September 2008

Editor's welcome

I have a recommendation. If you get invited to a wedding abroad, go. I’ve just come back from my cousin’s – he lives in southern Spain and decided a good place to say his vows was under a gazebo on the beach. As expected, his wedding day was sunny.

After the short ceremony we all sat down in a restaurant just metres from the sea and feasted on tapas and wine. Bliss. Needless to say, in true Spanish style the party carried on into the small hours...

Another happy couple who tied the knot recently are our property-hunters in this issue, Mark and Kerry from Hereford. For them, this summer has been a time of double celebration. Just before their big day we took them to Portugal’s up-and-coming Silver Coast in search of a holiday rental property – and guess what, we hit the jackpot. Turn to page 68 to read how one of the four properties we showed them turned out to be just what they were looking for...

In this issue we also travel to Brazil, a former Portuguese colony with promising prospects for property-hunters. Brazil has an exciting economy – finance experts are tipping it as a future global economic powerhouse – and an exciting way of life, one that includes carnivals, samba and golden beaches. Tempted? Then turn to page 51.

Elsewhere this month, we get to visit former pop star and actress Toyah Willcox at her apartment on the French Riviera, compare the emirates of Abu Dhabu and Dubai as investment hotspots and, in

time for the Olympics, talk to the Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai about life in China’s second city.

I hope you enjoy the issue – don’t forget to write to us with your suggestions, requests or simply to tell us about your place in the sun.

SEPTEMBER's highlights

Toyah Willcox
From punk to property magnate: how Toyah Willcox is living the Riviera dream with her property investments.

Turning silver into gold
Mark and Kerry Dunn made a tidy profit refurbishing properties and selling them on in the UK. They’re now turning their attention to overseas property and, in particular, Portugal’s Silver Coast.

Dubai vs Abu Dhabi
Which of the United Arab Emirates is the best bet for property investment? In this month’s edition, a compelling case for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi is presented, along with essential information on the buying process.  

Brazil in focus
A beach home for under £35,000 and 300 days of sunshine? Yes, really. On page 51, the magazine puts brazil under the microscope.