Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 01/12/2012 -- If you've ever thought about down-sizing this could be the answer. This modern home is perfect for one person or a happy couple. The 27m3 house has everything you need; a lounge with a table and two chairs, a 1.2 meter-wide double bed, a full size shower and a kitchen. The kitchen has an energy efficient fridge, an induction hob, a cooker hood, a sink with drainer, a combination microwave oven and storage cupboards. There's even a washing machine and a self-composting toilet. The lounge has a comfortable sofa and writing desk. Plus, there's a flat screen TV so you can watch your favourite movies. And the large picture window lets in plenty of natural light.

If you're keen to protect the environment, you simply can't go wrong. The house is built almost entirely from sustainable materials. The interior designer used birch plywood to decorate the walls, whilst exterior walls are a contrasting sweet chestnut. Cork floor tiles are fitted as standard and lighting is ultra-efficient LED. Ceilings are a lofty 2-metres high.

Make money from your investment
Your new home will save you a fortune in electricity bills. The walls and roof have solar panels which provide plenty of energy for your own use. Any you don't use you can sell back to the national grid - giving you an estimated return on investment of £1,000 a year. Even better, your new home is portable. If you get fed up with your current location or are relocated through work, you can just take your house with you. The developer Dr Mike Page showcased the house at the Edinburgh Science Festival and said; "It is surprisingly comfortable".

But there is one drawback
Due to the economic climate he has yet to set a launch date. The good news is - I do have plenty of completed properties, ready to move in to. I even have some student accommodation that is smaller than this! But it does pay a 10.2 percent guaranteed rental return. If you are interested drop me an email and I will send you all the details.

About Ocean Villas Group
Ocean Villas Group are specialists in lifestyle and investment property worldwide and are committed to supporting investors in both the emerging and established property markets across the globe.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/08/2011 -- If you fancy your own private island but can't decide where, this could be the answer. Project Utopia is a man-made floating island that looks like it would be more at home in a science fiction movie than on the high seas. The island's diesel powered azimuth thrusters mean it can move in any direction at a top speed of fifteen knots. And if you suffer from sea sickness there's no need to worry; the structure's four 'legs' keep it stable even on the heaviest seas.

Project Utopia is one hundred metres in diameter and has the same deck space as a modern cruise liner. The basic engineering is not much different to an oil rig. But that's where the similarities end. Utopia's eleven levels have over two hundred berths for guests and seventy for crew. Two of the decks are dedicated entertainment zones where you will find a cinema, a casino, restaurants, bars and nightclubs. And if you fancy a bit of shopping there's a whole deck given over to retail shops.

Obviously as the proud new owner you can design your own interiors and features to suit yourself. But something you probably wouldn't want to change is the swimming pool and sun lounge. Located on the top deck this is covered by a huge, sliding glass canopy which can be opened and closed as weather conditions dictate.

At its highest point, sixty five metres above sea level, Utopia features an observation deck. Four helipads make travelling on or off the island easy. And at sea level wet docks with retractable jetties on each 'leg' provide access and storage for boats and jet skis. Project Utopia was developed by British company Yacht Island Design and BMT Group naval engineer Nigel Gee. The final design was unveiled on 19th September at the Monaco Boat Show.

Yacht design director at BMT Group, James Roy, commented; "Visions of the future are often constrained by familiarity with the present or reflection on the past. Much is made in today's design community of starting with a blank sheet of paper yet many, if not all yacht concepts revert back to the traditional form - the perception that a yacht should be a form of transport becomes an immediate constraint. Utopia is not an object to travel in, it is a place to be, an island established for anyone who has the vision to create such a place."

The price? No one seems to know. But it is rumoured to be in excess of 100 million US dollars.

About Ocean Villas Group
Ocean Villas Group are specialists in lifestyle and investment property worldwide and are committed to supporting investors in both the emerging and established property markets across the globe. We have an extensive range of property throughout the world which enables us to satisfy the goals of the most demanding investment portfolios.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) --11/01/2011 -- Real estate mogul Donald Trump has sold his property at the Los Angeles Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes for a reported US$7.5 million.

Trump first put the mansion on the market in early 2010 for US$12 million. But it failed to attract any buyers. The Apprentice star finally accepted an offer this month from a shipping director, US$4.5 million below his asking price.

The five bedroom, nine bathroom, palatial home was designed by architect Luis de Moraes of Envirotechno Architecture. The impressive property sits on a plot of 1,022m2. Its U-shaped design means almost every room has views of either the Pacific Ocean or the golf course.

The new owner will be able to indulge in some of Donald Trump's personal luxuries such as the infinity edge swimming pool, games room and floor to ceiling glass wine cellar. There's even a 93m2 gourmet kitchen with twin Sub-Zero refrigerators and a copper-hooded Wolf range.

The property also features a full size bar and marble flooring throughout.

Trump bought the three hundred acre site for the Los Angeles Trump National Golf Club in 2002 for US$27 million. It was his first foray into real estate investment on the West Coast of the USA.

The property was built as a private residence for his family within the golf club's grounds.

At first the Rancho Palos Verdes locals welcomed Trump's investment. But relations soon turned sour after he reportedly asked for a local highway to be renamed to Trump National Drive.

Now the local council have rejected planning permission for an additional twenty homes to be built on the site as landslides have been a problem in the past.

This has led Trump to file a US$100 million law suit which alleges that the town council is forcing him to spend "millions of dollars on unnecessary, repetitive, unreasonable and unlawful geologic surveys".

Lawyers for Rancho Palos Verdes have responded by saying they will defend the accusations "vigorously".

The case continues.

Article source - http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/trump-loses-us4-5-million-on-la-property/

About Ocean Villas Group
Ocean Villas Group are specialists in lifestyle and investment property worldwide and are committed to supporting investors in both the emerging and established property markets across the globe. We have an extensive range of property throughout the world which enables us to satisfy the goals of the most demanding investment portfolios.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Despite being in the business for 20 years – You'd be surprised by the rubbish put out by real estate agents, developers and even lawyers. But I was amazed an agent actually put this in writing.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/24/2011 -- A few days ago my client, Paul, sent me an email. He had reserved an apartment in Pattaya.Foreign freehold is available. But tagent who showed him the property advised him to buy it with a Thai company instead. He was surprised to say the least.

So he sent me a copy of the agent's email and asked me what I thought. The contents were so misleading - I asked Paul if I could share some of it with you. Here is what the agent said. "Using a Thai Limited Company as the method for foreign ownership is legally bullet proof. The majority of foreign investors in Thailand use this method. It is better than leasehold because it gives the foreigner freehold ownership."

A few things to note here:

First - foreign ownership via a Thai Limited Company is not 'legally bullet proof'.

Second - it is not the preferred method of property ownership in Thailand.

Third, and most important - it does not give the foreigner freehold ownership.

The agent went on. "All experienced real estate agents and property professionals recommend this ownership method along with well-respected international law firms. It is legally bullet proof."

I was interested to hear what a few international lawyers in Thailand thought of this. So I sent them a copy. Both replied very quickly.

"I haven't had chance to read the whole email as I'm rushing to a meeting. But, a Thai company being 'bulletproof'. That statement is concerning," the first replied.

The second said; "I would never describe any investment as 'Bullet proof'. As I am sure that you are aware, the use of a limited Thai Company is appropriate for certain investors and not others due to issues such as nominee shareholders, majority ownership by Thai shareholders, the Foreign Business Act etc."

The agent's explanation continued. "You, the foreign shareholder, will own 490 shares of the company but the Thai shareholders will only own 51. You also get preferential shares which are worth 10 times more than each Thai share. To completely protect you, the company rules will state that Thai shareholders have no rights to vote, won't be paid dividends and have no control of the company. They are just there on paper to satisfy Thai company law."

A Thai Limited Company can be 49% owned by a foreigner. But the remaining 51% must be owned by Thais. That is 490 foreign shares to 510 Thai shares - a typing mistake? Maybe he just forgot to mention that there would be 10 Thai shareholders owning 51 shares each? For the record, there must be a minimum of 3 Thai shareholders.

One thing is correct - you can set up preference shares for the foreign shareholder. It can effectively give you control of the company. But you still only own 49 per cent. "This exact company structure is used by many large foreign companies who operate in Thailand such as Samsung, Mazda, Honda, IBM and Marks and Spencer."

Firms like these invest huge amounts of money into Thailand. They are usually granted Board of Investment approval to operate as 100% foreign owned companies. Others are Thai companies, with active Thai shareholders and directors. "You should know that I am completely risk averse. I use this method of ownership myself and I would never recommend my preferred method of ownership if there was ANY risk involved whatsoever."

Would you set up a company in your own country and ask people in the street to be shareholders? No. neither would I. So why would you do it in Thailand? If the other agent really was 'risk averse' wouldn't he have done his due diligence? Wouldn't he have found out exactly what the risks of owning property via a Thai company are?

The reasons kept coming.

"Buying costs – buying freehold in your own name in this particular building commands a premium of 300,000 Baht (US$ 10,000). This means the cost of using a Thai company structure is significantly lower. As I have mentioned, there are no legal benefits of buying freehold and I have used the limited company method several times for my own properties. It is a good way to maximise your returns while avoiding any exposure to risk."

By now I was pretty amazed. If you can buy freehold in your own name without any hassle - would you do it? Or, would you pay someone to set up a company, file accounts every year, pay an accountant and have shareholders who you've never met owning 51 per cent of your company/property? And the difference in costs is practically nothing. Especially when you consider your setup costs and on-going fees.

"Selling Costs. If you own your property with a Thai company there is no transfer tax to pay when you sell as you are effectively selling a company NOT a property. This will save you 3 per cent on your resale costs and also helps to maximise your returns."

If you sell a Thai company and make a profit you must pay corporate income tax on that profit. This is often more than personal income tax. And most investors will not want to buy your company anyway.

Why?

Because you don't just get the property - you are legally responsible for all the company's liabilities. Most will want to set up their own company (or their lawyer will advise them to). So it's likely you will have to pay transfer fees and taxes anyway. Worse still, you could be left with a Thai company and Thai shareholders who you don't know.

It takes time and is expensive to close a Thai company. So you could be filing accounts long after you sell your property. But the truth is, they will probably buy the property next door which has a foreign freehold title. Paul was so upset he cancelled his reservation. He has no confidence in anything the agent told him now. Want to know more about your ownership options in Thailand?

About Ocean Villas Group
Ocean Villas Group are specialists in lifestyle and investment property worldwide and are committed to supporting investors in both the emerging and established property markets across the globe. We have an extensive range of property throughout the world which enables us to satisfy the goals of the most demanding investment portfolios.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

They own homes on Koh Samui in Thailand. Maybe because it’s quieter than Phuket? Perhaps for the unspoilt beaches? Or because beachfront land is easier to find?

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/21/2011 -- Answer: They own homes on Koh Samui in Thailand. The Beckham's villa cost over 200,000,000 Baht (US$6,675,600) to build. Why did they choose Samui?

Maybe because it's quieter than Phuket? Perhaps for the unspoilt beaches? Or because beachfront land is easier to find? Whatever their reasons, if you fancy Posh and Becks as your neighbours - you have lots to choose from. If you want privacy - take a look at these.

They are hidden in the rainforest a few metres above Laem Yai Beach. These villas are part of the Four Seasons resort - so the service is top-notch. You even get your own private chef, butler and maids. But there are only a few left for sale. Prices start at US$3,355,610.

Whatever you want, whenever you want it. That is what W Retreat and Residences promise their owners. These villas are fully managed by 'W' (don't worry that's the resort operator not the ex-president). You get access to private chefs, butlers, a concierge and chauffeurs. And these are the only villas on Samui where you get sunrise AND sunset views. Three bed villas start at US$2,345,765 - including furniture.

This place is just around the corner from Posh and Becks. And it comes with 270 degree ocean views and two kitchens. Why two kitchens? One is for show. The other is in a separate room, for your chef.

Let's face it - you don't want to put up with cooking smells and kitchen noise when you're relaxing.

You can have the Beckhams as your neighbours for US$1,991,126. On a clear day you can almost see Cambodia from here. Sorry. I'm exaggerating. But you can see the East Coast of Samui and Koh Phangan.

This villa is in one of the best 5-star resorts on Samui. And you won't need to lift a finger when you stay. You can order room service, a massage in your villa - even your own fireworks display! But if you like it - be quick - it's the only one for sale at the resort. The price is US$1,850,000.

You can't get closer to the beach than this. The Balinese-style villa has steps directly onto the sands at Bophut. You can even moor your boat just off-shore in the high season. The price for your own piece of beachfront is US$1,161,490.

The good news is, recently it's got a lot easier to get to Samui. You can now fly direct from Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and most of Thailand. So if you'd like to know more about these properties drop me a line - mailto:info@oceanvillasgroup.com. And if they don't suit your lifestyle or your budget you can find lots more here. You can also get lots of interesting info about Koh Samui in my book.

About Phuket Ocean Villas
Phuket Ocean Villas specialise in luxury ocean view property in Phuket, Thailand. We have a superb and extensive portfolio of luxury property in Phuket, available in breathtaking locations throughout the island, including new property, resale property and land.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has unveiled plans to double tourist arrivals by 2014. With a budget of 500 million baht and a new slogan "The miracle years of amazing Thailand".

Phuket, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/21/2011 -- The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has unveiled ambitious plans to double tourist arrivals to the Kingdom over the next two years.

Armed with a budget of 500 million baht (US$16.4 million) and a new campaign slogan, "The miracle years of amazing Thailand", TAT will attempt to double arrivals to thirty million per year, whilst also increasing income from tourism to 2 trillion baht (US$65.5 billion) per annum.

TAT has already earmarked most of the two year budget: 180 million baht (US$6 million) will be used to sponsor international sporting events such, as Formula One, the UK Football League, the Sao Paolo Snow Festival and the Australian Open golf championship.

A further 60 million baht (US$2 million) has been allocated for domestic marketing.

International celebrities will also be invited to Thailand to take part in the campaign.

TAT will continue to promote Thailand's national festivals, such as Loy Krathong, Songkran and the Vegetarian Festival as world events.

In fact, over the next two years there are more than one hundred and eighty events planned to encourage tourists to visit the different provinces.

"TAT will put on many events and activities to encourage local people to travel across regions in the country," Prakit Phiriyakiat commented.

Visa fees will also be waived for tourists from selected countries and tax reductions will be implemented on domestic fares across the country.

The new "miracle campaign" has received full support from central government and the new Thai Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra.

TAT has also requested an additional budget from the Thai Government to enable it to develop Thailand's attractions and upgrade the entire Thai tourism industry.

Will the change of slogan from "Amazing Thailand" to "Miracle years of amazing Thailand" do the trick?

It remains to be seen. This is some of the competition; "Surprising Singapore", "Malaysia Truly Asia", Indonesia "Admit It, You love it" and the Philippines' "WOW".

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Vera Wang the New York celebrity fashion designer has bought a Steve Hermann designed property in Coldwater Canyon, Beverley Hills, Los Angeles.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/09/2011 -- Celebrity New York fashion designer Vera Wang has splashed out US$9.2 million on a Steve Hermann designed property in Coldwater Canyon, Beverley Hills, Los Angeles.

Hermann bought the 408m2 house in June 2008 for US$5 million. He spent the next two years completely redesigning and renovating the 1967 built property at a cost of US$3 million.

Two new bedrooms were added. The ceilings were raised to a height of 3.6 metres. The original swimming pool was removed and replaced with a sunken, infinity-edge pool and Jacuzzi. And a tiered, thirty seat movie theatre was built.

"It was a mid-century modern [property] with good bones, but it hadn't been touched in decades," Hermann commented.

The house has been dubbed "The Glass Mansion" because it features floor to ceiling glass walls to creating a feeling of open space.

In fact, from the rear entrance it is possible to see right through the property and take in the view of the Los Angeles basin below.

Hermann, who renovates homes for A-list celebrities, put the property back on the market in March 2011, with an asking price of US$10.9 million.

Vera Wang is one of America's best known fashion designers. She is of Chinese descent but was born and raised in New York City. Her parents are from Shanghai, China and migrated to the USA in the 1940s.

Originally trained as a figure skater, Wang competed in the 1968 U.S. Figure Skating Championships but failed to make the U.S. Olympic Team.

Wang started her fashion career in 1972 as designer for Vogue where she spent the next sixteen years. She then worked with Ralph Lauren for two years, before opening her own design studio at the Carlyle Hotel, New York in 1990.

The designer has since made wedding gowns for Chelsea Clinton, Ivanka Trump, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey and Victoria Beckham.

Wang's dresses have also been featured in US television shows 'Sex in the City' and 'The West Wing'.

In 2010 Wang was presented with the Leadership in the Arts Award by Harvard-Radcliffe Asian American Association, for her contribution to costume and fashion design.

She has now expanded her brand to include handbags, perfume, jewellery, eyewear, shoes and house-wares.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Once one of Hollywood’s highest paid and well-known actors. Burt Reynolds faces losing his Florida home as his debts continue to grow.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/06/2011 -- Burt Reynolds was once one of Hollywood's highest paid and well-known actors. But now, at the age of seventy five, the "Deliverance" star faces losing his Florida home as his debts continue to grow.

On the 1st September 2011 Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation filed a foreclosure lawsuit in Martin County against the "Smokey and the Bandit" star. The suit claims that mortgage payments have not been paid on his 1,115 m2 property in Hobe Sound, Florida since 1st September 2010.

"The Plaintiff [Merrill Lynch Credit Corporation] must be paid US$1,193,808 in principal on the mortgage note and mortgage, together with interest from August 1st 2010 and all costs and reasonable attorney's fees," noted the writ.

Reynolds and his former wife Loni Anderson signed up for a US$1.5 million mortgage on the five bedroom property in May 1994. The mortgage was due to be paid off in 2019.

In 2009 a local US newspaper reported that Reynolds had put the five bedroom, waterfront property, which he nicknamed "Valhalla", on the market for US$8.9 million.

Although it boasts a swimming pool, a gym, a wine room, a hair salon, seven bathrooms, a boat dock and a helipad, the property failed to sell.

Reynolds blamed the US economy and the property market crash as the main reasons. But a recent assessment, carried out by Merrill Lynch, valued the property at just US$2.4 million.

However, the actor is hoping to get back on track and is staying positive amid allegations surrounding his current finances.

"I am as surprised as everyone. I thought my career and my life could not be going better. To all of the people who have had such faith in me and stuck by me through thick and thin, thank you. I know it is not the end of the world. There are a hell of a lot of other people worse off than I am, and my heart goes out to them. I will do like I've always done, keep my head up high and continue to move on down the road" Reynolds said in a recent interview with ABC News.

Recently Reynolds began filming a new made-for-television movie "Reel Love" starring country singer LeAnn Rimes and Shawn Robert in Toronto, Canada.

The straight to television film is due to premiere on US channel Country Music Television (CMT) later this month.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A report by EC Harris Research has revealed that countries in the Asia Pacific region have much lower building costs than The West, despite substantial economic growth.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/05/2011 -- The Annual Construction Cost Comparison Report by EC Harris Research has revealed that countries throughout the Asia Pacific region have significantly lower building costs than their counterparts in The West, despite experiencing substantial economic growth.

Now in its seventh year, the report compares building costs per square metre in fifty six countries worldwide against construction costs in the South of England.

India and Sri Lanka have the lowest construction costs in the Asia Pacific region; 70% less than in the UK. China comes in next with building costs 55% lower than those in Britain.

And despite property prices booming in Hong Kong and Singapore over the last year, the two islands maintained their costs at 2010 levels; around 10% below those in the UK.

Currently Japan has the highest costs in the Asia Pacific region; 24% higher than in England. However, the report was completed before the March Tsunami which would obviously have had a profound effect on the results as the country rebuilds.

Construction costs for Thailand were low when compared to Hong Kong, Macau and Singapore; ranking 35% lower than the UK.

And the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam were amongst the cheapest in the region; averaging 54% below English costs.

Looking forward, Simon Rawlinson, Head of Strategic Research and Insight at EC Harris in London opined: "Growth in Asia will be broadly based; markets in Europe and the USA will underperform in comparison."

During the last eighteen months, prices for construction materials such as steel, copper and oil have been close to their all-time highs. This has pushed up building costs globally.

However, recent signs indicate that the prices of basic materials have largely stabilised. Oil has already fallen 10% from its peak price and experts believe that this will lead to price drops in many different materials throughout 2012 and 2013.

"It is evident that as the economies in the Asia Pacific region continue to grow and their European peers struggle to recover, the region is becoming more and more attractive to property investors. Lower costs and a propensity for growth equals much higher potential returns than alternatives in Europe and the USA.

"Whilst prime locations such as London and New York remain in high demand, we have already seen a significant number of mid-level investors moving their money out of Europe and the USA into emerging South East Asian economies." commented Adam Smith, Market Analyst for Ocean Villas Group in Singapore.

EC Harris is an international consultancy based in London, UK. Founded in 1911 the company provides services in strategic planning including asset and investment risk management to a wide range of industries such as energy, manufacturing, oil, gas, chemicals, property, public transportation and utilities.

The company has offices in the United Kingdom, China, India, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Croatia, Czech Republic, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa and Georgia in the USA.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Spain's Government has slashed tax on new property by 50% until the end of the year. The decision comes as Spain's property market hits rock bottom.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/29/2011 -- The Spanish Government has cut value added tax on new property in Spain by 50 per cent with immediate effect.

The reduction in VAT (Spanish - IVA) from eight per cent four per cent on new build Spanish properties came into force on August 19th and will continue until the end of the year.

Announcing the decision Jose Blanco, Minister of Development for Spain, said he hoped the new measures will "revive the construction sector" and "contribute to create employment in the sector most affected by the recession".

The move comes at a time when the Spanish real estate market is close to rock bottom. Prices are down to around 2005 levels and many banks are offering one hundred per cent mortgages in an effort to attract buyers.

The VAT reduction will mean a saving of up to 8,000 Euros (US$ 11,500) on a 200,000 Euro (US$ 288,420) property.

Some Spanish property developers are going even further, pledging, "No VAT at all" until the end of the year - reducing VAT payments on new property transactions effectively to zero.

The real estate and construction industry in Spain reacted positively to the news:

"This should provide a much needed lift for the Spanish property industry, which has been grappling with massive over-supply in certain areas. Although prime locations such as Marbella, Malaga and Majorca have seen strong demand from northern European buyers and an increase in sales volume over the past twelve months, in many less desirable areas the market continues to struggle.

"Buyers should see this as a positive step by the Spanish Government to get the property market moving again. We have already seen a significant increase in enquiries for Spanish property and we anticipate strong sales over the coming months as buyers hurry to complete on purchases before the end of the year.

"It remains to be seen just how much impact the tax cut will have in less popular areas. However, buyers who have been considering taking the plunge in more popular locations will likely look on this as an opportunity to get an even better deal on their investment." commented Adam Smith, market analyst for Ocean Villas Group.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The much anticipated The Glebe in Chelsea, London are finally up for sale. The development is expected to rival Candy brother's One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge.

London, England -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/12/2011 -- Properties at the much anticipated The Glebe in Chelsea, London have finally been released for sale.

Industry experts say The Glebe will rival the Candy brother's £1.25 billion (US$2 billion) One Hyde Park in Knightsbridge for sheer luxury in the UK capital. One Hyde Park is currently the most expensive place to live in London, with a single apartment recently selling for over £40 million (US$65 million).

The £300 million (US$490 million) project in Chelsea will consist of six apartments with ceilings up to five metres high, a two floor penthouse with a roof terrace and two detached villas. Every property will have its own swimming pool, a games room and will be served by a private elevator.

The Glebe has a pretty unique location too; a one acre plot close to the River Thames and a one minute walk to Chelsea's fashionable Kings Road.

"It is very different…it is so rare that you get an acre in Chelsea. It is a rarity" commented Aref Lahham, a spokesman for the developers.

The Glebe was initially granted planning permission by The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2009.

It was designed by renowned architect Sir Norman Foster, one of Britain's most prolific architects.

Foster's previous work includes; Hong Kong International Airport; the Reichstag restoration in Berlin; and the Swiss Reinsurance UK company headquarters in London.

In 2007 Foster collaborated with French designer Philippe Starck and entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson on the Virgin Galactic terminal building in the New Mexico desert.

It has been suggested that all the properties at The Glebe could be bought by a super rich family, who may want to live together but in their own homes.

Prices are on application only but are rumoured to be between £25 million (US$40.6 million) and £35 million (US$56.9 million) for the detached villas. The two storey penthouse is expected to sell for around £35 million (US$56.9 million).

About the author- Rebecca Smith
Rebecca Smith is a real estate journalist and author with over 15 years' experience. She has published 3 books to date:

'The Definitive Guide to buying property in Thailand' - http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/the-definitive-guide-to-buying-property-in-thailand/

'10 simple ways to slash your marketing costs and sell more property' - http://www.ovgmarketing.com/10-simple-ways-to-slash-your-marketing-costs-and-sell-more-property/

'The Definitive Guide to buying property in Phuket' - http://blog.phuketoceanvillas.com/the-definitive-guide-to-buying-property-in-phuket/

Rebecca is currently the sales director for Ocean Villas Group and Phuket Ocean Villas.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Jerry Seinfeld the co-creator of US television show 'Seinfeld' has listed his Colorado property on the market for US$18.25 million.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 08/03/2011 -- Jerry Seinfeld, the star and co-creator of hit US television show 'Seinfeld', has put his Colorado estate on the property market for US$18.25 million.

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains and described as "an evolving series of Western ranch structures", the twenty six acre property boasts eleven bedrooms and fourteen bathrooms.

After he bought the estate, Seinfeld ordered a multi-million dollar renovation and expansion of the property. It now has a separate guest house, a hot tub, a steam shower and a four car heated garage.

A large patio at the rear overlooks Sunshine and Wilson Peaks, which were made famous in the Coors Brewing Company television advertisements.

The area is no stranger to celebrities as the nearby town and ski resort of Telluride is popular with the rich and famous.

Other high profile property owners in the locale include billionaire fashion designer Ralph Lauren and Hollywood couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes.

Jerry Seinfeld rose to fame during the 1990's when he starred in the comedy series 'Seinfeld'.

Co-written by Larry David, the show aired on NBC between July 1989 and May 1998. It ran for nine seasons and one hundred and eighty episodes.

The show is set in a fictional apartment block in Manhattan and features Seinfeld's friends; George Costanza (Jason Alexander); ex-girlfriend Elaine Benes (Julia Louis-Dreyfus); and Cosmo Kramer (Michael Richards).

The show was so successful that the final episode was watched by over seventy six million viewers. This made it the third most watched finale in television history after M.A.S.H and Cheers.

According to Forbes magazine, Seinfeld's earnings from the show in 2004 were US$267 million, making him the highest earning celebrity that year.

The comedy received numerous awards including; the Emmy Award for 'Outstanding Comedy Series' in 1993; the Golden Globe Award for 'Best TV Series Comedy' in 1994; and the Screen Actors Guild Award for 'Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series' in 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998.

Due to its high viewing figures, the show became the first TV series to command over US$1 million a minute for advertising.

The show still generates revenue through syndication and DVD sales.

Seinfeld has been repeatedly offered as much as US$5 million per episode to film a tenth series but he has always refused.

More recently Seinfeld co-wrote the computer animated film 'Bee Movie'. Jerry also provides the voice for the lead character, Barry B. Benson, alongside Renee Zellweger, John Goodman and Chris Rock.

Rebecca Smith

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Petra Ecclestone, Daughter of F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone, has paid US$85 million for the former Los Angeles home of American film and television producer, Aaron Spelling.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/26/2011 -- Petra Ecclestone, the daughter of F1 Supremo Bernie Ecclestone, has bought the Los Angeles home of Amercian film and television producer, Aaron Spelling.

The twenty two year old fashion designer paid a reported US$85 million for the US property.

Spelling bought the house from singer and actor Bing Crosby in 1983. The 'Starsky and Hutch' producer then demolished Crosby's home and built his 5,300m2 mansion in its place.

The property, known as The Manor, is located in the Holmby Hills area of Los Angeles and is the largest single family home in California.

The Manor is set on six acres of land and has a total of fourteen bedrooms and twenty seven bathrooms. The property boasts a bowling alley, a gym, a movie theatre and parking space for one hundred cars.

Outside, there is a tennis court, a koi pond and a heated swimming pool complete with a pool house, a kitchen and a bar.

The mansion also has several rooms dedicated to specific activities such as; a wrapping room; a silverware storage room; a flower cutting room; and a beauty salon.

There is even a 'Prince Charles Room' where the heir to the UK throne once spent the night.

The service wing has five staff bedrooms along with two butler's suites.

Aaron's wife, Candy Spelling, put the property on the market with an initial asking price of US$150 million in 2009; three years after the 'Charlie's Angels' producers death. This made it the most expensive residential listing in the USA.

Although Petra bought the estate at a discount, she is rumoured to have borrowed US$82.4 million from her mother, Salvica.

Bernie Ecclestone and Salvica divorced in 2009. Their divorce settlement left Salvica with an estimated fortune of US$1 billion.

However, this is not Petra's first big money property purchase with parental assistance. At the end last year her father bought her a US$91 million, six-storey Grade II listed property in Chelsea, London.

Petra is set to marry her finance James Stunt in August.

About Rebecca Smith
Rebecca Smith is a real estate journalist and author with over 15 years' experience. She has published 3 books to date:

'The Definitive Guide to buying property in Thailand' - http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/the-definitive-guide-to-buying-property-in-thailand/

'10 simple ways to slash your marketing costs and sell more property' - http://www.ovgmarketing.com/10-simple-ways-to-slash-your-marketing-costs-and-sell-more-property/

'The Definitive Guide to buying property in Phuket' - http://blog.phuketoceanvillas.com/the-definitive-guide-to-buying-property-in-phuket/

Rebecca is currently the sales director for Ocean Villas Group and Phuket Ocean Villas.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Steve Coogan, the british comedian has just bought Ovingdean Grange. A grade II listed building near Brighton in West Sussex for a reported £2.45 million.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/21/2011 -- British comedian and Hollywood actor Steve Coogan won't need to stay at the local Travel Tavern like his comedy alter-ego 'Alan Partridge'. He is now the proud new owner of Ovingdean Grange near Brighton in West Sussex, United Kingdom. Coogan paid a reported £2.45 million (US$3.95 million) for the property.

The sixteenth century Grade II listed building has six bedrooms a billiard room, a cinema and is surrounded by walled gardens.

The property was immortalised in the 1857 novel 'Ovingdean Grange: A Tale of the South Downs' by William Harrison Ainsworth.

The book is set in England in 1651. It tells the tale of how King Charles II escaped his enemies by hiding in an oak tree in the grounds of the house before he fled to France at the end of the English Civil War.

Charles is also thought to have spent an uncomfortable night hiding from The Roundheads in the chimney breast of the master bedroom. And, despite spending just twenty four hours at the house, he is said to have fathered a child in the process.

In reality, the defeated king took refuge at Boscobel House in Brewood, Staffordshire.

Ainsworth also revealed that his inspiration for the manor house in his most famous work 'Rookwood' came from his memories of Ovingdean Grange. Published in 1834, the book popularised the story of highwayman Dick Turpin.

Steve Coogan is probably best known for his character 'Alan Partridge'; a socially inept local radio presenter from Norwich.
He has also appeared in several Hollywood films such as; 'Around the World in 80 Days', 'Night at the Museum', 'Tropic Thunder', 'Hamlet 2' and 'The Other Guys'.

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Dalvey Developments, the Thai developer owned by Singapore based Heeton Holdings, has announced plans to invest one billion baht into the construction of conodminiums in Thailand over the next year.

Bangkok, Thailand -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/14/2011 -- Singapore based property developer, Dalvey Developments Limited, has announced plans to invest one billion baht (US$33 million) into building condominiums in Thailand over the next twelve months. Going forward, the company intends to develop a new real estate project in Thailand every two years.

Over the past six years the Singaporean property developer has completed three condominium projects in Bangkok; Haus 23 Ratchada-Lat Phrao, a two hundred and thirty six apartment project in Lat Phrao costing 900 million baht; DLV Thonglor 20, a low rise project with seventy nine units in Thonglor district; and Click Condo, another low rise condominium with seventy nine units in the Sukhumvit area of the Thai capital.

"The company is shrugging off political uncertainties, noting that Thailand is a very attractive market with high growth potential. Moreover, property prices remain low when compared to neighbouring countries," commented Dalvey's business development manager, Noel Goh.

The property developer is also looking to diversify into hotel and management services in Bangkok and other provinces of Thailand.

However, according to Noel Goh, the short term focus for Dalvey Developments is the condominium market in Thailand: "If we can find good deals, we are willing to allocate another budget up to one billion baht for acquisitions. These investments would be for the long term," he continued.

The company is also looking to invest in other countries throughout Asia, with Malaysia and China already being earmarked as locations for future real estate projects.

Dalvey was founded in 2004 and is owned by Heeton Holdings, a Singapore based public listed company.

Heeton Holdings was established in 1976. Since then it has developed retail outlets as well as small to medium size property projects throughout Singapore.

The company is also one of the largest private operators of wet markets in Singapore. It collectively manages over two hundred market stalls in Tampines, Bukit Batok, Choa Chu Kang, Serangoon and Fajar.

Rebecca Smith

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

The home of movie star Katharine Hepburn is for sale at US$28 million. Current owners The Sciame's bought the property for US$6 million after Hepburn's death in 2003.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 07/13/2011 -- The former home of legendary film star Katharine Hepburn has been put on the property market for a staggering US$28 million.

The estate was owned by the Hepburn family from 1913 until it was sold in 2004 following Katharine's death in 2003 at the age of 96.

Current owners Frank and Barbara Sciame bought the property for US$6 million. So they stand to make a tidy profit if the asking price is met.

The colonial style building is located in the borough of Fenwick in the town of Old Saybrook, Middlesex County, Connecticut, United States.

The main house has six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. It stands on a 3.45 acre (13961sqm) plot and has views across Long Island Sound, with a private beach and a small lake at the rear.

The house featured in the 2004 film 'The Aviator'; a biography of Hollywood director and aviator Howard Hughes with whom Hepburn had a four year love affair. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes and Kate Blanchet as Katharine Hepburn.

In 1938, shortly after Hughes and Hepburn had separated, a hurricane completely destroyed the original house. The building is said to have literally floated down Long Island Sound, leaving only rubble and its foundations behind.

In fact, the only thing left intact was a single bath tub. However, the Hepburn family were undeterred and decided to rebuild the estate.

Born in 1907, Katharine Hepburn was raised in Fenwick and spent most of her childhood at the family home. She was educated at Oxford School, now Kingswood Oxford School, in West Hartford, Connecticut.

She then enrolled at Bryn Mawr College in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1928.

During her time at Bryn Mawr Hepburn developed her acting skills and met Eddie Knopf, a young producer. Knopf cast her in two plays 'The Czarina' and 'The Cradle Snatchers'.

In 1932 the actress landed the role of 'Antiope the Amazon Princess' in the Broadway play 'The Warrior's Husband'. She received excellent reviews. In fact, one RKO scout, Leland Hayward, was so impressed with her performance he asked her to do a screen test for the movie 'A Bill of Divorcement'.

After seeing the screen test, RKO agreed to cast her in the leading role.

The following year Hepburn won her first Oscar for her role in 'Morning Glory'.

Hepburn's career spanned six decades. She co-starred with many silver-screen legends including Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, John Wayne, Laurence Olivier and Henry Fonda.

She won four Academy Awards for Best Actress; 'Morning Glory' (1933); 'Guess Who's Coming to Dinner' (1967); 'The Lion in Winter' (1968); and 'On Golden Pond' (1981). She also won an Emmy Award for her lead role in 'Love Among the Ruins' in 1976.

In total Katharine Hepburn has appeared in more than fifty films. But it was her role as 'Rose Sayer' in the 1951 film 'The African Queen' alongside Humphrey Bogart which earned her iconic status.

Her first book 'The Making of The African Queen' made her a best-selling author at the age of 77.

Rebecca Smith

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/12/2011 -- Excitement surrounding the UK Royal Wedding between Prince William and Kate Middleton on April 29th has reached fever pitch, with prime vantage points for the wedding procession selling for up to £100,000 (US$ 160,000).

Owners of property between Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace are cashing in on the event by selling space on rooftops, balconies, in banqueting suites and offices, where onlookers can watch Kate and William's horse drawn carriage leading the procession.

Religious groups, charities and Government departments are all attempting to bolster their coffers by offering viewing spots along the route.

Amongst the top spots is Sanctuary House Hotel which is located close to Westminster Abbey on Victoria Street and has a bird's eye view of the Abbey's west entrance. A room at the nine bedroom, four balcony, nineteenth century gothic building will set you back a mere £100,000 (US$ 160,000).

Also getting in on the act is the British-Iranian Chamber of Commerce on Westminster's Victoria Street; the Chamber are renting out two of their offices on the second and third floors with rooftop views of Westminster Abbey for £100,000 (US$ 160,000) per office.

Probably the best value available is at the windowless Methodist Central Hall, which will cost you £60 (US$ 100) including a champagne breakfast. The attraction; the roof overlooks Westminster Abbey's west entrance.

The Abbey's Great Hall will also hold 1,000 people free of charge, but you'll be lucky to get in unless you camp outside.

Plans to erect a twenty foot high scaffold on Victoria Street, next to Westminster Abbey, are almost complete. The platform will hold thirty three TV and Radio staff and paparazzi from around the world.

Once complete, the twenty four tonne steel scaffold, covered in plywood and painted with a Cumberland stone finish to match surrounding buildings, will broadcast the event to an estimated 2.5 billion people worldwide. An even larger structure is being built near Buckingham Palace.

Cities across the UK will be televising the event outdoors on large screens and many street parties are planned; a British tradition during a royal event.

In fact, Prime Minister David Cameron's wife, Samantha Cameron, will be holding one in Downing Street. Just as long as her Government application to hold a street party is approved!

Article source... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/kate-and-william-royal-wedding-views-hot-property-in-london-uk/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Roman Abramovich has just bought a £25 million 'stop gap' home for himself and his girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova, The Grade II listed property overlooks the River Thames near Battersea Bridge, situated on Chelsea’s Cheyne Walk.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/03/2011 -- Roman Abramovich, the fifteenth richest man in the world, has splashed out £25 million (US$40.5 million) on a 'stop gap' home for him and his girlfriend, Dasha Zhukova, in one of London's most up-market areas.

The Grade 2 Listed building overlooks the River Thames near Battersea Bridge and is situated on Chelsea's Cheyne Walk. The property features a fifty-foot long drawing room with high ceilings, nine bedrooms, ten bathrooms, a music room and parking for eight cars.

The house was previously owned by the painter James Whistler, Nancy Mitford's sister, Diana, and the late Tory minister, Paul Channon.

Former guests include; Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, who celebrated the Duke of Kent's 70th birthday at the property, The Queen and Mick Jagger. In fact, The Rolling Stones frontman once shared a home in Cheyne Walk with Marianne Faithfull and has recently moved back.

However, there is one small drawback for the notoriously private Abramovich. The property was once part of Chelsea Manor House stands on the site of Sir Thomas Moore's garden which is now owned by the National Trust.

As a requirement of owning such an important building, Abramovich will have to forego his privacy because the National Trust regularly opens the entrance and its gardens to the public.

One such occasion will be Open House London Day between 17th to 18th September when thousands of visitors are allowed access to historically significant properties throughout England.

Visitors to Sir Thomas Moore's garden will be able to easily look across at Abramovich's private gardens and perhaps get a glimpse of his interior designs.

The Russian billionaire, who is worth a reported £14 billion (US$22.6 billion), surprised estate agents by buying a home with so little privacy as Abramovich is clearly obsessed with security: his largest yacht, the 536 foot 'Eclipse', has a military grade missile defence system, bullet proof windows and armour plating around the master bedroom.

Although it's unlikely Abramovich will need to take such extreme measures in his new residence.

The Chelsea Football Club owner bought the property to live in whilst his main home in Lowndes Square, London undergoes construction work.

Such is the extent of the work, Abramovich will be living in his temporary home for at least three years.

When the renovation work is complete, the eight bedroom mansion, which is spread across two stucco-fronted properties, will be one of the most expensive houses in Britain; worth an estimated £150 million (US$ 242.5 million).

Other properties owned by the billionaire include; a chateau in Cap d'Antibes, on the French Rivera, two homes in an Aspen ski resort, Colorado, two villas on the Caribbean Island of St Barts and two mansions near Moscow, Russia.

Article source... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/chelsea-fc-roman-abramovich-buys-25-million-stop-gap-london-property/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/14/2011 -- Las Vegas Sands, the Nevada based casino resort operator, has announced plans to build a $20.3 billion Las Vegas style strip in Spain.

Representatives from Las Vegas Sands are currently in talks with local Spanish officials from Barcelona and Madrid; the two favourite locations for the mega project.

Additional locations under consideration are Valencia and the Costa del Sol, with officials from both these areas expressing an interest.

Las Vegas Sands was founded in 1988 and was on the brink of bankruptcy in 2008, as the financial crisis hit the gaming industry hard.

A personal loan from CEO Sheldon Adelson of $475 million helped rescue the company and enabled them to complete the highly successful Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, which opened last year.

Now in a strong financial position, Las Vegas Sands is looking to expand.

"We considered it seriously before the recession but we postponed that till the recession was over. Now we are very actively pursuing it," commented Adelson whilst talking to reporters in Singapore.

"I want to do a mini Las Vegas ... I want to build 20,000 plus rooms and millions of square feet of shopping and exhibition space, and we have a study that says we can create as many as 180,000 jobs," he added.

Las Vegas Sands has also asked the Singapore Government for more land so they can expand their $6 billion Marina Bay Sands property.

The Singapore casino has already attracted over eleven million visitors since it opened in April last year.

"We need all the land we can get. We are burdened by our own success." Adelson concluded.

Las Vegas Sands Singapore casino declared earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of $306 million for the fourth quarter of 2010.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore is now the world's second most valuable casino development, after MGM's Mirage CityCenter property in Las Vegas. The huge sixty eight acre complex in the US, which opened in 2009, is worth an estimated $9 billion.

Las Vegas Sands also own the Four Seasons Hotel Macao, Cotai Strip as well as the Shangri-La, Traders and Sheraton Hotels in Macao, which are due to open in the third quarter of 2011.

Article read from... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/sands-to-build-mini-las-vegas-in-spain/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group
http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Chelsea Football Club owner and Russia's fifth richest man, Roman Abramovich, has recently had to make a declaration of just how rich he actually is. The Russian has announced he will run for re-election as an MP for Chukota, Russia.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/09/2011 -- Chelsea Football Club owner, Roman Abramovich, has recently had to make a declaration of just how wealthy he actually is.

Russia's fifth richest man has announced he will run for re-election as a member of parliament for Chukota, Russia, where he served as Governor for eight years from 2000. Russia's election laws require all candidates standing for election to declare their assets before they run for office.

According to the declaration, Roman Abramovich is currently worth US$17.78 billion, owns sixteen homes, seven cars, six companies, has twenty-two bank accounts and, of course, he owns Chelsea Football Club.

The UK broadsheet, The Daily Telegraph, reports that the Russian billionaire owns seven of his properties in Britain, two in the United States, three in France and four in Russia.

Two of his properties in London have a combined value of US$243 million.

He also owns a property in the South of France which is currently worth an estimated US$48.5 million. This property was once used by King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson, the American socialite who caused a constitutional crisis in the UK which lead to Edward abdicating the throne in December 1936.

Forbes magazine also reported that the estimated value of Chelsea Football Club currently stands at £402 million (US$ 650 million) - Abramovich bought Chelsea for £140 million (US$226 million) in 2003.

Currently, his twenty-two bank accounts contain a total of US$116 million and he has a further US$40 million invested in the stock market.

Abramovich also admitted to owning seven cars including a BMW, a Mercedes, a Range Rover and a Volkswagen Golf; although, strangely, his declaration does not mention any of his private jets and yachts.

Despite the missing planes and boats, for Abramovich, the recent declaration shows is a huge improvement from the one he made in 1999. Then Abramovich claimed he had made just £254,865 (US$ 412,000), owned no property and his only car was a beaten up old Lada.

The declaration is likely to stir up some resentment in Russia, where the difference between rich and poor is huge and the average annual salary is only US$8,000.

It also coincides with a personal attack on Abramovich by the former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev, referencing Abramovich when he said; "They [the ruling classes] are rich and debauched. Their ideal is to be something close to Abramovich. I scorn this idea. I am ashamed of this rich debauchery. I am ashamed for us and the country."

Read more from article source... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/chelsea-owner-roman-abramovich-opens-the-books-on-his-billions/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Banyan Tree Holdings have raised US$214 million through their private equity fund, the Banyan Tree China Hospitality Fund. Stating their intention to develop hospitality projects in China and Vietnam under the Angsana and Banyan Tree brands.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/21/2011 -- Well-known hospitality group Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, have announced that they have raised US$214 million through their private equity fund, the Banyan Tree China Hospitality Fund.

Banyan Tree Holdings have previously stated their intention to develop a number of hospitality projects in China, including one hundred suites or villas in Chengdu and two hundred and fifty in Guangdong.

The Banyan Tree China Hospitality Fund was set up to finance these projects in China, under the Banyan Tree and Angsana brands.

"The China Fund will further enable us to establish a portfolio of resorts and hotels in the fast developing economy of China, in line with the expansion of our plans for Banyan Tree and Angsana-branded properties into this market. With the five resorts that we currently operate and manage in the country and another 18 in the pipeline, we will be undertaking hospitality projects in the People's Republic of China that will be operated under the Company's brands of Banyan Tree and Angsana. Banyan Tree Holdings will invest an amount equivalent to at least five percent of the total capital commitments of the Final Closing," commented Mr Ho Kwon Ping, Executive Chairman of Banyan Tree Holdings.

"In the next five years we will probably be opening another thirty hotels. So we will roughly have sixty hotels overall and possibly twenty could be in China alone," he added.

Listed on the Singapore stock exchange, Banyan Tree Holdings Limited are a leading developer and operator of five-star resorts, hotels and spas throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

The company's flagship resort is the Laguna Phuket complex in Thailand, which they operate through their subsidiary, Laguna Resorts and Hotels PLC.

In 2010, Banyan Tree Holdings stated their intention to reduce, what they considered to be, over exposure in Thailand's hospitality market. This was followed quickly by the sale of the Dusit Thani Hotel at Laguna Phuket. The sale raised US$68.4 million which was used to reduce debt and provide funds for investment in China and Vietnam.

In Vietnam, the Banyan Tree Indochina Hospitality Fund is funding the development of the Laguna Hue resort.

Laguna Hue is one of the first, fully integrated, world-class hospitality projects to be developed in Vietnam. The two hundred and eighty hectare beachfront site is located within an hour's drive of both Danang and Hue international airports.

The company expect Laguna Hue in Vietnam to mirror the success of Laguna Phuket in Thailand.

Read more from the source here... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/banyan-tree-expand-into-china-and-vietnam/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

A survey released last week by Savills PLC reported that Hong Kong residential real estate is the most expensive in the world.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/10/2011 -- The Global Cities Survey, published by Savills PLC, reported last week that Hong Kong residential property is now the most expensive in the world.

In fact, based on the property price index contained in the survey, residential property in Hong Kong is 55 percent more expensive than property in London.

The report compared four cities; Hong Kong, New York, London and Moscow.

Property in Moscow emerged as being 7.4 percent more expensive than property in London, whereas property in New York was 15 percent cheaper than in the U.K. capital.

The report also noted that the price of a typical home of purchased by a company chief executive in Hong Kong has risen by 148 percent over the past five years. Over the same period, this figure in Moscow rose by 110 percent, London by 47 percent and in New York it fell by 7 percent.

The Head of Savills Research, Yolande Barnes, commented; "By looking at a basket of properties by occupier type we gain insights into the fluctuating costs of housing - a vital component cost of doing business in a given location."

Interestingly, although the cost of buying a new property when relocating has continued to rise, the cost of rental property has remained constant in all four of the capital cities surveyed.

Hong Kong is currently experiencing a housing shortage, with a lack of supply and high demand leading to sharp increases in property prices.

In an attempt to tackle rising prices, in November last year, the Hong Kong Government introduced a number of measures such as applying stamp duty of up to 15 percent to property transactions and increasing the minimum down-payments for mortgages.

To address the housing shortage, Hong Kong Government chief executive Donald Tsang promised to release more land for the development of low cost housing and added that the government should supply land to support the construction of 20,000 new apartments per year, although he said the figure was "not a fixed target."

Although these measures were trumpeted as some of the strongest ever, property prices in Hong Kong have remained resilient since their introduction.

As interest rates in Hong Kong continue at near zero levels and with increased demand from investors in mainland China, it would seem that property prices in Hong Kong will not fall anytime soon.

More on this article... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/hong-kong-property-most-expensive-in-the-world/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Katie Price, ex-glamour model known as Jordan is selling their £3 million (US$ 4.85 million) home she shared with her cage fighter, mixed martial artist husband, Alex Reid.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/08/2011 -- Ex-glamour model Jordan [real name Katie Price] is selling the £3million (US$ 4.85million) mansion she shared with her estranged cage fighter husband, Alex Reid.

According to reports, Jordan wants to get rid of the property in Surrey, England fast and she has already instructed her real estate agents to sell as quickly as possible.

Jordan met Reid, a mixed martial artist and actor who is often referred to as 'Rocky', in 2009 and they married in Las Vegas in February last year.

However, In 2009 Jordan revealed that Reid liked to dress up as a woman called 'Roxanne' - something which may have contributed to their break-up.

Jordan and Reid separated in January of this year, after just eleven months of marriage.

When news broke of their split earlier this month, Reid briefly moved out to stay with his parents, but he has now moved back in and is, apparently, refusing to leave.

Since the brief stint at his parents, Reid has been staying in a separate part of the Surrey mansion, whilst Jordan is staying with friends in Switzerland.

Once the couple's Surrey mansion has been sold, Jordan is planning to move to a 'secret country location' in West Sussex.

Jordan's new £2million (US$ 3.2million) home will have five bedrooms, a drawing room, a dining room, a family room and stables for her horses.

Article source... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/jordan-sells-surrey-mansion/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

China is constructing the second largest free trade centre in Asia. Costing an estimated US$1.5 billion the free trade zone will help traders re-export Chinese goods from Thailand, avoiding pricey tariffs.

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/04/2011 -- China is building a US$1.5 billion "commercial city" in Bangkok, Thailand to help traders re-export Chinese goods from Thailand by avoiding costly tariffs.

The 700,000 square metre site (the equivalent area of one hundred football pitches) will be in the China City Complex on the outskirts of Bangkok City and will have enough space for over 70,000 Chinese traders.

Construction began in January of this year and completion is expected by 2013.

"Apart from the business opportunities in Thailand, Chinese exporters can also promote their products to developed markets such as the European Union and the United States through this project," commented Yang Fangshu, chairman of the ASEAN-China Economic and Trade Promotion Centre.

In January 2010 China signed a free trade agreement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which created the third largest trading zone in the world, after the European Union and the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Under the terms of the AESAN agreement, tariffs are removed from ninety percent of goods traded between the following countries; China, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

For the remaining ASEAN member countries, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam, the tariff reductions will come into effect in 2015.

In recent years China has seen its export trade boom, reaching levels of US$196.1 billion in 2009 and US$190 billion in 2010. This increase in China's exports has led many nations to complain about cheap Chinese goods flooding the market.

The US and Europe have also criticised China's exchange rate controls; accusing China of making their exports artificially cheap and giving Chinese manufacturers an unfair advantage over their European and American counterparts.

For further information... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/bangkok-thailand-building-china-city-free-trade-centre/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com
http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Singapore -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/01/2011 -- The star of the Oxo British TV commercials, Linda Bellingham, has been linked to the Royal Resorts, Paradise Bay property scam in Akbuk, Turkey.

Bellingham, who starred as the Oxo mum in the advertisements for twenty-three years, has been connected to the scam through her husband, Michael Pattemore.

Bellingham met Pattemore in Spain in 1997, after he served a two-year jail sentence for investment fraud.

Pattemore ran a real estate company in Calpe on the Costa Blanca in Spain along with the prime suspect in the Turkish scandal, New Zealander Lionel Andrews.

The Oxo mum has always dismissed her husband's criminal past with comments such as: "He was a small pawn in a financial scam. Michael has done his stint and it should be left to rest."

Police finally arrested Lionel Andrews this month in Alicante, Spain after a nationwide search.

Andrews allegedly sold apartments of for a non-existent Turkish Mediterranean resort in partnership with his brother Nigel and sister-in-law Margaret.

The search for Nigel Andrews and his British wife Margaret continues, after they disappeared from their Spanish office in June last year.

Interpol have reported that the outfit absconded with up to £1.2 million (US$2 million) of their investor's money, which they took as deposits for non-existent properties on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.

Allegedly, the group set up front companies in high-end venues, such as the Guadalpin Hotel in Marbella, before disappearing quickly without settling their bills.

Bellingham now stars in the popular UK daytime TV show 'Loose Women' and is set to be reunited with Oxo in a new series of TV commercials.

In the new, £10 million (US$16 million) advertising campaign for Premier Foods, Bellingham will appear as herself, offering recipe tips for using Oxo.

"Oxo and I have decided to get together again. I was very upset when it ended ten years ago. I am so associated with it and it has many fond memories and the time is right," she commented.

Article source... http://blog.oceanvillasgroup.com/oxo-mum-linda-bellingham-linked-to-turkey-property-fraud/

Rebecca Smith
Ocean Villas Group - http://www.oceanvillasgroup.com

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