What Is A Bargain In Spanish Real Estate?

Property Bargains

In Spain, it is difficult to define a 'Spanish Real Estate Bargain'. Professionals agree that a bargain should be a combination of a good price, good location and good finance programme. A bargain should be a Spanish property sold at not more than the market price.

How can we define a property bargain in Spain?

Defining a Spanish Real Estate bargain is not a science, but nevertheless, our statement is that a bargain in Spain should satisfy the following criteria:

• A bargain should have a selling price lower than the selling price of other similar properties in the area, at the time.

• The Spanish property should be well-situated. Beware of badly located properties in Spain. Don't become over-passionate with the building layout and property specifications. These must be balanced with property's location, which should ideally be in or near an area having all the usual services and amenities and transport links.

• The value of the mortgage, or 'Loan to Value' (L.T.V.) should be between 70% and 100% (if required), which is already a good rate for Spanish Real Estate industry. However, it is important to remember that a cheap apartment or apartment with an L.T.V. of 100% is not necessarily a bargain.

Things To Have In Mind Before Searching For A Bargain

• Before buying, be ready to see a lot of properties. During the property boom, home buyers would visit 4 or 5 properties before buying, whereas nowadays they may have to visit up to 50 different properties.

• Be clear about what your goal is, in buying a Spanish Real Estate asset:

1. Is it for a permanent residence? If so, then you will have to carry on with all the expenses.

2. Is it a temporary second residence? In that case, are you going to be able to sustain the costs of the home when you are not there? If not, then you will be able to save on your mortgage for a few months, when you let it during those months.

3. Is it going to be a Buy-to-Let investment? Any Rental Yield (the profit dividend) above 4.8% can be considered an optimum yield in Spanish Real Estate nowadays and this could reach up to 8% in certain areas.

4. Is it going to be a Buy-to-Resell investment? Generally speaking, it will take considerable time for the price to pick up. Your buy to resell strategy should be for the mid to long term.

Do not purchase by yourself without a legal adviser - you may end up embroiled in a messy process and lose some money so that your bargain would become a liability.

Daniel Talavera is a Spanish journalist with a degree in Journalism from Universidad Cardenal Herrera in Valencia (Spain) and a Diploma in International & European Studies from Birbeck College (University of London).

He is currently the Editor of http://www.thespanishbrick.com/ and Director of Spanish-Real-Estate.co.uk. The Spanish Brick is one of the leading blogs in the UK specializing in the Spanish property market and property trends, publishing information, analysis and opinion on the Spanish territory for UK investors and home-buyers. Spanish-Real-Estate.co.uk is a London based organization that provides marketing, advertising and networking services in the UK, in order to back Spanish property stock.

Talavera's experience in the property industry started in 2005, writing on emerging markets including Poland, Brazil, Bulgaria, Romania and the Czech Republic. Talavera is the author of the book "Brazilian Property Market Profile", published by Property Secrets limited in 2008.

Original article

Earth Homes - Going Back to the Basics Saves Energy

Decades from now, homes built in America and elsewhere around the world might be made of ultra-modern materials like steel and glass. But they also might be made of the most original and natural of materials, the earth materials beneath our feet. Many architects and engineers are taking this idea seriously and taking a fresh look at utilizing building techniques that our Earth's ancient people's used.

Environmentally Friendly and Very Inexpensive

In today's modern society, it's all too common to accept the belief that a building material or method has to be expensive and come from many years of research. Otherwise, it's not worth using, right? Wrong. Modern Society is taking a new look at a marvelous new (or not so new) building material that can be found in abundance everywhere, it's cost efficient in terms of heating and cooling costs, and it's really "just as cheap as dirt."

The truth is, we're talking about dirt, or more specifically, the natural materials found in and around the dirt that covers our planet. When it comes to inexpensive building materials, how much more inexpensive can you get? That's the great point of earth homes. You can't get any cheaper. And we're not talking about living in damp, dark caves either. We're talking about nice homes.

Long Lasting-Look at the Proof

Before you jump to conclusions and assume earth homes cannot survive in the elements (especially in the rain), consider this: Some of the most famous of all structures in various parts of the world are not made of glass and steel, they are made of earth. How about the Great Wall of China, a massive earth structure still standing strong after almost 2,500 years?

How about the great pyramids of Egypt? Mosques in Middle Eastern countries? Or adobe homes in the southwestern U.S. that are at least 100 to 200 years old? All of these examples are proof that earth homes made with the right combination of materials and the right material processing methods can last a very long time.

Some Typical Types of Construction

A common type of earth home in north and South America is what is called the Adobe home. The word adobe can be used to reference a certain design or style of home, but historically speaking the word actually refers to a specific building material used in earth homes. Adobe is a form of brick that is made with a combination of straw, clay and compacted soil. Adobe construction varies from one region to another; in some areas where modern materials are still introduced, Portland cement is added to the mixture for strength. In parts of South America where such materials are not available, fermented cactus juice is added to act as a waterproofing membrane.

Another building technique used in building earth homes is what is called "Rammed earth." This method resembles Adobe homes somewhat. Like Adobe, rammed earth utilizes soil and other ingredients that act as a means to keep water out. But adobe is suitable only in dry climates because the adobe bricks have to dry and cure sufficiently to remain strong. The rammed earth technique involves compacting the soil and natural cement ingredients into forms. After sufficient curing and drying time the forms are removed.

Beneficial and a Worthwhile Option

It's easy to see the environmental and economical benefits of earth homes, but are they really a practical option for family living? The answer to that is an absolute yes. Earth homes stay warmer in the winter because of the natural heat from the ground below. They stay cooler in hot weather.

They are very low maintenance structures and last a very long time as we have examined. They're very safe homes too. Earth homes are naturally fire and termite resistant. And what may be the best benefit of all is that they provide peace and quiet. The materials in earth homes are naturally very good at noise blocking. People who live in earth homes don't have to worry about "keeping up with the Joneses' " because they might not even notice that they're there.

Dwight Smoot writes about all types of earth homes that use our natural resources, save energy and create eco-friendly habitats for all.

Original article

Budding Demand of Residential Real Estate in Mohali

The population of India is rising at an alarming rate and thus finding a suitable property is certainly not an easy job. Everyone searches for a place which offers reasonability, a pollution free environment along with an easy accessibility to the basic amenities. All these needs of the people have made Mohali one of the most hunted places today regarding real estate which fulfills them all. The best part is that finding a suitable Mohali property at affordable rates is certainly not difficult. Yes, that's right whether you wish to invest in a residential, commercial or an industrial property one thing which is pretty guaranteed is that you would not experience any dearth in the number of affordable choices.

Even studies have revealed that there has been a significant rise in the demand of Mohali real estate and apart from the local natives, people from different states and numerous NRI's also wish to invest here. A pollution free environment, beautiful landscapes, splendid views, easy accessibility to all the basic amenities with a huge variety in the real estate options, the city has certainly everything to offer. If you wish to reside in a prolific dwelling you can choose to buy a villa, however if you possess a limited budget or have come from any other city to study or work, then flats and apartments would be best for you.

There is a great range of flats available in Mohali in terms of location, size as well as rates. There are 1/2/3/4 BHK flats available with a huge variety. So, as per what your pocket allows you along with your preferences you can choose to buy or rent a nice flat. It has been observed that the apartments with one or two bedrooms are quite popular among students who come to Chandigarh or Mohali for their studies or the people from different states who reside in Mohali because of their job.

Besides, various residential projects undertaken here in the recent couple of years have also contributed to the budding popularity of real estate Mohali. There are many projects which have grabbed attention because of their lavish infrastructure and reasonable rates. However, buying and selling real estate Mohali is certainly not an easy job as the copious choices would certainly baffle a layman. Thus, it is advisable to hire professional real estate agents Mohali who possess a comprehensive knowledge about the current scenario of real estate market of Mohali. Though there is no shortage in the number of property dealers Mohali still make sure that you delve into their track record and reputation before hiring anyone.

Harji Realtors are among the leading real estate agents mohali and have expertise in several mohali property norms which helps investors get the best deals in Mohali real estate.

Original article