Single Women Are Catching Up in the Property Market By Kathy E Roberts

Although single home-buyers face a number of challenges when looking to purchase a new home, more women are choosing to take the plunge alone.

This has been confirmed by new 2010 data from RAMS Home Loans in Australia, which shows that the ratio between sole male and female home loan applications is closing in on 50:50 whereas in previous years, 70% of sole applications were submitted by males.

Similar Trends Overseas

But the trend is not particular to Australia, in South Africa and the US similar changes are taking place with the number of single women in property also on the rise. The more equal ratio of home loan applications is a positive development, and is good news for other single women looking to buy homes as loan providers, real estate agents and developers are taking note of the trend.

According to a 2006 report from Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies, single female home-buyers are taking up a larger portion of the property market than ever before. This new development has sparked great interest, as very little research had been done previously in the area of female home-buyers.

Women of all types and ages

The women who are electing to buy homes solo are of all ages and races, and come from a diverse range of backgrounds, including single mothers, middle-aged divorcees, young women who have never been married and those who are retired, the study says. But why are women in property choosing to go it alone?

The increase in sole home loan applications by women could reflect a number of other changes: the increase in woman-led households, single women's growing knowledge of the property market and rise in confidence, and more women occupying better positions in the workplace making them more financially independent.

Women are remaining single for longer

More women are also waiting to get married and choosing to stay single for longer. By prioritizing getting an education and building their careers, single women are going into the property market before committing to a relationship. Information on how to go about buying a home has also become more easily available in recent years and women in property are educating themselves on making such an investment.

It has also been suggested that, of the two sexes, women are more inclined to purchase property alone as they want a place they can come home to and call their own. This desire is not necessarily shared by men, who tend to wait for Ms Right before looking at buying homes. Even in married couples, more and more women are identifying themselves as the home-owner.

Older women

Amongst older women, many are finding themselves in the property market after a relationship breakdown and are looking at buying a home with investments they built up during the course of their marriage.

Good news is that some financiers, developers and realtors have recognized this new market and are offering tailored solutions for single women in property, such as smaller secure homes in close community settings.

With their growing prevalence and confidence in the property marketplace, single women buying homes are paving the way for yet more women looking to take the plunge.

Latest Updates On The Real Estate Market In Lebanon By Millicent Merritt

Whether you are seeking to buy an apartment in Lebanon or are just keen to learn more about the situation of the property market in Lebanon, the present article will provide you with useful latest updates as of October 2011.

After several years of unflinching growth, of double digit increase in prices and of hyper activity, the real estate market in Lebanon has recently moved into a more stable phase. Traditionally, the local market was mainly driven by a highly liquid expatriate community particularly Lebanese living in the Gulf and other parts of the world. The scarcity of available funds in most of these countries has changed purchasing conditions on the Lebanese property market.
Real estate in Lebanon has now entered a more stable phase with reasonable growth that looks healthy and sustainable. The most significant market indicator which is demand still points to a healthy situation however, it has become increasingly sophisticated and buyers are trying to identify apartments at below their fair market value.

In the following lines, we will show potential real estate opportunities for selected areas in Beirut.

In Achrafieh, there is a significant potential for office development along the Pierre Gemayel Avenue and on the southern side of the Charles Helou port area. Those areas offer competitive price and an easy access to the central part of Beirut.

Hamra is currently registering some of the highest retail occupancy rates in Beirut. It is a destination address that attracts a large vibrant student population and professional community including foreigners. With many food and entertainment hot spots, Hamra currently offers many opportunities in sales and lettings.

Stretching roughly over six kilometers of the Mediterranean sea, the seafront of Beirut is an ideal place to locate visible and landmark towers. There are currently approximately two dozen plots that offer an unobstructed view of the Mediterranean. This limited supply gives the area its niche market cachet and ensures the existence of ready clientele for its products.

The Hazmieh area is also thriving through additional new development projects mainly in the Mar Takla neighborhood with an emphasis on mid-sized local targeted apartments. The upcoming development of a big mall in this city will certainly provide an additional boost to the area prices and benefit the overall sales and rentals activity in the surroundings.

To summarize, real estate in Lebanon is experiencing a healthy and more stable growth at this point in time. Mid-sized apartments are favored over other asset classes whether for residential use or investment purposes. Certain areas in Beirut are thriving with a number of new development projects and overall, the stable trend is expected to continue as we finish 2011 and enter into 2012.

Ramco is a leading property brokerage and advisory firm based in Lebanon. It offers a wide range of services tailored to real estate in Lebanon.

The Benefits Of Living In Kingston By Martin Hofschroer

Kingston upon Thames is an ideal location for people wanting to settle in the south west of London.

The suburb has a rich history as an ancient market town that was used for every Saxon Coronation but it now enjoys the reputation as a thriving metropolitan area which boasts numerous attractions.

Located on the idyllic River Thames and with a short commute to central London, Kingston is perfect for those wanting to live in the capital but without the stresses that accompany city life.

If you are interested in moving to Kingston upon Thames, then it is advisable to visit the area first to experience the Tudor beamed houses, local museums and royal parks which combine to make the town unique.

Summer is the perfect time to see Kingston and spend an afternoon sitting outside in the numerous restaurants, pubs, and cafes that are located at various spots on the bank of the Thames.

During the sunshine months, the River really makes Kingston upon Thames the place to be with plenty of walks on offer and annual highlights include the regatta where it is possible to visit numerous boats of interest.

Open spaces in the Kingston area include Richmond Park, Bushy Park, Wimbledon Common and for those who like to "spoil a good walk" in the words of Mark Twain there is always Hampton Court Golf Club.

Shopaholics can indulge in retail therapy in one of the many boutiques and high street chains while with excellent transport links the stores of Oxford Street are only a short journey away.

If you are worried that Kingston life might be too sedate for you, there is a high student population thanks to the nearby university that generates a youthful atmosphere and an excellent night life.

A thriving community spirit provides an environment that is great for families and with so many tourist destinations nearby the children will never complain about being bored.

Such family favourites include Kingston Museum which recreates the history of the area, while Chessington World of Adventures with its raft of roller coasters and amusements is not far from the town centre.

The main attraction is probably Henry VIII's superb country estate Hampton Court which comes complete with glorious gardens and a magnificent maze.