The Homebuyer Show Bigger Than Ever

It is truly the "must-attend" event for anyone with an interest in overseas property. From those struggling to get a foot on the UK property ladder, to sun seekers and professional investors looking to expand their portfolios, all flocked to London"s ExCel centre earlier this month as The Homebuyer Show returned for its 16th consecutive year. The 2007 showcase proved to be the biggest and best so far, with over 250 developers, estate agents, mortgage brokers, trade associations, overseas property specialists and financial advisers on hand to satisfy the British public"s undiminished interest in all things property. Huge numbers of Brits are turning to traditional and emerging foreign markets as a first choice in investing their hard earned cash and, as such, the show prides itself on being able to satisfy the needs of even the savviest professional property investor.

Although serving the UK property market, some 60% of the show"s floorspace was dedicated to overseas property and all related services, showcasing properties from all over the world, from Brazil to Cyprus to Margarita and everything in between. The TRNC was well represented and reported brisk business, with a large collection of constructors and agents grouped together within the self-styled "TRNC Village".

Around 50% of visitors appeared to be semi-professional investors, already owning property overseas; the rest were families looking for second homes, with the younger attendees choosing to purchase for the first time abroad over purchasing in the UK. What characterised all visitors, however, was the high level of their pre-show preparation: this new breed of informed investor arrived armed with clear criteria and budgets, sufficiently confident to make "site unseen" purchases.

Hot on the heels of their success at last month"s Expo Eire in Dublin, Property Club International reported a busy weekend at ExCel, with investors expressing particular interest in their Egypt, Cape Verde and north Cyprus portfolios. Said PCI managing consultant Nigel Roth: "It"s great to see an end to the TRNC-bashing of a few years ago and we"re pleased to report a particularly high level of interest in our developments situated in the Bafra region of north Cyprus."