There is currently an increase in demand for rental property as shorter employment contracts, and a need for greater mobility, are all encouraging more people, especially in the 20 to 35 age range, to rent rather than buy a property of their own. The other point to consider is that many first time buyers are being pushed out of the market place due to property price increases which in turn fuels the rental market even further. As it stands the UK population is expected to grow by 5 million over the next 10 - 15 years.

Demand for rented property has increased by 50% throughout the UK since 1988, and by more in the Greater London area. Private rented property now represents 11% of the housing stock, and is likely to grow 20 - 30% in the next 20 years. In 1997, the DTI forecast 4.4 million more homes needed by the year 2016. At 11%, this would amount to half a million more rental properties being required, or almost one million more, given a 20% market share. This would still be well below other industrialized countries - Germany has 41% and France 33%.

Despite all this good news surrounding the UK market there is currently a slow down and investors are now looking to purchase into more lucrative parts of the world. That said there are still good areas in the UK at the moment... It just requires a bit of detective work.

The graph below shows the average & impressive increase in property value over the past 35 years, and reinforces the fact that property can and will achieve significant gains over a long period of time.

2004 - 2005 would be a house buyer's year, as more projects are expected to be launched thus giving the buyer a variety of choices to select. Terraced houses and apartments/condominiums will continue to dominate supply in the pipeline. Nevertheless, developers are encouraged to conduct proper feasibility and market studies before embarking on new development projects to avoid property oversupply. The demand for good quality and modern living is on the increase as people are buying into the IKEA concept and moderm living with a huge interest in Feng Shui.

The residential sector itself accounts for over 70% of all property transactions in KL/Selangor, rendering it the mainstay of the property sector since 1997. It is expected to lead the market well into 2005 with the continuing low interest rates and favorable economic climate. The demand and prices for landed residential properties, that continue to flourish along the new arterial highways leading into the city and its regional centers, is expected to increase. Developers of high-end hi-rise residential projects within the city centre will be actively launching units introducing innovative packages and lifestyles.

The continuing demand for any available development land, be it pockets within the city fringes or vast plantation land with close proximity to the new arterial links in the Klang Valley, is expected to be tapped for immediate development.

The general property market outlook for 2005 appears promising due to strong domestic demand (especially for residential properties) and increasing foreign interest for property investment. As properties are amazingly affordable, even at the high end, with rental yields showing in some areas as high as 12%. This is seeing Malaysia becoming a newly emerging growth country.

Investors dreaming of a property that will offer high rental yields and high capital growth at the same time can now turn this dream into reality by being part of an exciting new revolution about to sweep Eastern Europe.

Experts predict that after the 'Eastern Eight' - the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia and Slovakia - join the European Union in 2004, Europe will enjoy the biggest economic and property boom it has experienced in at least the last 10 years. With $18 Billion US being poured into Eastern Europe this is setting the scene for one of the World greatest growth economies we have seen for many years. The demand and need for housing is phenomenal with 90% of the population renting property, giving a market size bigger than any country in the World...

We at SURE HOLDINGS will be keeping a close eye on this sleeping giant and will endeavour to keep our members updated on Eastern Europe.

Dubai is one of 7 Emirates, belonging to the United Arab Emirates. Over the last three decades, Dubai has firmly established itself as a hotbed for investment in the Middle East. Dubai today is an enduring example to the world as to how far progressive thinking can go.

One way you can judge if real estate is cheap, or not is to look at the yield, or rental return. In the case of Dubai a basic yield of 10% on residential property compares with a 6.5% local mortgage rate. In London 3% would be considered a good yield today, so 10% implies a considerable under valuation of property.

Of course, an increase in the supply of property may reduce yields in Dubai. However, that will take some time. The buyers of apartments on Palm Island will not actually move in until the end of 2005.

Indeed, the problem is rather the reverse in Dubai. The supply of property is not keeping up pace with the current demand. That would mean that villa and apartment values will ratchet still further upwards as freeholders take possession. For the time being buying property in Dubai looks a sure winner, please watch our news releases carefully for new developments available coming up in Dubai.

For over 100 years the Australian property market has averaged annual returns of above 15% per annum, while Australians have enjoyed one of the most relaxed lifestyles in the world.

This has attracted domestic and foreign money, and has made Australia one of the most sought after investment havens and destinations for property investors, expatriates and retirees.

The best part about this is that the Australian Government now encourages foreign investment in Australia. It has been EASIER for foreigners to invest in Australia for the last few years. This is a boom for investors looking for a solid, developed economy in which to make a safe investment.