nightlife and shopping, with an international airport that offers a huge number of flights to many Asian gateways. In addition, up to 50 private jets arrive each week during the high season, as the international elite fly in and out of the island on an increasingly regular basis. The island of Koh Samui has in the last decade attracted the attention of many foreigners who have decided to live or to invest. The beauty of the island, the classic tropical paradise, the hospitality of the people, moderate cost of living and, above all, the continuous development of the island have been the main drivers. Samui is living a period of increasing and impressive development, like Pukhet years ago. Now Samui is quickly becoming known as the Pearl of the Gulf of Thailand. Just under an hour’s flight from Bangkok, the island is a perfect place to purchase a retirement or holiday home. Pattaya is one of the most preferred retirement and second-home destinations in Thailand, attracting foreign and Thai investors. Pattaya’s strategic location will continue to be a key driver of growth in tourism and its property market. It is the closest beachside town to Bangkok, just over an hour’s drive from the capital, and offers an impressive range of 5-star amenities. Regarded as one of Asia’s top beach resorts, Pattaya is home to more than 30 international-standard golf courses, making it a tourist’s dream destination. These factors make Pattaya well positioned for further growth. For savvy investors looking to get an early start on the next big thing, Koh Pha Ngan, Krabi and Koh Chang are all starting to attract major interest.
France never goes out of fashion Although in the Eurozone, France remains a property hotspot. The country has much to offer visitors, expatriates and investors alike, and this factor creates a highly buoyant property market. Over the years, investment property in France has enjoyed success. Due to many natural and economic factors, France is still an ideal location
for many of today’s wise property investors who seek a stable, though buoyant market in which to make their next purchase. Tourism is a vital element of any property market and few countries can compete on the same level as France in attracting overseas visitors. Geographical diversity, natural and cultural attractions, combined with chic, cosmopolitan atmosphere and cities such as Paris, Nice and Cannes, are some of the driving factors. Add beautiful rural towns and villages, with that unmistakable French charm that continues to draw visitors, second-home buyers and expatriates. The fact is that France is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and this is unlikely to change any time soon. The Languedoc and Limousin regions are currently attracting greater interest than usual from buyers looking to benefit from a laid-back French lifestyle without having to pay the Provençal prices, along with the Green Perigord region to the north of the Dordogne. The French enjoy the best quality of life in Europe, according to several surveys. The elements that have contributed most to France’s success include a lower retirement age, more days holiday per year, more hours of sunshine annually and more government spending on healthcare and education. Capital appreciation, while not as high as in some emerging markets, is considered to be profitable and reliable within a stable investment climate. The French estate agent trade body, the French National Association of Immobiliers (FNAIM), has forecasted an increase in prices of 6% across France throughout 2011 and 2012, with the most popular areas, such as Paris and the French Riviera, forecasted to rise by as much as 15%. Feature provided by Leading Luxury Real Estate www.leadingluxuryrealestate.com
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