TravisOl asked:


When you decide to buy a property in France you may have many reasons for doing such a purchase. It could be a dream home to move the whole family to or maybe a holiday home for personal use or even for renting out for holidays there are lots of things to take into consideration.How to find the property you really dream of! They often say there’s no harm in dreaming especially when your dreams have the possibility of coming true. You can find many good English speaking estate agents on the internet who have many properties for sale. But I would like to tell you that there is an interesting way out, which will allow you not to pay any agents fees. You can for example go straight into the local Notaire`s office and you will normally find that there is a property sale board which offers properties for sale directly from the owners. Moreover you may find as we did that the same property is on sale in an estate agents window for a much higher price that in the Notaries` office, hence well worth a look.

Agencies do charge much for their work but frankly speaking we don`t think they do a lot of the paperwork etc. on your behalf. It is up to you to decide what kind of service to use. You can use an agent if you are a first time buyer, the choice is yours, we did just that for our first property purchase in Brittany.

Important advice and tips on choosing the right property in the right area

If you have made the decision to either move to France or at least buy a holiday home, it is wise to think about the right area for your future “castle” Should you look for an area which will gives you easy access to the UK, this might be very convenient if you have to return on a regular basis. So for people in this category it is advisable to look at the Airport and Ferry port distances from the place you want to buy.

You can still find many bargains in France and it is possible that you look for and find a great renovation project with a few acres of land and this could be ideal for you. But keep in mind that sometimes the first impressions unfortunately, are often hiding something, so research is a must.

A few acres of land, that sounds great, and brings to mind ideas of getting a few animals, horses, sheep, and chickens. Who knows you could even dig your own lake and fill it with fish and offer fishing holidays or if you have barns to convert to gites or holiday homes, maybe even a part of your home could be used as bed and breakfast.

So what`s it really like to take on a building or refurbishment project in France

We have been there and done it all and although it sounds fantastic it is not all plain sailing by any means. A property can be advertised as “livable with fishing lake”but frankly speaking it can be far from this, but you learn from your mistakes. When we were searching for a property to buy in Brittany we viewed properties all day with a property agent (not an estate agent). That day we didn` choose anything so we looked and kept looking and on the second day of house hunting in Brittany. At last fortune smiled upon us and we saw the last property of the day. That was it we saw it and said we wanted it, a bit rash you may think but we had made up our minds. A Bretagne Longere with out-buildings and a large unused part of the house and to top it off seven hectares of land all around the property.

Many different ideas occur and all sorts of thoughts start racing through your heads. You want to remake almost everything, this you will put here, and that thing should be moved there and on that place your wish is to create your own fishing lake and with over 10 acres what could be easier.

You buy the property and move there to do some work to create your dream. Now you have to find a well known registered builder or tradesman who can provide good references. When we bought the desired property found a great French registered English builder and a French electrician who speaks perfect English after getting several quotes for the work to be done we eventually chose and the works started.

Remember that employing anyone in France who is not registered is actually illegal and you do it would be liable to fines or worse if you get caught employing people on “the black”. In addition it is always best advice to check the persons or companies insurance certificate; we did and never looked back as the work was finished to a high quality and on time.



prescott horse property

Peter Gooding asked:


You’ve found your rural Shangri La; unspoiled acreage with breathtaking views, a comfortable drive from home, and close to a charming small town.

There’s one catch, however; no water company serves the area so you’ll have to rely on your own well for water. While the seller assures you “the groundwater is sweet and abundant,” you know nothing about water wells. So, you hesitate to commit to your dream property.

Read on to find out what you need to know about water wells to make a sound decision.

Background

First some background. Ground water is found in aquifers, geologic formations typically made up of porous materials. Aquifers may be as shallow as a few feet or be thousands of feet deep; likewise they can be close to the surface or miles below the surface. Groundwater starts as precipitation and then travels from the earth’s surface downward, until it reaches a water-saturated zone and becomes groundwater.

The quantity and quality of groundwater can differ widely and sometimes over just a short distance. Well production can change over time too, especially during prolonged droughts. Ultimately it’s difficult to know with certainty the quantity and quality of the groundwater until a well has been drilled.

That said, groundwater wells are the principle source of water for horse properties, Arizona ranch land and most homeowners located in rural areas. If there is adequate ground water, a professionally drilled domestic well will produce reliable and safe water for generations. Well drilling is a mature, regulated industry. (States typically distinguish between exempt (domestic) wells and non-exempt (commercial) wells; we’re covering exempt wells here.) Drillers are licensed and follow strict protocols in locating, drilling, and equipping wells.

Property without a Well

If the property you’re considering does not have a well, you’ll want to review the performance of nearby wells as water is essential in sustaining a flourishing horse property in Arizona or any other location for that matter. In most states this information is public and readily available from the state agency which regulates water resources. With the legal description of the property you are considering, that agency can provide you with the location and performance characteristics of these wells. (If your seller is a developer, have him provide this information to you, if he hasn’t already.)

You’ll want to know about depth of the well, the depth to water, and the well’s production, which is stated in gallons per minute (gpm). Depending upon the size of your property you should also consider the location of neighboring wells; many states restrict wells to no closer than 100 feet. The profile of neighboring wells will give you a good idea of what to expect from a well on your site.

Next you’ll want to get the expert opinion of several licensed well drillers who have drilled wells in the area. The state Registrar of Contractors can provide the names of licensed local well drillers. An experienced driller will typically have strong opinions about the location, quantity, and quality of the aquifer you plan to tap for domestic water, and they are generally happy to share that information with prospective clients. Also ask about the cost to drill and equip a well to serve your anticipated needs. You should also ask for the names of past customers in the same area. Call and inquire about the performance and quality of the well and if they were happy with the driller’s work.

Combine what you’ve learned from your research with the judgment of well regarded local drillers and you’re equipped to make a sound judgment about the likely performance of your well.

Property with a Well

If the well was drilled within the past few years, ask your seller for copies of the well drilling permit and the well driller’s report. This report will tell you, among other things, the depth to water, the depth of the well, and the production of the well stated in gpm. Ask if the water quality has been tested, and if so ask for a copy of the lab results. You might also call the driller and ask about his experience in the area and how other nearby wells are performing.

If the well is older or if the seller didn’t drill the well, have the seller obtain the information from public records. At the same time ask the appropriate state or county agency for information on nearby wells. And don’t forget to call the driller who drilled the well and get his opinion on the water production and quality characteristics of the area.

How Much Is Enough?

The answer to this question really depends on how you’ll use your property - whether it is to be used as an Arizona horse property or simply a Prescott Arizona property that accommodates a site large enough for your dream home. Do you envision a luxurious home with 4 or 5 bedrooms, multiple baths, and a deluxe kitchen with all the appliances, or a cozy, simple cabin with just one bathroom? The number of occupants and related toilets, sinks, and water using appliances are the most important variables used to calculate demand, and the production required to meet that demand.

And outdoors, will you be irrigating, and if so how much? An irrigated orchard requires a lot more water than a few shrubs and some lawn.

There are rules of thumb of minimum water well production for differing demands. Some suggest a family of four requires at least 5gpm to live comfortably. Others will say a well producing as little as 1.5 gpm can handle the same demands with thoughtful conservation.

As a practical matter, however, “how much is enough” may be the wrong question to ask. Modern well equipment can overcome the limitations of lower production wells through well management, water storage and pressurization systems. There’s abundant information on the internet, from local licensed contractors, systems manufacturers and dealers, and from county extension boards to help you understand how to equip your well to adequately meet your water needs.

Water Quality

There are many factors that can affect the quality of well water; most are natural processes and relate to chemical composition underground, others are related to human activities. While water may be safe, there may be objectionable conditions such as sulfur smell or “hardness”. Most of these conditions can be mitigated through filtration or other treatment.

The easiest way to determine a well’s safety and the quality of its water is to have it tested. The county or state regulatory agency, county extension, or even a local well driller can give you the names of labs certified to test well water. Basic tests for nitrate and bacteria are inexpensive (under $50); testing for other contaminants can be more expensive and typically are not necessary. If the lab results indicate a standard is exceeded it’s often a good idea to retest; false positive’s are common.

Most problems are easily handled, often simply by disinfection through chlorination or filtration. It’s a good idea to test water quality and inspect well equipment annually to identify and address potential problems early.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that water wells are the primary source for domestic water in rural areas and are vital to sustaining an Arizona horse property or ranch. There are competent, respected drillers and equipment dealers as well as county and state agencies ready to answer your questions and help you make sound decisions. After reading this brief article you already know more than most people know about wells, and the minimum you need to know to make a correct decision about your ideal Arizona ranch land or dream property.



mexico horse property

Tim Stewart asked:


For some, enjoying life is about spending time with family and friends. For some, a round of golf is the ideal way to unwind - whether they are able to get out once a month, once a weekend or simply whenever they are able to get out on the fairways and greens. For others however, really living is what takes place when they are able to spend time with their horses.

Those who have a passion for the equestrian will find that Brigadoon - an equestrian community near Aiken, South Carolina - gives them access to all of the best that life has to offer. Rather than simply being a community where neighbors get together with one another, Brigadoon is a community in which those who love horses and want to have the space to enjoy them can come together.

Much like those communities that feature properties that surround a golf course, the neighborhoods at Brigadoon surround the Brigadoon Common. The Common is, in effect, 40 acres of land that has been committed to the purpose of allowing those whose passion for all things equestrian to come together. Whether practicing dressage, preparing your horse for competition in show jumping or training your horse for speed on the Brigadoon dirt training track as well as a covered arena, there are few things that have not been planned for.

That, of course, also includes the fact that not everyone who lives at Brigadoon will be thinking about getting his or her horse into the performance ring. For those who simply want to be able to enjoy a long, leisurely ride as an escape, Brigadoon offers plenty of undeveloped green space that’s just waiting to be explored. Likewise, at Brigadoon, you’ll find that there are over eighteen miles of private trails for those who are members of this equestrian community.

Others who are looking to be more engaged with both their horses as well as their neighbors in the Brigadoon community will find that there is plenty of space set aside for games of polo as well as taking part in fox hunts and other competitions. After all, for some, it’s hard to get away from their competitive streak even when they are outside of the business community.

Relaxation means different things to different people. For some, it’s all about doing nothing; for others relaxation is all about finding a way to participate in and genuinely enjoy the activities within their community. Those who know that their greatest satisfaction often comes when they are able to be on horseback and spending time with others who share that passion will find that the Brigadoon community offers everything that they are looking for - and then some.

Brigadoon is not just about just horses, nor is it simply about the space that you need to enjoy the time you have with your horse and to take part in a variety of different activities. Instead, Brigadoon is a community designed especially for those who know that their lives would simply not be the same if it were missing an equestrian component.



STEFAN

Joe Cline asked:


As a property owner, you should be aware of which properties you own that are exempt under Texas law. Fortunately that information is readily accessible to you and may be discerned through the reading of chapters 41 and 42 of the Texas Property Code. Real property is discussed in chapter 41, and personal property is reviewed in chapter 42.

Only two types of real property are exempt in Texas: cemetery plots and homesteads. Cemetery plots are relatively straightforward; however there are some limitations on what makes a homestead: A homestead may be claimed by either single adults or families can be rural or urban and, if urban, can be used both as a home and business. An urban homestead may have up to ten acres on one or more lots, while a rural homestead is limited to 200 acres for a family. For a single individual, the same boundaries apply for urban but are lessened to 100 acres for rural homesteads.

Further certain liens may apply to homesteads, despite their exemption under the Property Code. These liens are typically for purchase money, for taxes due on the property or for work and materials needed for property improvements agreed upon through a written contract. Additionally, if a homestead is sold the proceeds from the sale is only exempt for six months following the transaction.

Through chapter 42, again, there are only two types of exemptions: an aggregate exemption and an unlimited exemption. An aggregate exemption is for specific types of personal property and is limited by the value of said property. For example, if the property does not value more than $60,000 for a family or $30,000 for a single adult, it may be eligible for an aggregate exemption. If the property exceeds either bracket, he or she must choose which items are exempt and which are not. These items may only include: home furnishings and family heirlooms; provisions for consumption; farming/ranching vehicles and implements; tools, equipment, etc. used in one’s profession; jewelry valuing no more than 25 percent of the exemption; clothing; two firearms; sporting equipment; cars - one for each member of the family with a driver’s license; horses, mules, donkeys, 12 cattle, 60 of other livestock and 120 fowl; and household pets.

For property not included in the aggregate exemption, an unlimited exemption may be sought. This type of exemption does not take value into account and covers current wages; health aids; and alimony or similar types of support.

Exemption may also apply to certain funds such as college funds or retirement plans. Additionally there are humanitarian exemptions and exemptions for public benefit programs applying to police officers, fire fighters, judicial system employees, educational system employees, and state, county and municipal employees. To know exactly which exemptions apply to you access the Texas Property Code and review chapters 41 and 42. It is best, in these types of situations, to be as informed as possible, so you do not lose more than you must and that you save all that you can.

Source: http://www.13network.com/hupdocs/HUPexemptproperty05.pdf



JAMIE

Martin Webbster asked:


The Rockies have been known for its mountains but the area has another attraction as well - fly fishing. Holiday makers seeking to beak away from the monotony of Disneyland and Miami beach vacations will find this sport interesting. Buying a home in the Rockies will afford the new homeowner the opportunity to enjoy his favorite sport unimpeded.

If you recently bought a rural home in the Rockies or are planning to buy one, here are a few tips that will make your angling more enjoyable. Here the waters are clean and a good place for all kinds of fish to breed.

First you may want to know that even the rivers and streams become murky, the fish are still there. Though the water may look quite colored, it will still be a good time for you to do the fishing.

Jus pay attention to the weather and how the stream flows. The melting of the ice brings in a lot of water which makes it an attractive time for trouts. Fishing expeditions are best during these times. Undisturbed waters here hold a lot of fish who are out feeding or just lazing about.

You can use a pontoon or a float tube to go way up the stream. Here you can be able to do the fishing up stream and get lots of catch. You will only relax in your vessel and enjoy the sport.

For the angler the Colorado region is the perfect place to undertake the fishing. The abundant sunshine makes it a perfect place for one to enjoy his outdoor sport.

Another area you can make the most of your Colorado vacations to go hunting. There are literally thousands of hunting properties. You can look for quails, antelopes or some other animal. The large tracts of land will ensure that you never finish hunting. You can leave early in the morning and return with lots of game.

Equestrian activities also abound. These are plots originally used for farming but converted to horse riding facilities. You can drive right up to these places without much restriction. The equestrian properties are well maintained and have all modern conveniences. You will have a good place to practise your horse riding and enjoy your rural vacation.

Still more you can go for kayaking. There are lots of fast flowing rivers you can use to enjoy this challenging sport. There are organizations that provide guided tours for these places and will also supply the relevant gear for you to so the sport.

Hiking is another thing you can do on these ranches. The hikes will go over many trails. You will find this a great way to experience the rural areas as the trails will go over mountains, through wooded areas, over fishing grounds and sometimes even trough caves. You will in this process discover much of the rural west.

The dude ranch is quiet and easy way to enjoy your rural vacation. Here you will live as a guest with a host. The host will be a traditional rancher with livestock and horses. You will partake in all their daily activities such as grazing, horse tending an even crop farming. Through these activities you will learn about the rural west from a very personal and direct point of view.

All of this excitement has been made possible with big investment in this area. Many people have recognized the potential of the rural area as far as investment is concerned and are putting money into property development. With time many people would be going to these places of their rustiness and low cost of living. As they become preferred destinations, the price of properties will appreciate. It will therefore be a good thing to buy land or people in this area as you are assured of patronage and capital appreciation over the years.



JERRY

Martin Webbster asked:


Investing in properties has been a prudent choice for many years. Buildings still continue to be the most attractive fixed assets in the economy and over the years the prices appreciate. Unlike other forms of investment, you will not require excessive maintenance to keep the building going well. Once they have been bought or put up, you can leave it in the care of the tenants under a lease or even fail to renovate. Not much will be changed and the value can be quite constant. In times of financial crisis, buildings don’t seem to be much affected. They are able to keep their prices up all the time and their demand is always high. These reasons make buildings investments worth making.

There are many ways to make your real estate investment make money for you.

You can do something called flipping. Flipping is the process of buying property and then quickly selling it again. The goal is to make big profits from that quick sale. This method is applied when real; estate is gaining in prices quickly. Another way is to buy the house and keep it for along time so that you can benefit from tax breaks and capital appreciation. For capital appreciation to work fully, you must be ready to hold on to the building for a long time so that you can have a lot of price increase on it. The one disadvantage to this is that you will have to be making some repairs on the property as you go along so that the building does not lose value significantly. A buyer would like to have a house that looks new and well-maintained.

Another risk that you may have to face is foreclosure. If you have taken on housing loan and have delayed or failed to pay on your mortgage, you will have the house foreclosed. Foreclosure will mean you may lose ownership of your house. So if you intend to take a loan and then purchase a house so you will sell or rent out in the future for money, then you should not neglect your monthly payments.

Recently many people have resorted to rural real estate investment. This aspect of the industry is very lucrative. You can buy land at a very cheap price and then develop it into a property that resells later for higher profits. As more and more people become interested in rural sports you are bound to make money from a guest ranch or even just grounds for the guests. You can use the acquired property for many uses. You can use it as hunting grounds. This kind of property will suit people who like the sports and would like to come to the rural area to enjoy it. You can go to places lie Kentucky, New Mexico, Colorado and Wyoming for suitable tracts of land. You can also build a dude ranch. A dude ranch is a place to which people from the city come to enjoy rural western life. More so you can build an equestrian facility for lovers of horse riding. There is another way you can use your rural land.

Buyers of real estate have to look out for the holder of the title of any property they are buying. In the event of a foreclosed house, it is very clear that the mortgagor has the title. But if you are buying an obscure, abandoned house, you will have to be sure about the title. In some cases you may have to do some, legal search to determine the true owner of the building before you commit yourself so that you are not faced with legal problems along the way.



QUINTON

Tom Budniak asked:


Buying beachfront property in Mexico for either vacation or retirement is a process that requires a fair amount of research and planning. Deciding on the perfect beachfront property is difficult as Mexico is littered with scads of beautiful beaches, any one of which would provide the perfect location for a dream home. A local professional Mexico real estate agent can provide you with a list of oceanfront property, vacation homes, condos and investment properties available for sale or rent.

The coast from Majahual to Xcalak is lined with miles and miles of powdery white sand. Majahual and Xcalak offer a relaxing alternative for vacationers and retirees who just want to get away from it all. Rustic bungalows and small hotels sprinkle the shoreline.

Majahual is located on the Caribbean Coast of Mexico just north of Belize and south of the Sian Kan Biosphere. Unspoiled rain forest, lagoons and ocean beaches abound in Majahual. The tiny fishing village is located on Mexico’s Southern Caribbean in the southern most part of the state of Quintana Roo. Majahual is at the geographic center of the coast.

The crystal clear waters of Majahual are always warm. Divers can discover countless beautiful coral formations and sponges, and enjoy swimming among sea turtles, dolphins, sea horses, manatees, and thousands of sport and reef fish.

Majahual is the Caribbean’s newest cruise ship destination and home to a new cruise ship dock and mall. To meet the increased demand, a new power station and water plant were recently completed and new roads and electrical lines are now being installed on the Costa Maya, both north and south of Majahual.

Residents and visitors enjoy delicious fresh seafood including lobster, conch and fresh fish. Life in Majahual is very relaxed and the pace is much slower than many foreign visitors are used to, but once you become accustomed to it, you won’t want to return to anything hectic. In fact, you may not want to return at all. A local Mexico realtor can help you find your dream home in paradise.

Vacationers, expatriates and foreign investors from all across the world have taken advantage of the region’s natural beauty, low cost of labor and resources, and significant investment incentives such as competitive access to international markets, a qualified and cost-effective labor force, and one of the highest economic growth rates in all of Latin America. Hurry before Mexico’s best kept secret is out.

Your beachfront property in Mexico is within your reach. Check out the listings of Playa del Carmen Real Estate, Puerto Vallarta Property and Cancun Real Estate for insight into this booming market.

Author: Tom Budniak



RICKEY

Joel Teo asked:


Real estate investment offers positive cash flow and tax benefits. However, much like any other investment niche, real estate is dependent on intricate market trends that must not be overlooked, lest the investor may suffer a significant loss.

Surprisingly, several newbie investors are willing to part with their hard earned money, without carrying out a preliminary research of their investment. Instead of relying on a meticulous analysis, they bank on intuitions and traditional trends. But before you risk your investment, do heed the following real estate investing advice, in order to ensure significant returns on your property investment.

a) Verify the seller’s credentials - Newbie investors find a lucrative property but don’t bother verifying the seller’s credentials, since they are in a hurry to bag the property. But I suggest they hold their horses. They should verify certain aspects, including rent payment records, taxes, and other possible expenses.

b) Avoid negative cash flow - Another real estate investing advice is to choose a property that does not eat away your working capital on a regular basis. There is no point buying a property that requires more money for its upkeep relative to the revenue it generates for you. You might be forced to sell such an asset prior to the realization of any benefits of ownership.

c) Original tenants can provide the much needed information - Ask the tenants if they are troubled by pest infestation, lack of basic amenities, or some other recurring problem. You surely don’t want to buy a property that requires an awful lot of repair, and even if you do, you must know the problems upfront.

d) Look for an insurance cover - A crucial real estate investing advice is that you must have adequate insurance coverage for your newly bought property. Insurance will provide the much needed veil to protect your personal assets against some legal action.

e) You must charge fair rents - No expense hurts more than what’s incurred in the upkeep of a vacant property. Therefore, charge fair rents to ensure that your tenants stick with you for as long as you desire. Moreover, you must also ensure that the chosen tenants are not defaulters. Verify their credentials, talk to their previous landlords, and check their credit history. A preliminary research can save an awful lot of trouble later.

f) Maintain a certain degree of frugality until you have a healthy source of income - Once you have closed a profitable deal, you must avert from going on an extravagant shopping spree. Instead re-invest your profit towards another property payment until you attain a significant positive cash flow on a regular basis.

On the whole, real estate investing can be an extremely profitable investment niche. But you must have a good grasp of what the procedure entails, and must not leave any stone unturned. Just adhere to the real estate investing advice put forth above, and you shall be on your way to become a professional real estate investor.

Copyright © 2006 Joel Teo. All rights reserved.



MAC

Martin Webbster asked:


You would like to own a piece of rural Colorado. This state holds much of the major attractions across the country as far as rural life and beauty are concerned. One place that you would like to buy a home at or reside in is the Rio Blanco county. This part of Colorado has not felt city life yet. This is an area you will still find carts and all that makes a country. Rio has a low population density.

The first major attraction of this place is the abundant streams and rivers. There are so much water bodies. You have the White River and the Marvine creek and the Douglas creek. Actually the name Rio Blanco means a white river. If you like fishing you will find the Rio Blanco county the best place to have your vacation. There are many types of catch awaiting you. Trout is very common. For people who like wildlife and hunting, there are deers, antelopes and elks everywhere. If you just like to go hiking and explore the west, you are welcome to the canyons.

The primary occupation in these ranches is livestock rearing. Many of the farmers rear cattle and sheep. Most of the farmlands have family ownership structures than commercial interests. Many of the families have been farming on the land for centuries and have no moved anywhere else. They are able to get all their livelihood from this small place.

For hunting enthusiasts, the Rio Blanco country has been a great place since the 1800s. You have so many wildlife to hunt. Most notably, there are elks and deers. You can see them in herds all over the place.

Fishing sports is also available. The white river itself provides a good opportunity to fish. Trout is the most common fish you will find in this river though there are many several others. There is mountain white fish too.

Equestrian activities are easily available in these areas. You have lots of wooded areas and sloping hills for your leisure. You can have access for your vehicle and enjoy many modern conveniences. Though rural, this area will meet the modern conveniences needs of the urban dweller. It could be a god place to have your vacation and enjoy the best of rural America.

Hiking can be practised in almost every part of the county. There are mountains to climb, intriguing trails to go on and expeditions to carry out. One can walk large tarts of land, discovering the country and knowing about its people.

There are dude ranches in this county too. You can stay there and enjoy rural America. You will be able to help the host with the cattle grazing, far crops, horse rearing and other basic rural America occupations. For many staying in these places are quite challenging. You will be able to live closer to nature than before and have the freshness of the environment.

For people who want to buy ranches in the Rio Blanco county, a good time awaits them. Their investments may triple in value as news of oil and natural gas exploration ion the area picks steam. This type of activity will boost the economy of the area and draw many people which will eventually increase the value and price of real estate in this area. Eventually, ranches will appreciate and investors will be heading for a boom.

Rio Blanco County is a place you may want to be. It affords a lot of excitement for the vacationer and for property developers you have much to gain by purchasing land in this place. At least, you will have capital appreciation over the years if you intend to sell off the property.



SANTO

Catherine Harvey asked:


Property in Bulgaria has been drawing some attention of late. People are tired of investing their money in the precarious UK property market and have been looking further afield than the little Britain of Spain to lesser known areas of Europe.

If you are considering buying a property in Bulgaria then you will need to narrow down the field a little. Many people immediately look to the Eastern side where you have the benefit of the Black Sea but Bulgaria is a big country and every corner of it has aspects that appeal to someone. For that reason, this article looks at whether or not opting for Bansko in the South Western corner of Bulgaria is a good idea or not.

Relatively close to Sofia airport, Bansko is easily accessible. It is an area that is steeped in the oldest history of Bulgaria after being founded in the late 15th Century and was, at the time, the central city. It is a place full of ancient sights with no less than 120 cultural monuments that stand testament to the skills of the local craftsmen that have lived here over the years.

When you buy a property in Bulgaria you could opt for one of the high tech modern apartments or, if you love true culture, go for one of the traditional houses in Bansko. Distinctive with their tall pinewood gates and carved ceilings they also show the dedication that the Bulgarian people commit to their homes. But why Bansko above all other areas of Bulgaria?

The people are one of the biggest attractions. They are a warm and welcoming people that still carry the ingrained entrepreneurship skills of their forefathers. These people strive to come up with innovative ways of applying their skills to everyday life and are doing a pretty good job!

After the people comes the views. With the Pirin mountains in the distance you could stand and look at this sight for the rest of your life and not get used to it. On top of that you are surrounded by pine forests that emit an olfactory paradise all year round. And it is these two aspects that, should you decide to invest in a property in Bulgaria, will give you year round entertainment.

Mesta Valley is the area that divides Bansko’s three biggest mountain ranges - Pirin, Rila and Rhodopi. The valley itself provides a plethora of mountain biking and hiking trails for those with surplus energy. These trails will take you through the sweet smelling pine forests, up-hill and down dale, supplying more fresh, mountainous air than you ever believed possible.

And those mountains provide stunning ski possibilities throughout the winter. In fact, Bansko has a thriving skiing community that has had enormous amounts of money invested in it of late. Equipment and ski runs have been modernised with new runs added so if you were looking for an investment property in Bulgaria that you could rent out for part of the year, then with this sort of holiday trade you could make a tidy income.

Sticking with the active side of life, Bansko is also perfect for challenging yourself to a vigorous bit of rafting, horse riding or mountaineering. If you prefer to sit back and watch others do all the action, then you will simply love to be in the country during August. A whole week is given over to the jazz festival where performers from 15 countries over 3 continents come together to put on a feast of entertainment in the way of jazz music. Colours, sounds and smells all contribute to an atmosphere that will completely envelop you.

This is also the best time of year to explore the lakes, waterfalls and caves that make up the natural landscape of Bansko and even sample some of its healing mineral spring water. So, whether you’re a winter person or summer, buying a property in Bulgaria is sure to satisfy you on some level, if nothing more than to escape the rat race that has become Britain.



CONRAD