If you’re keen to find out more about the benefits of buying in Bulgaria and, in particular, about the assets of its capital city, Sofia, you can now tune into a new Bulgaria property podcast over at Nubricks.

The Nubricks website has a series of property podcasts that have been running since August 2006 and are well worth listening to. The latest podcast, edition 28, for March 2008, focuses purely on Bulgaria and the joys of buying property in Sofia. Adam Samuel, from Nubricks, talks to Libby Gomersall, property editor of Quest Bulgaria Magazine, and James Gonzalez, a market analyst for overseas property agents Obelisk International.

Property in Bulgaria has proved to be very popular over the last few years. In the Bulgaria podcast, James and Libby discuss the various factors that make it so popular. These include issues such as:

• The positive effect Bulgaria’s EU entry has on property markets.
• The booming Bulgarian domestic market.
• Capital appreciation in Bulgaria.
• The low cost of living and better weather than some of Bulgaria’s neighbouring countries.

The Bulgaria property podcast can be listened to straightaway by clicking on the relevant link, or downloaded to your PC or MP3 player to listen to at a later date. Podcasts are quick and easy to load and play and you can also subscribe to the Nubricks podcast feed to be notified when new property podcasts are available.

Real estate in South East Asia opened up on a positive note in 2008 but may level out in tune with the global economy. According to a study by World Bank, the trend in economic growth is considered to benefit the real estate investments in Asia. Amongst all the countries in South East Asia, Malaysia stands out completely as far as property investment opportunities are available for potential buyers.

If you are planning to invest in real estate, you do not have to be a millionaire to take your first step in this direction. Emerging markets in Malaysia are already giving good returns, becoming attractive to both local and foreign investors, and second tier cities like Johor Bahru, Shah Alam and many others are being looked upon as places with particular real estate potential.

What to look into before investing in Asian real estate?

When looking for a good property investment, there are many factors to be considered such as:

• government laws
• infrastructure
• education
• cosmopolitan atmosphere
• developments and their potential return on investment
• climate
• the political scenario of the country

These are all factors that have a direct impact on business and real estate emerging markets over a period of time.

As government policies and outlook directly impact business and trade, it is best to put in your money where there is a good and positive support from up high, and a potential for assets to grow and multiply.

Malaysia is perfect to invest in as it meets all the criteria while the real estate prices are comparatively still low when compared to Singapore and Hong Kong. A stable political government, cosmopolitan lifestyle and higher returns on properties make it a favored international destination. Recent modifications in foreign investments have opened new frontiers, putting Malaysia at par with China and Singapore, while offering very competitive rates.

Recent surveys by ING Real Estate indicate a spur in the work force which will lead to higher demand for housing and commercial space between now and 2013, pointing to a drastic increase in real estate demand, in the next 5 years or so.

With an open economic structure, young workforce and laws favouring foreign trade, Malaysia is on the path to a high GDP that is indicated to rise more than 5.5% by 2020.

Recently, modifications by REHDA proclaimed a remission of 50% of the stamp duty that was to be charged on any residential property i.e. house, apartment etc. that has not been priced over RM 250,000. This is available on those residential properties bought between September 2007 and December 2010. This incentive has further increased the interest in buying residential properties, with people now able to get a better deal.

The Malaysian construction and building industry also got a positive push with a comprehensive Ninth Malaysian Plan project, while the government is supporting free trade and luring foreign investments in all sectors. The construction industry is expecting a 3.5% increase in the next 5 years.

When Comparing Malaysia To Singapore and Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, Tokyo and Singapore are still one of the most expensive places to live, while residential spaces in Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta are still available for $1300 per square meter as indicated by a recent survey done by Global Property Guide research.

Hong Kong’s commercial spaces are nearly 20 times more expensive than those available in Kuala Lumpur. A high end commercial property in Kuala Lumpur sells for approximately RM1000 to 1500 per sq. meter, but a similar space in Hong Kong or Singapore will be nearly 15 to 20 higher. While rents have gone up in Malaysia, buying a property both residential and commercial, still makes an intelligent investment.

While compared to Singapore, Malaysia still has a better prospect of attracting real estate investments as the services and facilities offered are similar. Singapore prices sky rocketed due to the country’s booming economy, international demand and multi cultural workforce that made the residential properties demand go higher than anticipated.

According to a leading survey by Jones Lang La Salle, Singapore’s real estate market is soaring like never before. The commercial spaces available in Singapore have hit an all time high with a rise of 3.5% in 2007 compared to the past 2 years, while rents have gone up with a year to year growth of 73%. The best advantage that Singapore offers to start up companies is low tax benefits, while most of the companies pay less than 10%, making it a sought after destination.

However, Malaysia offers nearly the same facilities, infrastructure, climate and world class working and living environment, with cheaper commercial spaces, condos and apartments to buy or rent, so foreign investments are going up steadily in the last few years giving a boost to Malaysia as a top investment destination in Asia.