Last update 28/06/09
Austrian economy to shrink by 4.3%
Austria’s economy will shrink 4.3 per cent this year, the Organisation
for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) predicted yesterday. The drop in gross domestic product (GDP) will be followed though by
a slow recovery next year and 2010 is expected to finish with a decline
of only 0.1 per cent in GDP, the organisation said.
OECD cited a significant fall in exports as the chief problem facing
the Austrian economy. The organisation also noted Austria had fared
better than many other Eurozone countries as the decline of its GDP
would be smaller than the Euro zone average.
For the complete article, check out our newsblogs on this page.
22/06/09
Hubbies now shun sex!!
Women have put men under so much
pressure for better sex they've now gone off it altogether, a new study of
bedroom habits has revealed.
Hapless husbands are now so terrified by
their partners' intimate knowledge of what turns them on they no longer know if
they're coming or going.
The study - by sexual science therapist
Professor Zbigniew Izdebski, in Poland - says one in three men is now too
frightened for sex.
And he blames women's magazines and websites for
turning women on to what really satisfies them.
"Men feel they are judged
by their women, who have been educated by magazines and know exactly how long
foreplay and everything that goes with it, should last," he explained.
"The whole methodology
of the women's climax is seen by men as something similar to a difficult
intelligence test and therefore best to avoid at all costs.
"Instead of enjoying the intercourse, men instead try
to remember the 'right' routine in case they get it wrong. The pressure to get it right emotinally and physically can become to much. Consequently, we see more and more modern men
'having headaches' to avoid sex," he added. Thanks to our colleagues at Austria news for this little ditty of news...we are waiting for the pendulum to swing the other way now!! Any comments from you men out there??
09/06/09
Sauerkrauts are best in bed!!
Sauerkraut lovers have plenty to
smile about after a British study found pickled cabbage was almost as good as
Viagra - and a fraction of the cost!
Croatian nutritionist Dr Lejla
Kazinic Kreho who has published a study on the best natural viagra. This was based on data
gathered by King's College London and stated "The knowledge collected at King's
College shows pickled cabbage is the best natural viagra.
"It may be hard
to believe that saurkraut is one of most powerful aphrodisiacs, but the British
data is conclusive." So, if you want to keep up with the pace, try Pickled cabbage...it isw not yet known if other pickled foods have the same effect?
Speaking to Croatian daily Vecernji List she said:
"I can only suggest all men try it. Eat cabbage twice a day and observe how your
sexual power increases."
For more Austria news - http://www.austriantimes.at/index.php?id=13806
2/06/09
Austria to keep border patrols
Vienna. Social Democratic (SPÖ) Chancellor Werner Faymann
called yesterday for an extension of the army’s border patrols beyond
their scheduled cancellation at the end of the year. Faymann called the
extension of such patrols in the country’s eastern regions one of three
anti-crime measures he would discuss with European Commission President
Jose Manuel Barroso in Brussels today. Read the complete story on our news blog on this page.
21/05/09
Austrian Ministers 2009 pay freeze!
 Vienna. Social
Democrat (SPÖ) Chancellor Werner Faymann said legislation would be
introduced stripping federal level politicians of a salary increase
this year. Faymann said around 900 people, including President Heinz
Fischer, would forego their July raises.
Such politicians were
to have received a salary increase of 3.2 per cent in July. Faymann
said the foregone raises would save around three million Euros, not
enough to balance the budget, but a symbolic contribution during a
recession. We felt this new snippet warranted some space, particularly with all the bad news about UK politicians!! You can read the full article in our News Blog on this page.
13/05/09
Shake the Lake!
The
yearly Jazz festival, 'Shake the Lake' kicks off next week on 20th May...and
already Wolfgangsee area is staring to buzz with tourist bookings up
considerably over last year! Proving the event is becoming one recognised on the world music circuit. So if you want to come visit and enjoy some of the best in Blues music and Jazz,, be quick as
accommodation is filling up fast!
For more info and details; Check out the website http://www.shakethelake.at
If you need accommodation have a look at our rental apartments page.
2/05/09
10th Shafberg run!
The race against the Schafberg cog wheel railway train takes place on the 17th May 2009. The run to the top of the
Schafberg Mountain is a real challenge, with the train taking 45 minutes...the run has been completed in 43 minutes...so it is possible to win!
Check out www.wolfgangsee.at
If you need accommodation have a look at our rental apartment page.
26/04/09
Austrian Teachers Strike!
The big news this past week has been the ongoing teachers dispute. Controversy kicked off in late February when Social Democrat (SPÖ)
Education Minister Claudia Schmied announced plans to have teachers
spend two hours more in the classroom per week while wages remained on
the same level. The minister is hoping to agree on a compromise solution that will
increase teachers’ weekly working time by one instead of by two hours,
it has been announced. If you would like more on this or any other news about Austria inj English, please click on our News Blog on this page..
21/04/09
Launch of Log homes range!
The new Log home range is now available and we shall be launching a new web page section especially for this distinctive range of homes. Unlike the Wooden chalet range that can be self built, this range is more complicated but suits the requests of many clients who prefer their home built for them. Check out our property section for more info and links to our supplier.
14/04/09
More British in Austria!
The numbers of bookings from British tourists have increased substantially for this coming summer. We have noticed a distinct increase in numbers, compared to last year!...so is this a sign of good times returning? That is difficult to say, as Austria has always been a popular winter destination for British tourists and many airlines are offering some great fare deals to Austria, but what we can say is that more British are booking self catering accommodation!
6/04/09
Free land in Austria!
The small village of Rappottenstein in Upper Austria free land to boost dwindling population.
The
small municipality of Rappottenstein is losing people -- currently
there are only 1,760. The population has been decreasing over the years and
everyone is worried that the village could die out!. The solution is simple: give anyone who wants to
live in Rappottenstein village a free land plot.
According to Kurier
newspaper report: free land, 800 and 900 square metres (8,611 to 9,687
square feet) is given to those who pledge to start a family, at least
one child in a decade. It is open to both singles and married couples.
Singles
also have to get married. Other conditions stipulate that the new
owners have to build a house on the plot in three years. If the
conditions are not fulfilled, the owners will have to pay 12,000 euros.
Rappottenstein is near the Czech borders if you want to take up the offer.
27/03/09
Easyjet special offers to Austria.
Easyjet have announced some great offers for their flights. From April you can get to Austria for just £14.99! So, now is the time to take a few days out, book that property viewing.....and of course enjoy some Springtime in Austria.. Well done Easyjet.
19/03/09
Austrian mortgage interest rates
Austrian mortgage rates have come down in the last few months and this has increased interest again in Austrian property. Many prospective buyers who had been waiting for a better Euro Sterling rate, have found that it can be just a good if not better to take an Austrian mortgage to fund their purchase. Speaking with other colleagues from all Austrian regions..the story is the same, when it comes to buyers. Many enquiries for property, but most people are concerned about the future and whether now is the right time. Is there ever a right time to buy property? Many people are just lucky and sell at the top of the market and get a good price...but they still have to buy something else that is equally at the top of the market. What we can say, is that Austria is a safe country to invest in as it does not have the booms and busts of some other housing markets. This is in part due to the incentive that the Government gives to investors...keep your property for ten years and when you sell, there is no Speculation tax...so in effect you can buy a property and know that in ten years if you sell, all the profit is yours!! Now, can someone please email Mr Brown??
9/03/09
Interest in Austrian land grows
Interest in land and investment property here in Austria has grown quite considerable over the past few months. Whether this is a reaction to the Sterling Euro exchange rate or the low interest rate being paid on UK deposits remains to be seen. But the recent reduction in UK bank base rate will we think increase the interest even further in Austrian property as a better place to invest money.
2/3/09
Local Elections on a Sunday?
Yes, that is correct, we have just had our local elections for Mayor and council members last Sunday! It surprised us as well, we had been following local news and it was something special to see the villages and towns busy with people out to vote...guess they had a good excuse not to go to church?? Who won?..the local Austria peoples Party.
Sterling is still hovering around 1.11-1.13 Euro and we have been getting many enquiries for the spring and summer Holiday rentals, so perhaps the newspapes are all doom and gloom after all?
23/2/09
Fasching weekend (Carnival)
Lots of fun was had this past weekend as it is Carnival time in Austria. Lots of snow also so people's fancy dress has keep to warm costume. Some clients arrived, to buy property, late on Saturday evening only to find every restaurant full with revellers...thinking that it was all private parties and they would not get served...they settled for a kebab at the local takeway. Little did they know what fun they were missing!! They will soon find out when they become owners!!
13/2/09
Salzburg airport new webcam
The new webcam has actually been up and running since December, but not many people know that they can now see the airport from 20 different angles and updated every 5 minutes. Check out what is happening at Salzburg Airport!!
http://engl.salzburg-airport.com/livecam.html
9/2/09
Sterling holds against Euro
Some heartening news for UK buyers is that the £ has held above 1.10 all last week. So there is some hope on the horizon of it settling around 1.15.
28/1/09
New web cam site for all Austria
Here you can check out almost every area and village in Austria. So, when it comes to looking at areas to buy in...have a look a the local webcam. Good hunting!
23/1/09
New for 2009 - Traditional Wooden Chalet homes
We
are pleased to unveil this exclusive latest addition to our property
portfolio. Top quality Norwegian Wooden Chalets and Log Cabins at a price that is very
affordable. Prices start at 8,000 Euros for a small chalet and up to 80,000 Euro for a large 4 bedroom home! Of course this does not include the land or delivery but this is fantastic value. The homes are guaranteed for a life time and if you like the idea you can save money and build it yourself, as all the homes come in kit form. We have many land plots all over Austria on which to put your dream chalet. If you would
like more information please email us:sales@amazingaustria.com
19/1/09
Hot spots are Innsbruck and Kitzbuhl!
Beside the interest from other European buyers, Austrian buyers are also pretty interested in Tirol and this has pushed up demand and also some prices. Although in other areas of Austria both sales and rental prices have remained stable.
Austrian Mortgages are still readily available and at pretty good rates. Most bank managers are also predicting another fall in the interest rate shortly. click here to ask for a quote.
12/1/09
New rules on Austria property ownership!
Besides the Smoking ban, on 1st Jan, a new property regulation came into force. It is now required that a property purchase should be a main residence. This will have various effects on the property market. We will be posting the new information on our property pages when we have checked all the requirements. Watch this space.
6/1/09
Day of the 3 kings!
The day of the 3 kings effectively ends the Advent season. It is a very special day in Austria and all is closed, as some of our clients have found on their arrival! So now we return to the business of property sales and rentals after the long break. Now is the real start of the ski season and with good snow on the mountains all areas have most lifts open. We still have availability for January through to half term if you are considering a ski apartment rental. Check out our apartment rentals page.
28/12/08
New Year will soon be here!
We have had a good Christmas, with lots of snow on the mountains for ski-ing, yet in the valleys, just a light dusting, giving it that picture postcard feel and not making travel difficult. Already preparation are underway for Silvester(New Year)
The Sterling Euro rate has affected the amount of visitors from the UK this year with a few cancellations. But this has been balanced by an increase in the number of Eastern European visitors, coming for a holiday and also looking for property. Mainly studio and one bedroom apartments. The British market has slowed as people are unsure of what to do at the moment. Most apartments have been fully booked over the holidays, but you can still get a bargain break if you come just after...from 7th January onwards. Check out our holiday rental apartments page.
12/12/08
New for 2009 - Affordable Log Cabin homes
We are pleased to unveil this exclusive latest addition to our property portfolio. Top quality Norwegian Log Cabins at a price that is very affordable. With the demand for cheaper property increasing all the time we will soon be launching our new section for our self-build Log Cabins and land plots on which to put your dream chalet. If you would like pre-launch information please email us:sales@amazingaustria.com
05/12/08
So long, farewell von Trapp hotel projekt!
Salzburg has refused plans to turn the former home of the von Trapp family,
immortalised in The Sound of Music, into a hotel.
The "Villa Trapp" had been expected to open sometime this year. But the city's planning council blocked the move after protests from residents in the upmarket neighbourhood. The fears were that tourists could be disruptive to the city transport and people trying to get around their normal work. The developers though have appealed...so watch this space.
01/12/08
The £ was back above Euro 1.20!
It has been a rocky ride the last few weeks for the £ - Euro exchange rate and many of our clients have been waiting for the right moment to move money for property purchase. Well...at long last over the weekend the exchange rate went above 1.20 euro to the Pound. This was very welcome news not only for property purchase but even for the simply getting to Austria to sign contracts and complete all legal formalities. Even for those owners simply wanting to take a break, it is welcome news. But today MOnday 1st December it dropped back to 1.18. But forecasts are for it perhaps lose another cent then to settle around 1.20. Many Owners who also rent their property have found that there have been fewer bookings for the holiday season...so hopefully we now can look forward to a very Happy Christmas!!!
Ready, steady, snow…and ski!
Our snow falls.. have arrived and if you love winter sports then
the Wolfgangsee is the right place for you! Whether it’s on skis or a
snowboard our region has lots of attractive ski areas.
The local Postalm ski area is on Wolfgangsee’s doorstep - a
great family ski area 1200-1900m above sea level that offers something
for everyone, whether you are a beginner or expert skier. After great
investment last year , a modern 4-seater chair-lift was built to
enhance the existing 8 lifts. All runs lead to the valley plateau, so
you can be sure the youngsters will not get lost!
The 'Zwölferhorn mountain' near St. Gilgen offers great skiing also!
The peak can be comfortably reached by cable car and also offers a
fantastic panoramic view of the snowy horizons around the Wolfgangsee
for those who choose not to ski.
The 'Dachstein West' ski area can be reached by car or ski bus and has 140 km of sheer skiing pleasure for the whole family!
So
all in all, our region is one of the most family in Austria and link
that with the sports on the lake...you have almost everything you could
wish for on a ski holiday.
21/11/08 - Advent in Austria
The Advent starts today.
Enough
of the doom and gloom that is the financial markets, we
have just started our Advent celebrations today 21st November. Today
all the Christmas markets around the lake are opening and later we are
promised snow...which will give it the magical feeling that is Austria!
It has been much work and I do not think visitors realize the amount of
effort that goes into creating the markets for advent. This normally
starts when the last has finished!
But, it is always worthwhile in the end...particularly the aroma of
Glu-Wein and roasted chestnuts wafting in the streets. Our own village
of St Gilgen always installs an Ice rink, much to the joy of the local
children and visitors. And each village around the lake has it's own
theme. But it is best to visit for yourself and enjoy all that is
Advent in Austria try this link for more info. www.wolfgangseer-advent.at You may also like to check out the webcams for all the villages in Austria. www.live-webcams.at
Last update 15/11/08 - Property for Sale in Austria
Well what a week for currency rates and property!!
Many have been caught out by the large drop in the value of Sterling...I myself was going to change some last week at 1.23, but did not get to bank until next day and the rate was 1.19!! So thought I would wait for it to rise...that was a joke!! It is now at 1.16!!
Buyers should perhaps, consider a larger Austrian mortgage, rather than transferring Sterling at the current low rate ! Instead of buying outright, You can get 60% mortgage with our Banks and this means you transfer less currency. Dide you know that you can also forward buy currency at a better rate? This is another way to save money. Click on our Today's Euro rate for more info.
7/11/08 - Property for Sale in Austria
So..has the drop in Euro bank rate worked?
Clients
who have bought this week, had a very nice surprise...with a reduction in the mortgage rate One of our Italian clients who wanted to make an offer for apartment had accepted that his mortgage was a little higher than he had hoped, until the ECB reduced the rate to 3.25% I was so pleased that I was able to call him and tell him the good news!! Well the question is...has the reduction in interest rates been enough? Many clients are still buying, whatever the economic climate...but we feel, as does our local bank that this is the start of something bigger. We feel that the rate will have another reduction in a week or two...so watch this space...and oh yes, don't forget to look at our latest property bargains!!!
Flights to Salzburg in November/December
Since Ryanair put their flights to Salzburg on hold until 19th December, many clients have called to ask if they can still get to Austria....YES you can still get to Austria with a scheduled flight. British Airways have 5 flights each week from Gatwick to Salzburg. Also Austrian Airlines fly 6 times a day from Heathrow to Salzburg via Vienna.
27/10/08 - Property for Sale in Austria
Buyers this Autumn are picking up bargains
Buyers
here this past week have been picking up some bargains, one in
particular has just bought a house by the lakes with a 60,000 Euro
reduction! Shame that when they returned to the airport, Ryan had cancelled the flight home! Our clients found the only option offered was a 3 hour drive to Graz Airport!
Flights this Autumn
Buyers will find it a little more difficult to get to Austria as Ryan are cancelling their flights to Austria until 19th December. You can however still get here with British airways out off Gatwick and of course Austrian Airlines fly every day from Heathrow via Vienna. They have around 6 flights a day, not as cheap but the service is great and if you book well in advance then you can get a cheap flight.
Best client this Autumn
One of our clients who was tempted to buy a small one bed apartment overlooking the lake for 55,000 Euro, was so amazed at the ease and effeciency of the Austrian buying and legal system...she thought there must be a scam!! We are pleased to report that the Austrian legal system for buying is very very secure and there is none of the uk multiple solicitors system with letters going back and forth...and back and forth for months on endt! Here you make the written offer. if it is accepted, as long as your finances are in place the property can be yours in a few weeks!! So, there is still time to get your ski apartment before the season kicks off!!
Best White Xmas offer
Our colleagues at Hotel Bergrose in Strobl, Lake Wolfgangsee,(approx 45 mins from Salzburg) have a superb 5 or 7 night Christmas celebration package for our readers from only 410 Euro! It is only about 15 minutes to the Postalm Ski area from the hotel! Ideal for a Christmas day ski!! Email office@bergrose.at and quote Amazing Austria for your Christmas break.
17/10/08 - Property for Sale in Austria
Clients are still purchasing but..
..they are requesting more business property information...Guest houses and Apartments for buy to let. Many are also deciding to put their money in property, than keep it in the bank.
Interestingly we are also getting comments back from sellers that they are not sure they want to sell at this time!!! They are worried if they sell, where should they invest the money!!...a good question and not one for me to advise on.
Wolfgangsee Lauf
The annual Marathon run around Wolfgang Lake takes place this weekend and the area is gearing up for lots of visitors.. and as a few of our Estate colleagues will be taking part...we shall of course have an Amazing Austria presence! We will keep our readers posted.
10/10/08 - Property for Sale in Austria
What a week for the property market!!
Many clients looking for property in Austria, have been calling us to ask if it is safe to invest in Austria? Well, where is it safe to invest? With world markets in turmoil, we must look to governments to take action to support our world trading. Without people buying products there are no sales, and with no sales there is no requirement for factories to produce products...which means we don't need people working to make products that are not selling!! This has the knock effect of no one has a job, which means no spending and particularly not on property!! That aside, there are still many clients that have not taken fright at the stupidity of the financial institutions, and are instead moving their money into property...and we are happy to say, they are still choosing Austria!
Easyjet announce new route to Salzburg Easyjet announced a new route to Salzburg. Flying Gatwick to Salzburg from 13th December..
With the reduced flights on offer from Ryanair, this is a vey welcome development. Easyjet will commence the route on 13th Dember well in time for the Christmas markets and winter ski season. Well done Easyjet, but please think about keeping this route open all year!! WE have many property owners in Austria in need of a regular and consistant flight schedule to Austria!! Marathon around lake Wolfgang!
For those runners amongst you, or those just interested, the 37th Wolfgangsee lauf takes place in October. This year it will be on 19th Oct. 27 kilometers around the lake!! If you are interested, there are plennty of places to stay at.....check out www.wolfgangseelauf.at
The new 'International School' open day!
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