With property buying – both in the UK and abroad – being such a hot lifestyle topic, I frequently write on property issues for magazines, newspapers, websites and blogs, such as The Telegraph, Living Abroad, PrimeLocation.com, International Property: Luxury Collection, Jet-to-Let, Buying Abroad, The Market, Evening Standard, Source Investments, Finbri, Inhous, Delph Property Group, Houzz, Off Plan Property Exchange, International Life, SilverKris (Singapore Airlines), Villa & Vida, Owners Perspective, Your Own Home (London Borough of Hounslow), On The Ladder, Landlord and Buy-to-Let, Homes Bought Fast, HBF Investments, International Living, House Hunters in the Sun, Hot Property and MyPropertyPal.
I’ve edited the occasional Buying Abroad supplement and was previously editor of the property newsletter, Emerging Europe Property Insider. I’ve also been on the judging panel for the International Property Awards.
As well as property buying, letting and renting, I also write homes and interiors pieces – focusing on the all important issue of making a house a home – for various magazines, websites and blogs, including Houzz, Home Style, Reclaim, Period Ideas, Dulux, Dotmaison, eBay, Dwell, Love Bathrooms, Foam & Bubbles, Utopia Hub, Victoria Plum, Beth Stevens, On The Ladder and my own regularly updated and top 10 ranking home and interiors blogs, Fresh Design Blog and Cosy Home Blog.
Molae Properties
SEO copywriting and property investment blog posts for Molae Properties:
How long does it take to sell a house?
Are short leasehold London flats problematic?
Should you sell or rent your house: the pros and cons
Why sell your London Property in 2019?
What do landlords need to know about local landlord licensing?
What happens to repossessed property?
Emigration nightmares and how to solve them
How to sell a short lease flat in London
How to quickly sell buy-to-let properties
Property inheritance and the jargon explained
The pros and cons of part exchanging properties
Source Investments
Adhoc copywriting for Source Investments, including news, bios and blog posts.
Finbri
Property-related blog posts for the Finbri website:
Buying property at auction to flip for profit
House prices and inflation cause inheritance tax worries
Government need to keep building houses to meet demand
Golden villages continue to lure property buyers
Nicholas Wells
Property, homes and interiors blog posts for Nicholas Wells Antiques:
Live the Grand French Chateau Life
International Homes with History
Houzz
Get in touch with textured-effect wallpapers
Ways to organize your kitchen for under $50
Contemporary bookcases and shelving
Decorating with contemporary wall decal stickers
Fresh white and sparking silver home accents
Decorating With Shades of Blue
Guest Picks: Contemporary Garden Ideas
Quirky, Colorful and Fun Lighting Ideas
Guest Picks: 20 Of The Best Contemporary Chairs
Guest Picks: Map-tastic – Map Inspired Home Ideas
Four A&D magazine
Reclaim magazine
Perfect Parquet (the beauty of reclaimed flooring) – Issue 2, May 2016
The Tile Files (vintage tiles) – Issue 1, March 2016
Evening Standard
Interiors: Top five trends for Spring (advertorial feature) – Feb 2016
HomeStyle magzine
Why buy new build? – March / April 2015
Foam & Bubbles
How to create a relaxing haven in your bathroom
Bath versus shower: do you really need both?
Utopia Hub
How to make a small room feel larger
The Market
Property features for The Market magazine:
Olympic Property – June/July 2012
Homes Under the Hammer – March 2012
Ski Properties: USA versus EU – December 2011
Hot New Homes – November 2011
The Super Prime Property Market – October 2011
Investing in International Property – September 2011
Investing in a European Holiday Property – July/August 2011
The Search for UK Property Hotspots – June 2011
Land Matters: Buying Land – May 2011
Investing in a Country Property – April 2011
What Makes and Eco Home Green? – March 2011
Life in the New Build – Jan/Feb 2011
Ski Properties – Dec 2010
Investing in a London City Pad – Nov 2010
International Property: Luxury Collection
Spanish Steps (Volume 20, number 1)
Spain has long been popular with property investors and its inherent charm, good weather and ease of access are stepping up its return to full flavour.
Designs on New England (Volume 19, number 5)
With the US property market boosted by good market conditions, this feature looks at the benefits to investors of buying a second home or investment property in the popular state of Massachusetts.
Indian Inspiration (Volume 19, number 4)
West is meeting East in India, where an abundance of high-end property development is taking many areas by storm.
From NY to LA (Volume 19, number 2)
If you’re thinking of buying a place in the US, Rachel Newcombe finds that two stateside locations are proving a big hit with high-end property purchasers and investors.
The USA USP (Volume 19, number 1)
Rachel Newcombe explores the endless appeal of some favourite USA winter and spring destingations and spotlights a selection of the hottest high-end property buys.
A Trio of Island Properties (Volume 18, number 6)
The exotic islands of Mauritus, the Maldives and the Seychelles have a lot to offer the discerning buyer looking for a dream property purchase.
Fresh Design Blog
I run and edit Fresh Design Blog, a home, interiors and shopping blog focused on contemporary and modern homes and gardens. The blog is updated regularly during the week with topical posts on home, interiors, garden and property issues. Some examples include:
Festive Christmas wreath decorations for your home
Create your own home decor with a 1Wall creative collage
A taste of vintage with Etsy’s Vintage & Main Collective
Six ways to use contemporary open shelving units
Christmas gifts and decor ideas from Lime Lace
Top 10 free online interior design room planner tools
Victoria Plum – Love Bathrooms
Five ways to add shabby chic style to your bathroom – Love Bathrooms
Ideas for creating a winter themed bathroom – Love Bathrooms
Villa & Vida magazine
Ski Properties: The Best of France and Switzerland (December 2011)
PrimeLocation
Blog posts for the Prime UK and Prime International blogs:
UK:
Keyword Search of the Week: Converted Chapels
Rent an Extraordinary Home
Small but beautiful: Toll houses
Pros and cons: Buying a brand new home
Keyword Search of the Week: roof garden
New landlords clueless about letting legislation
Ideal Home Show
London’s 12 least eco-friendly buildings revealed
Keyword Search of the Week: Annexe
Top 10 facts about listed properties
Moving house: what to leave behind
Keyword Search of the Week: Thatch
The Listed Property Show 2009
Somebody’s dream home: a £100,000 water tower
A room with a view: windmill properties
Wood, glorious wood
Renting in a royal park
Boost your home’s selling potential
To bling or not to bling?
International:
Trulli unique to Puglia, Italy
Fine time for a Finca
Where to live: Island life in Malta
Own your own private island
Better quality of life for British expats
European holiday home owners could claim tax rebate
Five great reasons to buy an established overseas hotel
The happiest places for holiday homes
Revealed: The true cost of expat food
Snap up a city pad
World’s top 10 most expensive cities
And the least expensive property markets are…
Victory for Brits in Spanish property tax grab
Buying in Berlin
Equipping your holiday property, part one
Equipping your holiday property, part two
Slovakia joins the Eurozone
Why do people let their holiday homes?
The world of vineyard properties
10 tips for letting your overseas property
Where to get a 007 postcode
Moor appeal
Dotmaison Blog
Five reasons for using wall stickers in interior decorating
From Russia with love: Matroyoshka’s in your home
Spring is sprung: Inject a spring feel into your home
Five favourite salt and pepper sets
Hot designers – Orla Kiely, retro rules!
Fabulously funky modern clocks
Investment Property Blog
Twice weekly blog posts for property investor, David Coughlin’s, UK investment property blog:
Finding property hotspots part 2: Regeneration schemes
Finding property hotspots part 1: Improved transport links
10 top tips for maximising kerb appeal
Are you an energy savvy landlord?
Common winter property problems and how to avoid them, part 2
Common winter property problems and how to avoid them, part 1
Five tips for letting properties to pet owners
Emergency information to tell your tenants
Do you let properties to tenants with pets?
Last chance to take advantage of stamp duty holiday
Are your rental property gas appliances safe?
How to create an inventory for your rental property
10 top tips for preparing your property for viewing
Pros and cons of property investing with friends or family
Why property investors should use Google Eart: part 1
Why property investors should use Google Earth: part 2
Five common mistakes made by property investors
6 ways to identify the right investment property location
5 tips for avoiding tenant problems
Increase in buy-to-let investors
Investing in student property and HMOs
Period Ideas magazine
Fresh and Natural – August 2010
Decorate your home with the soothing shades of duck egg, fern and moss.
Rhapsody in Blue – July 2010
Enrich your home with the beautiful shades of turquoise, cyan and cobalt. Three page decorating feature covering wallpaper, paint, fabrics and accessory ideas.
On The Ladder
Credit Crunch Home Style Ideas
Moving House: Self-Hire Van or Removal Firm?
Getting on the Ladder During the Credit Crunch (Jan/Feb 09)
How to Buy the Perfect Bed (Jan/Feb 09)
Setting the Mood in Your Home for Valentine’s Day (Jan/Feb 09)
Choosing Lighting For Your Home, Autumn 2008
Natural Accessories For Your Home, Autumn 2008
Buying Abroad
I wrote and edited a special Buying Abroad magazine supplement that was distributed with Sunday Telegraph and Telegraph on various dates in 2008.
The Telegraph
A Haven of Delights Plus Duty Free (fantasy islands), 14th April 2007
They tick all the boxes. Unspoilt, blue seas and year-round sun. Rachel Newcombe discovers some remote idylls.
Hit the Heights (ski properties), 27th January 2007
Some resorts are established, while others are emerging markets. Rachel Newcombe looks at the investment and enjoyment potential of six countries.
Jet-to-Let magazine
Features for Jet-to-Let, a quarterly property investment magazine:
Cyprus: How Is It Faring in 2009?, Issue 7, 2009
Focus on Italy, Issue 6, November 2008
Focus on Turkey, Issue 6, November 2008
Focus on India, Issue 5, May 2008
Dubai: Opportunities in the Middle East, Issue 5, May 2008
Cape Verde: An Island of Opportunity? Issue 4, January 2008
Focus on France, Issue 4, January 2008
Croatia: Still an Attractive Investment? September 2007
Focus on Brazil, September 2007
Spain: Is the Party Over? Spring 2007
Bulgaria Beware? Spring 2007
Focus on Crete, Winter 2006/2007
Focus on Cyprus, Winter 2006/2007
Focus on Morocco, Winter 2006/2007
SilverKris magazine
In a soft market, prime real estate – while not exactly peanuts – may be more within reach than ever. Rachel Newcombe picks eight of the best luxury home bargains in property hotspot around the world – from a cut-price chateau to a discounted hamlet – for you to grab or drool over.
Landlord and Buy-to-Let magazine
Who Needs Agents? March 2009
Buying and Selling Tenanted Properties, January 2009
Living Abroad magazine
Regular property features between 2005 and 2009 for the monthly (was previously bi-monthly) publication for people interested in moving abroad:
The New Caribbean, March 2009
Eager property investors, including Hollywood stars, are setting their sights on the delights of Central America.
City by the Sea, December 2008 / January 2009
Voted the world’s most liveable city, Vancouver has everything a property buyer needs for a great quality of life.
In With the New, December 2008 / January 2009
The opening up of New Europe’s property markets to foreign buyers gives Brits the chance to get in on the ground.
Exploring Eastern Europe (Part 1), November 2008
As the UK housing market flounders, investors are looking east to find the best rates of return.
Cities of Gold, November 2008
While many move to Tuscany dreaming of that farmhouse in the countryside, there is just as much to attract the confirmed city-dweller too.
A View to a Thrill, October 2008
James Bond’s latest adventure, Quantum of Solace, is set to put Central America firmly on the filmgoer’s map, but property there is definitely no shot in the dark.
Oh Canada! October 2008
Whether you’re thinking of emigrating abroad or fancy owning a holiday home on foreign shores, Canada has plenty to offer the discerning buyer.
The Tide is High, September 2008
Buying property with added extras is a great way to maximise your investment, and with sailing becoming increasingly popular, here’s our guide to the top 10 marina developments.
Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry? September 2008
Already popular with North Americans and Canadians, the lure of Panama is now attracting interest from UK and European buyers too.
Magical Le Marche, September 2008
Want to move to Italy, but can’t decide between being near the beach or the mountains? Le Marche is the place for you.
Down Mexico way, September 2008
This vibrant country is bursting with Latin spirit – along with bountiful property opportunities.
Get Lost at Sea, August 2008
With Mamma Mia showing off Greece’s picture-perfect whitewashed villages, sunny days and warm seas, it’s no wonder that the islands are attracting more and more property investors.
There is a Green Hill Far Away…August 2008
Known as the heart of Italy, Umbria’s verdant countryside and rolling hills attract buyers looking for traditional charm.
Coasting to Success, July 2008
With coasts on the Adriatic Sea, just a hop from Italy, Montenegro, Albania and Croatia are quickly becoming property hotspots.
Tempted by Tuscany, July 2008
If there’s one part of the world that has eternal appeal for investors, it’s Tuscany, home to rolling hills, romantic scenery and surprisingly affordable property.
Cape of Good Hope, July 2008
There’s never been a better time to invest in property in South Africa, and to take advantage of the boom around 2010’s World Cup.
The Magic of Arabia, June 2008
With strong growth potential and increasing levels of tourism, the Arabic world has a lot to offer property investors.
Cashing in on the Weak Dollar, May 2008
Things may be difficult for our friends in the US, but the low dollar exchange rate opens up a world of bargain properties.
Making Waves in the Med, May 2008
With property prices on the up and the reassuring stability of the Euro, now is the moment to invest in Cyprus.
This Side of Heaven, April 2008
With perfect white sandy beaches, azure seas and well-developed tourist facilities, it’s no wonder Mauritius is an exclusive idyll.
Winter Warmers, March 2008
If you’re fed up with UK weather and fancy jetting to sunnier climes during the winter months, owning a property in country where sun is guaranteed at this time of year is just the ticket. From the familiar, to the more unusual, this article looks at the top 10 winter sun property destinations.
From Head to Toe, March 2008
Italy’s Calabria region is the toe of the country’s boot, and is proving to be a bargain hotspot for canny property investors.
Top Five Property Cities, March 2008
Choosing a city property is a great way to maximise your investment as well as your rental income. Whether you fancy a city pad for weekend breaks, a long-term rental property for local residents or a place to let out for holidays, cities are a great option to consider.
A Little Bit of Paradise, February 2008
A guide to buying the perfect exotic beach hideaway.
A Piece of the Action, February 2008
All about fractional ownership.
Into Africa, February 2008
Follow in the bike tracks for Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman, and snap up bargain property in the process.
Discovering New Europe
Puglia, Italy, June 2007
Safe as Houses, May 2007
As a long-term favourite with British expats and holidaymakers, Portugal is a good bet if you’re after a safe property investment.
Red Sea, April 2007
Bulgaria, April 2007
Islands, April 2007
Hot in the City, March 2007
Not everyone dreams of living in a rural idyll or island paradise – cities provide nightlife, culture and much-needed jobs.
Buys from Brazil, March 2007
The country famous for its fabulous beaches and rainforest is the property investor’s next big thing.
Yes, You Can Afford Italy, March 2007
If you fantasise about a life of pasta and Pinot Grigio, but your budget doesn’t stretch to Tuscany or Umbria, look further South.
Double O Heaven, February 2007
Give your new life abroad a touch of Bond glamour by checking out homes in these top secret locations.
This is Paradise, February 2007
Year-round sunshine, good schools and a great standard of living – no wonder Cyprus is top of the popularity stakes.
Leave Your Umbrella at Home, February 2007
When you buy a home of the Cape Verde islands, you buy into a totally tropical lifestyle at an affordable price.
Bloc Party, December 2006/January 2007
Since they joined the EU, the Baltic states have been growing in popularity with travellers and foreign property buyers.
Bright Lights Big City, December 2006/January 2007
There’s more to Las Vegas than casinos and showgirls, as an increasing number of expats are discovering.
Snow Globe, November 2006
Your dream of owning a home near the slopes could be closer than you think.
Safe as Houses, November 2006
Already established and popular with Britons, you’re bound to get a retun on your money when you buy in Spain.
Relax – You’ve Made a Great Investment (spa properties), October 2006
Buying on or near a spa is not purely an indulgence; you’re tapping into a growing trend that will reap rewards in the future.
A Good Thing Growing, October 2006
The rolling countryside, vineyards and olive groves of Umbria and Tuscany have seduced many. And this is a love affair with a happy ending.
Turkey…And All The Trimmings, October 2006
The popular country has much more than just beaches and coastline. If you join the property market soon enough, you’ll grab yourself a real bargain.
Join the Club (golf properties), September 2006
You don’t have to play the game to enjoy the investment opportunities on golf courses. And now the whole world is getting in on the act, says Rachel Newcombe.
Two to Watch (Croatia and Montenegro), September 2006
Want to get in early in emerging property markets? You could do no better than Croatia and Montenegro, tipped as the fastest growing destinations in the world.
Green and Pleasant Land (Cape Verde), July 2006
With their tropical climate and emerging economy, the Cape Verde islands are a real hot spot.
Heaven in Miniature (Cayman Islands), June 2006
The Cayman Islands are a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of visitors each year, but they’re also the home of about 19,000 expats. If you fancy the idea of a tropical lifestyle, could it be the place for you?
Totally Tropical Life (Dominican Republic), December 2005/January 2006
With its idyllic beaches and exotic lifestyle, the Caribbean is a dream holiday location. But, for many foreign nationals, it’s now proving to be an equally perfect place to live.
Always The Sun (Tenerife), December 2005/January 2006
It’s described as the ‘Island of Eternal Spring,’ so if the thought of another British winter is getting you down, Tenerife could be your ideal home location.
Realising The Dream, December 2005/January 2006
France is one of the top destinations for Britons dreaming of making a new start abroad. Tempted by the cheese-and-wine lifestyle, the number living there has risen by almost 50 per cent in the last five years and estimates suggest about 100,000 Britons now live there permanently, with many more owning holiday homes.
Moroccan Magic, October/November 2005
Tucked away at the tip of North Africa, between Algeria and Western Sahara and bordering the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, lies the vibrant country of Morocco. Steeped in cultural history, boasting a diversity of wildlife, stunning coastlines and even snow-capped mountains with skiing opportunities, Morocco offers a completely different lifestyle, yet is only three hours from the UK.
Welcome To Boom Town (Buying Property in Lithuania), October/November 2005
Since its entry into the European Union last year, Lithuania has been increasing in popularity as a place for foreign buyers to live. With only two hours’ time difference to the UK and a semi-continental climate – warm and humid in the summer, cooler in the winter – plus regular cheap flights from the UK, it has much to recommend it.
Delights of Eastern Canada, August/September 2005
Clean air, space, wonderful countryside, rivers, lakes and the sea – Eastern Canada offers it all. The natural beauty, particularly the renowned colourful displays in the autumn, is one of the main reasons people flock to the provinces of the country.
Easy Living (Buying in Portugal), August/September 2005
Portugal ranks fourth on the wish lists of Britons keen to head abroad for a new life, according to recent research. It’s awash with history, boasts beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes – no wonder it’s a popular destination.
Passionate About Portugal, August/September 2005
How often have you wanted to get away from it all and move somewhere completely different? For Stephen and Andrea Hutton, that thought was on their minds for 15 years. Their dream was to move to Portugal, but for years it didn’t seem as though it would be possible. Then a chance encounter finally presented an opportunity to make it happen.
Bargains in Bulgaria, June/July 2005
Property in Bulgaria is currently well priced and is proving increasingly popular with people looking to relocate overseas. There’s even the suggestion that it could become the ‘new Croatia,’ and take over as the place to buy. But what exactly is available, how easy is the buying process and could Bulgaria be your dream location?
Slice of Tropical Life (buying in Costa Rica), June/July 2005
Lush rainforests, open spaces, exotic plants and amazing animals, birds and insects – Costa Rica has it all. Once thought of as a merely a holiday destination, it’s now becoming a location for foreign buyers wishing to settle down and make a new life for themselves abroad.
Temperature’s Rising: Buying Property in Croatia, April/May 2005
For a while, it was a country people avoided, but now they’re flocking back – not only to visit, but to buy property and live in Croatia. It’s an increasingly popular destination for UK buyers wanting to move abroad, but what’s so good about the country and what do you need to know if you’re interested in buying property?
Malta’s Old and New, April/May 2005
With breathtaking coastlines, ancient architecture and a sunny, warm climate, it’s no wonder Malta has become one of the latest property hot spots. But if you’re keen to buy property here, what’s currently available, what do you need to know and are there any potential pifalls to be aware of?
Off Plan Property Exchange
Blog posts on worldwide and European property issues written for the Off Plan Property Exchange blog:
Tune into Phil Spencer’s Property Podcasts: Phil Spencer on the House
Brits Fleeing Abroad – and Buying Property There – Due to Rising Crime
Top Ski Property Destination for 2008: Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
10 Top Tips for Buying Property Abroad
Valentine’s Day Report: One in Five Brit’s Ready to Move Abroad for Love!
Big Names Boost Brazil’s Property Market
What’s Hot in Turkey’s Property Market?
Turkish Property Legality Check
Santa Claus and Buy-to-Let
Location Research and Viewing Trips
EasyJet to New Property Investment Locations
Cheap Flights Boost Property Sales
Swiss Buying Moratorium Lifted in Valais
Cambodia: Land of Opportunity?
2008 Foreign Property Predictions
International Life
Features for International Life magazine and website:
Fractional Ownership in London
Other property features
Passionate About Portugal – British Expats
The Charm of Tenerife – British Expats
Fractional Ownership: Property You Can Afford – written for Owners Perspective
Buying Property in Cyprus – written for MyPropertyPal
A Rural Retreat in Bulgaria – written for MyPropertyPal
* Do you need help with writing property website content or blogs? Or do you have a property article or book that needs commissioning? Call me now on 07801 944 978 or email rachel@newcombe.co.uk