The value of homes in Australia dropped by 4.8 per cent in the final quarter of 2011, compared to the same three-month period in 2010.

Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics examining the performance of the real estate markets in the country's eight state capitals revealed Brisbane's property prices took the biggest hit, falling by 6.7 per cent annually.

Meanwhile, Canberra held up the best, recording a decline of just 2.6 per cent, while Sydney put in a similar performance with a 2.7 per cent slide.

The quarterly figures released by the organisation indicate that in certain markets, Australian property prices may be making a recovery.

Perth, Canberra and Hobart all posted increases in real estate values in the final three months of 2011 of 0.5 per cent, 0.7 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively.

Last month, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) published mortgage figures for November 2011, which pointed towards a "modest revival" in the established lending market.

Dr Harley Dale, HIA chief economist, explained lending for purchases of existing homes have now risen in five out of the previous six months.

Buying a property in Portugal has become more difficult recently, thanks to stricter lending conditions imposed by the country's banks.

However, managing director of Portuguese agent Infinito Real Stephen Anderson noted investors are increasingly finding other avenues to raise money for their purchases.

"Recently, we have seen a few savvy developers offering an alternative method of funding to avoid the stumbling block of acquiring finance from the bank, thus helping to get the property market moving," he stated.

Mr Anderson went on to explain such deals usually involve a 30 per cent deposit from the buyer, with the remainder of the property's value being paid off over a period of years agreed by both parties.

He added the buyer can then use the flat or house as they wish, either living there themselves or renting it out.

Last month, a report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) indicated there are opportunities for investors in the Portuguese lettings market.

According to the organisation, the restrictions on lending are forcing more people to move into rented accommodation, with Rics senior economist Josh Miller commenting the sector is exhibiting "robust demand and strong transaction expectations".

Murcia looks set to be the next big destination in Spain and buyers may want to consider their investment options here, if one local agent is to be believed.

Steve Long, chief executive officer of CasaCalida Property Group, has highlighted several attractions that make the Spanish region stand out.

Among them are Europe's largest shopping mall, a new continental airport and the proposed development of the Paramount theme park.

Mr Long commented: "I have been telling people for years that Murcia is the best place in Spain, if not in Europe, to invest in property."

He added there are comparatively few Spanish real estate developments on the market in the area, which means demand will far outweigh supply should the projected visitor numbers - of three to five million tourists each year - for the new amusement park prove to be correct.

In December last year, Proyectos Emblematicos Murcianos SA, the promoter behind the Paramount attraction, announced it would complete the purchase of the land required for the project on February 6th.
 

There has been a significant increase in the number of properties being put on the market in the French Riviera in the first month of this year.

EstateNetFrance revealed nearly 16 per cent more homes were for sale in January, compared to December.

This also represents a 12 per cent rise in comparison to the same month in 2010.

According to the organisation, many sellers were waiting until the new tax regulations relating to property in France came into force at the start of January to put their houses up for sale.

In addition, assets that had previously been taken off the market have been listed again, increasing the pool of available real estate.

The company pointed out it is a "buyer's market" in France, even in the luxury sector on the French Riviera, where the average price of a high-end home has fallen below €2 million (£1.7 million) for the first time.

Last month, EstateNetFrance asserted buyers still view property on the French Riviera as "a secure, long-term investment", which is why there was substantial growth in the number of real estate transactions recorded in the area during 2011.

The value of prime residential property in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia fell by 5.6 per cent over the course of 2011.

In the latest Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index, the city was ranked 20th out of 23 locations surveyed based on the annual decline in real estate prices.

However, the data indicates this downward trend in Kuala Lumpur is beginning to slow, with such assets shedding just 0.6 per cent of their value during the final quarter of last year.

Kate Everett-Allen, of Knight Frank's international residential research team, explained prime property markets around the world continued to outperform their mainstream counterparts, despite seeing prices slide over the last 12 months.

She added any climb in real estate values experienced in 2012 will be bolstered by a "flight of capital from troubled world regions", coupled with a desire among investors to expand their property portfolios rather than focus on other asset classes.

A report published last month by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia found increasing optimism among the nation's house builders, with 74 per cent of those questioned expecting prices of homes to rise this year.
 

Banco Santander, the largest lender in Spain, has revealed its net profits in the final quarter of 2011 fell by 98 per cent, coming in at €47 million (£39 million).

This is compared to profits of €2.1 billion recorded in the same three-month period in 2010.

One of the reasons given by the company for its poor performance is its exposure to toxic Spanish property assets.

The financial institution has set aside €1.8 billion to cover losses on repossessed dwellings in the south European nation at 50 per cent of their book value.

Alfredo Saenz, Santander chief executive, told AFP the bank is taking a "conservative" approach to the economy. He added the firm wants to be "a step ahead" of the anticipated legislation in Spain that will require such organisations to recognise the extent of their bad real estate loans.

Last month, Bloomberg reported on a statement made by Spanish economy minister Luis de Guindos to state broadcaster TVE, where he predicted the price of buying a home in Spain will fall as banks release their real estate portfolios on to the market.
 

Brazil's commercial property sector is one of the few in the world to record positive sentiment towards rental expectations and capital value growth during the first quarter of 2012.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) Global Commercial Property Survey for the final three months of 2011, Brazil's real estate market has shown resilience in the face of a largely negative picture elsewhere in the world.

Respondents in the country are predicting a rise in rental values, as well as capital growth, in the period from January to March this year.  Canada is the only nation where sentiment is more positive in these two respects.

Property professionals in Brazil also anticipate demand from occupiers will continue to outpace the supply of available premises over the next few months.

Writing for Global Property Guide earlier this month, developer Ruban Selvanayagam stated there are "massive" opportunities for investors in Brazilian real estate, although he urged potential buyers to approach the market with caution and to carry out extensive research to ensure the property they purchase will meet their expectations.

There has been a rise in the number of overseas buyers looking for properties in certain provinces of Girona, Spain.

PGA Catalunya Resort highlighted research conducted by The Spanish Valuation Society, which found there was more demand from French, Scandinavian, English and Russian purchasers for real estate in Girona in 2011 than in the previous year.

As a result of the greater level of interest in Girona's property markets, prices have remained more stable here than elsewhere in Spain.

Some of the reasons for this include the region's proximity to the coast, its favourable climate and the selection of leisure facilities in the area, PGA Catalunya Resort asserted.

Investors seeking real estate in Spain that is ideal for holiday rentals may also be encouraged by comments made earlier this month by head of Spanish Property Insight Mark Stucklin.

He asserted it is "a buyer's market" in the country, particularly in "consolidated areas that are well-established with a good range of amenities and services".
 

Quickening the process of selling distressed real estate assets in South Africa is vital if the country's property market is to recover.

This is according to SA Commercial Prop News, which outlined several areas that need to improve before the real estate sector in the nation can get better.

Among them are employment growth, more support from lenders to borrowers who are struggling to pay their mortgages and an upturn in the global economy.

Commenting on the state of the South African residential real estate market, chief executive officer of Auction Alliance Rael Levitt said: "There's likely to be more pain before there are any real gains for the sector, primarily because of the giant inventory of homes on the market."

Earlier this month, chief executive officer of ooba Saul Geffen stated that it is a buyer's market in South Africa at the moment, partly because of the low interest rates in the nation.

People who are keen to purchase real estate in Spain should focus their search on consolidated areas in the most popular destinations.

So says Mark Stucklin, head of Spanish Property Insight, who explained looking in these locations means buyers "can now be picky and fussy about what they go for".

He highlighted the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Alicante as the three most popular regions for property investors at present.

"Consolidated areas that are well-established with a good range of amenities and services will be the most interesting and will be where people are looking," Mr Stucklin stated.

However, he warned there is over-priced property on sale, so buyers need to do their research before committing to a purchase.

Managing director of Currency Index Robin Haynes pointed out last week (January 26th) that people investing in property in the eurozone - including Spain - can now expect to get approximately eight per cent more for their money than in July 2011, thanks to the reduced value of the euro compared to sterling.
 

Despite the current financial problems in the eurozone, Brits are still interested in buying property in Spain.

This is the assertion of the Currency Index, a firm specialising in foreign exchange services, which recorded a 32 per cent increase in the volume of euros transferred to Spain by Brits in December 2011, compared with the same month a year earlier.

Robin Haynes, managing director of the firm, commented: "Buyers who are worried about any currency devaluing could even consider holding debt (such as a mortgage) as well as assets (such as property) to balance out the perceived risk."

Next week (January 30th) will see leaders from the European Union meet at a summit to discuss further measures to bring greater stability to the euro.

Currency Index stressed, though, that with the exchange rate for the single currency at an almost 16-month high against sterling, now is "one of the cheapest times to buy a place abroad in recent memory".

Earlier this month, A Place in the Sun magazine revealed Spain remains the top choice for Brits looking for real estate overseas. The publication added seven out of the ten most popular destinations are in the eurozone.
 

A significant increase in the number of condominiums sold in Pattaya has been recorded.

Knight Frank Thailand noted a rise of 120 per cent in the volume of transactions completed for this kind of property in the city in 2011, compared with 2010.

However, the firm pointed out the supply of condominiums in Pattaya climbed substantially last year, which has resulted in a lower sales rate in comparison to the number of units available.

The organisation added there is a trend among developers to build more one-bedroom apartments, with the Jomtein district of the city expected to be the location of the majority of the new construction projects.

One-bedroom units are often favoured by investors, head of the residential department at the company Frank Kahn explained; adding this may be one reason why developers are focusing on this size of apartment.

Earlier this month, director of Knight Frank Phuket Nattha Kahapana highlighted the rising level of condominium developments in the Kata and Karon Beach areas of Thailand's western coastal resort, noting a lack of affordable land in sought-after districts like Patong Beach is encouraging construction firms to look elsewhere.
 

The latter part of 2012 could be the right time to invest in real estate in Panama, with one expert in the country expecting property prices to begin to rise from 2013.

In an article for The Panama Report, Kent Davis, from Panama Equity Real Estate, explained that values are likely to fall by between 10 and 20 per cent in Panama City this year, largely as a result of the number of construction projects coming to an end.

However, he went on to predict that prices will pick up again in 2013, and this will happen "in a manner never seen before due in part to a completely modernised transport system and increased revenue from an expanded Panama Canal".

Mr Davis added it will "most definitely be a buyer's market" in the country over the next 12 months, highlighting areas such as Amador Causeway and the beach district near San Carlos as places where price appreciation is most likely.

Earlier this month, features editor of Caribbean World Magazine Sarah Woods suggested Bocas del Toro in Panama could be a good place to look for a real estate investment.

She stated: "Pretty much the entire Caribbean is good value right now", adding many buyers are turning to the southern and central regions along the Caribbean Sea with the aim of finding "dirt-cheap deals".
 

When Spanish financial institutions begin to sell-off their real estate portfolios, the price of buying a home in the nation is likely to fall.

This is the assertion of economy minister Luis de Guindos, who told state broadcaster TVE many residential properties held by the country's banks are not going to market because they are not being valued correctly, Bloomberg reported.

He added when they are put up for sale at their true worth "we'll find that the price of housing in Spain will fall more, there'll be an adjustment and it will be more available for a lot more people," the news agency quoted Mr de Guindos as saying.

The publication cited data from the Bank of Spain, which shows financial organisations in the country hold around €176 billion (£147 billion) of "troubled" Spanish real estate assets on their books.

According to the most recent figures published by Tinsa, the value of property in Spain fell by 8.1 per cent over the course of 2011.

Capitals and major cities experienced the biggest decline in prices, sliding by 9.1 per cent between December last year and the same month in 2010.
 

The value of real estate transactions completed in Abu Dhabi in 2011 reached AED 42.9 billion (£7.5 billion), authorities in the emirate have revealed.

Adel Hussain, a media consultant for the municipality, told Gulf News that this represents a five per cent increase compared to the volume of deals recorded in 2010.

Acting executive director of municipal services Awaidah Al Qubaisi told the publication there is now more positive sentiment surrounding property in Abu Dhabi than there was 12 months ago.

"There was increased investor confidence last year in the Abu Dhabi economy, which resulted in the high number of transactions. The municipality has also worked to simplify transaction processes," he stated.

Earlier this month, Jones Lang LaSalle predicted there will be a greater volume of property deals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2012 than in 2011, as a growing number of high net worth individuals and private investors are showing an interest in the UAE's residential market.

New research has revealed the value of Bulgarian property fell by between five and ten per cent in 2011, compared to 2010.

Propertywire reported on the data, which was gathered from brokers operating in the nation, noting that the situation is not expected to change over the course of the next 12 months.

Operations director at a Bulgarian real estate firm Polina Stoikova told the publication that the greatest demand is for properties in a low price bracket that are located in major cities.

Bansko, a ski resort, is one of the places that has experienced some of the biggest falls, with real estate values there sliding by 25 per cent during 2011, the news provider revealed.

In addition, an article in Focus earlier this month cited a study published by Presa Daily, which found home loans in Bulgaria have become more accessible.

According to the research, last year it was possible to obtain finance of between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of a residential property's value, while interest rates on mortgages have fallen and are now close to their 2008 level.
 

There continues to be an appetite among investors for luxury real estate in Spain, one agency has revealed.

Lucas Fox International Properties announced this week that 2011 was its "most successful operational year to date", with the firm citing its strong client base and portfolio of desirable assets among the factors that have helped it perform well.

Aimar Valls, head of commercial and investment property at the organisation, commented: "In the last year we have received a dramatic rise in both the quantity and quality of enquiries for commercial and investment property."

He added real estate in central Barcelona is particularly sought after, with hotel developments and tourist apartment rentals among the main targets for investors.

Director of Lucas Fox Alex Vaughan highlighted the company's strong position at the start of 2012, explaining that more than 5,000 active buyers have registered with the firm.

Interest in Spanish property is coming from investors based all over the world, including those in Russia, China, Scandinavia and the US, he added.

Earlier this month, International Property Success stressed Marbella and Murcia are among the top locations to consider when searching for a real estate investment in Spain.

There are indications that now may be a good time to buy real estate in the US, with signs that the market in some parts of the nation is improving.

Liz Rowlinson, editor of A Place in the Sun magazine, said there is anecdotal evidence that real estate sectors in destinations such as Florida are recovering.

"Good properties are being sought by more than one buyer and that is a healthy sign. It does definitely seem as if it is a situation to buy in 2012," she asserted.

Ms Rowlinson added the most popular areas of Florida for British purchasers are around Orlando, as well as Naples, Tampa and Sarasota.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released data earlier this week showing the number of existing home sales in the US increased in December for the third consecutive month.

According to the NAR, there was a five per cent rise in the volume of transactions completed in December, compared to November.
 

The lettings market in Portugal appears to be benefiting from restricted lending to potential buyers, as more people are turning to rentals rather than purchasing their own home.

This is the finding of the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey for December 2011.

According to the research, the demand, supply and the price of homes in Portugal have all continued to fall, while the rental market has grown thanks to the difficulties faced by domestic buyers in raising finance to purchase a property.

However, this has created opportunities for investors, who are in a position to take advantage of the strength in the rental sector and pick up real estate assets at lower prices, the report added.

Senior economist at Rics Josh Miller commented: "The weak labour market and uncertain economic outlook in Portugal is forcing potential homeowners into the lettings market, which is showing robust demand and strong transaction expectations."

Earlier this month, Cushman & Wakefield predicted there will be little change in Portuguese real estate in 2012, although noted there is likely to be a higher transaction volume over the next 12 months due to forced sales and banks looking to offload some of their property stock.
 

Owners of property in Spain are likely to be encouraged by the rising tourist numbers recorded in the country.

This is the opinion of Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing manager at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, who noted that even more people are expected to holiday in the nation during 2012 than in 2011.

He highlighted figures from the Spanish airport authority, which revealed 500,000 more passengers passed through Alicante last year compared with 2010, while there has been a 15 per cent rise in the number of requests for flight slots at the Costa Blanca hub.

Mr Pritchard commented such data is "great news for Spanish tourism and property markets this year".

Those considering purchasing real estate in Spain may want to take note of the latest report published by Tinsa.

In its December General IMIE Index of house prices, the organisation revealed the value of properties on the country's Mediterranean coast - which includes the Costa Blanca - fell by 7.1 per cent year-on-year.

This may encourage investors to make a purchase while the market is low.

A rise in the number of real estate transactions carried out in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been predicted this year.

In its Top Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2012 report, Jones Lang LaSalle stated that the UAE property market will be driven forward by private investors and high net worth individuals.

The firm added the majority of purchases are likely to be in the residential sector, although cautioned there will be increasing polarisation between the highest quality assets and less desirable projects.

Craig Plumb, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle in the Middle East and North Africa, commented: "Lower prices, more choice of higher quality product and its role as a regional safe haven will increase the attractiveness of the UAE market to both occupiers and investors in 2012."

Earlier this month, the REIDIN.com December property price index for Dubai and Abu Dhabi revealed the value of real estate in Dubai climbed by 1.09 per cent, compared to November, while in Abu Dhabi, prices dropped by 0.65 per cent during the same period.

The value of homes in South Africa climbed in December compared to a year earlier, it has been revealed.

Figures from the latest oobarometer - a measure of the performance of the South African property market by mortgage originator ooba - showed house prices increased by 6.2 per cent year-on-year last month.

A rise of 3.6 per cent was also recorded between November and December in 2011, the firm noted.

However, chief executive officer of the organisation Saul Geffen does not expect there to be significant increases in house prices this year.

"With the interest rate anticipated to remain low in 2012, and with property prices remaining depressed, the current market represents a favourable environment for buyers," he stated.

Earlier this month, home loan strategist for First National Bank John Loos predicted the residential real estate sector in South Africa would remain flat over the next 12 months.

He cited "strong supply relative to demand and a mediocre economic performance" as the main factors that are likely to hold the market back.

The new regulations relating to obtaining a Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero (NIE) in Spain won't have an adverse effect on the property market.

This is the opinion of Chris Mercer, of real estate agency Mercers, who believes, while the bureaucracy may be frustrating, it won't put serious buyers off.

Since January 3rd 2012, all foreigners have been required to attend the local police station in person to receive an NIE - an identity number for tax purposes - which is needed to buy or sell property in Spain.

Before this year, it was possible to send a lawyer in your place by signing a power of attorney.

Mr Mercer commented: "Admittedly, it can be a hassle, but if people are pre-warned and prepared they simply accept it."

He added most people "don't mind a few tedious hours at a police station to get the home of their dreams".

It appears Brits are still keen to purchase real estate in Spain, after a recent survey conducted by A Place in the Sun magazine at two of its exhibitions revealed the nation is the top choice among many potential buyers looking for a home overseas.

The number of sales of existing homes taking place in the US increased in December compared to November, the latest figures show.

Research conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found the volume of such transactions climbed by five per cent between the final two months of 2011.

This was the third consecutive month of rises in the US residential property market, while the number of deals climbed by 1.7 per cent over the course of last year, compared to 2010.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun stated: "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery. Record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market."

He added a reduction in the level of housing stock available indicates prices in many regions are likely to stabilise or grow over the course of 2012.

At the end of December, the NAR revealed pending home sales in the country had reached their highest level since April 2010.
 

Developers in Malaysia believe house prices in the nation are likely to increase over the coming 12 months, new research has revealed.

A survey conducted by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (REHDA) found that around 74 per cent of respondents anticipate a rise in the cost of residential property during 2012.

Of those, 36 per cent are predicting a ten to 20 per cent jump, while 31 per cent believe the hike will be under ten per cent.  The remaining seven per cent thought prices could rise by more than one-fifth.

The increasing cost of purchasing a property in Malaysia has been attributed to the higher price of labour and materials.

As a result, optimism about the state of the country's real estate sector is lower than it was six months ago, the REHDA study found.

Speaking at the launch of the research, president of the organisation Datuk Seri Michael Yam said: "Our members are more cautious towards market conditions due to more compliance requirements imposed on the housing industry, global economic uncertainty and inadequate information and data with regards to on-stream demand and supply."

In March, the REHDA will host the Malaysia Property Exhibition, which is expected to lead to real estate sales of between 50 million and 100 million Malaysian ringgits (£10.4 million and £20.8 million), Bernama News Agency reported.

Brits who have moved to Spain are the happiest expatriates (expats), according to a new survey.

The research, carried out by Lloyds TSB International and published by The Telegraph, revealed that 75.9 per cent of those questioned said they were happier living in Spain than they had been in the UK.

On average, 68 per cent of expats claimed they were more content when residing abroad than they were in Britain.

John Kramer, an expat living in Andalucia, told the news provider Spain offers an "outdoor lifestyle, traditional family values and positive outlook on life".

Those considering purchasing a property in Spain with the intention of moving to the nation may be encouraged by the findings of this study.

A Place in the Sun magazine recently revealed the country remains the top choice for Brits looking to buy real estate overseas.

The publication quizzed visitors at two of its live exhibitions and found Spain was a more popular option than other favourites such as France, Portugal, Italy and the USA.

The real estate market in Orlando, Florida has been boosted by its appeal as a tourist destination, one local expert has claimed.

Jonathan de Jesus of the Dominium Realty Group explained the property sector in this region of Florida has fared better than elsewhere in the US for a few reasons.

"There are still plenty of homes being bought and sold, particularly in a market like here in Orlando where we have plenty of warm weather and international tourism to keep things interesting," he stated.

Mr de Jesus added large attractions like Walt Disney World enhance the appeal of purchasing a property in Florida, while the lower prices available at present are also attracting buyers.

He noted European investors can do particularly well at the moment, thanks to the weak dollar against the euro.

Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine Liz Rowlinson recently commented that there are "some amazing bargains" available in the US real estate market.

She singled out Orlando as a destination where investors can get a lot for their money, noting that looking for villa-style homes could be a good option due to an oversupply of this kind of property.

Property located in one of north-east Brazil's beachside destinations is proving to be desirable among real estate investors.

This is the assertion of sales manager for uv10 Samantha Gore, who pointed out that Ponta Negra, a district in the city of Natal, is a sought-after location.

She highlighted its growing popularity among travellers, noting a visit to the beach here was recently placed at the top of a list of things to do in north-east Brazil by travel guide Lonely Planet.

Ms Gore described the area as having "the perfect package of white sand, reliable surf, stunning dunes and a lively, youthful nightlife".

"Real estate around this area is very popular and, if close to the beach, often comes at a high price," she added.

With the nation due to host both the football World Cup and the Olympic Games within the next four years, buying a Brazilian property may appeal to a wider demographic of investors.
 

The Dominican Republic is to spend $27 million (£17.5 million) carrying out an aerial survey of several districts in order to create a record of the properties located in particular areas.

Dominican Today reported on the project, with director of the National Cadastre Agency Bolivar Marte announcing that Informatica El Corte Ingles won the contract to conduct the study.

Santo Domingo East, the National District, San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana are the areas set to be surveyed from the air, the publication revealed.

Data about the Dominican Republic real estate covered by the survey will be available on the Cadastre website, while the findings will also be used to establish the correct taxation for the homes and land in these areas.

One of the other aims is to enable users to "obtain an exact evaluation of their properties", the news provider stated.

The Dominican Republic was recently named as one of the top 19 countries in the world to retire to in the International Living 2012 Retirement Index.
 

There are certain areas on the coast of Spain that are ideal for people seeking a property investment, it has been claimed.

International Property Success recently highlighted Marbella as a good destination to consider, thanks to the large amount of investment currently being ploughed into the region.

Meanwhile, Spanish property prices here remain approximately 20 to 30 per cent lower than the original asking price, while new development means the resort has the scope for growth.

The firm stated the value of real estate in Marbella will "definitely change" as the developments are completed over the coming years.

Another Spanish coastal location to consider is Murcia, according to the organisation, which noted the opening of a new Paramount theme park in 2015 is expected to attract around four million visitors in its first year of operation.

Director at the company Jon Ainge commented: "Prices have come down to the point where ordinary investors can buy some fantastic properties on the Spanish coast."

Murcia-based estate agent Chris Mercer believes the Paramount theme park will have a positive impact on the region, and expects the value of homes and apartments in the area to rise once the attraction opens.

There are indications that a recovery is underway in the established lending market in Australia, although finance for new homes "remains soft", a report has stated.

According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), figures from November last year show an improvement in lending for those purchasing established property in Australia.

However, loans for new homes were "effectively flat" during the same period, with HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale noting the data represents a fall of eight per cent when compared to November 2010.

Dr Dale commented that several things need to happen if the Australian real estate market is to improve.

"A sustained recovery in new housing, including investment in new rental stock, won't occur without the combination of interest rate cuts, short-term government stimulus and longer-term policy reform," he asserted.

The recent Property Council-ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey found that sentiment across the Australian real estate sector was broadly positive in December, with professionals in the Northern Territory recording the biggest rise in confidence.
 

During the final three months of 2011, France recorded its highest commercial property transaction volume since the third quarter of 2007.

Figures released by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) revealed that investment in French commercial real estate climbed by 65 per cent between the third and fourth quarters of last year.

In total, €6.5 billion (£5.4 billion) was transacted between October and December 2011, making it the second most popular market in Europe after the UK.

The CBRE report stated: "Investment activity in France was heavily biased towards the Paris office sector and included large portfolio and single-asset deals."

According to the Savills European Office Markets bulletin released in autumn last year, yields for Parisian offices stood at just over five per cent in the third quarter of 2011.

The organisation noted that both demand and rents were on an upward trend at this time, while the supply of such real estate assets in the French capital was falling.

Head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa capital markets at CBRE Jonathan Hull stated that data from the final quarter indicates France, along with the UK, Germany and the Nordic nations, "are key to core strategies" among investors.

Spain is still the first choice for British buyers looking for a property overseas, a new survey has revealed.

Research conducted by A Place in the Sun magazine at two of its live exhibitions found that real estate in Spain has retained its appeal among the British market.

France, Portugal, Italy and the USA completed the top five, with eight out of the ten most popular destinations in Europe.

Liz Rowlinson, editor of the publication, commented: "What's really interesting about our annual Ten Best Places to Buy Abroad survey is that it shows UK buyers are sticking to tried and tested European countries."

Director at Conti Clare Nessling recently made a similar observation in an interview with Mortgage Introducer.

She told the publication that investors are being drawn to overseas property by the potential for higher returns than those generated by UK-based assets.

Ms Nessling added that strong rental prospects and capital growth are among the factors buyers are considering when searching for a real estate investment abroad.

The value of luxury properties in the French Riviera fell in 2011, according to one estate agency specialising in the region.

EstateNetFrance revealed that the average price of real estate in the French Riviera and Monaco dropped by 5.06 per cent over the past 12 months, however, the rate of sales increased.

The agency recorded a 16.29 per cent jump in the number of transactions completed during 2011, with the firm noting the region is considered a "secure, long-term investment", which has helped drive interest in property here.

On average, a luxury home in the French Riviera or Monaco now costs €2,117,349 (£1,754,580), with the majority of high-end real estate assets on the market in the €1 million to €3 million price range.

According to the most recent Global House Price Index published by Knight Frank, France is one of the European nations to see the value of its residential property rise in 2011.

In the firm's latest table, the country saw real estate prices climb by 6.7 per cent between  the third quarter of 2011 and the same period in 2010.
 

An increasing number of property investors are searching for real estate in destinations they believe are historically strong.

This is the observation made by Clare Nessling, director at Conti, who told Mortgage Introducer there are many British buyers who are prepared to look abroad in order to find better returns on a property investment.

She cited figures from the latest PrimeLocation.com International Search Index, which showed real estate in Spain is one of the most popular options at present.

"It's clear that investors are favouring the tried and trusted locations when it comes to overseas property. But they also want easy access, good rental opportunities and security with price appreciation over the long term," Ms Nessling stated.

With some commentators asserting that the property market in prime Spanish destinations has reached the bottom, now may be a good time to consider making an investment.

Marc Prtichard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, recently predicted the value of homes in the most sought-after locations will begin to rise in 2012, having stabilised during 2011.
 

Property investors may want to turn their attention to Turkey this year after one organisation claimed its real estate market will continue to exhibit strong growth in 2012.

According to Gem Invest, there are several locations that are ideal for investors hoping to purchase property in Turkey.

Istanbul was highlighted as a particularly good choice due to "rental yields in excess of eight per cent for smaller apartments", the firm noted.

Other destinations to look out for include the coastal resorts of Fethiye and Antalya, with the company adding that Kalkan is an "outside bet" that may pay off.

Residential real estate assets in Turkey have experienced price growth during 2011, with the most recent figures from REIDIN.com revealing that, in December, values climbed by 0.89 per cent compared to November.

Istanbul performed above this national average, with house prices rising by 1.08 per cent in the same period, while Antalya was the best-performing location with values increasing by 1.27 per cent.

Over the course of the year, the cost of purchasing a home in Turkey has jumped by 7.77 per cent, according to the REIDIN.com figures, with Istanbul seeing prices up by 9.07 per cent during 2011.

Changes to the Spanish personal income tax law 35/2006 introduced on December 31st 2011 may hold back a correction in the country's real estate prices, it has been claimed.

Fitch Ratings asserted that the extension of benefits to those purchasing a property in Spain for the first time and homeowners making improvements to their dwelling may have short-term advantages, but added this could support higher house prices in the long term.

Under the new law, a tax deduction of up to €1,350 per year (£1,115) can be made annually over the life of a mortgage for any first-time buyer or owner regardless of income.

Previously, only those earning less than €24,100 per year were eligible for the tax relief.

However, the firm stated it expects the value of residential real estate in Spain to continue to fall due to the "lack of credit in the economy, the significant property overhang and the weak state of the broader macroeconomic environment".

Figures published at the beginning of January by Sociedad de Tasacion revealed the value of Spanish homes dropped by four per cent over the course of 2011, with the organisation predicting further price falls in 2012.
 

The value of residential real estate in Dubai increased in December by 1.09 per cent, compared to the previous month, new figures show.

In the latest REIDIN.com index, the price of villas rose by 1.46 per cent during the final month of 2011, while apartments only saw their value climb by 0.6 per cent during the same timeframe.

However, neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi experienced declining real estate values, with an overall fall of 0.65 per cent recorded between November and December last year.

Apartments took the biggest hit, with prices sliding by 0.99 per cent, while villas saw 0.55 per cent wiped off their value.

Earlier this month, Assetz suggested that "adventurous investors" may want to target Dubai property in 2012.

According to the organisation, there is a lack of supply of homes in completed developments, which has helped construction work pick up in a few "quality locations" in the emirate.
 

Investors searching for US property can still pick up some good deals, according to one expert.

Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine Liz Rowlinson explained that in certain regions, buyers can get a lot for their money.

"There are some amazing bargains out there in areas such as Florida and places where there is a massive level of repossessions," she stated.

She highlighted parts of Orlando as an example, where it is now possible to purchase a three-bedroom villa with a pool for around £100,000.

However, Ms Rowlinson added there are differing opinions about whether the US residential real estate market has now hit the bottom, or whether it has further to fall.

A recent survey of realtors in the country carried out by RE/MAX suggested that price rises are more likely than drops during 2012.

The majority of respondents expect house prices in the US to either stay the same or rise, the organisation revealed.

Confidence levels across the Australian real estate sector remain in positive territory, a new survey has revealed, although some areas are faring better than others.

This is one of the findings in the Property Council-ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey December 2011, which noted the Northern Territory (NT) saw the greatest improvement in sentiment among real estate professionals.

A new gas deal with INPEX is expected to boost the economy in the NT, with the Property Council's division president in the state Brendan Dunn describing it as a "game changer" for the region.

However, respondents in New South Wales and Victoria - which are home to the country's largest property markets - took a more negative outlook in the final quarter of 2011 than they did in the previous three-month period.

Meanwhile, Warren Hogan, ANZ global chief economist, was optimistic about the future of the nation's commercial real estate sector.

"Tight vacancies, limited capacity expansion and attractive yields will support growing investor interest and are laying the groundwork for a marked increase in valuations as rents rise and yields compress," he stated.
 

The amount of money ploughed into the Spanish real estate sector by foreign investors last year totalled €3.6 billion (£3 billion), new figures have shown.

Property Investor Europe cited the data from the Bank of Spain, which revealed investment in the country's real estate market climbed by 27 per cent in 2011, compared with a year earlier.

According to the financial institution, more than €1 billion was invested over three consecutive quarters last year - the first time this has happened since 2008.

Last month, Global Property Guide reported on figures released by Spain's Ministry of Public Transactions, which showed in the third quarter of 2011, 24.7 per cent more real estate transactions were completed by foreign buyers than in the same period a year earlier.

Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and Santa Cruz de Tenerife were named as the five most popular destinations for overseas purchasers looking for a home in Spain.

During 2011, the Kata and Karon Beach areas of Phuket, Thailand, emerged as top locations for new condominium developments.

Nattha Kahapana, director of Knight Frank Phuket, revealed that last year, these two regions accounted for 59 per cent of the new supply in the condominium market.

He noted one of the main reasons for the rising number of new projects in Kata is the affordability of land in the district, compared to the most desirable area along Patong Beach.

Mr Kahapana added there is very little free space on this sought-after strip of land, which adds to the appeal of less-developed regions like Karon Beach and Kata.

A report published by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Thailand last year revealed there was an increase in the number of new condominium projects launched in Phuket during the third quarter of 2011.

However, the firm noted affordability is one of the key issues driving buyers in the marketplace, with demand strongest for Phuket properties in the under ten million Thai baht (£204,656) price bracket.
 

The real estate market in Paphos had the highest percentage of overseas buyers in 2011, according to new figures.

Cyprus Property News highlighted the data published this week by the country's land registry, which revealed international investors accounted for 35 per cent of house purchases in Paphos.

Famagusta and Larnaca were not far behind, with 32 per cent and 31 per cent of deals completed with foreigners respectively.

Nicosia, the nation's capital, is less reliant on overseas purchasers, however, with just 14 per cent of its property deals made by this demographic.

Overall, the level of real estate transactions in Cyprus fell by 18 per cent in 2011, compared with 2010, the publication revealed.

Larnaca experienced the greatest fall in activity, with a 28 per cent decline, despite the number of overseas buyers in the city rising by four per cent last year.

In December, the news provider reported on data published by the European Central Bank, which indicated property prices in Cyprus slid by 4.9 per cent in the first six months of 2011.

Andalucia's prime locations have seen an upturn in the fortunes of their property markets over the past year, it has been claimed.

In her annual report, agent with The Property Finders Barbara Wood explained the focus for investors has been on prime assets, with the market now very similar to how it was in the mid-1990s.

"In 2012, the buyer is remarkably similar to the 1995 buyer - cash rich [...] and only interested in quality properties in the very best locations," she asserted.

Ms Wood added "virtually 100 per cent" of Andalucian real estate transactions are occurring in "a handful of prime locations", highlighting Marbella as a particular hotspot.

She went on to predict that, over the next 12 months, buyers will avoid assets that are in undesirable destinations or of a lower quality, but expects investors to continue to show an interest in the top end of the market.

Earlier this week, Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, was positive about the outlook for Spanish property in 2012, commenting that further house price falls in highly desirable areas are unlikely, with growth anticipated in the most sought-after locations.
 

The US housing market is likely to continue on a "slow recovery" during 2012, it has been asserted.

According to the year-end RE/MAX agents survey, many professionals working in the industry are confident of an improvement over the next 12 months.

US real estate values are broadly expected to remain stable, or increase, with agents in the southern US most upbeat about the prospect of price rises.

The volume of residential real estate transactions is also expected to climb by 29.3 per cent in 2012, following a 10.7 per cent increase in 2011.

RE/MAX chief executive officer Margaret Kelly commented: "A sense that home prices and sales are improving indicates that the housing market is positioned for a gradual recovery in 2012."

Moe Veissi, president of the National Association of Realtors, recently stressed the importance of stabilising the country's residential property market.

He claimed "a strong housing market recovery" is vital if the US economy is to improve over the coming months and years.

Some sectors of the Spanish real estate market will begin to recover in 2012, it has been claimed.

Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, explained that property prices in prime locations had already stabilised in 2011 and this trend is set to continue into this year.

He added, in many cases, the value of homes in the most sought-after destinations has hit rock bottom, with positive growth now likely.

However, Mr Pritchard warned buyers to be cautious when looking at inland properties, as such assets in undeveloped locations may see a further drop in price during 2012.

A recent report published by Assetz suggested investors should avoid making a purchase in an area where there is significant oversupply, as this could affect the amount of rental income a house can generate.

Mr Pritchard does not believe the level of rent will necessarily be a primary concern for many potential purchasers, though, as he has predicted a rise in the number of lifestyle buyers entering the Spanish real estate market in search of a second home.
 

Despite Dubai's construction and property markets experiencing significant difficulties during the recession in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are signs the industry is recovering.

This is according to Assetz, which noted construction on some projects in "quality locations" has resumed recently.

The firm pointed out prices and rents have started to climb as a result of a lack of supply of prime apartments in desirable areas, particularly in completed developments.

However, investing in property in Dubai is not for everyone, the organisation stressed.

"Adventurous investors may wish to look at this market, but will need to visit to gain local knowledge or deal with a good agent," the Assetz report stated.

Earlier this month, the Dubai Land Department reported a 20 per cent increase in the number of real estate transactions processed during 2011, compared with the previous year. Collectively, the deals were valued at 143 billion UAE dirhams (£25 billion).

Director general of the Land Department Sultan Butti bin Mejrin praised the local government for its efforts to return Dubai's real estate market to stability and growth.

The rise in the number of distressed sales is causing US property prices to fall, it has been revealed.

According to CoreLogic's November Home Price Index, which was released earlier this week, the average cost of a US home - including distressed sales - reduced by 1.4 per cent on a month-to-month basis in November 2011.

This marks the fourth month in a row where real estate prices have declined, while values dropped by 4.3 per cent between November 2010 and November 2011.

Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic, said: "Distressed sales continue to put downward pressure on prices, and is a factor that must be addressed in 2012 for a housing recovery to become a reality."

Findings also showed that, excluding distressed sales, US real estate prices dropped by just 0.6 per cent year-on-year in November 2011.

This comes after the Federal Reserve Bond released the US Housing Market: Current Conditions and Policy Considerations white paper, stating that restoring the housing market in the US is key to helping the wider economy.

While there are still significant opportunities for real estate investment in Brazil, it is important to exercise caution before entering the market.

This is the opinion of Ruban Selvanayagam, who wrote in Global Property Guide that there are signs some areas of the Brazilian property sector are not faring as well as others.

He highlighted the performance of certain developers in the nation, pointing out that the rapid growth in the industry has priced many local buyers out of the market.

Mr Selvanayagam remained optimistic about the future of Brazilian real estate , though.

"After many years of low activity, the growth potential of the country's property market is still at its infant stages, particularly considering the very low supply of adequate housing," he stated.

Furthermore, he pointed out gross housing credit currently accounts for five per cent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), whereas in the US, this stands at 68 per cent of GDP. 

A recent survey published by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate revealed that Brazil is now considered the second best country in the world for capital appreciation, with only the US thought to be better.

The value of real estate in South Africa is likely to fall by three per cent in real terms over the course of 2012, it has been predicted.

John Loos, household and property sector strategist at First National Bank (FNB), made the assertion after the FNB House Price Index revealed a "flattening out" of the residential market during 2011.

He explained the three per cent decline is based on consumer price inflation averaging at five per cent over the coming 12 months.

Mr Loos added forecasts of lower global economic growth than previously anticipated, as well as the expectation of only minimal interest rate cuts in South Africa in 2012, have weighed heavily on sentiment in the housing market.

In an interview with The New Age, property analyst at Absa Jacques du Toit agreed that the South African real estate sector will experience a difficult year.

He noted many consumers have been struggling with inflation, which will in turn have an impact on the property market.
 

The value of homes in Australia dropped by 4.8 per cent in the final quarter of 2011, compared to the same three-month period in 2010.

Data collected by the Australian Bureau of Statistics examining the performance of the real estate markets in the country's eight state capitals revealed Brisbane's property prices took the biggest hit, falling by 6.7 per cent annually.

Meanwhile, Canberra held up the best, recording a decline of just 2.6 per cent, while Sydney put in a similar performance with a 2.7 per cent slide.

The quarterly figures released by the organisation indicate that in certain markets, Australian property prices may be making a recovery.

Perth, Canberra and Hobart all posted increases in real estate values in the final three months of 2011 of 0.5 per cent, 0.7 per cent and 0.8 per cent respectively.

Last month, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) published mortgage figures for November 2011, which pointed towards a "modest revival" in the established lending market.

Dr Harley Dale, HIA chief economist, explained lending for purchases of existing homes have now risen in five out of the previous six months.

Buying a property in Portugal has become more difficult recently, thanks to stricter lending conditions imposed by the country's banks.

However, managing director of Portuguese agent Infinito Real Stephen Anderson noted investors are increasingly finding other avenues to raise money for their purchases.

"Recently, we have seen a few savvy developers offering an alternative method of funding to avoid the stumbling block of acquiring finance from the bank, thus helping to get the property market moving," he stated.

Mr Anderson went on to explain such deals usually involve a 30 per cent deposit from the buyer, with the remainder of the property's value being paid off over a period of years agreed by both parties.

He added the buyer can then use the flat or house as they wish, either living there themselves or renting it out.

Last month, a report published by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) indicated there are opportunities for investors in the Portuguese lettings market.

According to the organisation, the restrictions on lending are forcing more people to move into rented accommodation, with Rics senior economist Josh Miller commenting the sector is exhibiting "robust demand and strong transaction expectations".

Murcia looks set to be the next big destination in Spain and buyers may want to consider their investment options here, if one local agent is to be believed.

Steve Long, chief executive officer of CasaCalida Property Group, has highlighted several attractions that make the Spanish region stand out.

Among them are Europe's largest shopping mall, a new continental airport and the proposed development of the Paramount theme park.

Mr Long commented: "I have been telling people for years that Murcia is the best place in Spain, if not in Europe, to invest in property."

He added there are comparatively few Spanish real estate developments on the market in the area, which means demand will far outweigh supply should the projected visitor numbers - of three to five million tourists each year - for the new amusement park prove to be correct.

In December last year, Proyectos Emblematicos Murcianos SA, the promoter behind the Paramount attraction, announced it would complete the purchase of the land required for the project on February 6th.
 

There has been a significant increase in the number of properties being put on the market in the French Riviera in the first month of this year.

EstateNetFrance revealed nearly 16 per cent more homes were for sale in January, compared to December.

This also represents a 12 per cent rise in comparison to the same month in 2010.

According to the organisation, many sellers were waiting until the new tax regulations relating to property in France came into force at the start of January to put their houses up for sale.

In addition, assets that had previously been taken off the market have been listed again, increasing the pool of available real estate.

The company pointed out it is a "buyer's market" in France, even in the luxury sector on the French Riviera, where the average price of a high-end home has fallen below €2 million (£1.7 million) for the first time.

Last month, EstateNetFrance asserted buyers still view property on the French Riviera as "a secure, long-term investment", which is why there was substantial growth in the number of real estate transactions recorded in the area during 2011.

The value of prime residential property in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia fell by 5.6 per cent over the course of 2011.

In the latest Knight Frank Prime Global Cities Index, the city was ranked 20th out of 23 locations surveyed based on the annual decline in real estate prices.

However, the data indicates this downward trend in Kuala Lumpur is beginning to slow, with such assets shedding just 0.6 per cent of their value during the final quarter of last year.

Kate Everett-Allen, of Knight Frank's international residential research team, explained prime property markets around the world continued to outperform their mainstream counterparts, despite seeing prices slide over the last 12 months.

She added any climb in real estate values experienced in 2012 will be bolstered by a "flight of capital from troubled world regions", coupled with a desire among investors to expand their property portfolios rather than focus on other asset classes.

A report published last month by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia found increasing optimism among the nation's house builders, with 74 per cent of those questioned expecting prices of homes to rise this year.
 

Banco Santander, the largest lender in Spain, has revealed its net profits in the final quarter of 2011 fell by 98 per cent, coming in at €47 million (£39 million).

This is compared to profits of €2.1 billion recorded in the same three-month period in 2010.

One of the reasons given by the company for its poor performance is its exposure to toxic Spanish property assets.

The financial institution has set aside €1.8 billion to cover losses on repossessed dwellings in the south European nation at 50 per cent of their book value.

Alfredo Saenz, Santander chief executive, told AFP the bank is taking a "conservative" approach to the economy. He added the firm wants to be "a step ahead" of the anticipated legislation in Spain that will require such organisations to recognise the extent of their bad real estate loans.

Last month, Bloomberg reported on a statement made by Spanish economy minister Luis de Guindos to state broadcaster TVE, where he predicted the price of buying a home in Spain will fall as banks release their real estate portfolios on to the market.
 

Brazil's commercial property sector is one of the few in the world to record positive sentiment towards rental expectations and capital value growth during the first quarter of 2012.

According to the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics) Global Commercial Property Survey for the final three months of 2011, Brazil's real estate market has shown resilience in the face of a largely negative picture elsewhere in the world.

Respondents in the country are predicting a rise in rental values, as well as capital growth, in the period from January to March this year.  Canada is the only nation where sentiment is more positive in these two respects.

Property professionals in Brazil also anticipate demand from occupiers will continue to outpace the supply of available premises over the next few months.

Writing for Global Property Guide earlier this month, developer Ruban Selvanayagam stated there are "massive" opportunities for investors in Brazilian real estate, although he urged potential buyers to approach the market with caution and to carry out extensive research to ensure the property they purchase will meet their expectations.

There has been a rise in the number of overseas buyers looking for properties in certain provinces of Girona, Spain.

PGA Catalunya Resort highlighted research conducted by The Spanish Valuation Society, which found there was more demand from French, Scandinavian, English and Russian purchasers for real estate in Girona in 2011 than in the previous year.

As a result of the greater level of interest in Girona's property markets, prices have remained more stable here than elsewhere in Spain.

Some of the reasons for this include the region's proximity to the coast, its favourable climate and the selection of leisure facilities in the area, PGA Catalunya Resort asserted.

Investors seeking real estate in Spain that is ideal for holiday rentals may also be encouraged by comments made earlier this month by head of Spanish Property Insight Mark Stucklin.

He asserted it is "a buyer's market" in the country, particularly in "consolidated areas that are well-established with a good range of amenities and services".
 

Quickening the process of selling distressed real estate assets in South Africa is vital if the country's property market is to recover.

This is according to SA Commercial Prop News, which outlined several areas that need to improve before the real estate sector in the nation can get better.

Among them are employment growth, more support from lenders to borrowers who are struggling to pay their mortgages and an upturn in the global economy.

Commenting on the state of the South African residential real estate market, chief executive officer of Auction Alliance Rael Levitt said: "There's likely to be more pain before there are any real gains for the sector, primarily because of the giant inventory of homes on the market."

Earlier this month, chief executive officer of ooba Saul Geffen stated that it is a buyer's market in South Africa at the moment, partly because of the low interest rates in the nation.

People who are keen to purchase real estate in Spain should focus their search on consolidated areas in the most popular destinations.

So says Mark Stucklin, head of Spanish Property Insight, who explained looking in these locations means buyers "can now be picky and fussy about what they go for".

He highlighted the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca and Alicante as the three most popular regions for property investors at present.

"Consolidated areas that are well-established with a good range of amenities and services will be the most interesting and will be where people are looking," Mr Stucklin stated.

However, he warned there is over-priced property on sale, so buyers need to do their research before committing to a purchase.

Managing director of Currency Index Robin Haynes pointed out last week (January 26th) that people investing in property in the eurozone - including Spain - can now expect to get approximately eight per cent more for their money than in July 2011, thanks to the reduced value of the euro compared to sterling.
 

Despite the current financial problems in the eurozone, Brits are still interested in buying property in Spain.

This is the assertion of the Currency Index, a firm specialising in foreign exchange services, which recorded a 32 per cent increase in the volume of euros transferred to Spain by Brits in December 2011, compared with the same month a year earlier.

Robin Haynes, managing director of the firm, commented: "Buyers who are worried about any currency devaluing could even consider holding debt (such as a mortgage) as well as assets (such as property) to balance out the perceived risk."

Next week (January 30th) will see leaders from the European Union meet at a summit to discuss further measures to bring greater stability to the euro.

Currency Index stressed, though, that with the exchange rate for the single currency at an almost 16-month high against sterling, now is "one of the cheapest times to buy a place abroad in recent memory".

Earlier this month, A Place in the Sun magazine revealed Spain remains the top choice for Brits looking for real estate overseas. The publication added seven out of the ten most popular destinations are in the eurozone.
 

A significant increase in the number of condominiums sold in Pattaya has been recorded.

Knight Frank Thailand noted a rise of 120 per cent in the volume of transactions completed for this kind of property in the city in 2011, compared with 2010.

However, the firm pointed out the supply of condominiums in Pattaya climbed substantially last year, which has resulted in a lower sales rate in comparison to the number of units available.

The organisation added there is a trend among developers to build more one-bedroom apartments, with the Jomtein district of the city expected to be the location of the majority of the new construction projects.

One-bedroom units are often favoured by investors, head of the residential department at the company Frank Kahn explained; adding this may be one reason why developers are focusing on this size of apartment.

Earlier this month, director of Knight Frank Phuket Nattha Kahapana highlighted the rising level of condominium developments in the Kata and Karon Beach areas of Thailand's western coastal resort, noting a lack of affordable land in sought-after districts like Patong Beach is encouraging construction firms to look elsewhere.
 

The latter part of 2012 could be the right time to invest in real estate in Panama, with one expert in the country expecting property prices to begin to rise from 2013.

In an article for The Panama Report, Kent Davis, from Panama Equity Real Estate, explained that values are likely to fall by between 10 and 20 per cent in Panama City this year, largely as a result of the number of construction projects coming to an end.

However, he went on to predict that prices will pick up again in 2013, and this will happen "in a manner never seen before due in part to a completely modernised transport system and increased revenue from an expanded Panama Canal".

Mr Davis added it will "most definitely be a buyer's market" in the country over the next 12 months, highlighting areas such as Amador Causeway and the beach district near San Carlos as places where price appreciation is most likely.

Earlier this month, features editor of Caribbean World Magazine Sarah Woods suggested Bocas del Toro in Panama could be a good place to look for a real estate investment.

She stated: "Pretty much the entire Caribbean is good value right now", adding many buyers are turning to the southern and central regions along the Caribbean Sea with the aim of finding "dirt-cheap deals".
 

When Spanish financial institutions begin to sell-off their real estate portfolios, the price of buying a home in the nation is likely to fall.

This is the assertion of economy minister Luis de Guindos, who told state broadcaster TVE many residential properties held by the country's banks are not going to market because they are not being valued correctly, Bloomberg reported.

He added when they are put up for sale at their true worth "we'll find that the price of housing in Spain will fall more, there'll be an adjustment and it will be more available for a lot more people," the news agency quoted Mr de Guindos as saying.

The publication cited data from the Bank of Spain, which shows financial organisations in the country hold around €176 billion (£147 billion) of "troubled" Spanish real estate assets on their books.

According to the most recent figures published by Tinsa, the value of property in Spain fell by 8.1 per cent over the course of 2011.

Capitals and major cities experienced the biggest decline in prices, sliding by 9.1 per cent between December last year and the same month in 2010.
 

The value of real estate transactions completed in Abu Dhabi in 2011 reached AED 42.9 billion (£7.5 billion), authorities in the emirate have revealed.

Adel Hussain, a media consultant for the municipality, told Gulf News that this represents a five per cent increase compared to the volume of deals recorded in 2010.

Acting executive director of municipal services Awaidah Al Qubaisi told the publication there is now more positive sentiment surrounding property in Abu Dhabi than there was 12 months ago.

"There was increased investor confidence last year in the Abu Dhabi economy, which resulted in the high number of transactions. The municipality has also worked to simplify transaction processes," he stated.

Earlier this month, Jones Lang LaSalle predicted there will be a greater volume of property deals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in 2012 than in 2011, as a growing number of high net worth individuals and private investors are showing an interest in the UAE's residential market.

New research has revealed the value of Bulgarian property fell by between five and ten per cent in 2011, compared to 2010.

Propertywire reported on the data, which was gathered from brokers operating in the nation, noting that the situation is not expected to change over the course of the next 12 months.

Operations director at a Bulgarian real estate firm Polina Stoikova told the publication that the greatest demand is for properties in a low price bracket that are located in major cities.

Bansko, a ski resort, is one of the places that has experienced some of the biggest falls, with real estate values there sliding by 25 per cent during 2011, the news provider revealed.

In addition, an article in Focus earlier this month cited a study published by Presa Daily, which found home loans in Bulgaria have become more accessible.

According to the research, last year it was possible to obtain finance of between 80 per cent and 90 per cent of a residential property's value, while interest rates on mortgages have fallen and are now close to their 2008 level.
 

There continues to be an appetite among investors for luxury real estate in Spain, one agency has revealed.

Lucas Fox International Properties announced this week that 2011 was its "most successful operational year to date", with the firm citing its strong client base and portfolio of desirable assets among the factors that have helped it perform well.

Aimar Valls, head of commercial and investment property at the organisation, commented: "In the last year we have received a dramatic rise in both the quantity and quality of enquiries for commercial and investment property."

He added real estate in central Barcelona is particularly sought after, with hotel developments and tourist apartment rentals among the main targets for investors.

Director of Lucas Fox Alex Vaughan highlighted the company's strong position at the start of 2012, explaining that more than 5,000 active buyers have registered with the firm.

Interest in Spanish property is coming from investors based all over the world, including those in Russia, China, Scandinavia and the US, he added.

Earlier this month, International Property Success stressed Marbella and Murcia are among the top locations to consider when searching for a real estate investment in Spain.

There are indications that now may be a good time to buy real estate in the US, with signs that the market in some parts of the nation is improving.

Liz Rowlinson, editor of A Place in the Sun magazine, said there is anecdotal evidence that real estate sectors in destinations such as Florida are recovering.

"Good properties are being sought by more than one buyer and that is a healthy sign. It does definitely seem as if it is a situation to buy in 2012," she asserted.

Ms Rowlinson added the most popular areas of Florida for British purchasers are around Orlando, as well as Naples, Tampa and Sarasota.

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released data earlier this week showing the number of existing home sales in the US increased in December for the third consecutive month.

According to the NAR, there was a five per cent rise in the volume of transactions completed in December, compared to November.
 

The lettings market in Portugal appears to be benefiting from restricted lending to potential buyers, as more people are turning to rentals rather than purchasing their own home.

This is the finding of the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (Rics)/Ci Portuguese Housing Market Survey for December 2011.

According to the research, the demand, supply and the price of homes in Portugal have all continued to fall, while the rental market has grown thanks to the difficulties faced by domestic buyers in raising finance to purchase a property.

However, this has created opportunities for investors, who are in a position to take advantage of the strength in the rental sector and pick up real estate assets at lower prices, the report added.

Senior economist at Rics Josh Miller commented: "The weak labour market and uncertain economic outlook in Portugal is forcing potential homeowners into the lettings market, which is showing robust demand and strong transaction expectations."

Earlier this month, Cushman & Wakefield predicted there will be little change in Portuguese real estate in 2012, although noted there is likely to be a higher transaction volume over the next 12 months due to forced sales and banks looking to offload some of their property stock.
 

Owners of property in Spain are likely to be encouraged by the rising tourist numbers recorded in the country.

This is the opinion of Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing manager at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, who noted that even more people are expected to holiday in the nation during 2012 than in 2011.

He highlighted figures from the Spanish airport authority, which revealed 500,000 more passengers passed through Alicante last year compared with 2010, while there has been a 15 per cent rise in the number of requests for flight slots at the Costa Blanca hub.

Mr Pritchard commented such data is "great news for Spanish tourism and property markets this year".

Those considering purchasing real estate in Spain may want to take note of the latest report published by Tinsa.

In its December General IMIE Index of house prices, the organisation revealed the value of properties on the country's Mediterranean coast - which includes the Costa Blanca - fell by 7.1 per cent year-on-year.

This may encourage investors to make a purchase while the market is low.

A rise in the number of real estate transactions carried out in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been predicted this year.

In its Top Trends for UAE Real Estate in 2012 report, Jones Lang LaSalle stated that the UAE property market will be driven forward by private investors and high net worth individuals.

The firm added the majority of purchases are likely to be in the residential sector, although cautioned there will be increasing polarisation between the highest quality assets and less desirable projects.

Craig Plumb, head of research at Jones Lang LaSalle in the Middle East and North Africa, commented: "Lower prices, more choice of higher quality product and its role as a regional safe haven will increase the attractiveness of the UAE market to both occupiers and investors in 2012."

Earlier this month, the REIDIN.com December property price index for Dubai and Abu Dhabi revealed the value of real estate in Dubai climbed by 1.09 per cent, compared to November, while in Abu Dhabi, prices dropped by 0.65 per cent during the same period.

The value of homes in South Africa climbed in December compared to a year earlier, it has been revealed.

Figures from the latest oobarometer - a measure of the performance of the South African property market by mortgage originator ooba - showed house prices increased by 6.2 per cent year-on-year last month.

A rise of 3.6 per cent was also recorded between November and December in 2011, the firm noted.

However, chief executive officer of the organisation Saul Geffen does not expect there to be significant increases in house prices this year.

"With the interest rate anticipated to remain low in 2012, and with property prices remaining depressed, the current market represents a favourable environment for buyers," he stated.

Earlier this month, home loan strategist for First National Bank John Loos predicted the residential real estate sector in South Africa would remain flat over the next 12 months.

He cited "strong supply relative to demand and a mediocre economic performance" as the main factors that are likely to hold the market back.

The new regulations relating to obtaining a Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero (NIE) in Spain won't have an adverse effect on the property market.

This is the opinion of Chris Mercer, of real estate agency Mercers, who believes, while the bureaucracy may be frustrating, it won't put serious buyers off.

Since January 3rd 2012, all foreigners have been required to attend the local police station in person to receive an NIE - an identity number for tax purposes - which is needed to buy or sell property in Spain.

Before this year, it was possible to send a lawyer in your place by signing a power of attorney.

Mr Mercer commented: "Admittedly, it can be a hassle, but if people are pre-warned and prepared they simply accept it."

He added most people "don't mind a few tedious hours at a police station to get the home of their dreams".

It appears Brits are still keen to purchase real estate in Spain, after a recent survey conducted by A Place in the Sun magazine at two of its exhibitions revealed the nation is the top choice among many potential buyers looking for a home overseas.

The number of sales of existing homes taking place in the US increased in December compared to November, the latest figures show.

Research conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) found the volume of such transactions climbed by five per cent between the final two months of 2011.

This was the third consecutive month of rises in the US residential property market, while the number of deals climbed by 1.7 per cent over the course of last year, compared to 2010.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun stated: "The pattern of home sales in recent months demonstrates a market in recovery. Record low mortgage interest rates, job growth and bargain home prices are giving more consumers the confidence they need to enter the market."

He added a reduction in the level of housing stock available indicates prices in many regions are likely to stabilise or grow over the course of 2012.

At the end of December, the NAR revealed pending home sales in the country had reached their highest level since April 2010.
 

Developers in Malaysia believe house prices in the nation are likely to increase over the coming 12 months, new research has revealed.

A survey conducted by the Real Estate Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (REHDA) found that around 74 per cent of respondents anticipate a rise in the cost of residential property during 2012.

Of those, 36 per cent are predicting a ten to 20 per cent jump, while 31 per cent believe the hike will be under ten per cent.  The remaining seven per cent thought prices could rise by more than one-fifth.

The increasing cost of purchasing a property in Malaysia has been attributed to the higher price of labour and materials.

As a result, optimism about the state of the country's real estate sector is lower than it was six months ago, the REHDA study found.

Speaking at the launch of the research, president of the organisation Datuk Seri Michael Yam said: "Our members are more cautious towards market conditions due to more compliance requirements imposed on the housing industry, global economic uncertainty and inadequate information and data with regards to on-stream demand and supply."

In March, the REHDA will host the Malaysia Property Exhibition, which is expected to lead to real estate sales of between 50 million and 100 million Malaysian ringgits (£10.4 million and £20.8 million), Bernama News Agency reported.

Brits who have moved to Spain are the happiest expatriates (expats), according to a new survey.

The research, carried out by Lloyds TSB International and published by The Telegraph, revealed that 75.9 per cent of those questioned said they were happier living in Spain than they had been in the UK.

On average, 68 per cent of expats claimed they were more content when residing abroad than they were in Britain.

John Kramer, an expat living in Andalucia, told the news provider Spain offers an "outdoor lifestyle, traditional family values and positive outlook on life".

Those considering purchasing a property in Spain with the intention of moving to the nation may be encouraged by the findings of this study.

A Place in the Sun magazine recently revealed the country remains the top choice for Brits looking to buy real estate overseas.

The publication quizzed visitors at two of its live exhibitions and found Spain was a more popular option than other favourites such as France, Portugal, Italy and the USA.

The real estate market in Orlando, Florida has been boosted by its appeal as a tourist destination, one local expert has claimed.

Jonathan de Jesus of the Dominium Realty Group explained the property sector in this region of Florida has fared better than elsewhere in the US for a few reasons.

"There are still plenty of homes being bought and sold, particularly in a market like here in Orlando where we have plenty of warm weather and international tourism to keep things interesting," he stated.

Mr de Jesus added large attractions like Walt Disney World enhance the appeal of purchasing a property in Florida, while the lower prices available at present are also attracting buyers.

He noted European investors can do particularly well at the moment, thanks to the weak dollar against the euro.

Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine Liz Rowlinson recently commented that there are "some amazing bargains" available in the US real estate market.

She singled out Orlando as a destination where investors can get a lot for their money, noting that looking for villa-style homes could be a good option due to an oversupply of this kind of property.

Property located in one of north-east Brazil's beachside destinations is proving to be desirable among real estate investors.

This is the assertion of sales manager for uv10 Samantha Gore, who pointed out that Ponta Negra, a district in the city of Natal, is a sought-after location.

She highlighted its growing popularity among travellers, noting a visit to the beach here was recently placed at the top of a list of things to do in north-east Brazil by travel guide Lonely Planet.

Ms Gore described the area as having "the perfect package of white sand, reliable surf, stunning dunes and a lively, youthful nightlife".

"Real estate around this area is very popular and, if close to the beach, often comes at a high price," she added.

With the nation due to host both the football World Cup and the Olympic Games within the next four years, buying a Brazilian property may appeal to a wider demographic of investors.
 

The Dominican Republic is to spend $27 million (£17.5 million) carrying out an aerial survey of several districts in order to create a record of the properties located in particular areas.

Dominican Today reported on the project, with director of the National Cadastre Agency Bolivar Marte announcing that Informatica El Corte Ingles won the contract to conduct the study.

Santo Domingo East, the National District, San Pedro de Macoris and La Romana are the areas set to be surveyed from the air, the publication revealed.

Data about the Dominican Republic real estate covered by the survey will be available on the Cadastre website, while the findings will also be used to establish the correct taxation for the homes and land in these areas.

One of the other aims is to enable users to "obtain an exact evaluation of their properties", the news provider stated.

The Dominican Republic was recently named as one of the top 19 countries in the world to retire to in the International Living 2012 Retirement Index.
 

There are certain areas on the coast of Spain that are ideal for people seeking a property investment, it has been claimed.

International Property Success recently highlighted Marbella as a good destination to consider, thanks to the large amount of investment currently being ploughed into the region.

Meanwhile, Spanish property prices here remain approximately 20 to 30 per cent lower than the original asking price, while new development means the resort has the scope for growth.

The firm stated the value of real estate in Marbella will "definitely change" as the developments are completed over the coming years.

Another Spanish coastal location to consider is Murcia, according to the organisation, which noted the opening of a new Paramount theme park in 2015 is expected to attract around four million visitors in its first year of operation.

Director at the company Jon Ainge commented: "Prices have come down to the point where ordinary investors can buy some fantastic properties on the Spanish coast."

Murcia-based estate agent Chris Mercer believes the Paramount theme park will have a positive impact on the region, and expects the value of homes and apartments in the area to rise once the attraction opens.

There are indications that a recovery is underway in the established lending market in Australia, although finance for new homes "remains soft", a report has stated.

According to the Housing Industry Association (HIA), figures from November last year show an improvement in lending for those purchasing established property in Australia.

However, loans for new homes were "effectively flat" during the same period, with HIA chief economist Dr Harley Dale noting the data represents a fall of eight per cent when compared to November 2010.

Dr Dale commented that several things need to happen if the Australian real estate market is to improve.

"A sustained recovery in new housing, including investment in new rental stock, won't occur without the combination of interest rate cuts, short-term government stimulus and longer-term policy reform," he asserted.

The recent Property Council-ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey found that sentiment across the Australian real estate sector was broadly positive in December, with professionals in the Northern Territory recording the biggest rise in confidence.
 

During the final three months of 2011, France recorded its highest commercial property transaction volume since the third quarter of 2007.

Figures released by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) revealed that investment in French commercial real estate climbed by 65 per cent between the third and fourth quarters of last year.

In total, €6.5 billion (£5.4 billion) was transacted between October and December 2011, making it the second most popular market in Europe after the UK.

The CBRE report stated: "Investment activity in France was heavily biased towards the Paris office sector and included large portfolio and single-asset deals."

According to the Savills European Office Markets bulletin released in autumn last year, yields for Parisian offices stood at just over five per cent in the third quarter of 2011.

The organisation noted that both demand and rents were on an upward trend at this time, while the supply of such real estate assets in the French capital was falling.

Head of Europe, the Middle East and Africa capital markets at CBRE Jonathan Hull stated that data from the final quarter indicates France, along with the UK, Germany and the Nordic nations, "are key to core strategies" among investors.

Spain is still the first choice for British buyers looking for a property overseas, a new survey has revealed.

Research conducted by A Place in the Sun magazine at two of its live exhibitions found that real estate in Spain has retained its appeal among the British market.

France, Portugal, Italy and the USA completed the top five, with eight out of the ten most popular destinations in Europe.

Liz Rowlinson, editor of the publication, commented: "What's really interesting about our annual Ten Best Places to Buy Abroad survey is that it shows UK buyers are sticking to tried and tested European countries."

Director at Conti Clare Nessling recently made a similar observation in an interview with Mortgage Introducer.

She told the publication that investors are being drawn to overseas property by the potential for higher returns than those generated by UK-based assets.

Ms Nessling added that strong rental prospects and capital growth are among the factors buyers are considering when searching for a real estate investment abroad.

The value of luxury properties in the French Riviera fell in 2011, according to one estate agency specialising in the region.

EstateNetFrance revealed that the average price of real estate in the French Riviera and Monaco dropped by 5.06 per cent over the past 12 months, however, the rate of sales increased.

The agency recorded a 16.29 per cent jump in the number of transactions completed during 2011, with the firm noting the region is considered a "secure, long-term investment", which has helped drive interest in property here.

On average, a luxury home in the French Riviera or Monaco now costs €2,117,349 (£1,754,580), with the majority of high-end real estate assets on the market in the €1 million to €3 million price range.

According to the most recent Global House Price Index published by Knight Frank, France is one of the European nations to see the value of its residential property rise in 2011.

In the firm's latest table, the country saw real estate prices climb by 6.7 per cent between  the third quarter of 2011 and the same period in 2010.
 

An increasing number of property investors are searching for real estate in destinations they believe are historically strong.

This is the observation made by Clare Nessling, director at Conti, who told Mortgage Introducer there are many British buyers who are prepared to look abroad in order to find better returns on a property investment.

She cited figures from the latest PrimeLocation.com International Search Index, which showed real estate in Spain is one of the most popular options at present.

"It's clear that investors are favouring the tried and trusted locations when it comes to overseas property. But they also want easy access, good rental opportunities and security with price appreciation over the long term," Ms Nessling stated.

With some commentators asserting that the property market in prime Spanish destinations has reached the bottom, now may be a good time to consider making an investment.

Marc Prtichard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, recently predicted the value of homes in the most sought-after locations will begin to rise in 2012, having stabilised during 2011.
 

Property investors may want to turn their attention to Turkey this year after one organisation claimed its real estate market will continue to exhibit strong growth in 2012.

According to Gem Invest, there are several locations that are ideal for investors hoping to purchase property in Turkey.

Istanbul was highlighted as a particularly good choice due to "rental yields in excess of eight per cent for smaller apartments", the firm noted.

Other destinations to look out for include the coastal resorts of Fethiye and Antalya, with the company adding that Kalkan is an "outside bet" that may pay off.

Residential real estate assets in Turkey have experienced price growth during 2011, with the most recent figures from REIDIN.com revealing that, in December, values climbed by 0.89 per cent compared to November.

Istanbul performed above this national average, with house prices rising by 1.08 per cent in the same period, while Antalya was the best-performing location with values increasing by 1.27 per cent.

Over the course of the year, the cost of purchasing a home in Turkey has jumped by 7.77 per cent, according to the REIDIN.com figures, with Istanbul seeing prices up by 9.07 per cent during 2011.

Changes to the Spanish personal income tax law 35/2006 introduced on December 31st 2011 may hold back a correction in the country's real estate prices, it has been claimed.

Fitch Ratings asserted that the extension of benefits to those purchasing a property in Spain for the first time and homeowners making improvements to their dwelling may have short-term advantages, but added this could support higher house prices in the long term.

Under the new law, a tax deduction of up to €1,350 per year (£1,115) can be made annually over the life of a mortgage for any first-time buyer or owner regardless of income.

Previously, only those earning less than €24,100 per year were eligible for the tax relief.

However, the firm stated it expects the value of residential real estate in Spain to continue to fall due to the "lack of credit in the economy, the significant property overhang and the weak state of the broader macroeconomic environment".

Figures published at the beginning of January by Sociedad de Tasacion revealed the value of Spanish homes dropped by four per cent over the course of 2011, with the organisation predicting further price falls in 2012.
 

The value of residential real estate in Dubai increased in December by 1.09 per cent, compared to the previous month, new figures show.

In the latest REIDIN.com index, the price of villas rose by 1.46 per cent during the final month of 2011, while apartments only saw their value climb by 0.6 per cent during the same timeframe.

However, neighbouring emirate Abu Dhabi experienced declining real estate values, with an overall fall of 0.65 per cent recorded between November and December last year.

Apartments took the biggest hit, with prices sliding by 0.99 per cent, while villas saw 0.55 per cent wiped off their value.

Earlier this month, Assetz suggested that "adventurous investors" may want to target Dubai property in 2012.

According to the organisation, there is a lack of supply of homes in completed developments, which has helped construction work pick up in a few "quality locations" in the emirate.
 

Investors searching for US property can still pick up some good deals, according to one expert.

Editor of A Place in the Sun magazine Liz Rowlinson explained that in certain regions, buyers can get a lot for their money.

"There are some amazing bargains out there in areas such as Florida and places where there is a massive level of repossessions," she stated.

She highlighted parts of Orlando as an example, where it is now possible to purchase a three-bedroom villa with a pool for around £100,000.

However, Ms Rowlinson added there are differing opinions about whether the US residential real estate market has now hit the bottom, or whether it has further to fall.

A recent survey of realtors in the country carried out by RE/MAX suggested that price rises are more likely than drops during 2012.

The majority of respondents expect house prices in the US to either stay the same or rise, the organisation revealed.

Confidence levels across the Australian real estate sector remain in positive territory, a new survey has revealed, although some areas are faring better than others.

This is one of the findings in the Property Council-ANZ Property Industry Confidence Survey December 2011, which noted the Northern Territory (NT) saw the greatest improvement in sentiment among real estate professionals.

A new gas deal with INPEX is expected to boost the economy in the NT, with the Property Council's division president in the state Brendan Dunn describing it as a "game changer" for the region.

However, respondents in New South Wales and Victoria - which are home to the country's largest property markets - took a more negative outlook in the final quarter of 2011 than they did in the previous three-month period.

Meanwhile, Warren Hogan, ANZ global chief economist, was optimistic about the future of the nation's commercial real estate sector.

"Tight vacancies, limited capacity expansion and attractive yields will support growing investor interest and are laying the groundwork for a marked increase in valuations as rents rise and yields compress," he stated.
 

The amount of money ploughed into the Spanish real estate sector by foreign investors last year totalled €3.6 billion (£3 billion), new figures have shown.

Property Investor Europe cited the data from the Bank of Spain, which revealed investment in the country's real estate market climbed by 27 per cent in 2011, compared with a year earlier.

According to the financial institution, more than €1 billion was invested over three consecutive quarters last year - the first time this has happened since 2008.

Last month, Global Property Guide reported on figures released by Spain's Ministry of Public Transactions, which showed in the third quarter of 2011, 24.7 per cent more real estate transactions were completed by foreign buyers than in the same period a year earlier.

Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and Santa Cruz de Tenerife were named as the five most popular destinations for overseas purchasers looking for a home in Spain.

During 2011, the Kata and Karon Beach areas of Phuket, Thailand, emerged as top locations for new condominium developments.

Nattha Kahapana, director of Knight Frank Phuket, revealed that last year, these two regions accounted for 59 per cent of the new supply in the condominium market.

He noted one of the main reasons for the rising number of new projects in Kata is the affordability of land in the district, compared to the most desirable area along Patong Beach.

Mr Kahapana added there is very little free space on this sought-after strip of land, which adds to the appeal of less-developed regions like Karon Beach and Kata.

A report published by CB Richard Ellis (CBRE) Thailand last year revealed there was an increase in the number of new condominium projects launched in Phuket during the third quarter of 2011.

However, the firm noted affordability is one of the key issues driving buyers in the marketplace, with demand strongest for Phuket properties in the under ten million Thai baht (£204,656) price bracket.
 

The real estate market in Paphos had the highest percentage of overseas buyers in 2011, according to new figures.

Cyprus Property News highlighted the data published this week by the country's land registry, which revealed international investors accounted for 35 per cent of house purchases in Paphos.

Famagusta and Larnaca were not far behind, with 32 per cent and 31 per cent of deals completed with foreigners respectively.

Nicosia, the nation's capital, is less reliant on overseas purchasers, however, with just 14 per cent of its property deals made by this demographic.

Overall, the level of real estate transactions in Cyprus fell by 18 per cent in 2011, compared with 2010, the publication revealed.

Larnaca experienced the greatest fall in activity, with a 28 per cent decline, despite the number of overseas buyers in the city rising by four per cent last year.

In December, the news provider reported on data published by the European Central Bank, which indicated property prices in Cyprus slid by 4.9 per cent in the first six months of 2011.

Andalucia's prime locations have seen an upturn in the fortunes of their property markets over the past year, it has been claimed.

In her annual report, agent with The Property Finders Barbara Wood explained the focus for investors has been on prime assets, with the market now very similar to how it was in the mid-1990s.

"In 2012, the buyer is remarkably similar to the 1995 buyer - cash rich [...] and only interested in quality properties in the very best locations," she asserted.

Ms Wood added "virtually 100 per cent" of Andalucian real estate transactions are occurring in "a handful of prime locations", highlighting Marbella as a particular hotspot.

She went on to predict that, over the next 12 months, buyers will avoid assets that are in undesirable destinations or of a lower quality, but expects investors to continue to show an interest in the top end of the market.

Earlier this week, Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, was positive about the outlook for Spanish property in 2012, commenting that further house price falls in highly desirable areas are unlikely, with growth anticipated in the most sought-after locations.
 

The US housing market is likely to continue on a "slow recovery" during 2012, it has been asserted.

According to the year-end RE/MAX agents survey, many professionals working in the industry are confident of an improvement over the next 12 months.

US real estate values are broadly expected to remain stable, or increase, with agents in the southern US most upbeat about the prospect of price rises.

The volume of residential real estate transactions is also expected to climb by 29.3 per cent in 2012, following a 10.7 per cent increase in 2011.

RE/MAX chief executive officer Margaret Kelly commented: "A sense that home prices and sales are improving indicates that the housing market is positioned for a gradual recovery in 2012."

Moe Veissi, president of the National Association of Realtors, recently stressed the importance of stabilising the country's residential property market.

He claimed "a strong housing market recovery" is vital if the US economy is to improve over the coming months and years.

Some sectors of the Spanish real estate market will begin to recover in 2012, it has been claimed.

Marc Pritchard, sales and marketing director at Taylor Wimpey de Espana, explained that property prices in prime locations had already stabilised in 2011 and this trend is set to continue into this year.

He added, in many cases, the value of homes in the most sought-after destinations has hit rock bottom, with positive growth now likely.

However, Mr Pritchard warned buyers to be cautious when looking at inland properties, as such assets in undeveloped locations may see a further drop in price during 2012.

A recent report published by Assetz suggested investors should avoid making a purchase in an area where there is significant oversupply, as this could affect the amount of rental income a house can generate.

Mr Pritchard does not believe the level of rent will necessarily be a primary concern for many potential purchasers, though, as he has predicted a rise in the number of lifestyle buyers entering the Spanish real estate market in search of a second home.
 

Despite Dubai's construction and property markets experiencing significant difficulties during the recession in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there are signs the industry is recovering.

This is according to Assetz, which noted construction on some projects in "quality locations" has resumed recently.

The firm pointed out prices and rents have started to climb as a result of a lack of supply of prime apartments in desirable areas, particularly in completed developments.

However, investing in property in Dubai is not for everyone, the organisation stressed.

"Adventurous investors may wish to look at this market, but will need to visit to gain local knowledge or deal with a good agent," the Assetz report stated.

Earlier this month, the Dubai Land Department reported a 20 per cent increase in the number of real estate transactions processed during 2011, compared with the previous year. Collectively, the deals were valued at 143 billion UAE dirhams (£25 billion).

Director general of the Land Department Sultan Butti bin Mejrin praised the local government for its efforts to return Dubai's real estate market to stability and growth.

The rise in the number of distressed sales is causing US property prices to fall, it has been revealed.

According to CoreLogic's November Home Price Index, which was released earlier this week, the average cost of a US home - including distressed sales - reduced by 1.4 per cent on a month-to-month basis in November 2011.

This marks the fourth month in a row where real estate prices have declined, while values dropped by 4.3 per cent between November 2010 and November 2011.

Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic, said: "Distressed sales continue to put downward pressure on prices, and is a factor that must be addressed in 2012 for a housing recovery to become a reality."

Findings also showed that, excluding distressed sales, US real estate prices dropped by just 0.6 per cent year-on-year in November 2011.

This comes after the Federal Reserve Bond released the US Housing Market: Current Conditions and Policy Considerations white paper, stating that restoring the housing market in the US is key to helping the wider economy.

While there are still significant opportunities for real estate investment in Brazil, it is important to exercise caution before entering the market.

This is the opinion of Ruban Selvanayagam, who wrote in Global Property Guide that there are signs some areas of the Brazilian property sector are not faring as well as others.

He highlighted the performance of certain developers in the nation, pointing out that the rapid growth in the industry has priced many local buyers out of the market.

Mr Selvanayagam remained optimistic about the future of Brazilian real estate , though.

"After many years of low activity, the growth potential of the country's property market is still at its infant stages, particularly considering the very low supply of adequate housing," he stated.

Furthermore, he pointed out gross housing credit currently accounts for five per cent of the nation's gross domestic product (GDP), whereas in the US, this stands at 68 per cent of GDP. 

A recent survey published by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate revealed that Brazil is now considered the second best country in the world for capital appreciation, with only the US thought to be better.

The value of real estate in South Africa is likely to fall by three per cent in real terms over the course of 2012, it has been predicted.

John Loos, household and property sector strategist at First National Bank (FNB), made the assertion after the FNB House Price Index revealed a "flattening out" of the residential market during 2011.

He explained the three per cent decline is based on consumer price inflation averaging at five per cent over the coming 12 months.

Mr Loos added forecasts of lower global economic growth than previously anticipated, as well as the expectation of only minimal interest rate cuts in South Africa in 2012, have weighed heavily on sentiment in the housing market.

In an interview with The New Age, property analyst at Absa Jacques du Toit agreed that the South African real estate sector will experience a difficult year.

He noted many consumers have been struggling with inflation, which will in turn have an impact on the property market.