Category: Buy2Greece

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ATHENS MUSEUMS AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS NETWORK “OUR OWN ATHENS”
14 June 2014-15 June 2014

“Our own Athens” On the 14th and 15 of June 15 institutions-members of the Athens Museums & Cultural Organisations Network organize a number of free admission activities for adults and families.

The Herakleidon Museum will participate to the above activity with the following program: 

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What a difference three years makes. In 2011, President Raul Castro lifted the ban on buying and selling real esate in Cuba, a revolutionary step for the island’s housing market – because until that point, there effectively was no housing market at all.

The laws, introduced in November almost three years ago, followed years of black market bartering in streetmarkets and let residents of the island legally exchange, donate and sell homes for the first time. Cubans were even allowed to own two homes, including a holiday home, although buyers would have to prove their funds were legitmate.

Foreigners, though, were not permitted to purchase property: they required a permanent residence in order to take part in the housing revolution. Despite that, people overseas remained interested: approximtaely $1 billion entered the island each year in remittances from Cuban relatives living in the USA.

Now, though, Cuba is offering residency to those who want to buy from abroad. The government announced this month a “temporary residency” visa for overseas investors buying or leasing property, completing the country’s turnaround from its socialist past.

The plans arrive just as the island officially allows overseas investment in the country’s real estate. A new investment law was approved in March that would authorise the sale of of real estate to those outside of the country, part of an attempt to encourage investment from overseas.

Indedd, Cuba needs to attract $2 billion to $2.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) every year to meet its target of 7 per cent economic growth, the minister for foreign trade and investment Rodrigo Malmierca told Cuban TV in March:

“If the economy does not grow at levels around 7 percent … we are not going to be able to develop.”

The new law will also halve profits tax from 30 per cent to 15 per cent, with investors exempt from the levy for eight years, reports Reuters. Some experts argued that confidence would be needed as well as tax cuts, assurance that foreign investors’ capital would be secure in the island’s economy.

“We have to provide incentives in order for them to come,” Malmierca added.

Now, they have one: visas. The renewable permit is valid for one year and will be available for foreigners “who are owners or lessees of real estate, as well as their foreign relatives who might require it”, reports the Havana Times.

Foreigners “may carry out activities related to tourism and business duly authorized by the existing legislation”, although any other activities will require another special permit.

If investors conduct “behavior that violates the Constitution”, remain outside of Cuba for one year, or cease to lease or own the property, the visa will be revoked.

The scheme follows several around the world from struggling housing markets attempting to stimulate their own economy with investment from non-EU buyers. 

From no property trade at all to a housing market similar to Europe? What a difference three years makes.

Where will Cuba be in another three years’ time?

Author – Dan Johnson

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A Southern California mansion made famous in the 1983 film “Scarface” has returned to the market with gusto.

While the movie depicts a Florida location, it was at this impressive Mediterranean compound in Montecito where some of the more iconic scenes in “Scarface” were filmed. According to the Wall Street Journal, the neoclassical estate with movie pedigree is now upfor sale to the tune of $35 million—a sum that even Tony Montana would appreciate.

Architect Bertram Goodhue was commissioned to design the estate, known as “El Fureidis,” in the early 1900’s. Recently renovated, the home sits surrounded by mature palms on 10 acres in Santa Barbara County.

Borrowing from Byzantine influences, the estate touts a 10,000-square-foot floor plan with four bedrooms, nine bathrooms, and a rooftop deck with views of the Channel Islands. Interiors feature 24-carat gold leaf finishes and barreled ceiling, and a central alcove boasts an 18-foot domed ceiling.

Outdoors, the relaxed grounds further indulge with a range of Mediterranean influences, including various gardens, cascading pools, water features, and the two-level patio used to film the wedding scene in “Scarface.”

Emily McBride Kellenberger of Village Properties, an exclusive affiliate of Christie’s International Real Estate, has the listing.

Most renters know that paying the rent on time and following the lease will keep them out of hot water, but what does it really take to have a great relationship with your landlord?

The answer may surprise you. (Hint: It isn’t all about the rent.)

The Ideal Tenant

When landlords interview prospective tenants, they’re looking for job stability and steady income first and foremost, but their wish list goes beyond that.

“The quality landlords value most is stability,” said Mia Melle, president and broker ofRenttoday.us. “An ideal renter is one who will stay in the home for years to come, raise a family, create memories and treat the home like their own.”

Landlords also like to see that you are good at managing your finances. “Having a few months’ worth of rental payments in the bank” is very helpful, Melle said.

Do the Upkeep

Once you have moved in, try to treat the space like you own it. Keep everything clean, well-maintained and in good, working order.

“Many times renters aren’t familiar with the cost of home improvements, so something as simple as not watering the lawn and causing the grass to die can result in thousands of dollars to the homeowner to replace the sod once the renter moves out,” Melle said.

Take care of landscaping, clean up spills as soon as they happen and keep children and pets from causing any damage to the walls or flooring, and your landlord will thank you for it.

Always Ask First

After you have lived in a rental for a while, your tastes—or your life—may change. You may decide to adopt a new puppy, or you may want to repaint the kitchen to match your curtains. Before you make any of those changes, ask your landlord if they are allowed. Not only do bigger changes such as adding a pet often require an addendum to your lease, but your landlord will appreciate being considered.

Call for Backup the Right Way

When it comes to making maintenance requests, be careful when and how you contact your landlord.

“A renter should know how to do simple repairs around the property and understand the landlord cannot always be at their beck and call or send a $200 repair guy to change a light bulb,” Melle said.

If you have to call to request a repair, make sure you explain the problem thoroughly and be willing to let your landlord troubleshoot issues with you over the phone. If you can save your landlord a bit of time (or money) you will build a great relationship.

See Things From Your Landlord’s Point of View

“Ultimately, landlords want renters to understand that they are just regular people with jobs and bills and not faceless, emotionless corporations with huge bank accounts,” Melle said.

Understanding that your landlord is just another human being who struggles to manage time and money just like you do will go a long way in building a relationship.

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It’s difficult to call a house a home if it lacks creature comforts. Without the right furniture and accessories a house is just an empty shell. Nevertheless, deciding how to furnish a home can be intimidating when you’re staring at blank walls. Here are six tips to help furnish your new home.

1. Take Stock

Before you begin shopping for new furniture for your home, clean house. Go through the belongings at your current place, taking stock of which items you want to keep or get rid of.

2. Collect Your Thoughts

Once you have a handle on your belongings, determine your personal style. Don’t get bogged down trying to understand interior design principles. Instead, go through magazines and browse the Internet to get inspiration from the images of things you find functional and fashionable.

When you’re ready to window shop, measure your new digs so you know what will fit your home. The sofa sectional you swoon over on the expansive furniture store floor might not be a good fit if you are confined to a smaller floorplan.

Also take time to test the furniture and comparison shop. Do you need durable materials to withstand pets and toddlers, or do you prefer to host elegant dinner parties? You can get a sense of how well a piece will meet your needs by testing the comfort level before buying (sit down, lie down, recline), and taking home a color swatch to see if you still like a fabric once you’re home.

3. Choose a Color Palette

Color can set the tone for your home’s personality. If you already own art or a rug, or have a fantastic view, then you can choose a hue from that element and carry the color throughout a room. Not everything needs to match, but it’s more economical to pick neutral furnishings and use color on an accent wall or in accessories like pillows, lamps and throws because you can quickly change those colored items to suit your mood.

4. Go for Quality, Not Quantity

When shopping, seek out high-quality furniture that will last longer and be comfortable for years to come. Although fashion fads come and go, classic, simple-line designs never go out of style. Save the frills for smaller furniture pieces, new fabrics and accessories.

5. Add Accessories

Accessories add personality to rooms. Mirrors, mantels, plants, clocks, carpets and area rugs are often overlooked home furnishings that can make a unique fashion statement. You can draw attention to a couch by hanging artwork overhead or arranging seating around it. You can play up a bed with matching sheets, comforters and pillows. Alternatively, you can shine a spotlight on your furnishings with an array of modern-day lighting solutions.

6. Be Patient

Don’t be tempted to buy everything you want at once, even if your budget can afford it. It’s better to start small and focus on one room at a time to make sure you’re happy with each purchase. While the set-up in a home decor store may look fabulous, buying the entire set will make your home look like, well, the home decor store.

Remember, when you make the invesetment to purchase a house, you’re likely planning to live in the home for a while. So give yourself time to settle in. Plus furniture shopping should be fun, so you should enjoy and not rush through furnishing your new home!

This article has been updated from an earlier version by Deena Weinberg.

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Deutsche Bank official: Florida should be a model for Greece

Greece should take a lead from the US state of Florida and diversify its economy to attract investments, a member of Deutsche Bank’s supervisory board said, according to a German newspaper.

In a speech at a conference in Vienna, Paul Achleitner said, in the future, “work will be available wherever the best and cheapest labour force is,” and Europe should see this as an opportunity and try to attract the best people, Die Presse reported. 

In the same way, he said, Greece should take the lead from Florida. “Thirty, forty years ago, there was nothing in Florida but good weather. Then, infrastructure was developed in Florida and more and more companies were set up there,” Achleitner said. 

“Today, Florida is one of the most dynamic states in the United States.”  

Source: Die Presse

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The three-day International Property Show (IPS) in Dubai attracted 11,456 visitors as well as exhibitors from 48 countries, with more than 80% signing up for the next event in 2015

The International Property Show in Dubai has lived up to its name by attracting exhibitors from 48 countries and delegates from 105 countries.

Organisers say there were large delegations from Turkey and India at the event which was attended by 11,356 real estate professionals and investors.

Official data on attendance at the three-day International Property Show (IPS) show, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has just been released.

The top 10 visiting countries were United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Turkey, Russia, the UK, Pakistan, Morocco and Kuwait.

Most visitors (16.7%) were investment agencies, property developers accounted for 14.4%, real estate agents and brokers 13.1%, property consultants 9.2%, individual investors 7.3% and media and marketing 6.7%.

“The participating exhibitors represented 48 countries and covered all aspects of the real estate, construction and investment sectors occupying 13,680 square metres of exhibition space.

“Good visitor quality and the amount of new business prospects met at this year’s show were listed as the key success factors by participating exhibitors. Together with the strong international character, these factors testify the International Property Show’s on-going and growing success.”

Next year’s show takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 30 March until 1 April 2015 and more than 80% of exhibitors at this year’s even plan to return.

Adam Partridge, Sales Manager, Middle East, of Al France Property, says, “Expanding year-on-year encouraged us to participate for the first time at this year’s International Property Show. Our expectations were met, experiencing good levels of visitors to our stand with an appetite for French real estate, as well as a bustling and vibrant atmosphere over the three days. This in turn led to us booking the same stand for 2015.”

Union Properties, which launched two projects at the show, says “the event and networking was interactive and valuable”, says General Manager Ahamad Al Marri.

Survey results show that 85% of exhibitors were satisfied with the impact of branding at the show, 84% with new business contacts they met and 83% with expected post-show business deals.

The show includes the International Property Show conference, which was backed by the Dubai Land Department and organised in partnership by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors. It focuses on how frontier and emerging markets can attract sustainable real estate investment.

By Adrian Bishop, Editor, OPP Connect