Brits Dash to Move Cash Overseas

Costs up, FTSE down, pensions failing and the sub-prime crisis still putting in the financial boot -- reports show British investors are now shifting their cash into money-spinning global alternatives.

A new statistical report compiled by Obelisk from Google AdWords, shows a massive 96% increase, since September 2007, in the number of investors looking to jump the UK ship, as our love affair with property moves abroad.

Searches via the Internet for overseas property are now in fact, at the highest levels since June 2007, rising by 80%, clearly indicating that this is now a preferred option to the recently failing stocks, shares and UK property markets.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, "With reports now coming in that Barclays, the UK's third largest bank, is to write off 1.64 billion, directly relating to sub prime lending, prompting a further fall in the bank's share prices - it is hardly surprising that money is now going abroad."

The Obelisk 2008 survey, and their overseas property research website absoluteguideseries.com asked investors exactly what, why and when they are purchasing property overseas. The huge response rate shows that the vast majority of overseas property (http://www.obeliskinternational.com/Google_Confidence_Overseas_Property_Investment.html) buyers are actually looking to purchase within 3 months.

Brendan MacHugh, Obelisk client adds, "The (local) property market had kind of peaked and there wasn't a huge amount of scope. It just seemed a very sensible thing to do, to invest in property abroad."

Reports also show absoluteguideseries.com is one of the most popular online research tools for overseas property (http://www.obeliskinternational.com/Google_Confidence_Overseas_Property_Investment.html), gaining over 40% of a 700,000 strong AdWord market share.

Brendan MacHugh, Obelisk client adds, "I found Obelisk surfing through the net, just trying to find out a bit of information. They were putting forward a point of view that they are there to support, with their research and expertise and that was exactly what I wanted."

The new Google report shows overseas property interest is sky rocketing, a strong sign that UK investors are on the hunt for alternatives to provide a much-needed boost to their portfolios. Changes to capital gains tax, which replaces the high 40% tax with a new 18% flat rate tax, means investors have even more of a financial incentive to purchase overseas property (http://www.obeliskinternational.com/Google_Confidence_Overseas_Property_Investment.html).

Obelisk's survey confirms the huge consumer confidence in the overseas property sector, with over 70% of clients and subscribers looking to invest in overseas property in 2008. Many pure buy-to-let investors are swayed by the strategic location of the property and over 25% of second home and dream home buyers are purchasing to add to their future financial security.

James Gonzalez, Market Analyst at Obelisk comments, "Both the Google and the Absolute Guide Series findings are hardly surprising. Over the last 50 years, property has beaten the FTSE in terms of providing consistently stable profits. Within this period, property's worst performing five-year cycle still grew by 16% whereas stocks showed a huge deficit of -22%. It is certainly no wonder why investors are turning to overseas property ."

Experts within the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) have also provided evidence that in recent months overseas investment has grown. This certainly ties in with current tendencies and inclinations widely discussed by UK based investors and advisers. Obelisk can also reveal that they have seen a marked increase in collaboration requests from IFA's across the UK, keen to tap into this particular market to ensure their clients have balanced portfolios.

James Gonzalez, comments, "Bulgaria is a prime example of the effect foreign investors have on emerging, international property markets. Last year British investors took a 40% market share of all property sold in Bulgaria and by September, property had risen by 32% in many areas - a clear indication of this increasing investment trend."

Obelisk recommends that investors should do their research before embarking on any overseas property (http://www.obeliskinternational.com/Google_Confidence_Overseas_Property_Investment.html) purchase. Regarded as essential reading by national and international property professionals, the Absolute Guide Series provides a practical yet comprehensive overview on the latest 2008 global property markets, available completely free at www.absoluteguideseries.com.

About James Gonzalez

James has a vast market knowledge and background within the world of property. Prior to joining Obelisk as Market Analyst, James worked for CB Richard Ellis (Hong Kong), Healey & Baker and Hamptons. James' key role at Obelisk is to research, analyse, and identify viable and profitable emerging markets.

About Obelisk

Obelisk's extensive research and analysis, whether it is through an Obelisk own development or via a developer partner, determines exactly where to build, what to build and when to build, from concept through to completion, making Obelisk unique within the overseas property investment market.

Obelisk's market leading, robust selection process ensures only the best financially secure property investments, safeguarding the future of investor clients.

All projects undertake compulsory due diligence making Obelisk the only overseas property investment company who provides clients with complete peace of mind.

For more information on overseas property investment, and to find out about Obelisk's latest projects, contact Obelisk free on 0808 160 0670 (UK) or 1800 932 514 (IRE)

Email: info@obeliskinternational.com or visit our website: http://www.obeliskinternational.com/

Andrea Elliott

PR & Communications Officer: Tel.: 00 34 952 820 319

Brits Dash to Move Cash Overseas

3222 readers online...