Tag Archives: holiday
October saw a further dip in property valuations in the UK, latest research shows
The UK housing market has now cooled following a pick-up in valuations activity in September with October seeing the total number of valuations fall by 20%, new data shows. However, on an annual basis, housing market activity decreased by 10%, an improvement from a slightly steeper fall of 12% over the 12 months to September 2014, according to the latest report from Connells Survey & Valuation. ‘While the housing market is now less animated than in September, the slowdown is broadly in line with seasonal expectations and is not an alarm bell. On average, we have seen a 16% drop from September to October every year since 2010,’ said the firm’s Corporate Services Director. But he pointed out that beyond seasonal factors, there are other things contributing to this slowdown. ‘The introduction of stricter policies designed to restrain uncontrolled growth and protect against a return to the property bubble of 2008 have tempered the housing market. For instance the recent loan to income cap which came into force in October seems to have had a considerable impact,’ he explained. ‘We may see a further seasonal lull in the housing market as we approach the holiday season. And looking further ahead, the General Election in May 2015 is also likely to bring increased caution with the prospect of policy uncertainty,’ he added. The research report also shows that buy to let performed the strongest with a noticeably small annual dip of 7% compared to the rest of the market. Even on a month on month basis this section of the housing market did better than the others with the smallest drop of 17% since September. ‘Buy to let was the strongest performing sector in a clear indication that lenders are focusing on low risk investors as a result of increased regulation. Policies like loan to income caps have introduced stricter lending rules but crucially do not apply to the buy to let sector. There are now an array of competitive rates out there, especially on low LTVs,’ said Bagshaw. First time buyer valuations made up almost a third of total activity in October but the number of valuations for first time buyers was still down 18% compared to the previous month, and 11% lower on an annual basis. Other owner occupiers moving home saw a month on month dip of 21%, as well as the biggest annual drop of 16% compared to October 2013. ‘While Help to Buy has supported many first time buyers to get on the property ladder, other new policies have introduced fresh limits to promote responsible lending. These new caps seem to have affected first time buyers and home movers the most,’ Bagshaw said. ‘The impact of Stamp Duty on buyers is also not to be ignored. Though it has been a permanent feature of the housing market for a while, the prospect of a hefty tax bill… Continue reading
Dubai all set to welcome Eid visitors
Dubai all set to welcome Eid visitors Mustafa Al Zarooni / 14 October 2013 Dubai and other emirates are decked up to receive visitors during Eid Al Adha as thousands of residents prepared for the annual Haj pilgrimage and holidays. With government offices and schools closed for the week, many residents left for their holiday destinations last week.The pleasant weather, combined with the UAE’s range of tourist attractions and shopping opportunities, is luring thousands of tourists for the festivities which is the longest in the region. Saudi officials say 400,000 Saudi citizens are expected to visit Dubai and other emirates during the Eid holidays. Eid in Dubai celebrations is attracting families from the region and malls will stay open for 24 hours as the city transforms itself as an entertainment hub during the season. “Three years ago we celebrated Eid in Dubai for the first time, and since then we regularly come to relive the experience. We are very busy, my husband and I; and we hardly go out together with the kids in our hometown — the holy city of Makkah. We love to shop all day, dine at different outlets and take the kids to theme parks. As a family, our favourite shopping mall is Dubai Festival City Mall,” said Um Mani from Saudi Arabia. Naseema Al Flaij from Kuwait is visiting Dubai with her sister, nieces and nephew. “Dubai has become a destination during school holidays and unites us as a family. To us Dubai is like a second homeland, it’s clean and organised,” she said. She says the kids are fascinated by the programmes and the entertainment is top notch. “Dubai is a safe place and enjoys a high level of security,” she adds. Naseema’s nephew Ali Al Osaimi loves the Zabeel Saray Hotel while Nawal enjoys shopping and dining at The Dubai Mall. The youngest sister, Hind who is only three, loves Wild Wadi Water Park. Expats have also been busy shopping and stocking up food and sweets for the big day. Many purchase gifts for friends and family, with retail outlets obliging with special rates and promotions. Hisham Kiwan, a Lebanese national, has spent 19 years in Dubai. He was out enjoying the holiday season with his wife and little daughters Reem and Sara. “Most of our relatives usually come over to stay with us to celebrate and also tour Dubai. We also spend a lot of time shopping. Reem, my eldest, loves the Dubai Aquarium and she never gets tired of observing the fish. My youngest just loves to visit the Burj Khalifa all the time.” Cem Ali from Turkey has convinced his parents to visit Dubai this year. “What I like most about Dubai is the blend of nationalities and that unique social fabric. The blend is like the colourful fireworks, which we have discovered by mere coincidence and that the show is on every day during the Eid in Dubai — Eid Al Adha celebrations.” -malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com Continue reading
Villa for Sale in Los Monasterios Puzol Valencia Spain
“Villa for sale in Los Monasterios Puzol Valencia Spain” More info in: gestion@denebro.com This lovely villa is situated in the most prestigious urbanization… Continue reading
