Issue 7: Running out of time in Orlando
Latest statistics show the market is changing - fast
Torcana Ltd Investment Newsletter May 2009
Header Issue 7
Colin Murphy, Torcana Director 
Good afternoon  and welcome to Issue 7 of our Newsletter.
 
There's a couple of important USA related topics I'd like to cover in today's opinion piece, although as always, you can skip straight to the property deals of the week by scrolling down or by clicking on the quick links to your right. We have some great new Spanish and Birmingham projects for you to look through.
 
Orlando - Foreclosed Window Closing Fast
 
As regular readers will remember, we first identified the potential of this market around June 2008 and since an official launch in October 2008, we have been selling fairly large amounts of Orlando condos and single family homes to Irish, British and Scandinavian clients.
 
There were also quite a few investors who wanted to buy but preferred to wait a little until the market bottomed out - an understandable concern. However, as any honest broker would have admitted - bottoms can't really be identified until after they've happened and we weren't afraid to say so. 
 
We're almost in June now and I'm pretty certain that the foreclosure market in Central Orlando bottomed out about three months ago. 
 
Special Offers This Week
 

Torcana.com Interactive Site

 

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According to statistics gathered by the Orlando Realtors Association, almost 50% more homes were sold this April compared to the same month last year. They are also selling 15% quicker than last year and there is now 20% less inventory to choose from - these are all enormous changes.
 
The consequence of this is that well priced properties are now much harder to get and price rises are more common. Under asking price bids on foreclosed properties are now being rejected immediately by the realtors.
 
Government Action
Two big government stimulus packages had a big impact on this market. One was the generous measures taken by the Bush Administration in August 2007 to help credit worthy homeowners who missed payments after their teaser rates expired. Many of these borrowers have been able to refinance at more manageable interest rates and 97% loan to values. This created much needed stability.  
 
Demand for property was also increased this year by a tax credit for first time buyers. This can be up to 10% of the value of the house (max $8000), doesn't have to be repaid and is available for any home purchased between January and December 2009.  
 
The US Foreclosure Market is Unique
In short, there isn't really much time left to make the most from what is very possibly a once in a generation opportunity. Let us not forget that prime residential and cash flow postive properties in high end resorts can be purchased for as little as £31,000 / €36,000 - up to 75% less than previous purchase prices.
 
What else in the world can an investor find deals like that? Maybe a couple of places in SE Asia, maybe a couple in South America. But what's the average monthly salary in these areas compared to a wealthy, diverse and sophisticated market like Orlando? Where do you think has a stronger resale market?
 
We still have a few units left in the Madison Development, which contains completed and tenanted properties in Metro West direct from a distressed developer. Sales were sluggish in February and March but they've recently taken off like you wouldn't believe (30 units in the last 10 days). Perhaps you'd like to fill in the enquiry form contained in the link above in order to receive the latest availability list before it sells out. 
 
Torcana Blog
Many of the issues mentioned in this newsletter are explored in more detail in my Torcana blog, so please feel free to visit and to leave your comments & suggestions.

As always, there's a great selection of properties for you to look through below.

Kind Regards
 

 
Colin Murphy
 
Colin Murphy
Director 
Torcana Ltd
 
Tel: +353 1 4433 991
Fax: +353 1 2586 016
Listing
 
 
Spain - Granada 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom Apartments Ref S131 Granada
 
 
S131We're delighted to be able to bring our clients an opportunity to acquire a year round property in the beautiful town of Vélez de Benaudalla near Granada.
 
This is a truly special location which has easy access to beach, ski, golf, sailing and world class cultural heritage. 
 
On site facilities include four swimming pools, spa, gymnasium, saunas and landscaped gardens.
 
 
 
Original prices started from €125,000 and we have negotiated generous (and very discrete) discounts for our clients - you'll have to contact us for price lists.
 
Financing of up to 80% is also available. 

View further information and images on our website or for Spanish property listings click here.
 
UK - Birmingham City Centre Apartments Ref U134Birmingham
 

 
U134We still have a selection of properties in this City Centre development first brought to you last week - and we're delighted to tell you further discounts have been negotiated!!  Of course this boosts your yield and we believe it's an amazing purchase.
 
A stunning location, this development is in the heart of the city within walking distance of all the major amenities, shopping and nightlife.  Made up of a selection of one and two bedroom apartments surrounding a water filled courtyard by one of the city's many canal's this is city living at its best.
 
  •    New prices from £71,496
  •    New net yields range from 5.06% - 7.46%
 
 Availability is now very limited, please contact us for further details or visit our website
 
USA - Florida, Aviana 4 Bedroom Single Family Home Ref 359 Florida
 

 
359aa
A beautifully presented property located on a conservation plot comprising four bedrooms, three bathrooms, split plan living, kitchen, living room, dining room, family room, pool and two car garage.  Suitable for both the short term and long term rental market.
 
An immaculate property on a modern community that offers 46 acres of tropical grounds, with clubhouse, swimming pool, fitness centre, putting green, and sand volleyball court for owners, guest and tenants use.

 
  • 4 Bed, 3 Bath and covering 1,940 sq ft
  • Offers over $159,900 (a massive saving of over $150,000 on previous sales price) 
Further information and images available on our website or for full USA property listing click here
 
   
 
 
 
 
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