05/03/2008 by bill.

According to the RICS European Housing Review 2008, house price growth has slowed substantially across Europe with falls during 2007 in some countries, including Germany and Ireland.

Housing markets across the continent experienced marked falls in activity from summer onwards.

Rising interest rates rather than the post-autumn credit crunch were the prime causes of the slowdowns and prospects for 2008 depend on what happens to interest rates.

High year on year price changes in countries like Poland reflected developments in the first half of 2007 only, as early gains were trimmed from late summer onwards.

There are prospects for some house price falls during 2008 but the scale of any housing market downturn is likely to be far less than the last downturn in the early 1990s.

According to the Review, the UK housing market looks much better placed than many others in Europe. Interest rate cuts are likely to stabilise prices in 2008.

If you are thinking of investing in property abroad, see moneyjungle.net

Posted in Living abroad, House Prices, Property | Print | No Comments »

15/02/2008 by bill.

Anyone going to live abroad, whether to work or set up a business or retire, will need to consider issues such as UK tax liability, pension and benefit entitlement, healthcare, insurance, bank accounts, investing money and even taking your car with you.

And Offshore investing can seem like a complicated business.

Moneyjungle.net now includes new sections Living Abroad and Offshore Investments.

moneyjungle.net for anyone looking to make or save money.

Posted in Offshore investments, Living abroad, Investments | Print | 1 Comment »