During the first weeks of February European real estate portal ee24.com could not stay away from the latest topics: the Euromaidan, the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi and exchange value of Russian ruble.
Journalists of ee24.com found out how the Euromaidan influenced the Ukrainian buyers’ interest to European real estate. Realtors, who work in Kiev and other cities of the country, told us that the number of transactions had not increased, but the Ukrainians had started to address to agencies more often, inquire prices and consider properties in Spain, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria. Political crisis in Ukraine was the signal for those who have saved money to spend it on a property abroad.
The Olympic Games in Sochi are an event that attracts a lot of attention of the mass media. It turned out that every four years there is increase of sales in ski resorts in all over the world, and the reason is the Olympic Games. Experts say that in the first half of 2014 there will be increase in sales of houses in ski villages of France. People who hear about the Olympic Games start thinking about sports and decide to buy a suitable property. In France, this tendency has positively coincided with affordable mortgages and a great number of houses for sale in the Alps.
The depreciation of the ruble against the major currencies was another popular topic. Experts of ee24.com advised not to wait and buy European real estate right now. It is one of the best ways to keep savings for holders of rubles.
Early February was rich in a variety of ratings. Four German metropolises got into the top-ten of the most attractive cities in Europe in terms of investment: Munich, Hamburg, Berlin and Frankfurt. Dublin, London, Zurich, Istanbul, Copenhagen and Stockholm also have good prospects. London, Oslo and Geneva became the most expensive cities in the world for foreigners to live in, while Moscow has taken only the 67th position. And the leading countries by beer index (number of mugs of beer that you can buy for a minimum salary) in Europe are Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany.
We have not ignored warm countries, where it’s really great to get warm this winter. Readers will learn the difference between major cities of Cyprus: which ones are more suitable for parties and night life, and which are good for quiet walks and relaxing on the beach. Property in another Mediterranean country, France, will cost more, especially in such a trendy place of the Cote d'Azur, as Saint-Tropez. Portal visitors can read an article that says why a former fishing village turned into a luxury place, and about pros and cons of buying property in Saint-Tropez.
Another trend that has moved from the previous year to this one (and it has every chance for further life) is the sale of state property, as well as unusual properties, such as stadiums. The largest football arena in Riga was put up for sale for €12.5 million. Government of Catalonia decided to sell 15 buildings in the center of Barcelona at once.
While the authorities of some countries get rid of debts, governments of other countries help their citizens to get them. The UK adapted concessional lending program Help to Buy for Islamic citizens. Now they can get a mortgage, which does not involve payment of interest, and in really favorable terms. Find out how it can be on ee24.com.
As always, our focus remained on the countries of former "Eastern Block", now EU members, such as Estonia, Latvia and the Czech Republic. From an interview with an expert of the real estate market in Estonia you can find out that the country has become the most "rapidly growing" among the Baltic countries.
Unlike Estonia, Latvia offers homebuyers a residence permit, so the interest of foreigners doesn’t reduce. Detailed review of real estate market of Prague, presented by our partners in Czech Republic, will be quite helpful for those who wish to move to the Central Europe.