Is it possible to make money in today's market? Article Published: 23:32 12/11/2008 Article Classification: Bahrain
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With the issues in our economy and property markets, it's easy to feel pessimistic about losing money, the problem is that whilst you're focussing on not losing money, then you're not focussing on making money.

Richard Brady says "There has never been a better buyers' market for property" He goes on to say "...property developers are keener than ever to get investment in the current credit-dry market place, this works to the investors' advantage. If you are a cash buyer now, you can get discounts that would have been unthinkable 12 months ago"

But you still need to be savvy about where you buy according to Brady. "The problem is that with all of the available discounts and deals, people are focussing on price; the price is of course important, but the most important things when buying for investment purposes is how do you rent? or how do you exit?"

Brady believes that a great area for investment currently is Bahrain. "Property prices are booming and have still got some way to go before they are close to Dubai prices. Unlike Dubai however, Bahrain is an island, so supply and demand is a key factor. This is one of the main reasons that rental yeilds are also high; 10% or more is not unusual".

Olive Tree have had to change their focus over the past six months or so, to meet the changing market demands. "We have focussed more on completed or close to completion developments, rather than purely off plan" said Director Gary Tarleton "People have been looking for lower risk propositions" he added. The concept of developments that give a guaranteed rental return, is also something the the team at Olive Tree have looked to provide. "We have guaranteed rents on developments in France, Margarita and Portugal, as more and more people were looking for that added security" said Tarleton.

How do Olive Tree provide exit planning for clients? David Rist the company's Sales Director and qualified independent financial advisor said "We have a number of schemes with planned exit routes, but our most popular by far has been our Private Equity 'Kalamon Fund'. Not only does this have a defined date for the return of investment, but it is also available for clients with pension funds rather than cash to invest".

Olive Tree offer property investments from £15,000, with property deals for clients with pension funds; those looking for guaranteed returns or defined exit routes.