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Special on a shoestring

villas13 PORTUGAL

Villa Caravela

Vilamoura
Villa Caravela has spacious 6-bedroom accommodation. This Algarve villa is in a quiet residential area east of the cosmopolitan resort of Vilamoura, with its marina, beach and golf courses. The concentration of golfing facilities in Vilamoura is second to none. There is a sunken, circular seating area, plus an atrium with armchairs. The large, semi-circular lounge has access to the terrace. The semi-circular dining area beyond the lounge has views of the garden and the private pool.
www.villaplus.com/villacaravela

A little slice of heaven

If the latest statistics are to be believed, fractional ownership is one of the fastest growing forms of property ownership. In the first of a three-part series, we guide you through the new route to gracious living. Words Isobel Palmer

We are a nation known for its love of ownership. Homes, cars, electrical goods; we like nothing more than to shop, acquire, collect and keep. With fractional ownership comes a new way of owning, and it seems to make perfect sense in a period when money is tight and investors are cautious.

Easy, breezy, beautiful

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for an investment or a retiree looking for the quiet life, Panama has something for everyone, says Isobel Palmer

Is Panama the 21st-century version of Shangri-La? For those approaching retirement, in possession of an average income, love of nature and tropical climate, plus an easy-going attitude to life, it certainly looks that way.

For this little Central American jewel – it’s smaller than Scotland – combines topping quality-of-life indices with an unparalleled scheme of incentives and perks for pensioners. Tax relief is a huge part of this, and is fundamental to retirement planning of course, but how about 25% off airfares; 25% off restaurant meals; 10% off prescriptions; 20% off professional and technical services?

Don't worry, be happy

Long ignored by British property hunters, the Dominican Republic is really starting to come into its own, says Isobel Palmer

It has always been breathtakingly beautiful but sadly overlooked by the UK as a place to buy. Finally, after several years of healthy investment and growth, the Dominican Republic is beginning to achieve the recognition it deserves as one of the best-value Caribbean islands for property investors.

A steady stream of A-list celebrities has helped this tropical island gain prominence. They are seduced by white beaches, fertile valleys, swathes of desert and stunning peaks. Add to the mix some world-class golf courses, the biggest marina in the Caribbean and an average daily temperature of 80ºF and you begin to understand the draw.

Capital investments

Sydney has a rising population and access to some of the world’s best beaches, restaurants and career opportunities, so why wait to buy,
asks Jane Riley

With its balmy climate, stunning beaches and relaxed lifestyle, Sydney has always been a popular city, and with its population set to increase by 1.7 million by 2036, according to a 2009 NSW Government forecast, there is no chance its popularity will wane.

Being ranked by The Mercer Index as one of the top ten cities in the world for quality of life, and as the nation’s centre for commerce, it is no wonder Sydney attracts people from all over the world, nor that it has the most expensive real estate among Australia’s capital cities.