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Nautorius

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Posts posted by Nautorius

  1. A crash has to be on it's way. Just looked at flats to rent and buy in Canary wharf....WTF. Quickly turned that Job down. Even a flat share was £950 a month.....how do people even survive in London? I am looking at 3 figure wages but affordability is zero..

    Ironically the job was downsizing a large Bank. And 3 separate banks have similar jobs available. Lots of City job losses coming...HPC has to follow soon.

  2. Costa Del Sol Update. Asking prices creeping up but market still depressed even in best areas. I just got an email saying that the next phase of bank repos is being released with 115% Mortgages attached. Crazy is back. Most of these are non prime Brit built flats in wrong location.

    Villas still very depressed. I am looking at properties and still thinking overpriced! Rental is approx. 2% of value so why buy, prices will be depressed for many years to come. Build quality is shocking as well. I know someone who got a 115% mortgage 3 bed flat in Estepona for €200k (overpriced in the last phase 2011 releases). Has now spent €15k rectifying build issues like electrics, plumbing, leaks. Lifts do not work, pool not filtering....crazy buy. Keep clear or rent. Limited Jobs as well except in Gib or in Tech.

    N.

  3. Update.

    Well Gibraltar has continued to boom. All properties making double digit growth, CAT 2 (best property) been making 20% per year. Finally new builds are coming online in the sub £1m. 2 Ocean village blocks, Mid town, Eurotowers and Kingswharf 2 and 3. Bad news they all sold off plan in around 48hours. They will come online from mid 2017. Mostly sold to investors and workers who need a Gib address. The amount of Studios and one beds is a very high percentage...as they are just a postal address. Prices for premium property now £5800-£7500 per sqm. Rental is 6% plus even at todays prices. Mortgage availability very limited but most purchases high cash to value or full cash. No cheap mortgages here (4% plus) so cannot blame cheap credit

    Rentals still going crazy. Premium 3 beds now £3500-£5000. Even upper town (cheapest) is £1300 for a 2/3 bed small flat with no parking. BREXIT has cooled market and prices now levelled out whilst we wait for vote.

    The amount of new build £2.5m-£10m properties is now substantial. The market is here for that price as well. Unlike London a commute from Cheap Spain is only 25-30mins.

    Cheers

    N.

  4. Welcome to Gib Mich,

    As you have seen the Market is rampant here now especially for premium property. After 4/5 years of stagnation property prices grew 10% in the first half and the Premium properties are over that. Mainly due to Spanish dwellers moving back to Gib and an increase in Cat 2's. No new Premium properties being built in the £300k-900k so prices are rising fast. I just bought in Queensway after 5 years....took that long to find a property at the right price and just intime.

    Rents are also rising fast. I think increases this year are at 15-20% already and still rising. It is supply and demand and without new properties it is unfortunately only going one way. More homeowners and people wanting to live here with a stagnant supply mean it is a hot Market. The only saving grace is no stupid Valuations for Mortgages and a minimum of 15% deposit needed. Also Mortgages are still hard to get compared to UK. This looks remarkably like a bubble...but I think it is longer term.

    N.

  5. In a 2011 paper, researchers at the Complex Systems Institute unveiled a model that accurately explained why the waves of unrest that swept the world in 2008 and 2011 crashed when they did. The number one determinant was soaring food prices. Their model identified a precise threshold for global food prices that, if breached, would lead to worldwide unrest. In the next 12 months we will move way beyond that threshold due to drought in the USA and food speculators leading to an unprecedented wave of global food riots.

    http://motherboard.vice.com/2012/9/10/we-are-now-one-year-and-counting-from-global-riots-complex-systems-theorists-say--2

    Already happening here in Spain. Except they are just being allowed to do it.....

    http://www.wsws.org/articles/2012/aug2012/spai-a18.shtml

    N

  6. Article you quoted from now corrected - 8.7 billion not million. Quite a lot of bricks. I suppose if you take an average value of 100K euros per property that's 87,000 properties by my maths. That's a massive amount of real estate about to be fire-sold if I'm correct.

    Given newbuilds are being released with 100% mortgages and big discounts, those private sellers are now looking at year 2002 prices. A 3 bed detached Villa in Estepona on the CDS....€170,000. Clearly older couple wanting to return to UK. A few years ago these were fetching €400k+ (Crazy Prices). Starting to get to a price where I would buy, especially with the exchange rate at 1.20+. Main concern is Tax in Spain....

    http://www.barringtonhomes.eu/Estepona-Property/Buenas+Noches-S009.htm

    N.

  7. Just back from Gibraltar and things are moving down !

    This last visit ilast week was a bit different with us being told that low offers are maybe acceptable, some agents still living in cukoo land talking the market up but a lot of property is for sale and even more to rent.

    When they realise that they could lose money (seems unheard of) from the purchase price i think some panic will set in.

    So we will play the waiting game we might rent but see what goes on later in the year.

    Some are still trying for £250 - £270k plus for a 1 bed in ocean village on a low floor no sea view. they are in for a shock !

    We also came across false property that they advertised at low prices and was not even on the market to get you interested.

    Hello,

    Everything you mention is well known about the Market here. They unfortunately treat outsiders as stupid cash cows and often they are proved right. If you live here you will soon cut through all the rubbish and get real property at real prices. I would sugest renting for 6-12 months and then deciding what to do.

    One thing to be aware of is that unlike most other Property markets most property owners in Gib are very low geared. The Max BTL has been 70% for years and most people pay down the mortgages fast. For that reason the number of forced sellers is very low and the need to drop a lot is low. The mentality is just too hold on here until you eventually get your price.

    I could buy tomorrow but do not as we have not found the right property at the right price....and may never. However with Assured tennancy why bother buying? Been here 4 years and love it, housing is just a hassle for our landlords....

    N.

  8. Allowing corrupt local politicians and builders to swindle thousands of foreigners and then confirming the swindle once it was revealed probably wasn't a great longterm move, if it weren't for that then foreigners buying would probably be slowing up their crash.

    Good Point, and additional fuel to the Firesale......

  9. Sorry, but his stores do not contribute a large some of money to the economy via employment taxes. The net contribution of a sales assistant to the state is minimal if not negative if you look at what they pay in taxes versus the benefits they receive. Sure, it's better than being on the dole, but it's not like this is some super-charged engine of economic growth.

    And you do realise his head offices for the UK businesses are in the UK? They are high paid Jobs which he chose not to offshore....I am not defending his personal Tax but without people like him the UK will never dig itself out of the mess...his head office has approx 1000 jobs, Accountants, Lawyers, IT and that excludes the design studios.

    N

  10. Guys,

    This is anecdotal from living across in Gib and watching the Market in the CDS avidly. In reality Spanish land is now worthless. The cost of a detached Villa on the CDS is now less than the current build cost which means there is negative land values. This is as a result of financing restrictions on Private Sales (Max 60% if possible to overseas), concerns over Land/Buildings/Wealth tax changes and of course Euro uncertainty. Add to that the 600k of developer unsold homes held on the banks books and it paints a grim picture. I was recently offered a prime location Villa in Sotogrande (Costa) where the Villa was being sold for less than the land was bought in 2003 to buy it and it is on a big 1600sqm plot...and it did not go to sealed bids...only one confirmed offer at below what the bank wanted. went for €430k....about €800k less than the next door villa sold for in 2007.

    Spain is still dropping and no end in sight. I was told that high end property will only drop a little...however this time because of no finance and scared off foreign buyers it is tanking. My advice is still to rent. A great Villa can be had for €1500 a month and even at todays prices the Mortgage at 60% would be €2500 on that size of property plus taxes plus upkeep...rent will be better for the next few years.

    Other signs of the times are that the price of luxury cars are dropping, boats and berths as well. I cannot see any signs of recovery. I love Spain but having exposure to one property is enough...no chance of Investing at the moment.

  11. got an email from la manga club

    30 days use a year

    doing 4% guaranteed rent through till 2023

    from 100k , 90% mortgages

    so ur rental agreement pays your mortgage in a fairly prestigious development

    Careful......you forgot about the Management Fees which will wipe out that income. Also everytime you use your own apartment you have to pay ocupancy fees which can be more than staying in a hotel! Add to that the latest property taxes and wealth Tax and you would be better staying well clear of these developments.

    If you really want something you can buy without linking in to these Lifestyle deals for a better price and if off the bank get 100% deposit anyway. In reality that 4% rental is not real, they just load up the price of purchase and it is Cashback......if the rentals go up they gain not you...

    Cheers

    N.

  12. Thanks Nautorius...

    I was also looking at Altantic Suites, whats your view on those?

    I've been following property sales very closely that past few months. A 1 bedroom apartment in Atlantic suites that went for 220k 2 months ago, to me it appears that prices could be on their way down.... what do you think ?

    Thanks

    R

    Sorry for the late reply. Atlantic Suites are a great location. Have an outside pool and good safe car parking. They are not cheap but they are top quality (Built as a Grand Hyatt Hotel!). They have now let the offices on the 1st and 2nd floor to a large Internet Company so there is life in the building. Also the cafes/bars oposite are now very lively Monday-Friday.

    No downside except the Gym is not free as it is privately owned.....

    Cheers

    N.

  13. Far be it from me to state the obvious, but Sir Philip has taken a slew of failing businesses and turned them around, making himself a fortune but saving (and creating) a lot of Jobs. Not just in the shops but in the clothing design offices as well which use mainly british talent. He took big risks with his own money to do this and to be fair has earned a lot. Yes it is all Tax efficient but the money to invest came from overseas in the first place. His companies pay a fortune in employment taxes and rates so his companies do contribute. Personnally, £6m seems obscene to spend on a party but at 60 years old how long has he left to enjoy the trappings of wealth....and he is also personnally saving our highstreets by having some shops open!

    N.

  14. Hi Nautorius,

    Nice to find someone who can give some unbiased advice on the property market in Gibraltar.

    I was wondering whether you could give me your perspective on my dilemma.

    Criteria

    1) At least one bedroom

    2) Relatively Modern

    3) Has a car parking space

    4) Preferably centrally located

    5) Maximum 250k

    6) Relatively easy to rent/sell should I choose to leave Gibraltar

    7) Good rental yield

    8) Not around Ocean Village due to the loud noise or Filomena house due to the cemetary.

    Which properties in Gibraltar would you recommend to buy and would you consider Spain as an alternative (also taking into consideration the £15,000 tax allowance for buying a first property)

    Thanks

    Rios

    You should be looking at Eurotowers or Europlaza. Kings Wharf may come up but it may be overpriced. If you have 3 Year residency Montagu Gardens is always a good bet.

    I would avoid Spain for buying at the moment.....it is still dropping like a stone...although keep your eye on Sotgrande (Marina Properties)

    Cheers

    N.

  15. "I wonder what is wrong with it"

    For a start it is in Leicestershire! This is a Surrey style house which is in the wrong location. Too big, wrong location and too expensive. I think a Max of £650k, however I can not think who wants that style of house in that locationfor that much....maybe a footballer! Not the best looking house either...

    N.

  16. I have ust been through a similar situation ( though not in London). I put a few hours legwork in and found other suitable property. Then worked out the real cost to the LL of moving out which was lost rent 6 weeks, Estate Agency set up fee, refurbish wear and tear and carry out upgrades as market has moved on. I simply stated the above as a reason it was not acceptable. I then stated that I would be willing to cover a nominal rent increase of 5%.

    5 days later got a new lease with no rent increase.

    NB, this presumes they are a professional landlord!

    N

  17. Nautorius

    Went for a walk down to Kings Wharf this afternoon. I see what you mean - quite an impressive complex. :)

    I was surprised to that only stage 1 existed !

    ....It explains the great views to the South :)

    I will take a closer look at Trade Winds tomorrow.

    Thoughts on Rock Gardens ?

    I owe you a beer... or 10 for all your help :lol: thank you

    Paul.

    Rock Gardens are very good apartments but tend to be pricey! Main issue is Barbary apes which tend to Visit far too often which means yoou need to keep windows closed and not eat on the Patio.

    Glad you like KingsWharf, take a look at a few as internally they are stunning. I doubt phase two will ever be built as the developer lost 11m on phase one.....mainly due to getting foundations wrong and having to re-do...

    N.

  18. thank you. :)

    Your comments on Clifftop House surprise me !

    What makes it a white elephant ??

    If you were looking at a hirise to live in, which buildings would you be shortlisting ? ....and why ?

    Clifftop House is a terrible Location. Too far out from the centre and often too windy to open up your large windows and doors. Everyone I know who moved there has moved out! Grim place in the wet winter...but nice inside.

    Of the New Build high rise Kings Wharf is the best. Great parking, Gym and pool. Nice Gardens and sunbathing area and only 3 minutes walk to Main street with amazing views!

    Tradewinds is also very good, my only issue is the noise from the pubs late at night espesially in the Summer when the Windows and doors are open.

    The two new Ocean Village Towers are Ok, but tend to be small. These are Majestic and Grand Ocean Plaza, however you do get some great pools to enjoy and go high for the view

    The Anchorage is nice but feels more like suburbia, about 20 mins walk to town. Also only a small indoor pool. Nice if you want to live away from it all but not feel isolated like Clifftop Hell........

    N.

  19. * hear ^

    Update as requested:

    Mid Range Houses (£750k-2.5m) not selling well at all.

    New build flats (last 5 years) are selling when priced right. Ocean Village is often discounted, Anchorage still has developers apartments and 3 beds make about £450k. Kings wharf sells at right price though the 4 beds are very hard to shift. Tradewinds still popular but often price themselves out of the Market.

    Queensway Quay still moving but often at less than you are told.

    Cliff Top house is a complete white elephant.......not popular at all except by the Barbary Apes who like the pool area.....

    Traditional flats and Local shared ownership all moving well.

    Rentals are about the same. No chance of the BTL guys moving in as Rental is about a 4% return!

    Holding up for now, but with Spain being so cheap to buy and rent people are staying renting in Gib and buying in Spain which will depress house prices long term. No sign of a crash, more likely a gentle landing as we have seen over the last few years. People still getting pay rises and bonuses in Gib so no chance of a crash. Just stagnation of prices.

    Cheers

    N.

  20. Update!

    House price sales have literrally collapsed. Anything from £300-£750k is not moving unless very sensibly (rarely in Gib) priced. The influx of retirees and high net individuals seems to have slowed down and those who arrive are renting. Rents still depressed, about a further 10% down and now stable. Low end below £300k are still moving, but a lot less sold than before.

    Most people do not need to sell so will hold out. rents are still a fair return so cover owners mortgages. Mortgage availability from main UK institutions holding things back for most. A few years more inflation with stabilised House prices and things may start looking affordable. Inflation here seems rampant, like the UK especially food and drink.

    N.

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