Offshore Guidebook | Real Estate Investor Magazine Offshore Guidebook 2014 | Page 41

Island subject to applying for sanction from the government, ie providing the government with personal documentation, and PGP will process this application on behalf of the purchasers. Anyone purchasing property on Eden Island is entitled to apply for residency and up to six investors (co-purchasers in a single property), together with their partners and children under 18, can apply for residency rights. It is not difficult to acquire residency million for a five-bedroom villa. Connected to the capital island of Mahe by a newly constructed bridge over the narrow ocean channel to the Seychelles’ capital , Victoria, Eden Island covers over 56 hectares, with more than 16 hectares of private waterways, as well as a separate commercial precinct with restaurants, a supermarket, delis, boutiques and coffee shops. The new Eden Bleu Hotel opens its doors in October 2014 and Eden Island is scheduled for final T he succe s s of E den Isl a nd h a s f u r t her demonstrated South Africans’ growing appetite for acquiring property which affords them not only a highly desirable leisure destination or lifestyle with sound investment potential, but also access to residency. It has certainly caught the imagination of investors, holidaymakers and professional yachtsmen the world over, with Pam Golding Properties having sold approximately 460 units to date to the value of $400 million, and just approximately 100 units left. Investment in Eden Island has proven very sound and lucrative, with prices having appreciated considerably over the years. For example, a one bedroom unit which sold for $285 000 in late 2006 would now fetch $425 000. Generally owners are achieving growth on their investment of some 5% per annum, and the fact that there are very few re-sales speaks for itself. Similarly the rental pool provides an option to achieve up to 10% per annum rental yields, with a strong demand among holidaymakers from France. Now is certainly an opportune time for investment, as one can expect to see the most growth after the final year of completion. as long as you have all the correct paperwork in place. Sound investment potential With regular flights available from South Africa and only an eight minute drive from the airport, Eden island offers a mix of freehold title villas, maisons and apartments priced from $425,000 up to around $3.5 www.reimag.co.za completion in approximately 18 months to two years. RESOURCES Pam Golding Property Group’s International and Projects Division Offshore Handbook 2014 39