GAMBIA PROPERTY SALES

Bumper Tourist Season Expected 2007/08

2007-10-10T03:37:00.000-07:00

As count down to the 2007/2008 tourist season is getting nearer day by
day people working in the tourist industry are expecting a promising
season.

Tourism is considered to be the main source of foreign exchange
earning for The Gambia. The sector absorbed the country's largest
unemployed youth force. The tourism sector provided huge opportunities
for both Gambians and non- Gambians alike, such as scholarship for
students, among others.

Speaking to the Arts and Culture recently, stakeholders in the
promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia, expressed deeper
sense of gratitude and optimism about the 2007/2008 tourist season.

According to Nari Chow, Wood carver, sculpture and dealer in
traditional clothes at Shop No. 37, in the Senegambia Craft Market, a
good tourist season is expected this year, but was quick to say that,
it has never been easy during the off season.

According to Mr Chow, he started to work in the industry since 1981 at
the Fajara Craft Market, then there was no Craft Market in Senegambia
area. "The only Craft Markets in The Gambia were Fajara, BB craft
market and the one in Banjul" he said.

Mr Chow, affirmed that its through his work that he pays his children
school fees and solve his personal problems from the business.
"Tourist season is subjected to many forces, so there is no 100
percent guarantee that the season will be a resounding success. All we
can do is to pray to God for a successful season. As the season
approaches, one has to have faith in God. Sometime you make a fortune,
and at times is the otherwise," he said.

He took the opportunity to urge for attitudinal change, on the part of
both bumsters and other unscruplus elements in the interest of a
healthy promotion and development of tourism in The Gambia.

Ebrima Sanneh, dealer in Wood Carve materials also expressed deeper
sense of expectation for the 2007-2008 tourist season.

Why Gambia?

2007-10-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

In the endless search for equity growth and rental yields property investors are searching further and further afield. Dubai, Bulgaria, Croatia and Turkey have all enjoyed their 15 minutes of fame as an overseas property hotspot and the markets there continue to thrive despite the threat of the bubble bursting. Costa de la Luz and Cape Verde are currently enjoying the limelight but a real opportunity lies on the West African coast in the former British colony of The Gambia. The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality sporting and leisure pursuits. The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done professionally. The Gambian government is totally committed to free enterprise. Luxury brand new four bedroom villas range from 80,000.00 GBP to 150,000.00 GBP dependant on location and proximity to the beaches. These properties can rent for up to 10,000.00 GBP per annum to United Nations or embassy staff. Building land is readily available and prices start from less than 1.00 GBP per square metre. Construction costs are a fraction of those in Europe and opportunities exist for commercial, residential, and tourist developments.

Other Useful Information

2007-10-03T02:33:00.000-07:00

High calibre maids, gardeners and security staff are readily available, many with extensive experience gained in the luxury Gamban hotels. There are many European, Gambian and Arabic property maintenance firms with cost and quality varying considerably. We can provide suitable companies including references where necessary.

Other Costs Involved in Gambian Property Purchase

2007-10-03T02:21:00.000-07:00

As with most conveyancing transactions the purchase price is dependant upon a number of factors predominantly location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered.
There are annual payments for land rent and local taxes to be made. The land rent is a minimal fee and indicated on the lease document where the property is purchased as leasehold land.
Local rates are based on the rateable value of the land assessed by the Tax Office. The rateable value accounts for both the land and building value dependant upon type, location and use class. When this value is decided the Area Council determines the percentage to be charged for local rates. These rates are also minimal. .

Utilities Billing in Gambia

2007-09-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

Electricity is billed on a monthly basis with a minimum standing charge regardless of occupancy based on the electrical capacity of the property. Actual units of electricity used are paid on top of this standing charge. There are prepaid electricity meters available - Cash Power - where preferred.
Telephone access is provided by Gamtel (the equivalent of BT in the UK). They bill on a montly basis.
Mobile access is provided by Africel and Gamcel with Alcotel on its way. These only operate through the purchase of sim cards and top-up credit cards which are widely available. There is little to choose between these providers on pricing or reliability.
The internet is provided by both Quantum who offer Broadband and Gamtel who offer a dial-up connection. It should be noted that VOIP is illegal in the Gambia. The internet is also billed monthly.
Satelite TV is available with widely varying packages. Expect to pay equipment, installation and set up fees together with a monthly standing charge.

Gambian Buildings Insurance

2007-09-27T02:28:00.000-07:00

Building insurance is available and is recommended. Please contact us where necessary for further details.
http://Gambia-Holiday-News.co.uk

General Summary of Fee Structure

2007-09-27T02:27:00.000-07:00

Total official costs involved in purchasing property should be around 1%.
Lawyer's fees - approx.10% of the selling price (dependant upon the solicitor's set fees).
Agents are paid by the seller unless otherwise agreed (approx. up to 10% of the purchase price)

Gambian Taxes Involved in Land/Property Purchase

2007-09-27T02:26:00.000-07:00

· Alkali Tax
· Municipal Tax
· Income Tax

Costs Involved in Property / Land Ownership in The Gambia

2007-09-20T02:19:00.000-07:00

The purchase price of the property or land as with most conveyancing transactions is dependant upon many factors, the most prevalent being location, size and quality of the property/land being tendered. .
There are yearly payments due both for land rent and local rates. Land rent is a minimal sum which is indicated on the lease document

Conveyancing Process

2007-09-20T02:16:00.000-07:00

Unless an immediate cash payment is made in full, the conveyancing process.is conducted by a private contract being drawn up by the respective lawyers determining the property, purchase price, form of payment, date of completion, date of possession etc. Just as in European law a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price, is paid on the signing of the Contract for a standard completion period within approximately 30 days.
On payment of the balance of the purchase price the seller will issue a public deed of conveyance to the purchaser, free of liens and encumbrances. This deed is issued and passed to the Tax Office to be assessed for Capital Gains Tax and Stamp Duty and then sent to the Property Registry for formal registration.

Legal Formalities & Associated Property Conveyancing Costs in Gambia

2007-09-20T02:10:00.000-07:00

Legal Formalities & Associated Property Conveyancing Costs in Gambia
Just as in European Law it is always recommended that a purchaser/seller of property/land instruct a reputable solicitor/conveyancer to act for them so it is equally advisable in The Gambia. If necessary we have a firm of highly qualified Gambian Lawyers/Barristers (and part-time Magistrates), fluent in English and other languages, who will be delighted to act for you in any land transactions you wish to undetake.
Land in the Gambia is registered at the Property Registry (an organisation just like the English Land Registry), where you can confirm immediately whether the seller owns the property free of any liens and encumbrances. Just as in Europe, however, there is still plenty of land/property which remains as yet unregistered. To avoid any ensuing confusion it is necessary for European purchasers/sellers to understand the difference between the terms freehold and leasehold used both there and in Gambia. These terms have very different implications in Gambia to those in Europe. In Gambia there is no such thing as absolute ownership of land and property. This is because all the land is ultimately owned by the Government and is leased to any private purchaser for a period of 99 years but this confusingly DOES NOT constitue leasehold land. This land/property can be either leasehold or freehold depending on whether or not it has been registered at the Property Registry. If it is unregistered it has a freehold status, whereas registered land/property is denoted leasehold. It is important to register previously freehold land/property as leasehold at the Property Registry during the purchasing process thus documenting your unequivocal ownership of the sameClick here:- A Paper Delivered by Dr. Henry D.R. Carrol, the Solicitor General and Legal Secretary, at the Gambia Tourism Authority Workshop at the Senegambia Beach Hotel, on Thursday 7th June 2007

Preparation Check List

2007-09-17T01:38:00.000-07:00

Why are you buying the property? Is this for retirement, a holiday home, a holiday home that you want to pay its way or a pure investment. If you are buying a property as an investment, see our Guide to Buying Property as an Investment.Which country and area will suit you best? If this is an investment, where are you likely to make the most money? Which type of property is best for you? Villa, apartment, townhouse. This is not always obvious. How are you going to pay for the property? Are you going to take out a mortgage? If so, where and for how much? What are you doing to guard against the risk of fluctuating exchange rates? How are you going to manage the property? If you want to let the property, who are your target tenants? Who will manage the lettings? How much money will you make? Who should be the legal owner of the property? The right choice here can save you £/€/$THOUSANDS, even on an ordinary holiday home. See below for more information.We will be happy to assist you with all of these issues.

First Time Visitors or Experienced Travellers

2007-09-17T01:23:00.000-07:00

The Gambia is peaceful and stable. Crime rates and the cost of living are among the lowest in the world. The sun shines for all 12 months of the year! The Gambia offers you the best climate in the world and one of the most beautiful landscapes. This makes the Gambians warm and friendly people with a contagious relaxed attitude to life. The Gambia is known as the Smiling Coast. In many ways, the lifestyle in the Gambia is very different from the one you may be used to. Try to relax and enjoy life like the locals and the residents do and you will discover the pleasure of living in a tropical paradise. more Did you know that our escorted tours using locally trained and registered tourist guides can save you up to 40% off the price of traveling the same itinerary with hotel organised tours and trips?
We involve the local communities in the tourism business process and have a high success rate in creating and sustaining
profitable business projects that benefit the tourist, the local villages and the environment. We strive to bring the tourist in direct contact with the local people, local schools, local Gambian hospitals or specialist contacts to experience their culture and sample their friendliness and hospitality. Our escorted tours are worry-free and hassle-free, as all the details are handled for you.
Wherever you're going, however you like to travel, you'll find your best Gambian holiday and vacation options are but a couple of clicks away. And better still you will be helping the local Gambian community from start to finish. To start planning your holiday in Gambia now, just click a link to the left to browse by region, activity or specialty, or click one of the country links below if you aim visit several specific countries or cities.When you've found a vacation or holiday that you're interested in, call us for a quote or reservation.
We look forward to helping you plan the best Gambian holiday you've ever had!

What are the options?

2007-06-24T01:43:00.000-07:00

There are many ways to purchase the property. These include:
in your own name alone
in your name and in the name of your co-purchaser(s)
wholly or partly in your children's
names or in the name of somebody
whom you would like (eventually!) to inherit the property from you
in the name of a limited company,
whether English, Gambian or "off-shore"
via your SIPP/SSAS pension fund
via an investment fund (REIT, PUT etc)
via an investment club
via a trust

Who should own the property?

2007-06-24T01:39:00.000-07:00

Getting this question of ownership wrong is probably both the most common and the most expensive mistake people make when buying property overseas. There are many people who could be made the legal owner of the property or, as the case may be, the shareholders in the company that owns the property. The best choice is, often, not obvious.
Getting this wrong can cost you tens of thousands of pounds/euro/dollars of totally unnecessary taxes, during your lifetime and on your death.Most local lawyers will be unable to help you make this decision as it involves an understanding of both the local AND your own legal, tax and inheritance systems.
We will be happy to assist you in making this vital decision

Buying Property Off Plan in Gambia

2006-12-01T01:17:00.000-08:00

Buying off plan property has become quite popular with many buying property in the Gambia recently, and for good reason. Off plan property purchases often yield large returns on investment in a relatively short time, often without the need for huge sums of money up front.
Although the benefits of buying off plan are many, as with all high return investments there are dangers to avoid. Forward planning and a careful approach are very important when considering such a venture, but with the right knowledge there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to avoid such pitfalls more on Buying Off Plan Property Investments

Property Sales and Investment News in Gambia

2006-12-01T01:10:00.000-08:00

Gambia Holiday News are very active in the marketing and selling of unique, designer and luxury houses of individuals as well as acting for Gambian property development companies and institutions. We have well-established connections with overseas property buyers, property investors (including buy-to-let holiday aprtment projects) as well as pension fund managers who are now showing an interest in the Gambian emerging property market. more news on investing in emerging property markets

The Gambia: Emerging Property Investment Market

2006-12-01T01:05:00.000-08:00

The Gambia is a 6 hour flight from London and has blossomed into a world class tourist resort over the last decade with five star holiday hotels, fine dining, fantastic beaches, water sports, sports fishing and many other quality holiday, sporting and leisure pursuits.
Due to sound and consistent macro economic polices, constitutional guarantees against expropriation of investments and for the protection of personal & business assets, the Gambia is fast becoming an emerging real estate market investment haven.
Property ownership is part of the Gambian constitution and the property conveyancing system is transparent and straightforward when done by professional lawyers. The Gambian government is totally committed to business development and free enterprise.

Gambia Investment News

2006-10-03T01:45:00.000-07:00

The Government of The Gambia is strongly committed to building an emerging market economy and the creation of an enabling environment to stimulate private investment in the country, through the combined use of sound macro-economic and financial programs on the one hand, and complementary social sector interventions on the other, all with a view to ensure more confidence in the economy and The Gambia as a safe haven for real estate investment.
The Gambia: Open for Business
Gambian Property Market
Economy & Finance
Government & Politics
Tourism News in The Gambia
Transportation & Communication
Business Investment News
Gambia Trade Gateway
Building for the Future
As an 'emerging property market' the Gambia ticks all of the boxes. Consider the following overseas property investment criteria

Buying a Property in Gambia?

2005-11-26T01:34:00.000-08:00

Preparation - The Key Message
Going to look at properties should be the LAST stage in the process, not the first. The process of buying a property - whether for your personal use or as an investment - SHOULD start with thorough preparation. This will save to a lot of wasted time AND money. We STRONGLY recommend that you make contact with us BEFORE you go to look at any property. That way we can deal with all of the key issues (such as those listed below) calmly and clearly, before you get involved in the rush and pressure always associated with buying a specific property anywhere in the world.

Business News in the Gambia

2005-11-26T01:31:00.000-08:00

There are four essential elements needed for life in the Gambia: a good partner, an open mind, active enthusiasm and extreme patience. We can offer support, advice and provide a wide range of business services in the Gambia.
We can advise and facilitate buying off plan properties, residential property purchases and sales, commercial property sales, rentals and leases, business start ups, property transfers and online property marketing
We can help you analyse the factors that provide the context for planning effective business strategies, and in particular the analysis of those factors which give rise to opportunities and threats.
Eco-tourism: national heritage and others
Up-country tourism: motels, tourist camps,
Ground tour operators, river cruising
Hotel development: up-market 4-5 stars
For more information on any of our services or to send us any information or comments about the Gambia or our website, please contact us directly and a member of staff will respond shortly.

Gambia Holiday News

2005-11-26T01:15:00.000-08:00

We provide a wide range of business services, including direct access to the best and most comprehensive Gambia property sales and long term or holiday apartment rentals. With state of the art telecomunications, from our offices off Carnaby Street in London's West End and just off Karaiba Avenue in the Gambia we can advise and facilitate residential property purchases and sales, commercial property sales, rentals and leases, business start ups, transfers and marketing

Moving to The Gambia

2005-11-26T01:12:00.000-08:00

The Gambia offers you many of the same basic services you can get in your own country. Your investments are protected under similar laws and regulations to the British legal system, with the right to owning a house, land or other property or starting a business in Gambia.

Do you want to buy real estate in The Gambia?

2005-09-17T01:20:00.000-07:00

We offer a range of properties and land for sale throughout The Gambia. Click here to look at real estate, building land and properties, houses, homes and villas for sale in Banjul, Kololi, Kotu, Brufut, Sanyang, Bakau, Fajara, Senegambia,.The Gambia.
All available Gambian land or properties for sale are published on our website and details are readily available for you to download, print off or forward to a friend.
Our Gambia real estate news and sales list changes frequently and we recommend that you register with us so that we can look after you personally and contact you immediately that we are aware of a property that may meet your requirements.

Holiday Property Investment News

2005-09-13T04:21:00.000-07:00

The Gambia is the next big thing, an emerging property market hot spot, a country that offers value for money and represent an opportunity for anyone looking for a good return on an overseas holiday apartment as a property investment or looking for a holiday home, guest house or retirement property.

Gambia Property Marketing

2005-03-18T01:50:00.000-08:00

Online Advertising: We fully maximise the online marketing of each property through the Property Portals, and this site through the leading search engines and popular internet sites. Once your advertisement goes ‘live’ on our web site, it will be promoted across all major search engines. This website was visited 50,000 times in 2006 by individual users actively seeking Gambian properties and Gambian Real Estate information.

Offline advertising: We offer the same offline advertising as a high street agent, including: 'For Sale' / 'To Let' Boards and Magazine Advertising. We have a min. of 1,000 users visiting our site each day - more than any Gambian estate agent?

Property Particulars: We understand that property buyers wish to make decisions online & sellers do not wish to have unqualified viewings. Therefore we include full property details: virtual tours, maps, measurements & extensive professional photographs.
'Live' Property: Buyers & Tenants require 'Live' up to date property lists. On this site our property searches are in real time. Our partner sites properties are updated at least once every day.

'Live' Applicants: The internet has enabled us to operate and utilise a dynamic database of hundreds of active Buyers & Tenants looking for holiday homes, investment or retirement properties or building land for sale in all areas of Gambia .

Property Advertising & Marketing With Gambia Holiday News

2005-03-18T01:47:00.000-08:00

Our property marketing service is simply the best way to advertise your property, holiday home or land for sale or to rent. We have been trading since 1997 and are Gambia's largest online estate agents. The number of visits is rapidly rising, which makes Gambia Holiday News one of the top real estate marketing sites in Africa and an undisputed number 1 in The Gambia. We estimate that the potential network exposure our property listings may receive from our partner property portals is in excess of 4 million users per month. Our philosophy is to take the latest technology and combine it with the best people to offer a superior full estate agency service.

Gambia Property Sales: We can help.

2005-03-17T01:56:00.000-08:00

Need to sell Gambian residential property?
Need to sell Gambia real estate?
Need to sell Gambian land or building plots?
Need to sell a Gambian tourism development?

Full page advert with your description and up to 6 photos for 12 months of great advertising. No commission - just £199 pa

You deal with the potential tenants and answer their questions personally. You know your property best

Gambia Holiday Lettings: We can help.

2005-03-17T01:53:00.000-08:00

Want to market your holiday home?
Want to get it seen by holiday makers?
Want to maximise your rental income?
Want to get more holiday bookings?

Full page advert with your description and up to 6 photos for 12 months of great advertising. No commission - just £199 pa
You deal with the potential tenants and answer their questions personally.
You know your property best