Latest UK & International Investment and Savings News

Nepal may not be the obvious next property hotspot but the mountainous country between India and China is experiencing a mini real estate boom as wealthy Nepalese real estate investors seek a safe have for their money, it is claimed.

Government figures show the number of new apartments built in Kathmandu rose more than three-fold last year to 3,385 from 1,088 in 2007, as high land prices and poorly enforced planning laws made building upwards more attractive.

Foreign investors in real estate expect to spend much more in 2009 than they did in 2008, according to an annual report tracking institutional investor interest.

The introduction of a new system of licensing rules for Realty brokers and online Registration of rental contracts in Dubai in 2009 is expected to make the sector more transparent and also the real estate investors in Dubai will feel safer investing in the emirate's property sector.

Metrovacesa bailed out by the banks the latest Spanish property developer to experience financial problems because of the credit crunch is being bailed out by the banks.

Troubled developer Metrovacesa has secured a debt for equity agreement which will see its creditor banks taking a 54.75% stake in the business to settle €2.1 billion of debt.

Each of the banks, Santander, BBVA, Caja Madrid, La Caixa, Banco Popular and Banco Popular Espanol will also buy 1.78% from other shareholders, to bring their total holdings to 65.4%.

The residential property market in Malaysia was only opened up to overseas investment at the end of 2006, yet it is already attracting high levels of interest from shrewd speculators. With tourism growth at 6.8% per year, and economic growth at a three year high - both backed by positive government initiatives to encourage foreign investments - it's easy to see why.