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6 That s why we are Para qué somos Each country keeps a true real estate pearl, due to the investing opportunity that it means to investors from other countries who, in many cases,do not know the opportunities they can find beyond their borders. Cada país guarda una verdadera perla inmobiliaria por la posibilidad de inversión que implica para inversores de otros países que no están enterados de la oportunidad que les espera fuera de sus fronteras. Raíces was born as an answer to a need by the real estate industry, which up to now was only kept dormant: to put together the real estate investor with the real estate markets abroad, and present the blooming real estate projects of the most important cities in Europe, Asia and America to the world. I ve been fortunate thanks to my profession as Company Consultant specialized in Family Owned Companies, to travel worldwide, and it is surprising how each country has true architectonic jewels to show the world. Each country keeps with itself real estate wonders and investment opportunities that are not communicated across their own borders. As in all markets, there are ups and downs, the famous "bubbles", favorable and unfavorable economies, hiccups, progress and booming cycles. The real estate market of each country goes through all at one point or another. That is why Raíces was born, to show the different real estate markets, educate the investors and show the opportunities outside the reality of their own country. We bring the possibility of investing in other markets, when real estate properties both residential and commercial are going through an adequate moment to be taken into consideration to invest. Raíces is distributed in the economies with factual and continuous growth during the last years and to those that have invested in real estate abroad such as India, Dubai, Shanghai and Tokyo. We reach Asia/Pacific, with an important distribution that includes the most important real estate groups. As for Europe, their over valued currency compared to the dollar, is a market we can t miss. Europe continues to show interest in investing in America. Raíces arrives to most European countries, focusing the distribution of its issues in the most important cities. The distribution is centered between entrepreneurs who develop elite category projects in their corresponding countries, real estate offices, financial institutions, international investment groups, consulting companies, premiere banks, and key executives. We work daily to make of Raices the best executive real estate and business opportunity guide. We do it through our news reports, insights and opinions of the real estate world. The promotion of the real estate consequently results in the promotion of a destination, thus bringing a tourist point of view than can become a future resident (90% of those investing in real estate abroad, have been there as tourists before at least once). Then, while we work to put in contact our advertisers with our readers investors, we contribute to the promotion of the real estate industry, the international business opportunities, the exposure of destinations, the opinion of those involved and our passion for the real estate world. We are proud of the quality of our advertisers and the quality of our distribution, which is both focused, effective and the true added value. More than advertising, our business is to be an effective vehicle communicating the international business opportunities. Thank you for being part of the Raíces family... FABIO OSTROVIECKI CEO & FOUNDER Raíces nace como respuesta a una necesidad que hasta ahora se mantuvo solo latente: Vincular al inversor de bienes raíces con los mercados inmobiliarios fuera de sus fronteras, y a su vez permitir a los proyectos inmobiliarios que salgan a la luz de las más importantes ciudades de Europa, Asia y América. Tuve la suerte gracias a mi profesión de Consultor de Empresas, especializado en Empresas Familiares, de conocer casi todo el Mundo, y es sorprendente como cada uno de los distintos países poseen verdaderas joyas arquitectónicas por mostrar al mundo, pero que el mundo esta aún esperando por conocerlas. Cada país guarda consigo una verdadera perla inmobiliaria no sólo por su belleza sino por la oportunidad de inversión que implica para inversores de otros países que muchas veces no están enterados de la oportunidad que les espera fuera de sus fronteras. Como en todos los mercados existen subas, bajas, las famosas burbujas, ciclos económicos favorables y desfavorables. El mercado inmobiliario de cada país no escapa a ello. Por esto último es que Raíces nace. Para mostrar los distintos mercados de bienes raíces para que el inversor no se encierre solo en la realidad de su propio país, sino que también llegue a su cartera de inversiones la posibilidad de invertir en mercados cuyas propiedades inmobiliarias están pasando por un momento adecuado de ser tenido en cuenta para invertir. Raíces también se distribuye en las Economías que más ha crecido en valor adquisitivo en el mundo en los últimos años y la que más ha invertido en bienes raíces fuera de sus fronteras: India, Dubai,Shangai, Tokio. Allí llegamos con una distribución importante que incluye los grupos inmobiliarios más importantes. Raíces también llega a Europa, que por ser economías crecientes y con una moneda sobrevaluada con respecto al dólar es también un mercado al cual no podiamos estar ausentes a la altura de hacer conocer proyectos en América. Raíces llega a estos países, focalizando la distribución de sus 100,000 ejemplares en las ciudades más importantes, la distribución se focaliza entre grupos empresarios desarrolladores de proyectos de categoría elite en los respectivos países, también a oficinas de real estate, instituciones financieras, consultoras de inversiones internacionales, bancos premiere, agencias de turismo. Con Raíces sentimos que trabajamos día a día para ser referentes de las oportunidades que presenta el mercado de real estate mundial, lo hacemos a través de nuestras columnas periodísticas con informes y panoramas del mundo del real estate y también a que conozcan dichos lugares desde lo turístico para que en el corto plazo sean inversores de propiedades en esos países (el 90% de quienes invierten en propiedades en el extranjero, han conocido antes ese país desde lo turístico alguna vez). Y también trabajamos para conectar a nuestros anunciantes con nuestros lectores-inversores para que seamos un verdadero medio para generar negocios internacionales en el mundo tan apasionante como el negocio del real estate. Seguimos creciendo en la calidad de nuestros anunciantes y en la calidad de nuestra distribución, tan focalizada como efectiva. Entendemos que nuestro negocio no es la publicidad, sino ser un medio de comunicación efectivo de oportunidades de negocios internacionales. A ustedes gracias por ser parte de la familia de Raíces... FABIO OSTROVIECKI CEO & FOUNDER 4

7 Staff CEO AND FOUNDER Fabio Ostroviecki INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE Jack Haime CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Ruben Castaño, Carlos Sepulveda, Mario Vargas, Mike Nickolson CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jean Franco Suviere / Luisa Delio / Chris Hernandez / Carlos Sanchez / Viviana Comuna ART DIRECTION Carolina Peinado Grafica21 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chris Smith / Bill Kimpar / Mauricio Rodriguez Ursua / Rodrigo Achaval TRANSLATION FC Translation DISTRIBUTED IN POINTS OF OWN ROUTE OF Dubai Abu Dhabi Moscow India Shanghai Hong Kong Tokyo Milan London Switzerland Barcelona Madrid Valencia Germany Israel New York Miami Chicago Beverly Hills Las Vegas Panamá Grand Cayman Sao Paulo Buenos Aires Caracas Raíces Group, Inc. Office Spain C. Badajoz, 24, 08005, Barcelona Phone/fax: europe@raicesgroup.net suscription@raicesgroup.net Raíces Group, Inc. Office USA 1348 Washington Ave., suite ,Miami Beach, Florida Phone: (305) / Fax: (305) america@raicesgroup.net / jhaime@raicesmagazine.com Summary Sumario 09 Special Section: New York I / Sección Especial: Nueva York I New York's Industry Leaders / Líderes de la Industria en Nueva York 16 Special Section: New York II / Sección Especial: Nueva York II Market Report: Fourth Quarter 2008 / Reporte del Mercado: Cuarto Trimestre Report I / Informe I Overseas Property Overview 26 Business and Strategy I / Estrategia y Negocio I Falcon Real Estate Investment Company, LP. 30 Report II / Informe II Inter-American Development Bank recognizes Panama as "Solid" against the crisis / El Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo reconoce a Panamá "Sólida" ante la crisis 34 Business and Strategy II / Estrategia y Negocio II Saddle up for clients and calm 38 Panorama / Panorama An oasis where to continue investing / Un oasis donde seguir invirtiendo 44 Insights & Leadership I / Liderazgo y Opinión I Mallol & Mallol 50 Report III / Informe III 2008: The Real Estate transparency index / 2008: El índice de transparencia del Real Estate 56 Insights & Leadership II / Liderazgo y Opinión II A Conversation with Tibor Hollo 60 Business and Strategy III / Estrategia y Negocio III Commissioned artwork doesn't just make a home 64 An Outstanding Proyect / Proyecto Destacado Waterfront Raíces The Best Way to Show the Real Estate Business to the World is a registered trademark of Raíces Group, Inc. and the entire contents of Raíces is copyright Raíces Group, Inc. All column names are the property of Raíces Group, Inc. Raíces is not responsible for the signed articles. Neither of the content or the offers of the advertising announcements. Printed in Spain 38 64

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11 Special Section: New York I Sección Especial: Nueva York I New York's Industry Leaders Líderes de la Industria en Nueva York OUR BRIEF INTERVIEWS TO FIVE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS OF MANHATTAN, THEIR INSIGHTS AN OPINIONS / NUESTRAS ENTREVISTAS A CINCO DE LOS DESARROLLADORES MAS IMPORTANTES DE MANHATAN, SUS COMENTARIOS Y OPINIONES 9

12 505 Park Avenue, 17th Floor New York, NY P: F: IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? WHY? Yes. This is a good time to buy, especially in New York. More product is available. Available product is better than ever. Buyers have more time to shop. Today s buyers can find exactly what they want. ARE THERE ANY UNEXPLORED NEIGHBORHOODS IN NEW YORK THAT YOU THINK WILL EXPERIENCE A RESIDENTIAL BOOM? The Plaza District the area between 42nd Street and 59th Street, from Third Avenue to Seventh Avenue. This area is supply-starved, as opposed to supply-threatened, which is common in many other Manhattan locations. Supply-threatened locations have a lot of similar product that comes to market at the same time. Prices become competitive without regard to product. Chelsea and other downtown areas are an example of this kind of commoditization of product. But The Plaza District has very few good development opportunities. So supply of new residential product is low while demand remains consistently high. Most development sites in The Plaza District are conversion opportunities, like The Plaza Hotel. Sites for new, ground-up residential product are extremely rare. My company Stillman Development International, along with Antonio Development, is just finishing construction on The Centurion on West 56th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Our site was the first good site to become available in The Plaza District in 25 years. The Centurion is averaging over $3,000 per square foot because it is high-quality new product that is rare in an area that demands it. The Plaza District is a boom area. It already is the most expensive area in Manhattan in terms of commercial real estate. And it will never be able to answer to the demand for excellent residential product particularly new construction. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST DEAL OF THIS PAST YEAR? A dramatic 3-bedroom duplex residence with dining room, double-height living room, two terraces, and open city views in The Centurion on 56th Street just west of Fifth Avenue. It s in contract at $9,900,000; that s $4,288 per square foot. WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN REGARDS TO THE DOLLAR COMPARED TO THE EURO AND THE POUND? The U.S., Europe and the U.K. are all in a recession. But I have reason to think that the recession in Europe and the U.K. will last longer. The European Union will drop interest rates further. The U.S. is safer, and Manhattan is the safest real estate investment in the U.S. YOUR DIRECT ADVICE TO FOREIGN BUYERS AND INVESTORS? Come here. Buy now. Your money is safer here than anyplace else in the world. But flock to quality product, especially in challenged economic times. Buy in locations of Manhattan where supply of new quality product is limited, but where demand will continue, and even grow. Quality product is designed and built to enhance our quality of life. It has timeless architectural appeal. It is constructed correctly. Like a great automobile, quality real estate is painstakingly planned, engineered, and built to respond. Roy Stillman President STILLMAN DEVELOPMENT INTERNATIONAL 10

13 530 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1800 New York, NY P: F: IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? WHY? Right now is a good time to buy apartments in NYC for a few reasons. Interest rates are low, there is good inventory in the market to find specifically the type of apartment you are looking for, and sellers that need to sell will sell. You are purchasing in a down market in the capital of the world at prices that haven t been offered in years and the long term appreciation of value in New York will return faster than in most other cities. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY MANY FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN YOUR DEVELOPMENTS? There have been many foreign buyers in our developments. Foreign purchasers along with domestic purchasers are very familiar with the Moinian brand name, and se the value and quality we bring in design and services in our residential developments. Our 3 condominium developments The Downtown Club, Atelier, and W New York Downtown Hotel and Residences have all been well received among foreigners. Additionally, we have great relationships with bankers that can offer great financing opportunities to foreign buyers. ARE THERE ANY UNEXPLORED NEIGHBORHOODS IN NEW YORK THAT YOU THINK WILL EXPERIENCE A RESIDENTIAL BOOM? The last remaining area in Manhattan that can be considered still unexplored is the Hudson Yards/Far West Side. The Bloomberg administration spent many years focusing on changing the landscape of this area to create a more residential and commercial neighborhood. The extension of the #7 subway line to 11th avenue, the creation of the Hudson River Park and the sales of the Hudson rail yards are a few examples of the work being done by the city to achieve this goal. Many developers have been assembling buildings for years to create a large luxury development in this area and The Moinian Group just completed The Atelier at 635 West 42nd Street which is a 46 story luxury condominium with 478 apartments. WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY DEVELOPING? We are currently developing the W New York Downtown Hotel and Residences on 123 Washington Street. It is a 58 story luxury hotel and condominium building designed by world renowned architects Gwathmey Seigel and interiors done by the award winning design firm Graft. The hotel will have 217 guest rooms, a signature W restaurant and lounge, and conference and meeting rooms. In addition to the use of all the hotel services, a W resident also has private residential amenities which include a gym, a media lounge, screening room, café, spa treatment rooms, and a private roof deck on the 58th floor. Both the hotel and residences will be ready for occupancy on YOUR DIRECT ADVICE TO FOREIGN BUYERS AND INVESTORS? Now is a good time to buy. Take advantage of the current situation and you buying power now, because you don t know how much time you will have to take advantage of buying power in NYC. Even during the residential boom in the US and especially in NYC, the city was considered relatively cheap to other major cities around the word including London, Tokyo and Moscow. If NYC was considered a good purchase then, there is no reason why it isn t now. As discussed above, with NYC being the capital of the world the long term appreciation of buying in NYC is sound investment. Joseph Moinian President and CEO THE MOINIAN GROUP 11

14 770 Lexington Avenue New York, NY P: F: WHAT DO YOU FORESEE FOR SALES IN THE COMING YEAR? Nobody really can predict what is going to happen in the New York City real estate market, but if history is an indicator, then one can say that the market will certainly regain any losses that may be experienced; it is just a matter of how long. Each time the real estate market value went down in NYC, the market regained all of those losses and grew in value significantly within several years after reaching the bottom of the economic downturn. IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? On one level, the current economic period is one of the most opportunistic times that we will see in our life time. Opportunity and tragedy are often linked together; it depends on one s perspective. If you are the one having financial problems, then it is tragic. On the other hand, if you are the one not having financial problems and your are the one seeking to benefit from these problems then it is opportunistic. The problem is that while new wealth will be created from the opportunities that exist; there will be an associated loss that occurs. HAVE THERE BEEN MANY FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT? The last remaining area in Sheffield57 has attracted a lot of interest from foreign buyers spanning the globe. Foreign investments make up 19% of our current demographic. What s interesting is that a significant number of these buyers are not unlike our domestic buyer, in that they ve selected Sheffield57 as one of multiple homes for their own use as their New York pied a terre. Others have purchased for their adult children being schooled at one of the top notch Universities or studying music or dance at nearby world famous Juilliard School or the prestigious School of American Ballet. Of course with such a convenient midtown location at the nexus of culture, shopping and transportation, Sheffield57 appeals to a broad spectrum of potential renters in the event the investor chooses to take advantage of an income during the course of their ownership. YOUR DIRECT ADVICE TO FOREIGN BUYERS AND INVESTORS? In times of world economic instability America becomes the recipient of International Investment. This is primarily because the American investment market is, for the most part, stable, transparent and relatively liquid. In addition, although the United States dollar has recently gained value against other foreign currencies such as the Euro, the value of the Euro is still strong from a historic basis, thus creating value for the holders of Euros. In addition, with real estate values most likely declining, the Euro denominated buyers has that advantage as well. As an example, almost 29% of all condominium apartment sales in NYC last year have been to foreign purchasers. Kent M. Swig President SWIG EQUITIES, LLC 12

15 230 Central Park South New York, NY P: F: WHAT DO YOU FORESEE FOR SALES IN THE COMING YEAR? We see a very slow winter but in the spring with 6 months of pent up demand and with prices down 10-20% and with mortage rates below 5%, the lowest in 40 years, real buyers in need of a home will return to the market place. IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? WHY? When price have dropped 20% and interest rates are down 30+%, the net net cost per month to own an apartment will be down by 1/3 so the price is right! From a demographic point of view, NYC is the capital of the world so buying on the island of Manahattan is a good long term proposition. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY MANY FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN YOUR DEVELOPMENTS? In "THE 505" about 1/3 have been from foreigners, a few are speculators but most are buyers who bought to "own" so they can enjoy the great proximity to Broadway, Times Square and all that midtown has to offer. With world financial calamity we anticipate foreign demand will be much lower in '09 vs '08. We are back to a "real" real estate market with more working local buyers. WHAT IS YOUR DREAM PROJECT? It WAS developing highend luxury apts with direct views of central park, the true center of NYC and for that matter the center of the world, apartments that always sell. NOW with luxury real estate in a recession, our dream project IS building "affordable apartments" and/or "not-for-profit" buildings (we build to suit). We are working on a few of these projects now. These are dream projects in these difficult times. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL PROJECT THIS PAST YEAR? "THE 505" (505 west 47th st). Relatively affordable new condos in the "hells kitchen" part of NYC just a short walk from Times Square and Broadway. In 2008 we sold 100 of 108 apartments in one of the most difficult environments in recent memory. Why? The right contemporary finishes at the right price (averaged $1150/sf) in the right area ("Hells Kitchen" a gentrifing neighborhood now dubbed the new Chelsea). WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY DEVELOPING? We are working on a possible new hotel on 31st & 5th ave and a possible another affordable housing project in "hell's kitchen" 1 block from "THE 505". IN WHAT DIRECTION ARE PRICES HEADED? Prices are headed lower, but with new supply constrained in the forseeable future in NYC due to a nearly complete lack of available commercial financing and still demand for Manhattan real estate from all parts of the country (and the world), we expect not as much a price correction as was experienced in other major American cities last year (Miami, Chicago, Los Angelos, San Diego, Las Vegas, etc.). YOUR DIRECT ADVICE TO FOREIGN BUYERS AND INVESTORS? In the history of real estate there are few cities where real estate prices go up consistantly overtime. The only examples are usually the world capitals of that era (often walled cities wth limited supply). Examples over 1000's of years are Jerusalem (the old city), Rome, Istanbul, London, NYC, etc.). NYC in this time period (our li is the capital of the world in so many ways and is an island with limited supply. So take advantage of the drift down in prices 2009 will afford and buy for the long hall. Ian Reisner Managing Partner PARKVIEW DEVELOPERS LLC 13

16 587 Fifth Avenue 4th Floor New York, NY P: WHAT DO YOU FORESEE FOR SALES IN THE COMING YEAR? I have already seen offers and volume in the sales office increase as the markets stabilize, and financing becomes more readily available. I see this trend continuing, on the part of speculative and second home buyers who are looking for an opportune time, but especially on the part of people buying primary residences, who cannot really play the market for too long. IS THIS A GOOD TIME TO BUY? WHY? It s a great time to buy right now. Currently, we are in a Buyer s Market, where buyers can negotiate and receive a great deal. A surplus of inventory in the Manhattan market is forcing developments to compete with one another on not just an amenities basis but a numbers basis. Back to basics, supply and demand, competition drives down consumer prices and improves the quality of the product. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY MANY FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN YOUR DEVELOPMENTS? We specifically tailored our developments to all types of buyers and we have seen a big interest from foreign buyers at The Setai, New York. At The Setai, New York we have many foreign buyers that have purchased for personal investments, but we are happy to report that the majority of our foreign home owners are end users in the product. ARE THERE ANY UNEXPLORED NEIGHBORHOODS IN NEW YORK THAT YOU THINK WILL EXPERIENCE A RESIDENTIAL BOOM? When we started the process with the Setai, New York, we were seeking an area that we knew will boom into a destination area. This area was the Financial District; where you will fine the best quality schools, unique streetscapes and architecture, and luxurious new housing stocking up. With the Setai, New York s SHO Shaun Hergatt restaurant, Setai Club and Spa opening soon; we are sure this will set a new standard to the neighborhood with our elite members, homeowners and influential friends. HOW HAVE SALES GROWN IN THE PAST YEAR? The progress in construction goes hand in hand with the sales campaign. The more we build the more they buy. Well, unless you have substandard finish, which is not the case at The Setai, New York. Our product is superior than other developments in the area and a stranger off the street would tell you the same. It goes back to dream vs. delivery, if a client trusts you they will come back time and time again. Build it and they will come! As long as you keep delivering sales will come. WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST DEAL OF THIS PAST YEAR? At The Setai, New York, we sold out top-floor penthouse for $7.82 million making it the most expensive single-unit in Downtown, Manhattan. This deal was announced on the day of the Wall Street market crashing. We were amazed and extremely pleased with the great response on sale from buyers around the world. Our buyer was looking for a highend residential building situated in one of the City s hottest neighborhoods that offered him everything imaginable. WHAT WAS YOUR MOST SUCCESSFUL PROJECT THIS PAST YEAR? 587 Fifth Avenue, one of my commercial developments right on the retail capital of the world, Fifth Avenue. My team was successful in securing Quiksilver as a retail tenant into our development. Our new retail tenant has made an impact on the retail avenue and has brought a new style into the Fifth Avenue circle. Asher Zamir CEO and President ZAMIR EQUITIES 14

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18 Special Section: New York II Sección Especial: Nueva York II Market Report: Fourth Quarter 2008 Reporte del Mercado: Cuarto Trimestre 2008 > While up slightly from a year ago, the average price for a Manhattan apartment fell 2% to $1,449,621 from the third quarter of This decrease is attributable to fewer closings at 15 Central Park West and The Plaza, which have greatly inflated the average price over the past year. If we remove these buildings, the average price would be up 2% from the third quarter, and the second highest figure on record. > The average co-op sales price of $1,103,952 was up 3% from 2007 s fourth quarter, as a gain of 25% in fourbedroom and larger prices offset decreases in every other size category. > Fewer closings at 15 Central Park West and The Plaza brought the average condo price down 7% from the fourth quarter of 2007, to $1,713,124. If these buildings were excluded from the data, however, the average price would be 21% higher than a year ago, and the highest level on record. MANHATTAN > Average And Median Sale Price > All Apartments 16

19 Average Price Per Square Foot > New Developments Average Price Per Square Foot > Lofts > New developments, which made up 42% of all closings during the fourth quarter, sold for an average price of $1,253 per square foot. This was down 14% over the past year, due to fewer closings at 15 Central Park West and The Plaza. If we excluded these buildings, this figure would be up 1% from a year ago. The average price per square foot for loft apartments rose to $1,181 from $1,170 during the fourth quarter of > Apartments sold during the fourth quarter spent 16 more days on the market than a year ago, a 19% increase. Sellers received just under 95% of their asking price, down from almost 98% in the fourth quarter of Time on the Market Asking Vs. Selling Pricice Excludes new developments and units listed over nine months. Excludes new developments. 17

20 EASTSIDE > Average Sale Pricice > With the exception of studios, all other sizes of apartments on the Eastside posted higher average prices over the past year. These gains were led by one-bedrooms, whose average price rose 11% during this time to $796,068. While there was a sharp increase in the median price for apartments on Fifth Avenue, this is primarily due to an abnormally low figure during the fourth quarter of > The large number of closings at 15 Central Park West during the fourth quarter of 2007 dramatically inflated Westside prices a year ago, especially for larger apartments. If we remove 15 CPW, the average price would have been up 8% for two- and 28% for three-bedroom and larger apartments from 2007 s fourth quarter. While the median price fell 39% in the area from Columbus Avenue to east of West End Avenue, 87th to 110th Street, this was due to closings last year at the Ariel East, a new development. On a per square foot basis, the median price fell just 2% from the same time last year. WESTSIDE > Average Sale Pricice 2009 by Halstead Property, LLC. All Rights Reserved. This information may not be copied, commercially used or distributed without Halstead Property s prior consent. While information is believed true, no guaranty is made of accuracy. 18

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24 Report I Informe I Overseas Property Overview FIRST DAYS OF 2009 BROUGHT MULTIDIRECTIONAL FORECASTS REGARDING SOME OF THE WORLD PROPERTY MARKETS 2009 will be an ideal time to buy Australian property. Loan Market Group executive director John Kolenda says low interest rates and plunged property prices (combined with government program aimed on helping first home buyers) speak well for purchasing the Australian property. The expert reminds that since September, 2008 the Reserve Bank has cut its interest rate by 3% and it reached a seven-year-low level of 4.25%. In October Australian Government doubled the first home owners grant to 14,000 Australian dollars (7.2 thousand euro). The Australian Housing Industry Association (HIA), forecasts a property market recovery in the second half of British economists polled by The Financial Times can not boast of such optimism. Every six in ten economists believe that it will be better to avoid buying property in 2009, and prices will continue to decline till The overriding opinion among the polls is that house prices in the UK remain too high compared with citizen incomes and local banking credit conditions. Opinions differ. Very few people in the beginning of 2008 could assume that premium-class housing of London, Manhattan or Dubai will decrease in price. Quite the contrary many experts agreed that exactly premiumclass properties will manage to resist global financial and economic crisis. However the end of 2008 brought news of an opposite sense. 22