Buying property in the UK and getting on the first rung of the property ladder has become much more difficult for first time buyers over the last few years. But increasing numbers of would-be home owners have successfully found a way around it, by buying abroad and renting in Britain.

Affectionately known as BARBies (Buy Abroad, Rent in Britain), this breed of buyer has had to think outside of the usual buying strategy in order to get an attempt to buy a first home. As prices in the UK soared, they’ve taken a leap of faith and hedged their bets on property overseas - and in many cases, done very well from it.

BARBies have tended to aim towards the lower priced and often emerging markets, like Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Croatia, Cyprus or Cape Verde. In fact, Maria McLaren, from McLaren International Properties says that she’s come across many BARBies who have bought property in Cyprus.

But as well as attracting first time buyers, some property investors keen to make money on buying abroad are also attracted to the BARBie world. Writing in the Telegraph, Zoe Dare Hall recently explored the intricacies of the BARBie buyers and presented some fascinating case studies of actual BARBie buyers. The article is well worth a read, whether you’re looking for property buying inspiration or just want to see what all the BARBie buying fuss is about.

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LONDON, March 31 /PRNewswire/ — Off Plan Property Exchange, an online property advertising agency, based in the United Kingdom, announced it’s intention to sponsor the Scottish Formula One Grand Prix in November 2015. The event will be run in association with the International Society for the Prevention of Petrol (ISPP) based in Geneva.

Jeremy Dannebohm, Director of Public Relations and Marketing for Off Plan Property Exchange commented that the company will host an event that will become a regular fixture in the grand prix calendar for years to come.

“We are confident this will be an event of tremendous magnitude. I have a hunch the Off Plan Property Exchange Scottish Grand Prix will be a veritable who’s who of celebrities, athletes, and nobility. It will be a memorable day for all those who attend.”

The last Scottish Grand Prix of such magnitude was held 57 years ago on July 21st, 1951. The event of 1951 was a 100 mile race held at Winfield Airfield also in Berwickshire. The 2015 event will include industry leading hydrogen powered racing machines from each of the major teams with star drivers such as Alonso Alfonso, Jimi Rikatard, and of course our very own Lewis Ambleton.

Stuart Atkinson, Executive Director of Off Plan Property Exchange anticipates the Grand Prix will bring about international awareness to the success of the online property investment company. Mr. Atkinson who conducted most of the negotiations himself with Bernie Eccelsham, the leader of the FHM based in Paris, commented:

“It’s been tough. We’ve had round after round of Negotiations with Bernard, and I’m delighted that it has all come together We want to do this right, with no expense spared. There will of course be a major launch event with top celebrities and a nice buffet with wine, cheese and everything.”

Prior to releasing tickets to the general public, the company is offering visitors to their website the opportunity to register to win a “Grand Prix Getaway Package” which includes accommodations at the Travelodge, just an hour and a half away from where the race will be held. The package includes 6 VIP tickets to the Grand Prix and exclusive OPPE post race party but doesn’t include dining, spirits or the airfare. Registration begins April 1st, 2008.

To register, visit Off Plan Property Exchange’s website, which includes a section detailing more information about the sponsorship at www.offplanpropertyexchange.com/grandprix

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Across the globe, people are becoming more and more attuned to environmental issues, and their interest is extending to eco-friendly construction and building techniques. Some industry experts expect that an increasing number of investors will seek out sustainable “green” building projects as good investment opportunities for the future.

Builders who “go green” engage in a multi-step process that begins with planning and design and continues to the end of the building’s life cycle. They engage in practices and use materials and equipment that maximize a building’s efficiency and reduce its negative impact on the environment, not just during the construction phase, but over the life of the project.

Sustainable construction results in a building that is in harmony with its community and the environment. It adds to our quality of life; it conserves resources and reduces our exposure to unhealthy substances.

In the United States, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) supports builders seeking LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The process evaluates more than a building’s construction technique, also taking into account the building’s overall environmental performance.

Green Projects in Denver, Colorado

Sustainable construction projects are making news across the country. According to some experts, building “green” can help owners save from 10 to 20 percent on energy use and water use. As the industry continues to develop new materials and processes, sustainable building projects will continue to become more cost effective, according to environmental and real estate expert Charles Lockwood.

Builders in Denver, Colorado are among those stepping up to the green challenge. The first condominium project in the Rocky Mountain region to earn LEED certification, RiverClay in the Jefferson Park area, is now nearing completion.

Builder David Zucker describes this project as “the intersection between Sustainable and Sophisticated.” A few blocks west of I-25 and directly across the street from the park, the development offers easy access to all of Denver’s attractions in an area that retains its sense of community.

2020 Lawrence Street

Zucker is preparing to get underway with a second sustainable condominium project, 2020 Lawrence Street, within easy walking distance of Coors Field, home of Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies. He recommends that buyers include solar photovoltaic systems in their homes, and he is planning to use a large PV system to power the building’s common areas.

Naturally, those who elect to use the solar system will see a cut in their electric bills. In addition, they will be eligible for rebates from the local power company, tax incentives, and possibly a reduced interest rate from their mortgage lender, all of which can add up on an annual basis.

Each unit has a balcony with views of the city or the Rocky Mountains in the distance. Who knows, you might even be able to watch a ball game sitting on your balcony. Without giving it a try, you’ll never know!

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