This has been a dramatic year in the world of finance and while economists and bankers the world over are still untangling the financial mess, one of the first to fall was sub-prime mortgages in the US. With so many financial products linked to these, the sequence turned into a domino effect that led to financial instability in local authorities in the UK all the way up to whole countries suddenly strapped for cash.
Cash, it would appear, is king, and the burning questions in 2009 will be where and when will the reign of the returning king begin? It is probable that in the next year, great bargains will present themselves to the discerning investor and property will be no exception.
The second issue of Your Second Home, coming out with The Times tomorrow, will give readers an insight into a select few locations within a few hours flight from Malta.
Dubai is the focus of this issue and, while it has not been immune to the global financial changes, the publication goes in depth to look at various aspects of this beautiful city. From the photographic exhibition by Emirates Airlines to a feature on Dubai Internet City, Joanna Ripard explores the attractions of the city and the opportunities to invest in property there.
With the success of Your Second Home's first issue, the editor, Velislava Hillman, was invited to the official launch of (Frank Salt) Homes of Quality's Vepri project in Tuscany, Italy. The special feature, titled Under the Tuscan Sun, is a personal recollection of her experiences in the region and a close-up preview of the spectacular getaway houses built by Homes of Quality.
Mrs Hillman also visited the latest project Mr Salt is initiating under the Homes of Quality name situated in Catignano, Tuscany.
The magazine also looks at a much closer destination for investment opportunities: Gozo. Although much has been said about the neighbouring island, it is never enough to explore it, especially if one can opt for a small getaway place of one's own.
In this second issue, Your Second Home launches the first Foreign Property Expo, organised by SET Ltd, the publishing company of the quarterly publication. The event will be held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior on December 10.
Malta ranks as one of the most advanced countries in Europe in terms of ownership of at least one property, a spokesman for the publishers said, and this is in turn leading to an increased willingness by local investors to consider foreign property as an option. Hence, the strategic opportunity seen by SET Ltd to organise an exhibition of the best foreign or second-home options for investment offered by leading local developers.
The exhibition will be held in collaboration with Grand Hotel Excelsior and Camilleri Wines.
The second edition will include a section called Crème with some gift ideas for Christmas.
The next issue will focus on Cyprus, France, Montenegro and Slovakia.
For more information call 2131 4103 or send an e-mail to jsammut@set.com.mt.