Valencia is the Top Destination for Ex Pats to Live

According to a survey conducted in March 2020 and recently published by InterNations, an expat organisation with around three and half million members, the Spanish city of Valencia is the best city in which to live as an expat. The survey assimilated answers from 15,000 respondents on five areas of experience: cost of living, finance and housing, quality of urban living, getting settled and urban work life. Alicante was in second place and Lisbon third, Malaga was in sixth place and Madrid ninth, meaning that five of the top ten cities were in the Iberian Peninsula. Interestingly, out of the 66 cities included in the survey, those top tourist destinations, Paris and Rome, came in the bottom ten. A fact that perhaps tells us more about the type of lifestyle sought by expats than it does about the quality of life in those cities.

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Around 15% of the Spanish population are foreigners and the twin attractions are clearly, plenty of sunshine and a low cost of living. So, what is it that makes Valencia the expat’s favourite? Spain’s third largest city is situated on the south eastern coast and its location means that it enjoys a climate described by the World Health Organization as ’ideal’. Its 300 days of sunshine per year lift the spirits with weather, which is never too hot, too dry or too wet and a cooling sea keeps the air fresh and clean. Like much of Spain, accommodation is inexpensive, and food and drink are cheap and of outstanding quality.

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What makes Valencia exceptional is the quality of urban living which the city has to offer, quite simply, there is just so much to do. Valencia is beautiful and it is beautifully diverse. Its centre is medieval, its cobbled streets dominated by the cathedral with its blend of Baroque, Romanesque and Gothic. Here you’ll find ancient buildings, like the Silk Exchange, ornate churches, the biggest fresh market in Europe and delightful cafes and restaurants by the score. There are thirty-four museums, most of them free or very cheap and fine examples of Rococo, Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture. By contrast, ‘The City of Arts and Sciences’, designed by the Valencian architect Santiago Calatrava is science fiction fantasy that looks like it’s come straight from the cover of a vintage copy of Astounding Stories. The scientific and cultural leisure complex is set in the dried-up bed of the river Turia and contains Europe’s largest aquarium, a 3D cinema, a science museum, an opera house and the Terraza Mya gardens. As if all that weren’t enough, there are the 20k of beaches, 6 within the city itself and a further 6 easily accessible by public transport. A further 10k beyond the city is the glorious Albufera National park. The inhabitants of Valencia certainly have good reason to count their blessings and just to top it off, Valencia is the home of Paella.

Travel a little further down the coast and you’ll reach the port-city of Alicante. For many the city is simply the location of an airport, but those who rush straight onward to their destinations are missing out on one of Spain’s great cities. Alicante shares many of the delights on offer in Valencia. The narrow streets of its old town are dominated by the medieval Castillo de Santa Barbara, which looms over the town. There are wonderful cafes and restaurants to be enjoyed, delightful parks and gardens, ancient monuments and historic buildings. Nearby there are fabulous beaches and world class golf courses and like Valencia, accommodation within the city is attractively affordable.

The capital city which features third highest in the survey is Lisbon, Portugal’s hilly coastal capital. Most capital cities are prohibitively expensive places in which to live but despite a property boom in recent years, rental accommodation in Lisbon remains affordable. Portugal also has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe and is rated the third safest country in the world. Once the heart of a great empire, Lisbon is a city full of wonderful architecture and its seven hills afford unexpected vistas at every turn. Lisbon has all the pleasures on offer that one would expect from a capital city: outstanding cuisine, vibrant nightlife, a rich cultural life, museums, galleries and world class shopping. It is an hour from the glorious beaches of the Algarve, enjoys year long sunshine and has an international airport linked to 120 destinations. You can see the attraction.

6 Tips For High Quality Natural Skin Care – For Free

Natural skin care products are top sellers in the skin care market. More and more people are recognizing that the chemicals used in big brand name skin care products are not good for us, or our skin, and turning to natural alternatives, both for skin care products, hair care products and cosmetics.Here’s 6 skin care tips for getting healthy good looking skin, for free. Because although the best natural skin care and anti aging products are spectacularly effective, there is more that you can do than just using organic skin care products.1. Improve your diet.Like it or not, our diet affects our entire body, and our skin. Our skin is an organ of our body like any other organ, and like the other organs our skin can get unhealthy from an unhealthy diet. But as everyone sees your skin it’s a highly visible result of a poor diet.This applies to all skin types, whether you have oily skin or dry skin or or any skin type, poor diet will affect the health, and look, of your skin. Skip the burgers and pizzas in favor of fruit and vegetables and your skin will look way better, and you’ll be healthier.2. Avoid big brand name cosmetics and skin care products. These products, including such things as hair care treatments, hair removal treatments, popular cosmetics, many facial and body care products and more contain chemicals that can both be harmful to your health and also damaging to your skin. Ironically, skin care products and cosmetics can actually cause skin problems. Junk your big brand name products.The author has personal experience with this. My young daughter was given traditional cosmetics by her ballet studio for her first ballet concert a few years ago, and immediately broke out in a nasty skin reaction. We now use our own (natural) cosmetics for her and there has been no repeat.3. Make yourself stick to a regular exercise routine. Exercise improves blood circulation, and this is good for your skin, and for your whole body. Exercise has so many benefits it’s hard to know where to start, and this includes improved skin health.4. Pay attention to getting plenty of beneficial essential oils in your diet. This includes omega 3 which comes from eating fish as well as some other foods. Omega 3 is good for your skin, and your overall health. You can get omega 3 from good (natural) supplements, but if you’re on a budget just find out which foods contain omega 3 and eat those. Do a little research and find a good source of omega 3 essential oil and include this in your diet regularly.5. Drink plenty of water. Your body, as well as your skin, needs to stay hydrated. If you don’t drink water this will impact your overall health as well as your skin health. Water is important for many things in your body, including skin health.6. Start dry brush exfoliation. It sounds complicated, but exfoliation is just using a soft, dry brush to gently brush your skin. Why would you want to brush your skin? Dry brush exfoliation helps remove the dead skin cells that all of us have on the surface of our skin.And you don’t just brush the skin on your face either, you should brush your entire body. It is done by gently brushing in small circles from your feet right up to your face. Dry brush exfoliation also helps improve your blood circulation in your skin, and lymph circulation.There’s 6 things you can do for free to help improve your skin beauty routine. In fact you can even save some money, for example fruits and vegetables are usually cheaper than burgers and pizzas. And if you regularly do these 6 things they will improve your skin health over time, and you will see the results. And your body will thank you for it with improved health overall.One last thing. Once you’ve junked your big brand name skin care products and cosmetics and hair and facial and body care products, find some high quality natural skin care products. They work better than the big brand name products (many of which do nothing at all), and they are made from safe non allergenic ingredients. Science is finding answers to skin aging and skin health, and they come from safe plant extracts such as shea butter and natural keratin.Stay health, stay fit and stay hydrated and your skin will do the same.

Top 10 Overseas Property Investments in 2010

1. BrazilThe Brazilian property market has got a lot going for it. The country is attracting a lot of inward investment, has one of the world’s fastest growing economies, a rapidly emerging mortgage market, a general shortage of quality homes, and has been selected to host the 2014 football World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games. This will lead to the construction of new and improved infrastructures and homes across Brazil.Property investors from around the world are flocking to Brazilian shores with a view to snapping up real estate, in anticipation of future capital growth.One local expect projects Brazilian property prices could appreciate by up to 200% over the next decade, driven by the country’s burgeoning economy, and the pending introduction of mortgages to overseas nationals.Investment banking firm Goldman Sachs believes that Brazil’s economic growth could outstrip that of the other BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) member nations over the next few years.Brazil’s economy is widely expected to become the fifth largest in the world by the time the Olympic Games kicks off in 2016, and yet Brazil property and land prices still remain a fraction of those found in more developed nations.The Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has already pledged to spend up to £11.5bn on building a million new homes in Brazil between now and 2011.However, potential high property investment rewards are not with out their risks, as crime and corruption still remains widespread in Brazil.2. FranceIn stark contrast to the relatively high risk, high return nature of investing in Brazil, the risks associated with investing in French property are far lower.France has traditionally always been a rather safe haven for property investors. The nation was the first European country to come out of recession in 2009, reflecting the fact that the global credit crunch had much less of an impact, compared to other European counterparts.France’s strong economy is having a positive impact on its property market, which now appears to be on the road to recovery.Increasing property and mortgage transactions are boosting residential values, with the latest FNAIM data revealing that the average price of a French property appreciated by 2.8% between April and September 2009.Although average prices remain down 7.8% year-on-year, the market is generally expected to improve further, due to France’s prudent attitude to mortgage lending.Anyone taking out a mortgage in France is generally only permitted to borrow one third of their total gross monthly income. This has ensured that mortgages remain readily available, with 100% loan-to-value home loans available at competitive borrowing rates.Consequently, mortgage lending in France is soaring. French mortgage broker Athena Mortgages reports that there was a 21% rise in mortgage enquiries in Q3 2009 compared with the previous quarter.The buy-to-let and leaseback sectors are reportedly attracting particular interest from investors, due to improved yields across the country.The capital city of Paris has long been identified as one of the most attractive European cities for investment, and is typically the most popular place to buy a home in France, along with Cannes, Marseille and Nice, which are all located along the southern Mediterranean coast.3. USAThe USA property market may be showing tentative signs of improvement, following one of the worst economic and property crashes in living memory, but the downturn has come at a cost to many US homeowners.Data from RealtyTrac shows that a record high of 938,000 US homes foreclosed in the third quarter of 2009. If this trend continues, foreclosures would reach around 3.5m by the end of 2009, up from around 2.3m properties last year.Properties in Nevada had the highest foreclosures rates in Q3, followed by homes in Arizona, California, Florida, Idaho, Utah, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado and Illinois.
Rising unemployment levels – currently at a 26-year high of 9.8% – was cited as the main reason for the increase in foreclosure levels. Yet, there may be worst to come, as the unemployment rate is not expected to peak until mid-2010.Unfortunately, one person’s misfortune is another’s gain. With around 7m properties currently in the foreclosure process, compared with 1.3m for the same period in 2005, predatory investors are buying up distressed, abandoned and repossessed homes at bargain-basement prices, as now appears to be the ideal time to fill your boots.Although the sub-prime mortgage crisis started in the USA, there are growing signs that the property market may now be at or near the bottom of the cyclical downturn. Various indices reveal that average residential prices started to rise, albeit marginally, during the second quarter of 2009.4. NorwaySales in Norway have nosedived over the past year or so, as residential values have cooled.However, the Norwegian property market downturn, which has not been anywhere near as severe as in other neighbouring countries, appears to have already bottomed out, and looks ready to lead the Scandinavian property market recovery.The key to the Norwegian property market is the strength of the country’s economy, which has made it one of the wealthiest in the world, while new housing output has dropped below average, which could fall short of demand next year.Norway is rich in both gas and oil and this helps to support the country’s economy and ensure that its currency also stays strong – both alluring to property investors.The country’s population is estimated to increase by 23% – approximately one million people – over the next 40 years, which should make sure that long-term residential demand is robust.Another positive is the fact that unemployment is extremely low – approximately 3% – compared to its European counterparts.Almost half of the Norwegian population resides in the counties of Oslo, Rogaland, Akershus and Hordaland, and so this is where property investors should focus their attentions. Property prices in these places remain relatively cheap compared to wages in Norway.5. SwitzerlandMany of the high earners currently living in Britain look set to quit the UK in droves ahead of the introduction of a 50% top tax rate in April 2010, and escape to more tax-friendly shores, such as Switzerland.The Swiss authorities are actively lobbying to attract many of these disillusioned high-net worth individuals, who are being tempted by assurances that they will be allowed to steer clear of European Union regulation and Britain’s Financial Services Authority.It is estimated that hedge funds managing in the region of £10 billion in assets have already moved to Switzerland in the past year alone. This has increased demand for homes to rent and buy.Due to canton restrictions, it has previously been difficult for foreigners to buy property in Switzerland. However, the country has now eased its strict property buying regulations, and opened its doors to more international buyers, partly through the introduction of ‘residence de tourisme’ style investments, which is similar to the ever-popular ‘leaseback’ formula in France.Switzerland, one of the richest nations in the world, is of course a tax haven.
Anyone who sets up permanent residency in Switzerland would be entitled to take advantage of the country’s favourable tax law, including the lump sum taxation, which charges a levy based on people’s lifestyle and spending habits.Given that one’s taxable income is charged at just five times their annual rent or rental value of their property, and the fact that assets outside Switzerland remain tax-free, should ensure demand for Swiss properties – to rent and buy – remains strong for years to come.Historically, Swiss property values have typically appreciated in line with inflation. Properties located at the top end of the market, in cantons like Valais and Vaud, have reportedly increased by up to 20% in the past year.6. AustraliaThe Australian economic and property market recovery has been swifter than the other leading nations around the world.It has been claimed that the revival in the country’s property market and economy is as much as 12 months ahead of the other developed countries in the economic cycle.Unemployment peaked in September 2009, in stark contrast to Britain and the USA, while increasing commodity demand from China has forced the Australian Central Bank to raise benchmark interest rates. Yet this has failed to cool strong residential demand, which coupled with a general housing shortage, is forcing property values higher.The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics house price index shows that the average price of a residential property in Australia appreciated by 4.2% in the third quarter of 2009, which means that in the year to September, residential prices increased 6.2%.Australia could be set for a residential property price boom over the next few years, as the country’s economy continues to show genuine signs of recovery.A recent Australia property report projected that average residential prices in nearly all capital cities would increase by between 11% and 19% by 2012, with the greatest property price rises expected to be recorded in Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne.7. MalaysiaI tipped Malaysia to be the number one place to invest in property in 2009, due to the country’s robust property ownership laws, lack of capital gains tax and attractive mortgage rates.However, residential sales were sluggish during the early half of the year, as the market struggled as a direct consequence of the global credit crunch, while there are some political uncertainties emerging.But with consumer sentiment improving, the recent positive market recovery, supported by the construction of new residential schemes across the country, should continue in 2010.While property prices race ahead across much of Asia – in countries like China, Vietnam and Singapore – which has led to heightened fears of budding property bubbles, the Malaysian property market has merely stabilised, making it suited to more balanced investors.With an extremely young and well-educated population, long-term demand for property in Malaysia looks set to grow.Domestically, an increasing number of people are moving from the countryside into the larger cities, while internationally Malaysia looks set to cross a demographic landmark of huge social and economic importance.Malaysia’s population is growing by around 2%, or an extra 500,000 people, every year. The World Bank projects the country’s population will grow annually by 1% until 2050, which will place further pent-up demand on property values.Malaysia’s property prices are still lower than they were in 1997, due partly to the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990′s, suggesting very real room for growth.8. Abu DhabiThe recent property price falls in the fast growing UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, the richest and largest of all the seven UAE states, have been nowhere near as severe as in neighbouring Dubai.The tax-efficient emirate has the largest fossil fuel reserve in the UAE, is the fourth biggest natural gas producer in the world, has the world’s highest income per capita, is home to almost all of the Arabic Fortune 500 companies, and is currently sitting on over 88 billion barrels of proven oil reserves.Yet Abu Dhabi is now actively trying to reduce its reliance on oil, and is diversify its economy into the financial services and tourism sectors. Billions of pounds have been allocated for infrastructure projects and the development of residential, leisure and cultural schemes across the oil-rich emirate. The plans are truly remarkable.Nevertheless, investors seeking out bargain deals will find some of the best opportunities for distressed property investments in the Gulf region in Abu Dhabi.The recent slowdown in the property market means that just 45,000 are anticipated to be completed in the capital in the next four years, augmenting the exiting housing shortage.The supply of housing stock remains scant, partly because Abu Dhabi is not part of a community master-plan like those pioneered by Emaar and Nakheel in Dubai.The housing shortfall in the capital is expected to stand at around 15,000 homes next year, which could mean that property prices and rents are forced up, while residential demand – domestic and international – is expected to increase.Because Abu Dhabi does not have the same high level of exposure to the global financial crisis, compared with other UAE emirates, mortgages for non-residents – at up to 75% loan-to-value – are readily available again. This is likely to appeal to buy-to-let investors, as well as those people seeking equity release and to remortgage their properties in Abu Dhabi.9. OmanThe relaxed Arabian state of Oman, voted ‘destination of the year 2008′ by Vogue magazine, has long been a popular holidaying destination for people living within the GCC.With a population of around 2.3m, Oman is being modernised and liberalised culturally and economically by hereditary Sultan, Qaboos Bin Said Al-Said, a forward-thinking leader.Sultan Qaboos strategy for economic growth – Vision 2020 – aims to diversify Oman’s economic dependency on oil, and focus on other industries, such as property and tourism.Demand for property in Oman is primarily being driven by the Sultan’s decision to introduce legislation in 2004 – ratified in 2006 – permitting foreigners to buy freehold property and land in designated tourist areas, most notably Muscat. These projects are referred to as Integrated Tourism Complexes (ITC). Furthermore, foreign homeowners can now apply for residency visas.A number of luxurious developments are being erected across Oman including, The Chedi, Azaiba, Wadi Kabi, The Wave, Barr Al Jissah Residences, Jebel Sifah, Salalah Beach, The Malkai, Muscat Hills, Al Madina A’Zarqa, Jebel Sifah, and Salalah Beach.The fact that Oman appeals to end-users – not just investors – means that the medium to long-term prospect for Omani property market growth looks good.10. South AfricaSouth African property market conditions look ripe for investment, as the country starts to come out of recession. Recent property price falls appear to be bottoming out, while FIFA’s 2010 football World Cup fast approaches.From the moment world football’s governing body, FIFA, awarded South Africa the rights to host the World Cup in 2010, shrewd property investors from around the globe have been looking on with great interest, with one eye firmly on cashing in on the sport’s popularity.The first ever FIFA World Cup to be hosted on African soil has the potential to be the biggest sporting event of all time.The tournament is expected to attract around 350,000 football fans for a month of football mayhem, starting on 11 June 2010, which is tipped to contribute around £1.5bn to South Africa’s gross domestic product and generate another £500m in government taxes.South Africa property prices haven softened over the past year or so, due to a fall in residential demand, caused by reduced housing affordability, higher inflation and interest rates.But residential prices could soon experience growth, on the back of what should be a reinvigorated economy, spurred by the football tournament.While the odds may be stacked up against the South African football winning the World Cup in 2010, it is not too far fetched to assume that the country’s housing market could prove to be the real winner of the tournament, generating significant returns for property investors in the process.