Saturday, February 2, 2013

Important Vancouver Real Estate Trends!

Anyone living in Vancouver knows that the real estate market is very different from any other Canadian city. The desire for everything new and innovative makes our local architecture and our real estate trends very distinctive. However, if you're planning to purchase property in Vancouver, you have to be aware of local trends in order to make a smart purchase. Here are some of the trends that define Vancouver real estate today.

Be Prepared to Pay

Most other Canadian cities have neighborhoods and regions that vary in price. For example, you can choose between more expensive areas and more affordable ones. While this trend does exist in Vancouver, the general price point is decidedly higher. A "cheap" residence usually costs around $1 million dollars, and oftentimes you are paying more for the land than the house itself. And supposedly run-down areas like Commercial Drive and Main Street are now as expensive as upper class neighborhoods in other cities. So if you want to live in Vancouver, be prepared to pay.

Out with the Old, In with the New

Because Vancouver is a newer city, there is less of an appreciation for heritage residences. Almost every day, newspapers advertise the demolition of older buildings in favor of new condos. This trend is only getting bigger and bigger in Vancouver. If you plan to live in Vancouver, it will be very hard to find older apartment buildings, which generally have larger spaces and more affordable prices. Instead, you will probably be looking at newly developed condos with less room and higher price tags.

The Suburbs are the New Hotspot

Because Vancouver has become very unaffordable, many young people and new families are choosing to live in the surrounding areas of Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey. This large influx of young individuals is turning the suburbs into trendy and hot areas. Businesses are becoming younger and hipper in order to accommodate these new residents. This means that the suburbs, which are usually considered a real estate consolation prize, are fast becoming the hottest places to live.

Longer Waits for Houses

Normally, a family will have to go through one or two "starter" homes before they can afford their ideal house. Due to high prices, Vancouver residents usually have to go through two to three apartments and then another two houses before they can upgrade to their dream home. This is just a reality for a city that has higher than average property prices.

There is no doubt that Vancouver is one of the best places to live. However, residents have to be prepared before purchasing a home. Get to know the city and the local real estate trends before investing in anything. You'll be grateful in the long run.

Luxurious And Comfortable Living: Top Benefits Of A Property Investment

Dubai is a city-state in the United Arab Emirates and is considered one of the top tourist and business locations around the world. Dubai offers all the elements that make for an extraordinary and electrifying lifestyle: sun, sand, endless coastlines, luxury shopping destinations and exciting activities. The business climate in Dubai is just as dynamic as well; the emirate has one of the strongest and most stable economies in the world and is thus the chosen home of many companies that operate on a global level.

Whether you're a tourist visiting this city for its many remarkable attractions or an entrepreneur aiming to launch a new company, Dubai offers many different types of accommodation options that can deliver the best in luxury and comfort such as serviced hotel apartments, fashion residences and other luxury investment properties.

There are numerous reasons why a visitor to Dubai should consider staying in one of these high-end accommodations. One of the foremost benefits of a serviced apartment hotel is that it offers more space. Unlike a regular hotel room which consists of only a bedroom and a bath, an apartment hotel may also have a separate area for the living and dining room, as well as a fully-furnished kitchen. In some cases, this apartment may also have a separate utility room that houses a washer, dryer, and other appliances that you may need. Because of this configuration, a serviced apartment hotel feels more like a home away from home, rather than just a place where you can stay temporarily.

The large space is perfect for families and larger groups on vacation. Business owners can also make use of the space to entertain fellow tycoons. Apartment hotels may be conveniently located near restaurants and conference centers, thus giving entrepreneurs more choices for business meetings.

In addition to having more space, the amenities provided in an apartment hotel offer more convenience. For instance, having your own kitchen means that you can dine out less and eat a home-cooked meal if you so prefer. This is especially important for individuals with special dietary requirements. Utility rooms also make it possible to attend to laundry conveniently.

A top-of-the-line Dubai property investment offers the same features that make hotel living attractive. These include housekeeping, room service and a concierge. Residents are given access to pools, gyms, restaurants, conference rooms and other amenities found in hotels. In some upscale locations, the hotel may also offer the exclusive services of a chef, babysitter, butler, and even a personal shopper. All in all, staying in a serviced apartment hotel in Dubai is similar to having an incredibly stylish and comfortable home - but with all the perks of living in hotel.