Silver Coast Property Gems

One Vila with Sea views left at ZERO - only 205,000 euros

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:57:00 +0000

VILLAS AT PROJECT ZERO, OESTE REGION, SILVER COAST, PORTUGAL

JUST 1 STUNNING VILLA AVAILABLE OFF PLAN IN SILVER COAST LOCATION (READY December 09)

3 BEDROOM, 2 BATHROOM (sea views) units from ONLY 205,000 EUROS (DETACHED)

-Prices include all white goods,

- Under floor heating and central vacuum system
- Fully equipped Italian kitchen with electrical appliances
- Designer bathrooms
- villas with private pool
- Solar energy (for heated water)
- Pre-installation for aircon and alarm

Availability is subject to change at any time; a property remains available until a reservation deposit is paid.

The village of Atalaia extends down to the delightful harbour of Porto das Barcas with it’s long stretch of sandy beach, just 5 minutes from the town of Lourinha. Project Zero is a small development of just 10 detached 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villas some 500m from Porto das Barcas. Each villa has a private swimming pool and boasts panoramic sea views. All will be finished to a very high standard with superb designer Italian kitchens and bathrooms, underfloor heating, a central vacuum system and fitted wardrobes. A covered parking area is adjacent to each villa.

This exclusive development has proved immensely popular and there are very few units remaining so an inspection visit is imperative at the earliest opportunity to be able to secure one of these outstanding properties.

Contact Girasol on 44 1974 299055 or email sc@girasolhomes.co.uk

One Villa with sea views left at Vistas Dinheiro

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:47:00 +0000

Just 800m from the beautiful beach of Porto Dinheiro brings you to the exclusive development of 7 luxury super modern 3 bedroom villas with stunning panoramic sea views. Each property stands on an impressive plot of 1,000 sq.m. and boasts a private swimming pool, fully fitted Italian designer kitchens and bathrooms, underfloor heating and a fully integrated central vacuum system. They will be finished to exacting standards and the large balconies offer the opportunity to relax whilst watching the sun set over the breathtaking panorama in front.

There has already been a lot of interest in this exclusive development so an inspection visit is
imperative at the earliest opportunity to be able to secure one of these outstanding properties.

1 left at 270,000 euros

The Oeste region of Portugal is set to be one of the top European property hot spots
Voted by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators as the European
Golf Destination of the Year 2007
More than 20 first class golf courses in the region including the renowned Praia
d’El Re, Campo Real and Golden Eagle championship golf resorts
Breathtaking panoramic views
Luxury modern 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom villas in landscaped gardens with large
private swimming pools
Excellent capital growth potential
Strong rental demand
Prices approx. 15% below open market value
40 minutes from Lisbon Airport with daily low cost flights from many UK airports

Contact Girasol/UIP on 01974 299055 as soon as possible

Sao Martinho do Porto, a great location

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Tue, 12 May 2009 08:34:00 +0000

Sao Martinho do Porto is one of the best locations on the Silver Coast for several reasons:

Its beauty and unique shell-shaped bay make this village an attractive place for tourists and locals alike. Every time the sun shines on a winter’s day, the town immediately springs to life and people come out of nowhere to enjoy the scenario, take a walk on the promenade, or visit a coffee shop. Restaurants and the small shops get very busy. This is a prime location on the Silver Coast for the Portuguese.

Sao Martinho Bay has the most stable property growth on the Silver Coast. This magnificent location has a great combination for the foreign market. In the summer it is very busy, which is great in terms of rentals, and between March and the end of May owners can come out and enjoy a holiday. Throughout the rest of the year there are some holiday periods and long weekends that attract the Spanish tourist market and, since this location doesn’t offer reasonable hotel accommodation, renting apartments becomes the solution. Sao Martinho is actually known as a family destination and renting apartments is much more pleasant them a hotel room.

The village of Sao Martinho Bay has all amenities within walking distance and you will find that there is no need for a car. There have been noticeable improvements over the last 3 years, attracting more and more people to this village and, of course, that reflects on the property market. Some of the improvements were: The promenade, side walks, beach paths, cycle track, panoramic elevator (includes the tourism office in the building).

Sao Martinho Bay is one of the most central beach locations on the Silver Coast, enabling the tourist to explore the region, without spending hours behind the wheel. Heading north, Nazare is the nearest town (11 kilometres) but you can easily get to Fatima (well-known for religious pilgrimage), Alcobaca or Batalha which have beautiful monasteries well worth visting. Heading south there are another handful of wonders to discover: from the city of Caldas da Rainha, well-known for its street market, beautiful park and, if you are keen on shopping, this is one of the largest cities of the Silver Coast offering a variety of shopping choices. Obidos Castle is five minutes from Caldas and you shouldn’t miss it as it is a world heritage site protected by Unesco. Obidos offers a variety of festivals throughout the year, such as the Chocolate festival. Peniche is one of the oldest fisherman villages where you can get a boat trip to the Berlengas Islands. And don’t forget that Lisbon, Portugal’s capital, is only 50 minutes away!.

The west coast of Portugal faces the Atlantic Ocean. If you are a surfer then you will appreciate the strong currents but, otherwise, you should choose locations like Sao Martinho Bay where you can swim and children can play in the water. Sao Martinho Bay is the safest place in the Silver Coast and you won’t find many other places where you can swim freely.

You have probably heard all this before but property is all about location, location, location!

Used with kind permission from Prestige Portugal.

Silver COast Gems

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 14:05:00 +0000

New video

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:03:00 +0000

Silver Coast Style

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 12:23:00 +0000

A short video Showcasing the stylish properties we are marketing on the Silver Coast with some new images.

Buy Smart in 2009 - you have the power!

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 15:52:00 +0000

As if the credit crunch and the impending recession weren't enough, the downside for Brits wanting to buy overseas has been compounded by the plummeting value of the pound.

In just 12 months, sterling's value has slipped from €1.45 to under €1.20 - a fall of almost 20%. Against the dollar, the decline has been even more dramatic. As recently as July you could get $2 for every pound; by late November that had fallen to under $1.50.

Psychologically, it's a serious deterrent for buyers, as it means you could be paying significantly more for the same property than you would have a year ago. What's more, the cost of living in most overseas countries has also gone up accordingly - so that pint of beer, restaurant meal and weekly grocery shop will all be more expensive.

There are a few countries outside the dollar and the euro where the exchange rate pain has not been quite so profound - TURKEY springs to mind - but by and large, overseas homes are less of a bargain than they used to be.

So what can you do about it? One option - if you believe that the pound will make a recovery - is to take out a mortgage in the local currency. Say you want to buy an apartment in France or Spain that costs €200,000, and you take out a Euro-denominated loan for €150,000. Then only the €50,000 deposit will suffer from the conversion at a poor exchange rate, and if sterling recovers in a year's time you could potentially refinance the property at a more attractive conversion rate. This works especially well if you will be earning rental income in the local currency to pay the mortgage interest; but it is a high risk strategy - after all, sterling could decline still further.

Another option is to look in markets where property prices have fallen significantly. Spain is the obvious example; in spite of official figures which purport to show that property prices are still rising, evidence on the ground is that prices have already fallen by around 20% on average, and with many developers on the Costa del Sol or Costa Blanca in financial trouble you could get an even bigger discount, wiping out the effect of sterling's falling value. But don't buy just on the discount - after all, too many properties in Spain were over-priced in the first place.

Ask us how to save money on your new mortgage and buy smart in 2009.

Nigel Salmon - Girasol Homes 44 1974 299055

www.girasolhomes.co.uk * www.girasol-bespoke.com

The oriental park near Bombarral

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:35:00 +0000

Quinta dos Loridos. Carvalhal. Bombarral-Portugal

10 miles from GIrasol and PAL's exceptional developments is this wonderful garden which is free to visit and has some of the best local wines and ports locally.

Contact Girasol on 44 1974 299055 or email; info@girasolhomes.co.uk, Girasol Homes

Cheaper mortgages as the Euribor continues to fall.

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Girasol Homes spots more people buying as the Euribor plummets.

Positive news is that Euribor has now plummeted to below 3%, from its high of over 5.5% in September 2008. To put this in monetary terms a 25 year repayment mortgage for 150,000 Euros would have typically cost 1,013 Euros in September. This mortgage would now typically cost 792 Euros. A saving of over 220 Euros per month. Add this to the current low interest rate environment in the UK that many of your clients may be benefiting from, and the exceptional offers that are available in the market at present, and buying a new home overseas may be more affordable than many people think.

Sample of some of the mortgage deals for Spain and Portugal

UP TO 80% OF CONTRACT PRICE – RATES FROM BELOW 4% AVAILABLE FOR NON RESIDENTS

LOOKING FOR LOW DEPOSIT SCHEME UP TO 100% OF PURCHASE PRICE (MAX. 70% OF VALUATION) MINIMUM PROPERTY VALUE €350,000. IDEAL FOR DISCOUNTED PURCHASES

INTEREST ONLY AVAILABLE FOR TERM OF MORTGAGE IDEAL FOR THOSE CLIENTS WISHING TO KEEP THEIR MONTHLY PAYMENTS DOWN LONG TERM FIXED RATE MORTGAGES FROM 2 – 25 YEARS IDEAL FOR CLIENTS WISHING TO BUDGET WITH CONFIDENCE FOREIGN CURRENCY MORTGAGE - RATES FROM 1.93% (UP TO 60%) LOWEST RATES IN THE MARKET

LIFETIME MORTGAGE FOR RETIRED CLIENTS WHO WISH TO MAKE NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS!

CASHBACK MORTGAGE IDEAL FOR THOSE REQUIRING ASSISTANCE TOWARDS FEES/FURNISHINGS LET TO BUY UP TO 100% OF CONTRACT PRICE. IDEAL FOR THOSE CLIENTS LOOKING TO MOVE WITHOUT SELLING THEIR EXISTING HOME

BUY TO LET PORTFOLIO MORTGAGE - UP TO 60% OF CONTRACT IDEAL FOR INVESTORS

Contact Nigel Salmon at Girasol Homes for more details of mortgages and properties 44 1974 299055 or www.girasolhomes.co.uk

Our latest Video for the Silver Coast area

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 12:49:00 +0000

Our latest video is now online on Youtube

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1BRXPa-iwT8

Cutting edge designs prove to be a big hit in 2008 and will be in 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:11:00 +0000

Here we spotted one of the cutting edge designs so popular in 2008, we expect it to be an increasingly popular trend in 2009, with our custom villa ranges it really is the world is your oyster in Spain and Portugal and even further beyond.

This trend will increase along with the excellent value for money available in 2009 and the clients desire for a very special property with all modern and eco features.

Here is one of the excellent designs we liked - which fits in well with our cutting edge designs in the Obidos area of Portugal our developers can build you a property like this from 185,000 euros- we are exceptionally excited about the opportunity for our clients here.

+ ODOS architects' 287 sq. meter, concrete Dwelling at Maytree in Ireland at Arch Daily, "in essence a simple bold sculptural form which sits at the foot of a steep escarpment in the Wicklow hills. It is a two storey house with vehicular and pedestrian access from the Bray Road. Accommodation is comprised of a two car garage, boiler room, wc and utility at ground floor level and open plan living, kitchen, dining areas with 3 bedrooms (master en suite), study and family bathroom at first floor level".

Our thanks to Moco Loco for this article and many other excellent postings here.

Contact us for details of the excellent properties we can have built in this wonderful area for you.

Nigel Salmon Girasol Homes

The Algarve has a rival in the Silver Coast

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

The Algarve undoubtedly a jewel in Portugal’s crown has a serious rival in Lisbon’s Silver Coast.

3 bedroom 2 bathrooms Pool from 185,000 euros

The International Association of Golf Tour Operators named the Lisbon Silver Coast as Golf Destination of the Year last year and with half a dozen quality courses there – generally much cheaper than the Algarve’s – it’s easy to see why. At approximately 50-60% cheaper than properties in the Algarve many of our clients are now finding the funds to invest in property here.

Girasol Homes have now properties from an amazing 48000 euros for a 1 bedroom apartment 2km from the beach to 3 bedroom ultra modern villas with sea views from 215,000 euros.

As an area, the Oeste region is not as crowded as the Algarve and there is plenty to do. Places to visit include Obidos, Lourinha, Bombarral, Peniche and Torres Vedras and there numerous superb beaches, restaurants, wineries and excellent hotels. High class hotels such as Marriott Praia D’El Rey and the Westin CampoReal, which both have their own top-quality golf courses are constantly bringing visitors into the area via the easy airport options at Lisbon.

(Project Zero villas - very popular with Girasol Clients)

Coming on stream soon is the Golden Eagle complexes and the brand new Bom Successo with its amazing architecture, both of which boast quality golf courses. The existing courses include the Quinta da Marinha Oitavos and Clube de Golfe da Quinta da Marinha (Cascai), Penha Longa, Belas Clube de Campo, Botada, Vimeiro and Lisbon Sports Club.

Girasol also has property overlooking the famous Obidos Lagoon, where windsurfing, kitesurfing and sailing are available. Close to the medieval city of Obidos with history, culture and cuisine. Nearby Peniche is Portugal’s largest fishing port with a string of excellent fish restaurants. The Oeste region is a cultural delight with monasteries, convents, castles, churches, and museums. Contact Girasol Homes to experience the region for yourself on a discovery trip to explore the number #1 place for property and lifestyle investment in 2009.

Contact Girasol Homes at scoast@girasolhomes.co.uk

What's selling and where?

noreply@blogger.com (Nigel Salmon GIRASOL HOMES) — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 19:11:00 +0000

Silver Coast Villas and Apartments Prove Big Sellers even in a down market

It's been an interesting year and we as a company have learnt a lot. One thing I learned was not to fight what people want and when I received an email from my now business partner Chris Hyde back in August, with some futuristic villas and apartments on - I was curious.

Since that conversation we have been hooked and we have some of the most exciting "boutique" product on the market. Our buyers love the clean lines and the futuristic features in these lovely, affordable areas 45 minutes north of Lisbon airport.

In addition to the wonderful area we particularly love the striking modern designs:

From a one bedroom apartment (starting at an incredible 48,000 euros) to a huge cubist villa overlooking the sea and deserted beaches at 650,000 euros there is something for everyone here.

These modern villas - 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, private pool and private plot can be yours from an amazing 215,000 euros on a country plot with country views.

These properties are at least 3 times cheaper than lesser properties in the Algarve some 2.5 hours south yet have more space, land, features and a growing list of new championship golf courses within a few minutes. Add to this the traditional nature of the area and you'll understand why we love it and so do our clients.

No Credit crunch in evidence here, 80% mortgages readily available, properties value in some cases for more than the purchase price.

What to do next.........

Contact us at silvercoast@girasolhomes.co.uk for more information for buyers and for agent collaboration please email us at jointv@girasolhomes.co.uk with your details.

Our new website for the Silver Coast will be ready shortly as well as Girasol Homes' new Mortgage Website.