Cluttons Resorts aims to provide buyers with a wide selection of overseas resort properties and to minimise anxieties created by difficulties with foreign language, overseas taxes and legal issues. Our intention is to help potential purchasers negotiate the bewildering array of property on offer and highlight the very best opportunities available.

Those already familiar with Cluttons LLP in the UK both appreciate and demand a high level of service, governed by strict regulations. Cluttons Resorts brings that same level of confidence to overseas purchasers. 

UK Buyers

The prospect of more interesting rental yields is a key factor in attracting UK buyers to invest overseas. UK buy to let schemes offer typical average yields of 5% whereas average yields on overseas properties can often range from 6%-10%. Some resorts even guarantee rental returns for a number of years and all allow the owner the right to personal occupation for several weeks a year.

Other influential factors include leisure facilities, sandy beaches, privacy, security, construction standards, views, amenities, flight connections and tax and legal implications, although not necessarily in that order. Surprisingly, price is often not necessarily the prime consideration. With an ever expanding choice of global property on offer, purchasers have a tendency to be more discerning. Our goal is to present buyers with a selection of quality resorts which offer unique qualities, amenities and levels of service.

Buyers place increasing importance on the security and comfort of managed properties within a resort. These usually offer a range of leisure and entertainment facilities in locations with established infrastructures.

Guaranteed leaseback schemes are growing in popularity, as are fractional ownership schemes which offer the possibility of a secure long term investment. The latter offers buyers the opportunity to acquire a share of a property which could otherwise be beyond reach of their budget. This is an ideal solution for those seeking to buy a holiday home which would only be used for a short period of time each year and would otherwise sit empty for many months.

Spain

Spain remains easily one of the most popular destinations for UK purchasers. Benefiting as it does from excellent year round weather, superb golf and leisure facilities, established infrastructures, political and economic stability and good, low cost flight connections, this is hardly surprising.

Despite negative publicity surrounding unscrupulous professional practices and concerns regarding over development, Spain still remains a good option for both investors and owner occupiers.

Those seeking to buy a new build property and finding themselves faced with a huge selection of new developments to choose from should base their decision on a number of crucial factors, not least location, local amenities, accessibility and quality of design, build and construction – all of which will impact on the quality of life offered by the property and its later resale value.

Recent bad press surrounding the property market and local government practices  in Marbella has highlighted the need for purchasers to be fully aware of the pitfalls associated with buying property in Southern Spain. Cluttons Resorts, together with our experienced colleagues in Marbella, ensures that our clients are protected and guided throughout the buying process.

Portugal

Due to its wonderfully temperate climate, the Algarve has always been a popular destination for British buyers. While most market activity has always concentrated on the central and western Algarve, the relatively unspoilt eastern end (towards the border with Spain) is becoming increasingly popular.

This is the location of Monte Rei Golf & Country Club which will offer a variety of accommodation with the benefits of two golf courses (the first a Jack Nicklaus signature course)  and use of 5 * hotel facilities while enjoying proximity to beautiful sandy beaches.

France

Strict planning regulations and environmental concerns have helped to curb an oversupply of new developments coming on the market.

Over the last 12 months, prices throughout France have increased by an average of 8.8% This is a fairly stable growth rate, as compared to last year’s 9.55% and a far cry from the heady days of 2004 which saw over 17.5% growth in prices.

Over the course of the last year, house prices in most of the major cities e.g. Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon and Nice have gone up. The Cote d’Azur remains a strong market and the number one choice for well heeled investors and owner occupiers.

Interest rates remain low and the disposable income to mortgage ratio is around 45%. 

An established leaseback scheme open to non residents which enables the purchase of a holiday home combined with a guaranteed annual rental income makes investment in France an attractive option.

The most popular plan within this scheme is the Residence Tourisme (RT) which specializes in short term lets and provides a number of services to tenants and residents including concierge services and leisure facilities.

The key benefit is that the government will offset the VAT on the purchase price against the rent charged to short let tenants. In this way, purchasers are not liable to pay VAT on their purchase – a saving of 19.6% on a new build property.

All leaseback schemes vary in terms of rental yields and terms for personal use. Most offer personal use for a set number of weeks a year. A number of exciting schemes of this nature are available to those wishing to purchase in France.

Mauritius

Overseas buyers can now purchase residential property under the Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS) which was designed to attract foreign investment. Properties sold under the scheme must be part of a resort development offering first class accommodation as well as a range of leisure facilities and other services.  As only properties which conform to these standards may be part of the scheme, opportunities are limited and foreign interest remains high.

The chief benefits for investors buying under the IRS scheme include no capital gains tax on resale and no inheritance tax liability.

Among the numerous advantages for UK buyers here are good healthcare, security, economic and political stability, agreeable climate (no high or low season, consistent throughout the year) and a range of leisure activities including championship golf courses.

Caribbean

With its miles of unspoilt picture postcard beaches and temperate climate, the Caribbean is an enduringly popular holiday destination. A well established location with a relatively mature property market, overseas buyers can purchase here with greater confidence. The more well known islands generally have good financial infrastructures in place, offering purchasers access to mortgage facilities.

We are currently exploring opportunities to market a beautiful resort development located in the relatively unspoilt Turks and Caicos Islands which are located approximately 575 miles south east of Miami. With one of the world’s largest coral reefs, 230 miles of awe inspiring tropical beaches and a whole host of leisure activities, these islands offer a wonderful opportunity to purchase a slice of paradise.

Far East

As growth in Asia’s emerging economies remains strong, Thailand will remain a tourist  hotspot for many years. Post-tsunami, its emerging market attracts many investors as well as owner occupiers seeking upmarket luxury in an exotic location.

This growth is most evident in its 5 * resorts which offer a benchmark for quality, privacy, service excellence and security, thereby providing buyers unprecedented levels of comfort and peace of mind.

Given its popularity as a tourist destination, distance and travel times rarely act as a deterrent for European and US buyers alike.