Don’t dither with the dollars

In the first week of July 2007 the pound surged to a 26-year high against the poor old US dollar. Currently pitched at 2.01 $ US to the Great British pound everything’s two for the price of one right now, and that includes property. Although it is true that commentators predict that the dollar will remain weak, and the pound could even top-out at 2.25 $ US later in 2007, it cannot and will not be this way forever, history tells us that. In a couple of years normality will certainly resume, the rate of 1.60 or 1.70 $ US to the pound will become average again, but meanwhile, strike whilst the iron’s hot, buy up the boutiques in Fifth Avenue and if you’re prepared to stretch a little further, get a second home in the United States.

Just imagine, whilst ‘emerging markets’ forecast 20% capital appreciation per annum based on speculation of increased tourist arrivals, strengthened economies, new airline routes etc, the United States can offer identical growth predictions based on identical foundations (i.e. the expectation of professionals). Buy a property for example at Walkabout Golf & Country Club in Orlando now for 398,000 $ US (approximately 198,000 GBP) and if the pundits are right, you’ll be in possession of a property worth in the region of 234,000 to 248,000 GBP in a few years once the currency has settled.

Richard Giles, Director of Property Deals Florida comments, “Today’s buyers of American property can enjoy emerging market capital appreciation in a traditional marketplace. The United States is a country that the British public knows and loves. No qualms or surprises over religion, language, food, entertainment, climate, golf, culture, customs - just good old fashioned America, somewhere we’ve been familiar with for decades. While the Americans are hesitantly keeping their wallets in their pockets, the Brits and other Europeans are spotting a deal when they see one and keeping the popular regions such as Florida buoyant, and they can drive a hard bargain right now to boot.”

If you fancy a slice of the American Dream at dreamy prices, what’s on the market?

ON THE MARKET

Walkabout Golf & Country Club, Orlando

Walkabout Golf & Country Club is a multi-faceted resort on Florida’s Space Coast. Encompassing 1,200 acres of private nature reserve, 18-holes of golf designed by Perry Dye and a choice of high-end properties from townhouses to villas but without high-end price tags, Walkabout Golf & Country Club is the ultimate luxury lifestyle community.

The townhouses and villas have a range of facilities at their disposal from hiking and jogging trails to cycle tracks, children’s pool, play area and child care facility as well as swimming pool, Jacuzzi and Wellness Centre complete with Spa and dedicated trainers and instructors.

Fully furnished properties are available and a full-service Holiday Rental program is at clients’ disposal should they wish to maximize their investment. A professional management company will oversee the entire process including the screening of potential guests.

Prices from just 398,000 $ US / £198,000 GBP

Flamingo, South Beach, Miami

Flamingo is set on the shores of Biscayne Bay just a short stroll away from the boutiques, bars and restaurants of Lincoln Road, and of course the vibrance of South Beach. The 16.5 acre resort, accented by lush tropical gardens and water features, boasts an array of facilities such that you may never want to step outside its perimeters. Flamingo has everything from beach volleyball, basketball and an athletics club to a retail centre, poolside beach cabana serving food and beverages, outdoor whirlpool Spa and two resort-style swimming pools to keep owners and their guests amused and relaxed. The 1,300ft bay-front walkway is ideal for taking in the views of Biscayne and the city whilst a business centre will help residents keep on top of their work.

The properties themselves, all 1,700 of them, are split across three contemporary architect-designed towers – North Tower, Centre Tower and South Tower. >From compact studios to spacious three bedrooms, there is a unit to suit every requirement and budget, all with sensational views and designer fitted kitchens. Residents can make use of 24-hour concierge, covered parking with car wash, dog walking and first-rate housekeeping services. A marina drop-off and pick-up service completes the luxurious picture.

Prices start from 300,000 $ US / £150,000 GBP

The Element, Orlando

The Element, a 17.5 acre gated residential community at MetroWest Golf Club, is bordered by the Robert Trent Jones Senior designed golf course which opened in 1987 and Veranda Park Town Centre, you certainly wouldn’t be complaining about the neighbours.

With lake and golf views, The Element is within sunny strolling distance of shops, restaurants, cafés, theatres and boutiques whilst a short car drive will bring you to the pleasures of downtown Orlando, Universal Studios, Disney World, Orlando International Airport and a wealth of other attractions.

The Element, as its name could suggest, is arranged into residential properties bearing the signatures ‘air’ (one bedroom, one bathroom), ‘water’ (one bedroom, one bathroom), ‘earth’ (two bedroom, two bathroom), ‘metal’ (two bedroom, two bathroom) and ‘fire’ (three bedroom, two bathroom).

Properties themselves are ready for immediate occupancy, have a choice of balcony, patio or solarium, golf course and lake views as well as vaulted ceilings, fireplaces and walk-in wardrobes. Private garaging is also available.

Residents of the resort could not want for better facilities, leaving aside the 18-hole course with spectacular clubhouse, The Element also offers a state-of-the-art fitness centre with flat screen TV entertainment, sauna, indoor air-conditioned racquetball court, heated swimming pool and sundeck, barbecue and picnic areas, floodlit tennis courts and nature trails. The whole community is pet friendly and offers WiFi hotspots.

Prices start from 163,900 $ US (approx 81,500 GBP) for a one bedroom ‘air’ apartment.

For further property information, visit propertydealsflorida.com.