Stepanovich Blog

Set right on the mouth of the River Wear next to a beautiful coastline and surrounded by easily accessible countryside.

Sunderland is a city with a difference – a modern, bustling centre that is balanced with a relaxing green environment, stunning coastal scenery and a refreshing attitude to life. Citypadz provide a number of apartments to rent in Sunderland, and are one of the premier Sunderland letting agents.

Shopping
The retail heart of the city is focused around The Bridges Shopping Centre, where over 100 top name high street stores jostle for position along the bright and airy walkways. New investment is bringing life back into the fine Victorian streets of the city centre, where independent shops and boutiques offer everything from designer labels to trendy interiors. Eye-catching pieces of jewellery, glassware and ceramics are also a Sunderland speciality, with craft and gift shops at the museums and galleries featuring the works of up and coming designer-makers and many Sunderland renting agents.

Heritage and culture
The Sunniside Cultural Quarter in Sunderland city centre situated mid-way between the River Wear and the Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens is home to a host of top cultural Sunderland arts centres including the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Arts and The Place, a cutting edge new arts and business centre with art exhibitions.

On the northern banks of the River Wear you will find the spectacular Sunderland Stadium of Light football stadium, St Peter’s historic church, one of the oldest churches in Britain, and the National Glass Centre.

The city’s Empire Theatre is also the only theatre between Leeds and Edinburgh large enough to host major West End shows. Opened in 1907, it boasts splendid examples of Edwardian architecture.

Sports and leisure
Sunderland’s green spaces and magnificent coastline also make an ideal stage for a number of exhilarating outdoor festivals and events. From the adrenaline rush of the Red Arrows at the Sunderland International Airshow and the world’s best kite flyers at the Sunderland International Friendship Festival, to traditional ox roasting and fireworks at Houghton Feast, there is always something going on in Sunderland to suit all tastes.

For the energetic types, the Sunderland Wall and Silksworth Sports Complex offer climbing, skiing and snowboarding while Adventure Sunderland and the North East Diving Academy, both located on the beautiful coastline of Roker, boasts facilities for windsurfers, kayakers and divers.

Eating out and nightlife
Sunderland is a city that knows how to enjoy itself, and with a host of new bars and restaurants opening to join the established favourites there is no shortage of places to have a good time. Sunderland city centre features an array of contemporary and traditional bars, clubs and pubs.

The new underground music scene, which has recently evolved in Sunderland, has been voted the best by NME. Various venues throughout the Sunderland city play host to regular live music nights, featuring up and coming talent of the city.

High Bracken Lodges provide the ideal place to own a second home or holiday home in Cumbria - the Lake District. High Bracken Hall is a working farm set in the picturesque South Lakes. It truly is a gateway to the Lake District National Park, the Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful Cumbrian Coast. Access couldn’t be easier with the M6 just 5 minutes away.

This exclusive development of Lake District lodges for sale offers you a tranquil retreat with nature and luxury sitting side by side. Each of the log cabins for sale in Cumbria is finished to the highest standards, ideal for comfort. It is the perfect holiday base to get out and enjoy the many wonders of the English Lakes.

Whether it is relaxing, getting back to nature, outdoor pursuits or sight seeing, High Bracken Lodges provide ideal Lake District holiday homes for sale. The farm boasts fantastic open views of the fells, with walks through bluebell woods and a river to splash your wellies in.

The seasons bring many changes on the farm from new lambs in Spring, to the Summer grass mowing, right through to Winter cattle feeding, find out all the latest with the news and pictures on The Farm page.

The Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales are filled with things to do and it is all on your doorstep here, the local tourist board site has lots of information.

If it’s shopping, restaurants or culture you want then these lodges lie just a short distance from Kirkby Lonsdale with its boutique shops, delis and pubs or the historic market town of Kendal.

For more information and to arrange a viewing please call Eileen or Stephen on 015395 67219. We have regular open days and are open for viewing every weekend 12 - 4pm. We look forward to hearing from you.

Open for viewing every weekend 12 - 4pm.

Back in 2003 Devon was voted as the best place to live in England.  Whilst this is great news for Devon there are a couple of down sides. Firstly, there is a shortage of properties available for sale and secondly, house prices in Devon have soared with the increases being among the highest in the country.

For those interested in buying either Devon holiday homes, or second homes in Devon, but are struggling to find available properties within their budget, then an alternative would be to consider luxury lodge. There are a lot of advantages to choosing Devon lodges including the affordable price tag, the high quality finish and luxury furnishings.
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This stretch of coast was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in 1959. The North Devon AONB is an area totalling 171 square kilometres, from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border to Combe Martin. The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status means the area is nationally protected for the beauty of its landscape. The coastal landscape around Combe Martin is some of the best in the UK. From Combe Martin, the Hangman Cliffs can be seen made up of two cliffs Little Hangman and Great Hangman. Great Hangman is the highest cliff in southern Britain at a height of 328 meters above sea level. The South West Coastal Path runs right through the AONB and Combe Martin. This path is the longest in Britain at 613 miles starting at Minehead in Somerset and finishing at Bude in Cornwall. Although walking the whole path is out of the question for the majority of visitors to Devon, walking any part of it around the Combe Martin area is a must.

Combe Martin has grown in its visitor numbers and now has a large caravan site along with the ability to purchase Devon holiday homes on site. These Devon holiday lodges are growing in popularity. The Devon lodges can be found with two to four bedrooms so they are perfect for families with plenty of room to store surf boards and bikes. The location of Combe Martin is great for tranquillity but then Woolacombe and Croyde are only a short drive away for the surfing and younger crowds. Woolacombe and Croyde both hold a Blue Flag status for their beaches and surfing is in abundance.

Pre-owned modular buildings have been recognised by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as being extremely environmentally friendly compared with an equivalent new manufactured building.

The reason for this is that the embodied energy required to manufacture a modular building is transportable as the embodied energy is locked within the fabric of the building. Therefore the energy contained within pre-owned modular buildings can be transported and relocated to another site. In traditional buildings this is largely lost when they are no longer required and demolished, even when the materials are re-cycled. However, with modular and portable buildings the embodied energy can be relocated along with the modules to another site.

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Dubai continues to grow despite the recent world economic crisis. The opening of the 1.5 billion dollar Atlantis, the Palm Hotel let the whole world know Dubai is not letting these tough times effect them.

The economy in Dubai is staggering. In 2007 GDP was registered at 54.3 billion US dollars and over the past 7 years, the economic growth was 18% Compounded Annual Growth Rate. Amazingly, the tourism, real estate and finance sectors are taking over as the main economic areas which used to be oil.

Growth of the population is detrimental to the growth of the economy. Between 2003 and 2007, the population created an 8% Compounded Annual Growth Rate which is sure to be logged down as higher as there are now an estimated 1.6 billion inhabitants in Dubai. This is predicted to increase to 2.2 billion by the year 2010. The Dubai property boom is going to be required with an increase in population such as that although it has been said that this should be capped to avoid saturation which is all too common in a situation like this.
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Appreciation of Dubai properties grew rapidly between 2004 and 2006 due to the government deciding to change from the trade based economy to a services and tourism based economy. This had led to huge and groundbreaking skyscrapers so synonymous with Dubai today. Dubai property is so innovative. They have the tallest building in the world that is used solely as a hotel, the Burj Al Arab. This crown is soon to be taken from this iconic building with the completion of The Rose Tower. This tower was completed in 2007 but is yet to open as a hotel. Vying for the tallest building in the world is being undertaken by a number of developments which are still in construction and due to be completed around 2009. Approximately 50km away is a proposed 200 storey tower with a projected height on 1,200 metres!
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Popular with a broad clientele, this stretch of coast was designated an Area of Outstanding Natural beauty in 1959. Compromising of a total of 171 square kilometres, the North Devon AONB spans from Marsland Mouth on the Cornish border to Combe Martin and the edge of the Exmoor National Park.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status means the area is nationally protected for the beauty of its landscape. It is made up of several distinct landscape types, each with its own special habitats and geology, including the most vulnerable and beautiful parts of the UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve centred around the village of Braunton and its estuary.

Due to the fantastic beaches, plentiful attractions and distinct landscape, Devon holiday homes are a popular choice. Excellent transport links mean travelling to North Devon is quick and easy. The M5 motorway takes you right down to the junction with the main link road, the A361 leading to Barnstaple and then even Exeter airport is only 40 miles away.

The area hosts a wide variety of gardens and houses, family attractions, theatres and leisure facilities. Sea and coarse fishing are accessible nearby and there are three top golf courses including two championship courses at Saunton. For golfers, second homes in Devon are the ideal choice. Holiday Lodges in Devon will provide much welcomed relaxing accommodation after a hard round of golf but with the space to store golf clubs and other kit.

Many people are fascinated and often puzzled at the thought of life in Dubai. From looking at the images of the architecture of the spectacular buildings and the length the developers in Dubai go to achieve them, it really is beyond belief.

One such ground breaking example is the Ski Dubai, 400 metre indoor ski slope constructed at a cost of 272 million US dollars. The artificial ski slope holds over 6000 tonnes of artificial snow which is made through revolutionary methods. Due to the amount of sunshine, Dubai is becoming a centre for sports. Dubai Sports City is growing by the day with high profile developments within it such an Ernie Els designed golf championship golf course called,”The Els Club”. Launched in January 2008, the course was opened by the creator and golfer himself, Ernie Els, ranked 5th in the world and the former Open and US Open champion. “The Els Club” was the first completed venue at Dubai Sports City and also the first in The Els Club brand in the world. This course has then led to residential developments being built with the focus on golf with many properties having views of the golf course. Further major sports choosing Dubai for large tournaments if Cricket. The ICC will be moving their headquarters to Dubai with planned projects such as a global cricket academy at an expected cost of 25 million US dollars.

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Dubai is a fast growing country and fast becoming known all over the world for investment property. The following FAQ’s should answer the key questions about purchasing property in Dubai.

Can I purchase a property in Dubai?
Anyone can purchase a property in Dubai. In 2002 H.H. General Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and U.A.E Defence Minister, announced freehold ownership was now available to all nationalities Worldwide. 

Can I get residency in Dubai if I purchase a Dubai property?
Freehold property owners in Dubai and their family have the right to apply for a resident visa in accordance with the latest immigration regulations. 

What extra fees do I have to pay on top of the purchase price ie, tax?
There are no property taxes to pay in Dubai as Dubai is a tax free country. Therefore the price you see on a pricelist is the total property price for new Dubai property. 

How do I pay for a Dubai Property?
All Dubai Properties are purchased in UAE Dirhams, at Find Me A Property In Dubai we will assist you in this process. We advise you open an account with a foreign exchange company, this way you secure the best possible exchange rate. 

Can I get finance in Dubai to purchase Dubai Property?
Yes. Finance is available from 50% up to 70% for non residents. However this process and application is specific to each individual development. Speak to a member of our team for more information concerning finance for Dubai properties. 

What is the weather like in Dubai?
Dubai enjoys all year round sunshine!

Here are some key facts relating to the purchase of investment property in Dubai outlining the distinct advantages in investing in this high growth area.

Capital Appreciation
Dubai properties have risen by more than 20% in the past 2 years – Dubai property is still set to see estimated growth in excess of 12% per annum

Tax Free
No Capital Gains Tax, No Income Tax or Inheritance Tax

Dubai Property Prices
Dubai properties are still far cheaper than most major cities – if you could invest in London Docklands 10 years ago would you? Yes

Demand vs Supply
85,000 Dubai Properties are being built per year – 52,000 Residency permits are applied for every month! The supply of Dubai properties is not expected to meet the demand for years to come.

Dubai property Rental Rates
Rental rates in Dubai have increased vastly year on year with increases between 20% - 40% in the last 2 years alone

Attractive Exchange Rate
The UAE Dirham is pegged to the US Dollar

Dubai’s Business District
Dubai is the business hub of the Middle East, with a 24 hour stock exchange and Business Bay under way, Dubai’s Manhattan! Offering prime commercial & residential investment opportunities. And then to top it off of course, year round sunshine and a cosmopolitan lifestyle with an array of entertainment options to suit every taste.

In an area of outstanding natural beauty, a mile from the nearest main road, down its own private drive; Stowford Country Holidays enjoys an unrivalled setting amidst the diverse and spectacular scenery of North Devon.

Already established at the very top of industry standards for touring facilities, Stowford can now offer you the opportunity to buy holiday lodges in Devon. These luxury timber holiday homes for sale in Devon are ideally located in a tranquil countryside surrounding.The location of these Devon holiday lodges is so idyllic that in the 1300’s an early farm settlement flourished in this precise area. Doubtless they appreciated the sheltered position, south facing aspect and the outstanding countryside views. Now, seven centuries later, the beauty that attracted them to this area can be enjoyed by a new generation of visitor.