Free Mortgage Advice is being offered by Charcol, the UK’s leading mortgage adviser, to the UK market. Charcol will use its group experience and industry knowledge, built up by over 30 years of leading the mortgage broking market, to bring quality advice to the nation’s mortgage borrowers for free.

Ian Kennedy, chief executive of Charcol, comments: “The need for expert mortgage advice has arguably never been more apparent than now, with mortgages consistently at the front of both many people’s minds and the front pages of newspapers. There is a general nervousness in the market and borrowers are starting to really question whether they have the right home loan. In addition, with many lenders moving and, crucially, tightening their criteria, it is difficult for consumers to know who will lend to them. As a broker, we are full aware of who lends on what criteria and can provide our customers with the very best mortgage for them for no cost at all.”

Key Charcol Facts
• Charcol is a whole of market mortgage broker.
• Charcol has extremely high levels of satisfaction. 87% of clients in 2007 are either satisfied or extremely satisfied.
• Hassle free – Charcol will manage your entire mortgage application through to completion, liaising with solicitors, valuers and lenders on your behalf.
• Exclusive mortgages – Charcol uses its reputation as the number one broker to secure exclusive mortgages, many of which are market-leading, that are not available anywhere else.
• Charcol Promise - Arranging a mortgage with Charcol gives clients a mortgage for life. They will always contact you to arrange your new mortgage when your preferential rate expires, and all for free.

Kennedy continues, “In an increasingly time poor society, our service really does provide the answer for many borrowers looking to secure the right mortgage for them. We will search the entire market and make a recommendation that is completely tailored to the individual. Borrowers can be confident that they will get the most suitable mortgage for them, from across the whole market, with no advice fee.”

To take advantage of market-leading free mortgage advice, borrowers should call 0800 358 5560, or visit www.charcol.co.uk

Canada is attracting a lot of attention from the British press both as a holiday destination and as a place to live. 200,000 people are said to migrate there each year and, according to the BBC , Canada hosts more than 603,000 permanent British residents - a number which continues to grow each year.

Picture perfect destinations and urbanised cities such as Quebec, Toronto and Vancouver are seeing an influx of British residents in search of good employment prospects alongside a better quality of life. As Overseas Emigration reports, Canada was ranked 10th out of 161 in the 2007 index of economic freedom whilst the Economist named it the 8th most peaceful country in the world.

The sheer size and beauty of the land, alongside these facts continue to draw people to Canada. The wide open spaces mean the potential for growth is immense with only 3.5 people for every square kilometre (9.9 million sq km in total) and although some of the more mountainous areas have hostile weather conditions, the majority of the country is entirely habitable. Developers are jumping on the Canadian band-wagon in droves - and are readily welcomed as they help the economy to flourish.

The Canadian Real Estate Association states that the national average for house prices in Canada is CA$313,645, a figure which is low in comparison to British prices and ensures its popularity with investors and buyers alike. Average wages of US$35,500 are higher than most other countries popular with people who are looking to emigrate; and as a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and Group of Eight (G8), Canada is rapidly becoming one of the richest nations.

Fact: Canada has long since been popular with holiday makers seeking a warmer climate in summer and ski possibilities in winter and holds 2.9% of the world’s market share in tourism. For investors it is not only rising numbers of immigrants that provide attractive opportunities but also the affluent tourist industry worth US $202 billion in 2007 alone - a figure which is set to grow by 3.7% per annum until 2017.

Buy to let is already an excellent prospect for British investors with an almost 2:1 exchange rate and rental yields of up to 7%. According to the Guardian Abroad, despite US downturn the Canadian market remains strong and as one of the largest, yet sparsely populated, countries there is plenty of room for developers, investors and buyers alike.

Golfing developments are all the rage these days, with many new developments being built each year. Whether you’re a fan of golfing yourself, or are keen to cash in on the golfing phenomenon, buying in, or close to, a golf development can be a good decision.

Golf resorts are a prime investment opportunity, both for those looking to use the property for their own golfing needs, or to use for rental purposes. With poor British winters, golfers can’t get out on the courses as often as they’d like, yet just a short flight away, to countries such as Spain and Portugal, they can bask in winter sunshine and play golf to their hearts content.

According to property experts, buying on a golf development can add as much as 40% to the value of the property. The actual position of the property in relation to the golf course helps determine the initial price. For example, if the property is in a key position overlooking the fairway, then you should expect to pay a premium price, whereas properties tucked further in or away from the course tend to be slightly cheaper.

Even if you don’t like golf, don’t discard the idea completely. Most developments with golf courses also cater for other interests too, offering facilities such as spas, fitness centres and gyms, and of course shops.

Areas of Europe, such as Spain and Portugal’s Algarve have long been associated with great golf property developments, as has Florida. But in recent years other countries, such as El Gouna on Egypt’s Red Sea Coast, have been developing the golf bug and creating well-designed golf courses – often with a name behind them, such as Jack Nicklaus – with top notch properties alongside.

One of the more unusual destinations which could move into the limelight this year is Vietnam. The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) recently held their annual Undiscovered Golf Destination of the Year award and Vietnam beat five other shortlisted countries to win the award. The winner was judged on elements such as the extent to which the destination is undiscovered, the qualities that make it an interesting golf destination, standard of accommodation, value for money, the quality and accessibility of courses and the attractiveness of the region.

The other shortlisted areas were Abu Dhabi, Costa Rica, the Italian Lakes, Kenya and Oregon.

“We used to think of ourselves as the golf world’s best kept secret, but with the announcement of this award, the secret is out. Vietnam is ready for the big time,” said Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Chu, general secretary of the Vietnam Golf Association.

Vietnam makes the claim of being the only country in South East Asia where international arrivals have grown ten fold over the last 10 years. There are currently 15 golf courses in Vietnam and over 30 other projects are in the construction stage. In July 2007, seven top courses joined force to form the Ho Chi Minh Golf Trail (www.hochiminhgolftrail.com), which is doing much to boost tourist numbers in this area.

With the number of people visiting the country each year rising, Vietnam could make an interesting and new addition to a golfing property portfolio.

Paragon Mortgages are one of the UK’s best known buy-to-let mortgage lenders who appear to heading towards administration unless their shareholders can bail them out. The company failed to secure new funding at an acceptable rate and was forced to issue an emergency rights issue as reported in the yesterdays Telegraph.

The company issued its first buy-to-let mortgage back in 1995 and is now the third biggest buy-to-let lender and provides one in every ten buy-to-let mortgages.

Paragon highlighted its problems raising funding back in November. Like Northern Rock it relied entirely on the wholesale markets to finance its mortgage lending but was unable to continue raising finance as a result of the US sub-prime loans crisis.

The company is offering shares to investors at a massive 90.2 per cent discount. So if you have a few quid going spare you could do worse than to buy a few. Investing in Paragon should be relatively low risk as I am sure they will secure new sources of finance, at least let’s hope so.

UK Real Estate Developer Magellan Homes have agreed to advertise a selection of Apartments from their Kassapians development at Baildon, West Yorkshire through the Off Plan Property Exchange website.

Magellan chose to use the site because they retain control of both the property listings copy and imagery as well as handling the sales themselves. One of the key benefits of the site over that of others is the ability to search for a property investment by deal. Magellan, like most property developers, offer incentive packages that include property discounts, legal fees paid and furnishings which they know are particularly appealing to their investor base, who are keen to conserve their equity.

Cheryl Bissett, Sales Director for Magellan Residential, explains, “We realize that the site www.offplanpropertyexchange.com is relatively new, but we have been impressed with its functionality. We wanted to get back in touch with our buyers directly, and the site enables us to do that. It also enables us to offer sales incentives which we know appeal to both home buyers and property investors. So we have given the site a trial with our Kassapians development in Baildon where we are offering an incentives package that includes legal fees, stamp duty and furnishings.”

Cheryl goes on to say that “We have been delighted with the response so far, particularly from property investors who like a deal.” She explains that “Unlike home owners, property investors can come from anywhere as their key interest is the numbers. If the numbers work and you have a good product, then generally investors will buy. Off Plan Property Exchange has generated a significant number of enquiries for us from property investors around the UK, particularly from the South East, where investors can see that Kassapians represents excellent value and a strong long term investment.”

With the booming economy and a vibrant market fueling the infrastructure atmosphere. Delhi is fast catching up with other cosmopolitan cities of the world in the real estate zone.

Real estate has grown by leaps and bounds and with the commonwealth games set to be held in Delhi, in the near future, it has lot of work to catch up with. The past year has also seen Delhi rising as the costliest commercial place in India, comparable to that of other economic super power nations like the united states of America and Great Britain , etc. Prices at commercial areas like Connaught place and Karol Bagh have seen a steep climb. Most of the developers concern on building residential areas like flats and bungalows in the outskirts of Delhi due to the paucity of land areas. As a result,the nearby cities like Noida, Gurgaon and Okhla is making use of this golden opportunity. Greater rise in the number of upper middle class family has catalyzed this need as most of the flats caters to this section with facilities like air conditioned rooms, modular kitchens ,2 to 3 bedrooms, green areas fulfilling most of the requirement.

Other sectors than residential areas is the mushrooming of Resorts, Spas,Golf courses in the surrounding areas of Delhi. This is another interesting aspect where it has lot of scope for future developments and expansion plans. Being the capital of India, Delhi attracts a major portion of the tourists visiting India. Due to this the real estate is in a win-win situation with both the government and common people asking for more infrastructural developments in the capital. The growing influx of people from other states for work or study related purposes has further bludgeoned, the teeming population of the capital. The best example is that of outstation students studying in various colleges of the Delhi University. With very few real estate developers taking their plight for building more residential areas, it has led to acute shortage of accommodation in the region. It is this major point which the real estate developers of Delhi has failed to notice for so long.

Another interesting point is the failure of the real estators(read both developers and provider) to meet their shortage of developing hotels of all budgets to meet the requirement for the upcoming commonwealth games. If this problem continues to mire in the future, then the future dream of Delhi becoming a global city without the problem of basic amenities will receive a big dent. But with the New Year we hope that the real estate in Delhi will receive a major boost and provided with proper implementation it will take the infrastructure in Delhi to much greater

The question of 2008, is China’s booming real estate market, slowing down this Winter? 2007 saw the market at it’s peak. With the Olympics scheduled in China in 2008, real estate prices rocketed. However the latter months of 2007, saw a sudden reverse to this peak in property prices. China’s hot property market is now showing signs of slowing down. An increase in prices, high rates of interest, in addition to a government drive to cool speculation are partly repsonsible for this flagging.

While the boom sure is faltering, it’s unlikely there’ll be a crash, predict experts. And a repeat show of the U.S subprime mortgage crisis is not eminent, for the financial derivatives used in the US are most certainly not used in China. “Prices are falling only in several cities where speculation has been rampant,” said Cao Xute, analyst at Sinolink Securities. “Prices in cities such as Shanghai and Beijing are still mostly underpinned by strong demand from consumers.”

The Real Estate situation is closely linked to the government and how the government takes stock of the situation will be scruitnized by all. Managing Director of international real estate company – FPD Savills, Mr. Albert Lau, feels that Government’s intervention should act only as a catalyst, and the real estate market should be a self-regulating one.

All we can do is wait and watch…

And there appears to be a conflict with regards to the real estate situation down under. While on one hand the housing industry in Australia are showing signs of recovery, yet on the other hand there still seems to be an affordability crisis of sorts, more so for renters and first time home buyers alike.

Dr. Alex Joiner, ANZ Economist says, “..constrained supply and robust demand will leave house prices well supported and combined with upside risks to mortgage rates, the deterioration in housing affordability will make entering the market difficult, especially for first home buyers,’ ”
The Real Estate Institute of Australia predicts that housing affordability in Australia for 2008 is going to worsen. This is mainly attritbuted to the increase in property prices and borrowing costs as well, in addition to the fallout of the US Subprime market. An overview of the affordability scene in Australia, does not look good and shows no signs of abating.
In order to take stock for higher funding costs, Australia’s largest bank, National Australia Bank Ltd., just a few days back rasied interest rates on mortgages. Other banks are predicted to follow.
It’s also predicted that the prices will continue to increase for 2008 in most Australian states, with the exception of New South Wales. The increase in prices has been attributed to a rise in population, shortage of supply of new accommodations and a growing demand for housing in locations that are close to the work place.

From the shopping festivals to seven star hotels, Dubai’s popularity has sure grown in leaps and bounds. Considering it’s attractive lifestyle, great sub-tropical climate and an extremely cosmopolitan environment, Dubai’s property market has become increasingly popular amongst foreigners, particularly the British. Ever since 2002, foreign nationals were permitted to own property, this was issued by a royal decree.

Demand for real estate seems to be at an all time high, so much so that in recent times, real estate prices have increased as much as 25% per annum. In addition, the tax free salary that the people acquire makes it possible for them to live in high-rent properties.

The foreigners favor apartments and single or two-storey villas. They prefer these in complexes that are secure and have plenty of recreational facilities such as swimming pools, fitness centres, tennis courts etc. The new infrastructure seems luxurious and feature the best of the best. Famous builders and developers include Emaar Properties, Damac Properties, and Al Nakheel Properties.

To finanace your property purchase in Dubai, you need to consider all possible options. Cash, of course is preferred. You can also consider a mortgage, though mortgages in Dubai are not really easy to obtain. However if you seek the assistance of a professional, they will definitely be able to assist you.

The prosperous city of Pune, obtaining the second largest position in the state of Maharashtra has a lot to give for the residents, NRIs (Non Resident Indians), and investors of the city. With thriving prosperity, Pune has become an important city for people from every corner of the country. The education system, the medical facilities, the IT hubs have made Pune a grand city in the country’s map. Business loving people thinking to make more money or property may think over the real estate market in Pune.
At a competitive price, the real estate consultancies of Pune are ready to help you finding a home, an office place, shops, malls and different others for the need you possess. There are real estate brokers and agents to assist in this field.

With the growing real estate infrastructures in Pune, it has come to be known that during the first ten months of 2007, Pune has recorded 1.65 lakh property registrations. In 2006 it was 1.97 lakh and in 1.60 lakh in 2005.

Being one of India’s largest industrial cities, Pune has given rise to real estate builders more in hand. Capitalizing by the property holders and investors of Pune, it has become one of the fastest growing cities of India.

Eminent builders like Ahura Builders, Amit Enterprises, Shamarthshree Promoters and Developers, Aditya Builders and several others are ready to place the city as a leading one. Offices, hotels, shopping malls, apartments and various other real estate buildings by them have changed the view. Many Indians and NRIs are ready to invest on real estate market of Pune because it is growing fast for the IT companies and several other business centers.

Located in the Western suburbs of Pune, Hinjewadi is a major place of real estate activities. It swanks most of the eminent IT companies, industries and offices.
Apart from all these, it has been found that the Planning Commission of the Government of India and the Indian Construction Industry jointly set up CIDC, the Construction Industry Development Council, which is a representative organization of the Indian Construction Industry. It has pooled resources with Pune based Durocrete Construction Quality Rating Agency Private Limited to squash its joint program for construction.

Thus it has to be remembered that besides every success, a little failure is not a matter of disappointment for a growing city like Pune.