XYNO PROPERTIES

Press Release

16 May 2012

Xyno Properties announced today an investment into the Corporate Headquarter Building of the BMW Group in Switzerland. The building is Located within the BMW Corporate Campus in Dielsdorf, Canton of Zurich, Switzerland w7ithin a 15 minute drive to both the Zurich International Airport & downtown Zurich and is classified as Class “A” Commercial Office Space. The Property houses the Financial Services Group and senior management of BMW Group Switzerland.  

The physical characteristics of The Property are a total of 6,072 square meters / 65,334 square feet of office space within a 3 story building, constructed of contemporary design with innovative use of stone, steel and glass. The office space is flexible and adaptive to a wide range of alternative uses. The land is comprised of Parcel Number 1822 containing a total of 5,160 square meters / 55,542 square feet / 1.27 acres zoned commercial/industrial. Typically, Swiss commercial properties provide little parking. The BMW Property however, provides 76 parking spaces beneath the building and 20 above ground spaces.

The municipality of Dielsdorf is located in the northwestern sector of the Swiss canton of Zurich and is the capital of the district of Dielsdorf. Dielsdorf is the Swiss corporate headquarters for a number of other large international companies such as Chromos, Fuji Film and Honeywell. Although the municipality is comprised of only 5,506 residents, Dielsdorf provides a workplace for over 2,000 employees. Dielsdorf is well connected to the extensive Swiss public transportation system by rail and is accessible to four major bus lines. The major highway going north out of Zurich (Route 17) passes through Dielsdorf. Freeway access to Autobahn N1, the main

Swiss artery is 5 miles south, and access to Autobahn N51 is 4 miles northeast. Zurich is 13 miles south and the Zurich International Airport (Kloten) is 11 miles to the east.

The company believes that the investment will create value in it's portfolio and will enhance the current income and growth potential.

Interested parties can contact Xyno Properties at: Onyx Worldwide AG onyxagnewsletter@onyx.co.im

More information about Xyno Properties at: http://xyno-properties.com

Real estate opportunities in Africa

02 May 2012

Africa’s collective GDP in 2020 is expected to reach $2.6 trillion, with $1.4 trillion in consumer spending and 128 million African households that have discretionary income. Africa’s collective GDP in 2020 is expected to reach $2.6 trillion, $1.4 trillion consumer spending with 128 million African households with discretionary income. This is according to a report entitled: Lions on the Move – The progress and potential of African economies by McKinsey Global Institute. This is according to a report entitled: Lions on the Move – The progress and potential of African economies by McKinsey Global Institute. The report reveals that Africa’s future growth will be supported by external trends such as the global race for commodities, Africa’s increased access to international capital and its ability to forge new types of economic partnerships with foreign investors. Furthermore, the long-term growth of Africa’s economy will be lifted by internal social and demographic trends, particularly Africa’s growing labour force and the related rise of the middle class consumers. McKinsey notes that for companies, the report analysis suggests that four groups of industries together will be worth $2.6 trillion in annual revenue by 2020. These are consumer-facing industries (such as retail, telecommunications and banking), infrastructure related industries, agriculture and resources. Meanwhile, the Annual Broll Property Report notes that Sub-Saharan Africa continues to experience an increase in demand for real estate solutions in a very complex structure of emerging markets. Construction in these locations is booming and some South African retailers and property developers who have been eyeing these growth trends have made an early entry into these real estate markets. In Nigeria, thanks to rapid urbanisation, consumerism and a growing middle-class, demand for retail space has increased during the past 12 months. The backlog of formal upmarket retail developments has brought new proposals and it is estimated that 250 000 square metres of Gross Lettable Area of retail space will come on stream during the next 24 months. There is demand for office space with new developments mostly comprising A Grade offices. South African and international retailers are reportedly continuing to enter the retail market in Ghana with a basic line shop rental for shopping centres commanding rentals priced between US$35 to US$65 per square metre per month. Accra Mall measuring 20 000 square metres in Ghana is the only premier shopping centre in Ghana attracting 7 million shoppers a year. New office developments in Ghana are leaning towards A Grade type prime locations and these are expected to have basic rentals of between US$35 and US$40 per square on completion. In Namibia, the supply of retail space has declined while demand sales have remained stable. Demand for space varies between 150 square metres to 500 square metres and leases escalate at 8 percent annually, according to Broll. At the Gauteng Chapter Breakfast of the South African Council of Shopping Centres on Leasing in Africa, Dave Bennie, Africa Retail Leasing and Consulting for Broll said it is much easier to do business in Africa where you do not need a visa and there is ease of travelling to that particular country. Namibia and Zambia were cited as relatively easy to operate in while Mauritius was said to be overtraded. Construction in Sub-Saharan Africa is booming and some South African retailers and property developers who have been eyeing these growth trends have made an early entry into these real estate markets. Bennie points out that Nairobi in Kenya has good infrastructure, lots of new modern residential apartments and the area is poised for growth. He says retailers wanting to trade outside of South Africa need to assess the market and partner with locals as well if they are to succeed. On Nigeria, he says Lagos is a tough place to do business in as property and land generally cost more than they would in New York City in the US. As a result, he explains that property rentals are high and landlords require rentals to be paid for a year in advance. This expensive location will become a mega-city in Africa, he says. While signing deals is important, Bennie urges South African businesses wanting to trade outside borders to ensure that they check their health, things such as getting a Yellow Fever Vaccine are very important. “More importantly, doing business in Africa should be seen as an adventure, one needs a strong heart and will and lots of patience,” says Bennie. South African retailer Woolworths aims to open 16 stores in African countries this year taking the total number of stores to 60 in the current financial year. The new stores will be larger than current ones and the retailer expects to be trading in 104 stores on the African continent (outside South Africa) by June 2014. Woolworths is currently trading in 12 countries. Click here to read more about the Woolworths expansion into other African countries and here about real estate investments in Africa. Glenn Gilzean, Woolworths Group director for retail operations, says Woolworths have the advantage of having traded on the continent for many years and is well placed to expand its footprint. “We are very mindful of the competition for limited retail space and the need to deliver a compelling shopping experience to different customers in a range of territories.” However, Gilzean says finding the ideal entrepreneurs to “set up shop with” (as they enter into joint ventures with partners in African countries) remains a challenge to doing business in other African countries. Asked what he thought was fuelling retail growth in Africa, he says he believes the Group’s Pan African expansion will deliver a meaningful profit contribution. A number of factors have spurred the interest in African countries including the growth of consumer spending, which now accounts for more than 60 percent of the African GDP and is expected to increase with the growth of the upper and middle income groups. South African retailer Woolworths aims to open 16 stores in African countries this year taking the total number of stores to 60 in the current financial year. “The appetite for formal retail is another factor and we are well resourced to meet the needs of the aspirant African consumer,” says Gilzean. At a GIBS Forum in Illovo, Johannesburg on Taking Advantage of Opportunities in Africa, Jason Krause, managing director of International SOS South Africa says there is no one size fits all approach to minimising risk in African economies. He notes that lack of awareness and preparedness of what happens in other African economic markets remains a risk factor for many businesses wanting to trade outside their own countries. While opportunities are seemingly endless in Africa, the continent is also the most risky location to do business in. These include infectious diseases, opportunistic crimes and other health issues. Krause says malaria is seen as a huge threat followed by road accidents, but notes that the type of industry one is in determines the risks. He says for those wishing to jump on the Africa economic opportunities bandwagon, it is important to increase awareness among shareholders regarding the chosen country to do business in Africa and protecting employees heading these businesses is necessary to taking advantages in Africa. “It’s all about knowing the risk, preparation and managing the risk posed by doing business in that country.” Dave Butler, managing director, Southern and East Africa Control Risks, says Africa has become an investment destination of choice and with its young working population, the continent is poised for further growth. Butler says business opportunities exist in sectors including infrastructure, consumerism and telecommunications, and South Africa and its businesses are well placed to take advantage of these opportunities. He explains that businesses face risks including government change, which signals risks to long-term investors, contract negotiations, red tape and corruption. Silke writes that with 900 million consumers on the continent, the problems and pitfalls in doing business in Africa are quickly being outweighed by the promise of a market clamouring for goods and services. It is, however, important that one does research before investing outside of their known economies. Planning and practise all form part of preparing to enter uncharted territory and taking advantages of economic opportunities in Africa. Butler says if one is thinking of expanding into Africa, they should: 1. Know exactly where they are going – understand the country and its politics. 2. Know your partner, ask questions such as who is behind the company and what companies' or partners’ original source of wealth is. Do a thorough due diligence. 3. Protect your reputation against allegations of corruption and bribery by remaining ethical in all business dealings. Daniel Silke, political analyst and author of the book entitled 'Tracking the Future – Top trends that will shape South Africa and the world', writes that in a world looking for the next investment frontier, the African continent stands out as the next major contributor to global growth. Africa will soon be courted by global corporates from more mature developed markets as the scramble for opportunities in Africa continues. Silke writes that with 900 million consumers on the continent, the problems and pitfalls of doing business in Africa are quickly being outweighed by the promise of a market clamouring for goods and services. He adds that Africa stands on the cusp of a critical opportunity and is well positioned in a world less dominated by the West and more open to input and influence from the developing world. – Denise Mhlang

Midwest, New Orleans Area Counties Top U.S. Population Gains

Scott Kauffman Posted by Scott Kauffman 05/07/12 8:00 AM EST Author Bio | Archives Related Stories: 9 1 1Email0

New-Orleans-Louisiana.jpg (Washington D.C.) -- Of the 10 fastest growing counties in the nation between April 1, 2010, and July 1, 2011, two were in the upper Midwest and two were in Louisiana, according to some recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The two Midwestern counties that made the top-ten list were Williams, N.D., which ranked third, and Dallas, Iowa, which was seventh. Meanwhile, the presence of Louisiana counties St. Bernard (No. 2) and Orleans (No. 9) among the 10 fastest-growing counties in America provides evidence that the New Orleans area continues to rebound from the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina. Another fast-growing county was in the Pacific Northwest: Franklin, Wash., which was fifth. Two county equivalents in Virginia, the independent cities of Manassas Park and Fredericksburg, checked in at fourth and sixth, respectively. Rounding out the top 10 were Charlton, Ga. (first); Hoke, N.C. (eighth) and Williamson, Texas (10th). None of these 10 counties was among the 10 fastest growing from 2000 to 2010. The top 10 numeric gainers were all in the Sun Belt, with four in Texas: Harris, Dallas, Bexar, and Tarrant. Another four were in Southern California: Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange and San Diego. Rounding out the list were Maricopa, Ariz. and Miami-Dade, Fla. Following are some other interesting findings from the recent Census Bureau look at county growth: Among the 50 fastest-growing counties from 2010 to 2011, 38 were in the South, with the remaining 12 split equally between the Midwest and West. Texas contained more of these counties than any other state, with 12. Georgia was next, with nine, followed by Virginia (seven), and North Dakota and North Carolina (tied with three apiece). Texas was home to eight of the 25 counties with the highest numerical gains and California was second with six. All but two were in the South or West: Kings, N.Y. (Brooklyn) and Cook, Ill. (Chicago). The three fastest-growing counties from 2000 to 2010 were Kendall, Ill.; Pinal, Ariz.; and Flagler, Fla. Between 2010 and 2011, they ranked 236th, 171st and 207th, respectively. Los Angeles was the most populous county, with 9.9 million residents on July 1, 2011

Swiss real estate will become the new gold

Posted by Izabella Kaminska

Here’s an interesting view on the consequences of the SNB’s move from Societe Generale’s Sebastien Galy. First of all, as others have noted too, Galy believes the decision to defend a 1.20 level floor against the euro is credible this time, since the environment is very different. Not only is there a political will to intervene, measures like CPI — which are dropping — justify an expansion of the monetary base. As Galy notes: The SNB moved to set a floor at 1.20 in the EUR/CHF. Front end vols in EUR/CHF have started to collapse and should continue to do so especially downside vols. In 2006/2007 when EUR/CHF was trading in a range, vols were far lower than now . This intervention move is distinct from 2010 when the SNB was reacting to deleveraging of peripherals and was eventually forced to surrender and suffer from a public backlash. Now, it already has the political support to move ahead as well as a clear economic imperative so that the SNB’s move is credible. The CPI yoy inflation dropped more than expected. This is even as the well publicized price cuts by retailers such as Migros, Coop and Manor are yet to show up in the data. Though there’s another potential side-effect — one that’s likely to make Swiss real estate a major beneficiary, notes Galy: The presumption is that the intervention will be largely unsterilized eading to an expansion of moneys in Switzerland and extremely low mortgages. It also means that real estate in Switzerland is going to be the new gold. There is still an open window before the government starts to close it by regulating the mortgage market, presumably by increasing the risk weight on Swiss mortgage holdings. he extremely well informed article from a Basel newspaper two weeks ago had mentioned that regulation of the mortgage market was being considered by the government in addition to measures to help the Swiss export and tourism industry. Meanwhile, from a bond perspective: The net amount of investment flow into Switzerland is initially unclear as from a fixed income perspective, it is attractive for a Swiss Fixed Income investor to sell the 1M bond at home and invest in German or French Bunds to gain roughly 1%. In the future, every new wave of risk aversion is likely to translate into more negative rates in Switzerland. The issue will then be whether the SNB penalizes Swiss bank s who arbitrage these rates via deposits at the SNB. Presumably, it is in their interest of having negative rates to encourage investments outside of Switzerland. Which means you can expect the Swiss shopping spree to take place both domestically and abroad.

Property prices in Auckland hit new high

Asking prices for Auckland homes hit a new all time high in April as the New Zealand city's real estate market experiences a severe shortage of supply

Data released in the NZ Property Report, a monthly report of housing market activity compiled by Realestate.co.nz, showed that the average asking price for Auckland homes for sale increased 2% from March taking them to an all time high of $568,820, the third high in eight months.

Alistair Helm, chief executive officer of Realestate.co.nz, said that the surge was understandable due to the increased pressure that has been placed on that market by strong sales that have not been matched by numbers of new listings.

‘The number of new listings is virtually identical to April last year, but what is different this year is that demand has remained high, with year on year sales up more than 20%,’ said Helm, adding that the Auckland market is still massively undersupplied resulting in a ‘chronic shortage’.

Prices in Auckland have remained at the top end of the range for the past 12 months, according to Peter Thompson, managing director of Barfoot & Thompson.

‘In April property held on to the solid prices achieved in March, with the average sales price for the month being $568,018, only $3,000 lower than the average price in March. It shows that March’s big jump in prices over those for February was no one off spike,’ he explained.

What did change between April and March was the number of homes sold. Sales numbers fell back to 750. This is consistent with the number of homes sold in April last year, but is 39.8% lower than in March. New listings for the month at 1,266 were also solid, but were down 17.6 % on those for March.

‘At month’s end we had only 4,621 homes on our books throughout Auckland, the lowest number in four months and 17.2% lower than at the same time last year. This underlines the extent to which there is a lack of choice available to potential home buyers,’ added Thompson.

Prices and sales volume tend to ease in autumn but he expects the buoyant market to continue. ‘Given the high level of buyer interest in the market and the low level of choice, prices are likely to hold firm through May. For three of the four months of this year, the average sales price for the month has been higher than the corresponding month last year,’ he said.

However, around the country the dominant trend was an easing of asking prices with 11 of the 19 regions covered by Realestate.co.nz reporting falls, ranging from just 0.2% in Gisborne to a massive 12.8% in Wiararapa. There were five regions where the asking price showed a fall of greater than 5%; Waikato, Nelson, Southland, Marlborough as well as Wairarapa.

In contrast there were some strong growth in asking price with Hawkes Bay and West Coast reporting prices up 14.1% and 5.1% respectively.

Two regions, Auckland and Hawkes Bay reported new record levels of asking prices, in the case of the Hawkes Bay the prior high was last seen way back in 2007 whereas Auckland’s prior high was only two months ago.