’s.

I will recommend you to consult a Spanish solicitor while purchasing a Spanish property from sales. He wills advice you how to find the right property without high pressure sales pitch. Property investments in Spain yield a great rental income and major capital growth. Concerns like off plan property developments, road links and infrastructures, plans by the low cost airlines to make available cheap flights, property rates trends and competition from other countries should all be taken into thoughtfulness.

Purchasing from Spanish property sale without taking expert advice and guidance is like a road traffic accident in the offing to happen. The problem is if you make a fault, there will be no special calamity solicitor capable to step in and help you claim return.