Buy-to-let investors are returning to the market in considerable numbers which is having a knock-on impact to potential first-time buyers. Research by property investment firm Assetz reveals that buy-to-let investors with large cash deposits are outmuscling first time buyers. A big reason for this is that risk-averse lenders demanding big deposits are being drawn back to the sector and away from the high loan-to-values required  [ Read More ]

The housing market has ground to a halt because overly optimistic sellers are locked in a stand-off with cautious buyers struggling to get a mortgage. This month, estate agents reported the biggest jump in unsold properties since May 2007 ? with agents having an average of 74 properties each, up from 70 last month. Yet sellers have increased asking prices on average by 1.7%, or ?4,032, in April alone, according  [ Read More ]

The market price index of Bulgaria’s property market for the first quarter of 2011year on year was 94.4%, i.e. the average decrease of the real estate market prices of the houses was 5.6%, according to the country’s National Statistical Institute.The market price index of the Bulgarian properties for the first quarter of 2011 compared to the fourth quarter of 2010 was 97.7%, i.e. the average decrease of the market prices of  [ Read More ]

You’re going abroad, and you’ll be changing money.  What is the best way to do that?  The short answer is to use the ATM.  REALLY!  Almost anywhere in the world now, you’ll find ATMs.  Almost. Try to check ahead before you go to know whether to take cash, traveler’s checks, ATM or credit cards.  Traveler’s checks aren’t used all that much anymore, but they’re a good backup in case something  [ Read More ]

If the delayed flight is because of weather… well, you’re all pretty much at the mercy of the weather including the airline.  These situations are out of their control.  They will try to get you on your way as best they can, but you won’t be compensated for these types of delays.   If your delayed flight is due to a problem that is in their control, the airline may  [ Read More ]

Choosing your destination…. that’s the very first step in trip planning.  It’s obvious, and it may seem simple, but let’s take a look at the things you need to think about as you do your trip planning and make your decision.  Some of these things will be running in the background of your head when you’re choosing your destination, but just so you don’t make any mistakes, let’s list some  [ Read More ]

Pack light! This is the mantra every traveler must adhere with. However, some things are just worth the space and added weight in your baggage. True, these extras are not necessary and can be easily dispensed with but they help make travel a lot easier and more enjoyable. Here are some useful extras you may find worth packing with your travel essentials. Wet wipes. You will not mind the lack  [ Read More ]

Cancelled flights are a headache for everyone.  Believe me, the airlines don’t like to cancel.  It starts a whole domino effect.  Not just for your flight, but for flights at down line airports all through the day.  Planes end up in the wrong places with crews that can’t fly them because of time regulations.  Probably the most common reason a flight is cancelled is weather.  Sometimes this is pretty obvious,  [ Read More ]

Who needs a passport when traveling abroad?  The short answer is if you’re going to travel internationally, you do.  But of course, nothing is ever quite that simple.  We’ve covered that it’s a travel document issued by your home country that allows you to leave and return.  Citizens of all countries need one to travel out of their country and into another, but there are exceptions.  For instance, citizens in  [ Read More ]

For the modest sum of 144 euros per square meter, anyone can buy a medieval Italian village, wrote the newspaper Corriere della Sera. ” The total cost of the project is € 550,000. These are the village Valle Piola, which is on the outskirts of town Torichela Sikura in the Italian province of Teramo in the Abruzzo region. Valle Piola village consists of 11 uninhabited medieval stone houses with a total  [ Read More ]