Not long ago offshore tax havens were buzzing with activity for high net worth individuals around the world.
Next came the US and EU who were intend on capturing evaders. The UBS case in the United States was a marked turning point for the war on global tax.
The most recent beneficiary country to succumb to international pressure is Luxembourg who will now share banking details of accounts to foreign governments.
While terrorism is often a key striking point along with money laundering, the crux of the matter is the continued global financial malaise has nearly every country trying to balance their budgets.
In a bid to stimulate its stressed economy, Greece is offering real estate buyers residence visas.
The new law which has been approved by parliament allows purchasers from outside the EU with a long term residence program.
To quality buyers much purchase or rent a property over 250,000 euros.
Residence permits are valid for five years and renewable though do not allow direct work in the country.
Next up Cyprus?
Hotel branded residences clearly at real estate buyers new object's of desire.
Over the border in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur now has a strong pipeline of projects with names including Four Seasons, St Regis, Banyan Tree and Ritz-Carlton.
Recent press reports in Malaysia's Star newspaper laid claim that two penthouse units at the Four Seasons Place commanded the highest ever per square meter residential pricing.
As the name game continues even non hotel brands are coming into play with iconic retailer Harrods branding an upcoming development.
Tucking back in my airline seat and trying not to get too up close and personal is not an easy task as I jet my way to Singapore.
Capturing my interest is a piece in the Philippine Star about the Austro-Hungarian architect Adolf Loos who was an early mover and shake of modernism.
One of his early influences was Greek cubic architecture in the early 1900's.
His stripped down philosophy and battle against all that glitters, is gold and ornamental were spelled out in an assay titled "Ornament and Crime."
Overall he lived a lift ruled by the magnetic attraction of "function" over form, and worked towards an organic end game.
While the US government continues intent on hunting down it's citizen's engaged in taxation avoidance, an emerging loophole is close to home in Puerto Rico.
According to an article in the New York Times, while Puerto Rico is part of the commonwealth of the US, it's not treated the same as the fifty states.
Except for those employed by the US government there is no federal income tax. Residency comes easy with only 183 days each year, that need to be spent there.
Other incentives included a lowering of tax on interest and none on dividends. Capital gains tax has also been reduced from 10% to nil.
Reading on in the article on of the key benefactors of the move is the island's real estate business which is seeing brisk business from wealthy US citizens looking not only for a but of sun but a way to retain their savings.
The global real estate industry is buzzing of an ultra luxury penthouse which may fetch a record price of US$386 million.
Set in Monaco the Odeon Tower which is being developed like luxury on steroids is anticipating a gold rush once the property is put to market on completion.
Interior designer is famed Alberto Pinto Agency which specializes in the opulent side of the property sector.
Uber credit agency Fitch Ratings recent upgrade of the Philippines has been a huge moral victory for the often-overlooked South East Asian nation.
Under President Benigno Aquino the country has managed to provide an economic uplift of large scale proportion.
What is important is the rating list provides a platform for wider foreign investment given many funds only place money in countries who have this standing
As in all of Asia's countries though, watch is on currency appreciation driven by a flood of inflowing money and a battle over keeping inflation at bay.
The developer of the ACG Phuket Cricket Ground in Thalang Alan Cooke is looking for a property developer for an adjoining piece of land fronting onto the sporting complex.
A four rai plot is available with the playing area in the foreground, lake in the midground, and mountain view backdrop, ideal for a small condominium or villa complex.
For those not familiar with the ACG, it's a well established venue for island events and draws a strong local and regional crowd.
Any interested parties on the vacant development land parcel can contact Alan by email [email protected]
Newly formed Phuket legal firm Hughes Krupica have expanded their services to include arbitration with leading specialist Victor Smith joining as an advisor.
Smith who teaches dispute resolution at Thammasat University is well known both on the island and throughout Thailand as an experienced real estate and property arbitrator.
His credentials include a background as a chartered quantity surveyor, and has 22 years experience in the afield of arbitration in the country
