After the wettest April on record and with the pound close to a two-year high against the euro, it’s little wonder interest in property in one of the UK’s favourite European beach destinations has surged recently. We’re referring of course to Spain’s Costa Blanca, home to the well-known resorts of Calpe, Javea and Benidorm in [...]
New Zealand is a dedicated nation of DIY-ers. An advert for one of the country's largest hardware stores sums it up perfectly with their motto, “DIY - it’s in our DNA”. However, laws introduced from March 1 are placing restrictions on what DIY lovers can do themselves and what they need to get the professionals [...]
This week the AustraliaBuyingGuide.com speaks to teachers Dave and Natalie who moved to Perth in 2003. In this useful interview they discuss what made them choose Perth, how they found the visa application process and how easy it was to transfer qualifications to Western Australia... When and why did you choose to move to Perth? [...]
Analysts in Canada are worried about the encroachment of foreign owners into the market, claiming that overseas investment is pushing prices higher. An example that has hit the headlines recently was a Chinese student who arranged for their wealthy parents to pay a cool $400k over the asking price for a modest Toronto bungalow! [...]
The global spotlight has been on Turkey recently as the cast and crew of eagerly anticipated new Bond film Skyfall descended on Istanbul. The latest film in the hugely popular series signifies half a century of legendary spy action and is released later this year. Skyfall, the 23rd film in the Bond series, is being [...]
For many, the idea of moving abroad can be tainted by the fear of becoming homesick. Moving out of your comfort zone and away from your friends and family might even stop you from making the life change you so desire and that is a real shame. Fear not, there may be light at the [...]
With tax returns due in America this week, check out these mistakes commonly made by British expats according to an expat tax advisor. Hopefully this will help you to avoid them: 1. Filing late In England, this may cost you £100, but in America you will be charged 5 per cent (4.5 per cent late [...]
In recent years, a number of emerging overseas property destinations have been flooding the market, each claiming to be the next ‘big thing’. This has led the market to become somewhat crowded and perhaps rather confusing for investors. Despite this, it is the old favourites that are once again in the form of their lives! [...]
The three largest banks in Cyprus; Popular Bank, The Hellenic Bank and The Bank of Cyprus, have announced this week that they will be undertaking “dramatic measures” in order to generate capital to recover losses obtained during the Greek sovereign debt crisis. The three banks plan to regenerate funds by selling non-core assets and distressed [...]
When Ronald Cross decided to buy a a second home in Spain, he began his search for a currency exchange specialist who could offer him the best rates along with a seamless service. His search led him to Smart Currency Exchange. With the favourable current £/€ exchange rate, we asked Ronald to tell us a [...]