Tuesday, August 31, 2010 - 07:48
If you'll excuse the pun, the links between golf and fractional property are getting stronger, as the synergy between the two becomes better known. Developers are increasingly adding a golf element to their fractional schemes, and for some it is the main focus of the resort.
One of the most popular reasons for entering into fractional owner- ship is to pursue a particular type of sport,and nowhere does this hold more true than with golf. yooPhuket in Thailand is one such example. Charlotte Rose Melsom of Absolute World, the resort's developer says: “Boutique resorts like yooPhuket are a lifestyle purchase including amenities. The Phuket destination was built because it is surrounded by three of the best golf courses in the world.” Owners will also have use of the golf courses, complete with choice of top of the range golf clubs.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010 - 11:12
The highlight of next year’s GNEX 2011 event will be the Perspective Magazine Awards Gala to be held in the Bahamas. Online voting for nominees opens October 1st 2010, closing December 31st 2010, and award finalists will be announced shortly thereafter.
The winners of each category will be honoured as the top in their industry and region and one will win the top accolade, the “Best in the World” award.
The Perspective Magazine Awards will run in conjunction with the four regional titles of the magazine: North America, Europe & Middle East, South Africa and Asia Pacific. Entrants will compete for "Best In Region" as voted by industry professionals. The top nominees will become Awards Finalists and will then go on to be judged by an exclusive panel.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010 - 09:17
Following the success of their fractional developments in some of the world’s most scenic locations – the Greek Island of Samos, Spain, Italy, France, Bulgaria, Cornwall and the Caribbean among them - fractional property agents Barrasford & Bird have just this week released 24 new apartments in a coastal setting in North Devon, now available to early birds.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010 - 14:06
The new ‘Timeshare Directive’ is to be implemented into national law across the European Union by 23 February 2011. Some countries have implemented the Directive already, notably France, others such as the UK and Finland, have recently issued draft proposals for new laws and several are consulting interested parties.
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 08:15
Stars from the world of entertainment and sport teed off for a 27-hole match at the world famous K Club in County Kildare recently during the Firstlight Challenge Cup.
Hosted by fractional ownership specialists Firstlight International the tournament marked the sales launch of Firstlight’s luxury homes set in the grounds of the five star K Club Hotel. The resort is one of Ireland’s most prestigious golf and spa venues and lies in a spectacular 550-acre setting.
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 08:59
Fractional property is making headlines again, this time in the House and Garden section of the Financial Times. In Saturday’s feature, property journalist Graham Norwood features some of the top British and American fractional property and luxury vacation club developers, including Marriott Vacation Club, Barrasford & Bird and the very exclusive fractional lifestyle specialists, the Hideaways Club.
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 09:56
Increasingly, developers are offering prospective buyers “Try before you buy” deals which are are a useful sales tool, allowing customers to get the feel of a resort in a way which presentations and visuals just can't deliver.
At Frontenac Shores on Lake Mississagagon in Ontario's Land O'Lakes region, developer Pat Storm offers his buyers Discovery Stays.
"They become reacquainted with nature, and I think it's important to experience it rather than just coming up to look. And being right on the water, just the views - when you're sitting over dinner, cooking breakfast or having breakfast on the porch, you can experience that so much more when you're here doing it rather than just imagining it," says Storm.
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 10:09
One the key benefits of a fractional vacation home is it offers buyers great experiences, without the hassle of maintenance. It is an aspirational purchase, and as such it makes sense to form mutually beneficial partnerships with other compatible brands and services who can enhance the experience of your customers while they are staying in-resort.
For example, New Mexico private residence club The Residence Club at El Corazon de Santa Fe has recently added to its partnership programme, offering its fractional ownership customers the benefits of tie-ups with some of Santa Fe’s best restaurants, wine merchants, golf courses, art galleries, and spas.
Monday, June 7, 2010 - 11:21
Interval International’s latest survey of its US members reveals almost a third of timeshare owners are thinking about upgrading or increasing their vacation ownership in the future.
Fractional properties appeal to different buyers for different reasons. From entry level shares for a few weeks’ ownership a year for under £10,000, to quarter shares in five star converted-castle- in-Tuscany style residences, there’s a fractional to suit most pockets.
Before a buyer commits, understanding fractional ownership can be a new lesson for even the fairly seasoned overseas property buyer – it’s a sophisticated product, quite a simple concept, and ultimately a very unique model of home ownership -- so familiarity with this model is important.
Monday, June 7, 2010 - 11:27
New trends for fractional ownership are on the horizon, according to one latest report.
As the world economy fluctuates, so do trends. Consumers may buy because they need, rather than want, or look for comfort and value rather than high end luxury.
A recent report on the fractional industry by leading leisure real estate solutions specialists Northcourse shows certain trends are gaining momentum as consumer desires change. The report, which focuses on the US and Caribbean markets, highlights important factors that can contribute to the success of a fractional development.
Monday, May 10, 2010 - 10:23
The new way to own a second home, fractional ownership is now taking off in Europe, following its success in the States as buyers discover the benefits of buying a slice of paradise at a fraction of the price.
This guide to fractional properties is a good place to start.
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 23:42
Selling vacation property is changing fast – as buyers become increasingly web savvy, developers and agents who don't get to grips with new media are likely to get left behind. The days of reaching buyers mainly through print media – both in terms of advertising and editorial – are now long gone, and it is the web, in all its myriad forms which is the starting point for the potential buyer as he or she starts their research. George Sell from FractionalLife.com looks at the options.
Monday, March 22, 2010 - 23:46
Fractional property is in an ideal position to capitalise on the rise of the transumer. Never heard of the transumer? Trendwatching.com describes them as “consumers driven by experiences instead of the ‘fixed’, by entertainment, by discovery, by fighting boredom, who increasingly live a transient lifestyle, freeing themselves from the hassles of permanent ownership and possessions. The fixed is replaced by an obsession with the here and now, an ever-shorter satisfaction span, and a lust to collect as many experiences and stories as possible.” George Sell from FractionalLife.com reports.
Monday, March 8, 2010 - 14:58
Last month international delegates flew to London to debate the future of fractional ownership at the Fractional Summit 2010. With consumer interest surging and media coverage now building, will fractionals become “the norm” in the next ten years?
This year's conference theme was “Changing Times, Changing Markets”. The sold-out Summit, hosted by Fractional Life founder Piers Brown www.fractionallife.com provided a lively forum for developers, agents and advisors to share their views on how the fractional industry is shaping up - and how companies must adapt to consumers' changing buying habits in the current economy. Guests from the UK, US, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and Italy packed the room and leading San Francisco-based fractional property analyst Dr. Richard Ragatz was one of the main speakers. Fiona Klonarides went along . . .
Friday, February 19, 2010 - 10:15
Interval International, a leading global provider of vacation services and an operating segment of Interval Leisure Group (Nasdaq:IILG), welcomes Firstlight The K Club in Ireland to its exchange network. On the grounds of The K Club Golf and Spa Resort in the beautiful County Kildare countryside 22 miles (35 km) from Dublin, Firstlight The K Club owners will benefit from full family membership of the K Club, including its two championship golf courses, venue of the 2006 Ryder Cup and host to the European Open from 1995 to 2007. The resort’s 550 acres (223 hectares) of parkland are laced with walking and cycling paths and also include a luxury AA Five Red Star hotel, country club amenities, and full service spa.
Thursday, February 18, 2010 - 10:47
FractionalExchange.com has announced that the Teton Club of Jackson Hole, Wyoming has selected FractionalExchange.com for its member to member exchange requirements.” The Teton Club joins Rocky Mountain resorts The Hemingways, The Deer Valley Club and Vail Mountain Lodge in affiliating with FractionalExchange.com.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010 - 21:31
Seasons Holidays has been celebrating a "first" on the fractional sales front. Every one of the 43 freehold fractional properties at its Forest Hills resort – set in a spectacular location overlooking the Estepona coastline just west of Marbella - has sold out in record time, and reportedly the first European fractional offering to sell out 100%. Split into 1/8th fractions, the one and two bed apartment shares were priced between £26,000 to £40,000. Fiona Klonarides reports.
Monday, February 8, 2010 - 11:47
Experts predict that fractional property sales will outperform traditional second home sales in five to ten years time. As the trend continues, holiday home buyers are quickly discovering a new way to buy a villa in Vilamoura with all the luxuries of resort living, but without the daunting price tag.
Monday, January 25, 2010 - 10:10
Timeshare industry professionals will most likely be interested to hear who has made the cut for the Fractional Life Awards judging panel.
Four experts from the fractional sector have been chosen, including Philip Bacon, managing director (MD) of Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia at HVS Shared Ownership Services.
Monday, January 25, 2010 - 10:20
Fractional Summit USA has been launched and will take place at the InterContinental Hotel, Miami, from August 31st to September 1st this year.
Organisers, Fractional Life, said that the event will hope to attract some of the sharpest minds in the fractional real estate market and will discuss the future of the industry.
Monday, January 25, 2010 - 10:15
Whisky brand Johnnie Walker has been announced as supporting partner for the Fractional Summit 2010, which will take place at the London Marriott, Grosvenor Square next month.
Those interested in the fractional industry, as well as timeshare, can head to the event and will now be able enjoy an exclusive networking cocktail reception followed by "a journey of taste" hosted by Johnnie Walker on February 18th.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 11:29
If a star of Dragon's Den says they are in, then fractional ownership has got to be a worthwhile investment.
Businesswoman Sarah Newman, who features in the Irish version of the show for budding entrepreneurs, lives part-time at what she describes as the five-star K Club in County Kildare.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 10:29
Those looking for a sense of adventure on their travels should consider fractional ownership with Toy Box - a company that offers adrenaline lovers the chance to get the thrills they seek.
Based on the concept of timeshare toys, Toy Box has taken the best of fractional ownership options for jets, yachts and luxury cars and gives holidaymakers access to a large variety of toys, and the best areas on the west coast of America to use them.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 09:34
Law firms Irwin Mitchell and Sirkin & Associates have been named as sponsors of the upcoming Fractional Summit 2010.
According to Fractional Life, the two organisations have knowledge of the industry and Andy Sirkin of Sirkin & Associates was present at last year's event.
He said that he realised the excellent opportunity of sponsoring such a meeting - the biggest business-to-business fractional real estate conference in Europe.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 - 10:23
Mahindra Holidays and Resorts (MHRIL) is planning to launch a number of new concepts for consumers, including fractional ownership villas, it has been reported.
Other new services to be provided by the organisation will include a product for senior citizens with a focus on wellness therapies as well as a budget resort chain, the Economic Times has reported.
