Studio Flats London

At times of poor economies property prices more often than not fall, and the property market in itself is sometimes enough to cause a recession in the rest of the economy as home owners see their top asset slashed in value, and cut back on spending as a direct result of feeling less wealthy.
2008 has already seen the world’s financial markets in turmoil with a rogue trader in France losing billions of Euros for his bank, and the Federal Reserve aggressively cutting interest rates to try and stave off a recession in the US.
But among the gloom, those involved in real estate markets around the world can often point to areas where property bucks the trend, and is on an upward move despite all that is happening to property elsewhere.
A prominent UK real estate site predicts that France will see a rise in property values for 2008 of between 5 and 8 per cent.
The advantages France has compared to some European markets is that the British buy there extensively, and have done for over twenty years now. The recent upgrading of the channel tunnel could ensure interest remains high in Northern France, easily accessible from London and her Home Counties.
Two countries who share borders with France are also likely to be areas where property prices will increase in 2008 – the tax havens of Andorra and Monaco, which have similar tax benefits.
Monaco because tax havens are in demand whatever is happening to the economy, and the supply of properties is short with new supply not coming on stream for another three to four years. Andorra will continue to enjoy the overspill from Monaco, where studio apartments start at around a million Euros, while in Andorra the same million Euros will buy a house.
Further into Southern Europe the UK property site suggests both Mallorca and Tenerife could see property price gains, and with local populations on both Spanish islands becoming restless about the amount of future developments to be allowed the supply of new apartments and villas could be limited.
Mallorca – often known as Majorca – is the main island of the Balearic Islands, which also includes Menorca and Ibiza. Located in the Mediterranean off the east coast of the Spanish mainland, Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands and sees most tourists – some of whom ultimately buy a holiday home on the island or move there full time. According to the 2005 census, the population of the city of Palma was 375,048. The population of the entire area was estimated to be 517,285; the 12th-largest urban area of Spain. Approximately half of the total population of Mallorca lives in Palma, but many newcomers steer to the coastal resorts such as Alcudia.
And while 2008 may appear to be gloomy for the real estate sector, there will no doubt be some light among the darkness of falling prices in some areas of Europe.

Do you fancy a romantic break in London where you can do some shopping, enjoy the lights, take in a show and enjoy some of the fabulous restaurants that London has to offer with that special person in your life?

If you have the time to spare to come to London, you can rent a lovely studio apartment just off Trafalgar Square at a very reasonable price. You will be able to enjoy the privacy and intimacy of your own apartment where you will have your own fully equipped kitchen to prepare snacks and your own private bathroom. Your apartment will be your own pied-a-terre for the duration of your stay.

Close by is Embankment Station on London underground’s where you can take the tube on the District, Circle, Northern and Bakerloo lines. You will only be a minute’s walk from the River Thames where you can stroll along the Embankment and across the Jubilee Bridge to the South Bank. Along the South Bank there are a host of restaurants and places of interest to explore. The Festival Hall itself is home to a fantastic programme of music throughout the year.

Oxford Street and Regent Street are only 15 minutes walk away with their bright lights and amazing array of shops as well as the fabulous London theatres. You can go and watch a show, enjoy a musical and have a thoroughly wonderful time. Soho and Covent Garden are also within walking distance.

The London Eye is a “must do” for visitors to London. Enjoy its slow rotation whilst looking out over one of the most stunning skylines in the world.

Why not enjoy a romantic dinner for two on one of the well appointed Thames riverboat cruisers? The river is beautifully illuminated at night and you can enjoy good food and wonderful views as you sail along the river and take in its fabulous views.

If you would like a romantic getaway with your loved one in 2009, then London has everything to ensure you have a great trip.

Before you make your reservation, there are a number of points you need to consider.

1. Select the area you require. Would you like to stay close to where you are working to minimise journey time? Or would you like to live in an area with bustling nightlife and restaurants nearby for your relaxation? Do you need to be very close to the London Underground?

2. What size accommodation do you need? Do you need space in your apartment to entertain clients or will you be using your apartment solely for eating/sleeping? You need to decide whether to rent a studio, one bedroom or possibly two or three bedroom apartment. A studio apartment may well be suitable for you if you are simply looking for accommodation in which to live, sleep and eat. If you wish to entertain clients or friends in your apartment then a one bedroom apartment will be a better option. For the international family in London on assignment there are currently some very good deals for 2+ bedroom accommodation.

3. Luxury or economy? There is such a wide range of furnished accommodation available. Behind the majestic Victorian facades of many London streets, there are the most superbly appointed contemporary apartments with every last luxury. Flatscreen TVs, state of the art sound systems, concierge services are but a few of the facilities available at the top of the range of the market. At the lower end of the market, accommodation is more basic but nevertheless all serviced apartments come with a fully fitted kitchen/kitchenette and bathroom, as well as TV, linen and towels.. Prices can vary enormously but in these “credit crunch” days you can get some excellent deals, especially if you are staying for a period of more than a month.

4. Optional extras. There are many optional extras available at some of the locations including on-site gyms, restaurants, breakfast rooms serving coffee and croissants, business centres, food delivery services. Many apartments offer free broadband internet access.

5. How long for? Amazingly, in many locations you can rent an apartment for one night upwards!

6. Use a good agent. There are a number of agents in London who offer very efficient booking services with a wide range of property available in the key areas of the capital. A good agent will ensure that you are offered the best property for your requirements at the best price.