Fractional Ownership in South Africa – Consumers Defining Market

The fractional ownership market in South Africa is being driven by consumer demands, not by the promoters, and the projects that will emerge victorious will be those that cater for what consumers are looking for. So says co-founder of fractionalownership.co.za and member of the South African Association of Fractional Intermediaries (SAAFI) Working Committee, Dirk Wilson.

see the full blog here

Neil

Fractional Ownership News

Yachtplus to Launch First Superyacht

YachtPlus, one of the worlds’ most exclusive fractional ownership companies, has announced that it will be launching its first superyacht this September at the Monaco Yacht Show.

Formed in 2005 by a group of financial investors, YachtPlus is rapidly becoming the market leader in fractional ownership and this year will introduce one of the most spectacular and exceptionally beautiful contemporary yachts to the market. Named YachtPlus 1 this floating masterpiece was designed by internationally renowned architect Norman Foster and will be the first of 10 identical superyachts to be built over the next three years at the Rodriquez Cantieri Navali yard at La Spezia, Italy.

See full story…. superyachttimes

Neil

Fractional ownership News

Mayan Riviera With Children

Anyone who has traveled with children will know that it is vital to the success of a holiday/vacation to keep them happy. Avoiding the dreaded words “I’m bored” and keeping them safe are key to a successful trip with children. Fortunately a trip to the Mayan Riviera is ideal and has plenty to keep the kids happy.

Swimming and Snorkeling

Most children will happily spend all day messing about in the water, and in the Mayan Riviera you are really spoiled for choice. There are beautiful beaches with safe warm ocean water. There are easily accessible reefs and lagoons full of interesting brightly colored fish. Then there are the cenotes, deep natural pools of clear water which are ideal for swimming. Of course in addition to all of this, there is whatever pool facilities your hotel/resort has on offer.

Sights of Special Interest to Children

The ancient Mayan ruins are exactly the sort of historical site that appeals to children. More Indian Jones than 1066 they have an air of mystery that will appeal (as long as you don’t spend TOO long educating them on Mayan history!). One advantage of the Mayan ruins is that none are too far from the Mayan Riviera itself (children hate car journeys to see far-off sites that drag them away from the beach and pool).

There are also the unique “eco-archeological” theme parks, Xcaret and Xel-ha.

There are a range of other water-sports on the Mayan Riviera, including Kayaking and sailing for your kids to try out.

Safe and Healthy

When traveling to the Mayan Riviera with children keep in mind the strength of the sun. If you are coming from Northern Europe or North America then the power of the Caribbean sun will come as a shock. Use plenty of a high-factor sunblock and apply it frequently throughout the day. Keep them covered up and wearing a sun hat whenever possible, including wearing a t-shirt or similar when in the water.

For more information click Mayan Riveria

Why not take a look at a fractional ownership opportunity on the Mayan Riviera.

Parishomeshares.net Defies the Credit Crunch

Following interest sparked by an article in the New York Times fractional developer Parishomeshares.net has sold out 1 of it’s 2 fractional developments in Paris.  The remaining one has only a couple of fractions left, see details – Chez la Tour

It demonstrates that properly structured and sensibly priced fractionals can prosper even in the current uncertain economic climate.

We wait to see details of their next project!

Neil

Fractional Ownership News

Mayan Riviera – Where is it?

The Mayan Riviera is part of the Mexican Caribbean. It is on the Yucatan Peninsula which is at the extreme eastern side of Mexico facing the warm blue Caribbean sea. The base of the Yucatan Peninsular borders Belize and Guatemala.

On the Yucatan the Mayan Riviera runs from Cancun in the North to the Mayan site of Tulum in the South. The whole coast is a Caribbean paradise of white-sand beaches and warm seas.

Resorts along the coast vary from the bustling (Play Del Carmen) to the tranquil (Soliman and Tankah) to the simply unique (Tulum with its ancient Mayan ruins).

Historically this area was a vital commercial and religious center for the ancient Mayans, and there are lots of archaeological sites to explore, such as Tulum, Coba and Muyil. For hundreds of years, the area was hard to visit due to the poor roads. The area was developed as a tourist destination as an alternative to the mega-resort area of Cancun.

Most visitors to the Mayan Riviera will arrive at Cancun international airport. This is well served by daily flights from major cities in North America and Europe. Driving to your resort on the Mayan Riviera will take between 45 minutes and 2 hours. For more information see Mayan Riveria

Why not take a look at a fractional ownership opportunity on the Mayan Riviera or our fractional ownership homepage.

Mayan Riviera Mexico – Where to Stay

The whole of the Mayan Riviera is a caribbean paradise with beautiful white-sand beaches and the warm sea. These are the major resorts along the Mayan Riviera:

Pto Morelos

Small ex-fishing town that retains more of its original character than someother Mayan Riviera resorts. Closest of all resorts to Cancun international airport at the extreme Northern end of the Mayan Riviera. A good selection of restaurants and shops. The great Maya reef is located 500 m off the shore. This reef is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling.

Playa del Carmen

A fast-growing resort with all the facilities and types of accomodation you could need. Attracts an international mix of travelers looking to enjoy the many excellent restaurants and leisure facilities in a beautiful setting on the Carribean. This is the place to come if you want your Caribbean experience combined with many shops, bars, and restaurants. The beaches are still wonderful.

Pto Aventuras

A luxury gated community with fabulous beaches and restaurants. Home to the only marina on the Mayan Riviera and a centre for sport fishing. It is a more peaceful alternative to Playa Del Carmen since it does not have the same number of bars etc.

Akumal

A stunningly beautiful Carribean resort which has been developed in a style that is sympathetic to the local environment. A real jem! Very popular as a centre for diving and snorkeling.

Soliman and Tankah

Great for snorkeling and kayaking – this is the place to go for ultimate relaxation in a low-key resort.

Tulum

If you want you Mayan ruins within easy reach of the sea this is the place for you! Take in some Mayan culture and then hit the beatiful beach. This is a better bet than some of the more developed resorts of you are looking for cheap accomodation.

Cozumel Island

Cozumel has stunning snorkeling on a number of different coral reefs. The diving is also superb. The water clarity is very good and there is deep water close to shore. This means that often you will be able to see the larger fish that do not venture into shallow water. With many shore-side facilities this would be the ideal place for a family with a keen diver/snorkeler. They can admire the coral and you can hit the shops and restaurants!

Click Mayan Riveria for more information.

Why not take a look at a fractional ownership opportunity on the Mayan Riviera or our fractional ownership homepage.

Mayan Riviera – Why is it so Popular?

Mayan Riviera – Costs and Atmosphere

For visitors from North America, the Mayan Riviera is a more laid back alternative to Florida. It is also cheaper to visit than either Florida or the Caribbean islands such as Barbados or Jamaica.

For visitors from continental Europe or the UK there is the added attraction of the current favourable exchange rate. This can make travelling to the Mayan Riviera a more cost-effective option than visiting Southern Europe over a two-week stay.

Mayan Riviera Ancient Sites

Few tropical destinations have the benefit of the fascinating ancient sites on the Mayan Riviera. At Tulum in the South the ruins are actually right on the coast, so you can admire them from your sunlounger! Other sites of note (all possible in a day) are Coba, Chichen Itza, and, Xel Ha.

Diving, Snorkelling and Watersports

The Mayan Riviera is blessed with beautiful beaches, a sunny climate, and the stunning caribbean sea with all its opportunities for watersports and diving/snorkelling. The island of Cozumel is a real jem for diving enthusiasts

Beaches

Where does one even start to describe the beaches on the Mayan Riviera? Beautiful white sand beaches with warm ocean water. Warm breezes and your favourite cocktail served at your sunbed – now that’s what I call a holiday!

Activities and Theme Parks

If golf is your thing you are well catered for here. For the kids try Xel Ha or Xcaret which are two Eco-Theme parks that they will love. Shopping is fabulous with many bargains to be had.

Conclusion

The range of possibilities on a holiday/vacation to the Mayan Riviera is simply amazing. The climate and caribbean sea are beautiful, the people firiendly, and the cost reasonable – what are you waiting for?

Click Mayan Riveria for more information.

Why not take a look at a fractional ownership opportunity on the Mayan Riviera or our fractional ownership homepage.

Mayan Riviera Fractional Ownership

If you’re interested in the Mayan Riviera in Mexico and opportunities for fractional ownership then take a look at this Mayan Riviera fractional ownership opportunity. I have started doing some research on the Mayan Riviera – see Mayan Riviera Travel Information for more information.

Neil

Fractional Ownership News

Different Types of Fractional Ownership

Many companies market fractional schemes, but how can you tell whether they are truly fractional ownership? In this article the responsibilities and benefits of various types of fractional schemes are compared.

Definition of Fractional Ownership – What’s in a Word

If you think about it, the definition of fractional ownership is very simple: Fractional means that the asset (whether home or yacht or car) is split into fractions for the purposes of expenses, use, etc. Ownership means just what it says – the individuals who together form part of this fractional scheme actually own an interest in the asset and can benefit (or lose out) from changes in the asset’s value. When this definition is applied to the “fractional” marketplace that has developed, it excludes a large number of schemes that are marketed as fractionals. As ever in life a simple rigid definition is not sufficient to describe reality. In this article I compare types of fractional schemes against the two contrasting forms of traditional ownership – outright purchase and renting. These are at opposite ends of a spectrum of different ways to gain access to an asset. All types of fractional ownership (and also timeshare) fall somewhere between these extremes.

Features of Outright Ownership

If you own an asset outright you can use it whenever you want to, and this applies for as long as you own it. You are solely responsible for maintenance. You are entitles to profit from any gains in the asset’s value and can dispose of it at any time.

Individual or Developer-led Fractional Ownership

These forms are very similar to each other, the only difference being that in developer-led schemes there tends to be a premium to the underlying asset cost (to compensate the developer for additional legal and administrative work). The distinctive feature of these schemes over anything below is that the fraction owners actually own (either directly deeded or through a limited/incorporated company) their share of the asset.

In this form of ownership you have to compromise on your right to use the asset, this being decided by some form of rota or booking system. You are responsible for paying your share of any maintenance or service charges associated with the asset. You are entitled to a share of any increase in the value of the asset, but crucially you need to examine how this increase could be realized.

Ownership Clubs (Private Residence Clubs, Destination Clubs, Car Ownership Clubs etc.

In this category it is necessary to disregard the name and look at the fundamentals. Some schemes marketed as private residence clubs actually involve buying a deeded share of a property which would put them into the above category. Where they differ from simple developer/owner-led schemes is in the level (and cost) of the luxury/services provided.
In this category you have to share use of the asset through a booking/rota system. You also have to pay (often very high) service charges for the luxury facilities on offer. The key point for clubs that involve homes is to investigate the legal ownership arrangement, and your rights to profit from any increase in value. This aspect is not so important for other asset classes, since one is not expecting them to increase in value. Some clubs offer a simple money-back arrangement, either complete or a percentage. This does at least separate them from timeshare, but does mean that someone is getting to keep any investment gains that are made with your money!

Timeshare

Timeshare is in effect paying up-front for the rental of a property for a number of years for a specified period of time (typically a specific week each year). No ownership rights are given to the timeshare owner. The timeshare carries a (sometimes very high) annual fee that can wipe out any benefits of owning the timeshare. You have no flexibility as to when you can use the property (unless you swap with another timeshare owner) but you do have assured access to the property for the week that you have purchased.

Rental

This is at the opposite end of the property spectrum to ownership. You have no ownership rights or maintenance costs. There is no assurance that if you like the property you will be able to stay in it again next year. You don’t have to pay any maintenance fees.

Conclusion

Do your homework if thinking about purchasing from a “fractional” scheme. Just because the company says it is fractional or isn’t timeshare doesn’t mean anything. You need to find out the fundamentals of:

Right to Use
Responsibilities for fees (and how can these be increased)
Rights to investment returns
Exit strategy

Take a look at another article on fractional ownership or return to Fractional Ownership News homepage.

Why Consider Fractional Ownership of Property/Real Estate

Fractional ownership of property is a popular trend, but why is this? What are the advantages of owning property in this way? This article considers the aspects of purchase cost, size, location, and maintenance.

Reduced Cost

If you are considering buying a property then the financial commitment can seem daunting. If you could reduce the cost of purchasing your dream home by a factor of 10 that would make it much more manageable. With careful planning and selection of your fellow fraction owners it is possible to share the cost of purchasing without having to compromise on the weeks that you spend at your fractional property (most second home owners only stay 4-6 weeks in a year).

A Bigger/More Luxurious Home or a Better Location

If you’re lucky you have the budget to buy your own property outright, but just consider how much more you could get if you multiplied your budget by 4 or 10 times! Perhaps your own budget would buy a property near the sea, but by using a fractional scheme you might be able to afford a beach-side property!

Reduced Maintenance Worries

The dream of holiday property ownership is often spoiled by concerns over maintenance. It’s one thing to have your idyllic holiday home in the West Country or France but not so much fun if you have to spend the first day of you hard-earned holiday cleaning! By splitting the cost with your fellow fraction owners it becomes more affordable to have the property maintained and repaired by a professional company.

Diversify Your Holiday Property Portfolio!

You may be in the excellent position of being able to buy and maintain 1 holiday home. How much more fun would it be to use this money to buy fractions in 10 holiday homes around the country (or the world). How good would photos of all of your holiday homes look on your wall!

Conclusion

If you accept the fact that you will only use your property for a few weeks each year it seems hard to argue with the advantages of true fractional ownership of property. Buying property in this way could make it more affordable, bigger, in a better location, or allow you to have more than one property! Just make sure you check out any deal that you are interested in to make sure that it isn’t timeshare in disguise!

Take a look at another article on fractional ownership or return to Fractional Ownership News homepage.