Choosing the right agency to guide you through an overseas purchase is the first step to a successful business transaction. Buying abroad can be easy and exciting if you are secure in the knowledge that the company through whom you are purchasing has a professional approach and a good understanding of the country and the properties of the area of your choice.

Therefore choosing an agent that is a member of a recognised association such as “NAEA International incorporating FOPDAC”, can be the way forward.

The Federation of Overseas Property Developers, Agents and Consultants, FOPDAC, has been in operation over 30 years so the knowledge and experience of the members is unique.

RECOGNITION FROM OTHER PROFESSIONAL SOURCES International Property Agents, specialists in Turkey and Spain has become the first property company in the UK to be awarded the coveted “Customer First Mark” – the national standard for customer service.

Established just 2 years ago the company has won several accreditations but this “probably means the most because it is all about giving people the right quality of service”, says Gordon Lyons, Marketing Director.

FOPDAC member Quality Group was accepted this Summer by The international Homes Magazine, as one of the “Leading International Developers.” Membership of this prestigious group means that companies have to meet the strict criteria that have been appointed by the committee. “The number allowed to join from each country is very limited”, says Markos Christodoulou, Sales and Marketing Director, “so we are naturally delighted that our approach to property presentation, and our ability to engage a far sighted vision, has been recognised”.

Direct2Spain.co.uk has just been awarded the “Polaris World Golden Partner Award” for 2007. Polaris World are developing seven golf resorts in Murcia in Spain and the company has been working closely with the developers since their launch of Mar Menor Golf Resort in 2001. The award was for “dedication, good management and effort”.

Azahar Dream Homes S.L. have been just received the prestigious 5 star Award for "Best Estate Agent in Castellon region” at the Spanish Property Awards in London. The company's MD, David Blackwell has 21 years unrivalled experience of Costa Azahar, North of Valencia at Alcossebre where he was one of the original pioneers to the area. The company reports many people checking if they are members of FOPDAC before considering purchasing. “The backing of a Federation of 34 years experience “policing” the overseas property industry is invaluable”, says David, as clients recognise not only the FOPDAC logo, but also the professionalism the members portray. FOPDAC membership is "The stamp of approval for International Property Companies" Azahar Dream Homes work closely with its partners on the Costa Azahar, Albert-Villas International, another award winning company, and between them have 50 years experience of selling and building on this unspoilt coast. Azahar Dream Homes being the experts on the Costa Azahar have an excellent property portfolio of new and resale properties from £75,000.

Stop press...new Investment opportunity of beachfront luxury properties in prime location at Alcossebre being launched in September, with low up-front costs ideal for the investor market, please call to register your interest.

Nirvana International has achieved a succession of “International Property Awards” for its development, architecture and marketing. The company is now the proud owner of the “Best Property Marketing Turkey” and “Best Architecture (multiple units) Turkey”. The latter was for Augustus Village an exceptional development built around the Country Club which boasts seven swimming pools, tennis courts etc plus unique spa with exotic indoor pool. Prices from just £107,000/160,500 euros for a detached villa.

Another FOPDAC award winner is Realitalia ( a trade mark that belongs to Realinvest Ltd) a niche company specialising in unique properties in Italy. The company is the recipient of the “Gold Award” received at the annual Homes Overseas Award Presentations in London. This was for their e-village Coletta di Castelbianco in Liguria, which was awarded “Best Renovation Development”. This beautifully restored Medieval village is one of the first high speed e villages in Europe and is now a thriving centre of business offering superb opportunities for buy to let homes. Properties start from 137,000 euros for a studio up to 416,000 euros for a three bedroom house.

TOPA was formed in 2003 and began selling property in several countries – providing services to prospective purchasers in the South West. Taking care to check the developments thoroughly and providing that personal service, the company thrived. The company searched for a niche market in 2004 and recognised Cape Verde as having all the ingredients for an emerging market and wonderful investment opportunity. The company has now increased turnover 10 fold, year on year in 2005 and 2006. 2007 has brought the addition of property in Brazil. “Membership of a recognized professional organization was essential and we are proud to be members of FOPDAC. The membership not only conveys our professionalism but we also appreciate the additional benefits it brings as clients trust the logo and its members” says Louise James, Managing Director.

ADVISING CLIENTS ON GOOD INVESTMENTS

Olive Tree International is a company which deals primarily with individuals, rather than large corporations, who want to see good investment growth. Darran Phillips, commercial director says,” We can offer clients a choice of investments just as if one were buying shares. There are those which offer a high level of return but there is a high risk – such as investing in land before planning permission has been granted and others, with a lower return, although still extremely good, with a lower risk”.

Currently the company has been involved with Flamingo Lakes in Mexico. This is a major development which will, subject to planning, result in 2,500 brand new homes around a 27 hole golf course and tennis centre. Those who invested in the first phase, paid 17 dollars per sq metre. By the 2nd phase the cost was 50 dollars a sq metre. The third stage, which is being marketed now is at a figure of 150 dollars a sq metre and expected to rise. The resultant rise in price is as the land has gone through various stages of planning, those taking a “punt” in the early stages looking certain to benefit from considerable capital growth, once build commences.

Another success story is that of David Scott International who this year is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their successful FOUR OWNERS SCHEME at Chumbera Hill in Nerja in Spain.

“With the successful sales of phases one and two we are now launching phased three for sale later this year”, says David. Early buyers to the scheme have seen a gain on their original capital investment of 450%!”

Chumbera Hill is eight minutes walk from the beautiful sands at the famous Burriana Beach in Nerja. Currently available are one bedroom apartments for only £22,000 for a quarter freehold share. A Luxury three bedroom will with private pool will cost £90,000 for a quarter share.

Sunset Overseas report superb capital appreciation of 163% on a development they are selling at Cabanas Beach / Golf on the Eastern Algarve in Portugal. Purchasing a two bedroom penthouse apartment for an off plan purchase price of 218,500 euros, in May 2005, the development is now nearing completion and the value of the said home is now 309,000 euros which gives the owner a gross profit of 89,500 euros in just over 2 years, equating to a 163% growth on the initial 25% deposit. “In fact, three couples did exactly this, and all now have a choice of moving in or selling on”, says Phil Grant of Sunset Overseas.

A final word from Arlette Adler of Villas Abroad Properties Limited, “My company has been a member of FOPDAC since 1984. Increasingly over the years, interested buyers have asked whether we were FOPDAC members. Clients feel safe knowing that the Federation has been established since 1973, and this has benefited clients and my company alike.”

FOPDAC 0870 3501223 www.fopdac.com

TOPA. 01249 657766. www.topa.co.uk

Olive Tree International +44 (0) 845 2570227 www.olivetreeworld.com

Azahar Dream Homes 0845 230 4840 www.azahardreamhomes.com David Scott International 01279 792162 www.Nerjaproperties.co.uk

Direct2Spain.co.uk 0121 353 5525 www.direct2spain.co.uk

Quality Group of Companies + 357 24821855 www.qualitydevelopments.com

Sunset Overseas 01244 681 9880 www.sunset-overseas.com

Nirvana International 0845 621 00 22 www.nirvanainternational.com

Realitalia a trade mark of Realinvest Ltd 0870 8909936 www.realitalia.co.uk

Villas Abroad Properties Ltd + 44 (0) 20 8941 4499 www.villasabroadprperties.com

International Property Agents 01706 242984 www.internationalpropertyagnets.co.uk

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For further information contact Linda at Nightingales PR Tel: 01825 744091 Email: linda@nightingalespr.co.uk