New and Updates:

Mortgage Report December 2010

Highlights

• Enquiries for USA more than double

• Turkey’s economy shows promise

• Singapore government puts the brakes on property boom

Commentary

Many analysts over recent months have expressed a favourable opinion on investing in the USA, with many believing that current market conditions present a superb opportunity for investors who choose the right type of property. Below market value properties are currently widely available, with many areas experiencing high demand for rented accommodation it is easy to see the potential for high investment and rental returns. Last month we experienced over double the amount of enquires for mortgages in the USA, which we believe is due to the growing exposure of these types of opportunities. Mortgages are currently available to foreign investors in America up to 75% of the property’s purchase price with interest rates starting from 3.69% (Variable) and 4.25% (Fixed). Mortgage options start from just $50,000 and are available for the purpose of like for like remortgages, equity release and property purchases.

Like most other countries Turkey’s housing economy has suffered recently through the financial downturn, however there are some positive signs for the country’s economy this year which may start to drive people back into Turkish property market. In real terms residential property prices have fallen 25%-30% across much of the country over the past three years. As a result some economists believe many properties in Turkey are now undervalued by European standards. Interest rates in Turkey are currently relatively low and tourism figures look likely to remain strong. We therefore anticipate housing loan volumes to grow over the course of 2011. Currently mortgages in Turkey are available to foreign investors up to 75% of the property’s purchase price, with post finance and equity release mortgages also available. Mortgage interest rates start from 4.45% with lending available from just 30,000 Euros.

Recent statistics provided by the Urban Development Authority suggest that government measures taken to prevent a property bubble in Singapore are starting to take effect. Residential real estate prices in Singapore continued to rise in the third quarter of 2010, reporting a 2.9% rise in property prices which is a significant drop compared to the 5.6% increase in property prices recorded in quarter one and 5.3% rise in quarter 2. The low mortgage rates available in Singapore has undoubtedly helped contribute to this recent property boom, with mortgages currently available to foreign investors at just 1.59% interest rates. Unlike many other countries in Asia interest only options are available for property investors, and it is worth noting that the minimum loan amount currently available is relatively high at £100,000.

 

To find out more information about what mortgage options are available to you please contact us for a free a no obligation consultation.