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.

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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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!