A judge in Valencia has ordered a local Spanish developer to pay nearly 3 million Euro compensation to 49 clients over misleading marketing. The judgement could set a precedent for many foreign property investors who feel that they have been misled by Spanish developers.

The developer in question is Bautista Soler and the development is the Playa de la Patacone development which is situated in Alboraia, just north of Valencia on the coast. The marketing for the development, which was built and sold in the 1990s, promised ‘front-line beach quality of life and magnificent sea views.’ Unfortunately for many who bought properties on the development, the sea views have turned into a wall of concrete and cement as the same developer has now built a new development between them and the sea using exactly the same marketing to capture new investors.  Read more... (271 words, estimated 1:05 mins reading time)

Crete is an island with a virtual split. The west of the island is going for the tourists with large developments already underway. The east of the island is less wealthy and is looking at an alternative approach.

East Crete is a lot more peaceful with foreign buyers in the area buying because of the culture – it’s a place where foreigners learn the language and customs and enjoy the wildness of their surroundings. In turn, the locals are welcoming the influx of foreign buyers who are helping to keep the tiny villages alive. Thousands of homes in the region have been left to Mother Nature as many parents have sold their houses to help fund their childrens’ education or careers.  Read more... (282 words, estimated 1:08 mins reading time)

The cities of Warsaw and Krakow in Poland are offering investors some great opportunities in property with high growth potential, low risk and some great real estate deals. High levels of direct foreign investment into the country in all areas of the economy have produced a stable financial environment and the Polish Government have been quick to take advantage of the economic stability by creating a series of economic incentives including the rebate of real estate tax, the payment of grants, and reimbursement of land costs for certain investors. All of these factors mean that the country is set to be a good place to invest in and is an area that should produce excellent long term gains.  Read more... (526 words, estimated 2:06 mins reading time)

The World’s smallest country, Sealand, is for sale. The country has it’s own passports, currency, stamps and national football team. The price has not been disclosed, however offers of eight-digit sums will be considered.

The country has several benefits – lots of sea views, total privacy and the potential to be a tax haven. However it is far from paradise! Sealand is actually a concrete platform balanced on conrete pillars. Located just off the the coast in Essex, UK, it is only accessible by helicopter or boat. All the buildings are low and long and are made of steel, and cannot be described as pretty by any stretch of the imagination. Generators which power the country and permanently on, and make the buildings rumble all day long.  Read more... (480 words, estimated 1:55 mins reading time)

In the 1990s, the Greek government relaxed it’s laws regarding foreign property investment meaning the market opened up and Greece became a good option for foreign investment and development.

Overall, new properties tend to be slightly smaller than other Mediterranean countries and also more expensive, which means returns on Greek properties may not be as high as other countries. However, if you choose wisely, there is still money to be made in the market. Rhodes is an ever popular tourist island and a new-build two-bedroom apartment will cost in the region of £65,000. If you prefer somewhere slightly more rural, a fully restored property will be around £100,000.  Read more... (318 words, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)