It is quite difficult to give advise but it is even harder to predict.

The fact that 2010 was characterized by the wisdom with which real estate investors operated, lead us to think that 2011 could go the same way, especially in the residential sector (heavily influenced by the lack of financing for properties that were not within the bank´s portfolio).

The engine for non-residential real estate transactions during 2011 could be malls and store space, surpassing demand for office space (mainly due to the decrease in rental income and to the turnover of some portfolio´s investors).

Due to the lack of financing many companies cannot continue to develop their regular activity, and their investment side has had to put their Real Estate assets for sale, in many cases through the common “Sale & Leaseback” method, at very attractive prices for external investors.

It is interesting to see that a crisis can also be a source of opportunities. It is especially at the end of it when one can make the best investments…. but the big question is: are we close to the end? To answer this you must pay attention to the moves investors are making.

If we take a look to the moves Amancio Ortega (Zara) is doing, we see that he is closing its SICAVs (variable income Investment Companies) to spend his money on real estate. With this money, the Ortega Family Office “Pontegadea” negotiates the purchase of buildings of financial institutions such as BBVA. This bank previously sold them to real estate fund REEF (owned by Deutsche Bank), in which BBVA went from owner to tenant. Later on, REEF started to sell these assets and, Ortega as well as many other investors, have been taking advantage of the liquidity needs financial institutions are facing, by acquiring quality properties at a discount. Besides the investments Pontegadea was doing in Spain, they are also investing in international destinations such as the US, Mexico, Portugal, France, and Germany. Pontegadea  focuses on commercial and office buildings that have long-term rental contracts, and that are located in the city’s prime location, which is the sector that better withstand the crisis (Expansión, 12/21/10)

Other great fortunes (ie. Isak Andic, owner of fashion brand Mango, who recently bought a building in Paseo de Gracia, 36) are investing in real estate. This type of investors are very well advised, and are able to see great business opportunities in the midst of this profound crisis and a broken housing market.

Read the following phrases that Albert Einstein proposed in order to overcome a crisis,

Hotel Songjiang near Shanghai, China, is a tourist paradise which has also won the award for best architectural design of hotels 5 *****.

This Jochman Martin’s architectural project, from Atkins study (also creators of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai), requires builders to have a great imagination to exploit the particular field: a huge quarry with a wall where the river flows, whose peculiarity is that a waterfall flows through the exterior structure, as it is part of the walls of a “throat” where water accumulates. Its structure is steel and glass, simulating another waterfall, like those in this quarry.

The Songjiang Hotel is set amidst a landscape virtually untouched, the source of inspiration has been the respect for nature.

The environmental air is reflected in that its elements reach a minimum energy and environmental impact (eg green roofs in areas above ground level and the utilization of geothermal energy).

It has 400 rooms, of which some overlook an aquarium. It also has a gym and pool.

In this hotel we have three environments:

1. Underwater.
2. From inside the quarry, with rocky cliffs and natural waterfalls in the background.
3. A ground level, with the building at his feet.

The opening is scheduled for 2013.

It will be the inauguration of one of the most impressive architectural works whose complexity and combines stunning images for any lover of nature & modern architecture.

The Songjiang Hotel will be in the category of the most emblematic hotels in the world today.

The “real estate crisis” has affected several countries. We can make a comparison between Spain and the UK to see the evolution in each of these housing markets.

Referring to the residential housing market:

• In the UK, prices have fallen more quickly than in Spain, as sellers have assumed that without this prices decrease, the sale would not expedite. In addition, must take into account that the actual price drop by the devaluation of the pound, prompted investors to find properties with a discount of up to 50%. It has made that the real estate market in England is now already beginning to recover.
• In Spain the price reduction has been much lower and in the segment of luxury homes, this reduction has barely noticed. It is anticipated that the recovery in Spain will start between 12 and 18 months.
• Unlike the office market (see below), in the housing market there is a glut and excess debt; the worst is behind us yet. Even so, as discussed in the article of 26/11/09 La Vanguardia, in Barcelona and Madrid real estate begins to pick up.

About office market:

• In Spain, the real estate market is about to bottom out, as it has been noticed some cuts in prices for office, sometimes exceeding 40%. But this is clearly a market that has always had a shortage of supply.
• The office market in Spain has suffered the fall in rents, which has been linked to changes in the economy. When the rents are lowering, there is more risk for investors. If the economy recovers, rising consumption and improved incomes. Potential investors must be, therefore, very attentive to the evolution of the Spanish economy.
• Rental contracts in Spain are normally 3 to 5 years, unlike England, where contracts are much longer.
• Spain remains an attractive country for investment. A German investor particularly like to invest in Spain.

 The Spanish financial entities, and we talk about banking in general, seems unwilling or unable to dispose of their property, at least at current prices. The big question would be: Why should I sell now if within 8 months I get a 15% – 20% more? The answer is given: If these entities sell now, will always be at a price lower than that recorded in its books and, therefore, prefer to wait until the market recovers a bit.

The aim of New Homes International Portal is to provide our visitors information about the best international real estate developments.

On the New Homes International Portal you will find details of new property developments currently under way all over the world. You will also find a large number of property development companies providing information about their latest new property projects, together with individual property owners advertising new homes for sale.

In addition to the advertised real estate developments, this site is offering helpful information to the buyer in the different
countries: legal steps to buy real estate, taxes, socio-politic, economic and general ideas of the choosen country to invest in. All together will be a basic tool for investors to decide between the different countries.

QUALinHABITAT Barcelona is a real estate specializing in luxury houses, flats, land plots, country houses and hotels for sale in residential areas of Barcelona and its surrounding areas.

This real estate offers personalized assessment in several languages, as we think every customer is unique. A realtor & real estate lawyer will provide legal assistance during the property buying or selling process

Additionally, it provides additional information of Barcelona, including:

• Hotels, 4 and 5 stars
• Restaurants
• Sport clubs
• Fitness & Spa
• Spanish and international schools
• Consulates
• Car rental