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In Search of Land and Housing in the New South Africa is part of the World Bank Working Papers series. These papers are published to communicate the results of the Bank's ongoing research and to stimulate public discussion. This study outlines the difficulties poor communities face in accessing peri-urban land in South Africa that could have implications and lessons for similar communities in their countries facing spatial segregation issues. The study focused on one community, composed largely of laid-off farm workers that wanted to buy their own farm in a peri-urban area west of Johannesburg. Their dream was to establish a mixed-use settlement. They wanted to call the village Ethembalethu - "Our Hope." About 250 families started their own association and savings scheme to make their dream a reality. By 1997, they had saved enough money to make their first purchase offer. A decade later, the community's dream is still not a reality. The families have faced numerous obstacles: two cancelled sale agreements, wrongful arrest, being sued in court, an out-of-court settlement for which community members were paid to not move into the white neighborhood, and large sums of their own money spent on consultants and environmental impact studies. In an agreement with the Mogale City Municipality, where the land is located, the community now has at least a confirmed right to occupy the land. But it does not yet legally own the land, and is still trying to get permission to build on and work the land. The case of Ethembalethu is not unique. Millions of black South Africans live in the peri-urban areas. Yet, government programs, development planning and environmental regulations, and the current land and housing markets do not support realization of their aspirations to become homeowners on sites of their choice. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from New Hampshire Business Review, published by Business Publications, Inc. on July 16, 2010. The length of the article is 693 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: NHBR about town.(St Mary's Bank)(Neighborhood Housing Services)(New Hampshire Public Television')(People's United Community Foundation)(New Hampshire Legal Assistance)
Author: Unavailable
Publication: New Hampshire Business Review (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 16, 2010
Publisher: Business Publications, Inc.
Volume: 32Issue: 14Page: 13(1)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more

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As England's Industrial Revolution started the process of urbanization that has since characterized development throughout the world, a poet worried about the "dark satanic mills" that were such a fundamental part of this revolution. However, despite his misgivings, he also suggested that it was necessary for societies to arm themselves with "chariots of fire" and other weapons so that they could master this process.

In a somewhat more prosaic poetic vein World Bank President Robert McNamara launched the bank's shelter assistance programs saying that 'If cities do not begin to deal more constructively with poverty, poverty may begin to deal more destructively with cities.' These concerns would appear to have even more resonance today as the population of cities in developing countries increasing by unprecedented levels of more than 1 billion people per year for the next 15 years. This magnitude suggests the scale of the increase in the investment in shelter needed to meet the needs of this growing population. ... Read more

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In recent years there has been an explosion of interest in the idea of buying a house abroad, and the Mediterranean in particular has always exerted a powerful attraction for those looking for a place in the sun. Although Spain, France, and Italy remain the most popular countries for house hunters from abroad, people are also now looking further afield to other countries on the Mediterranean including Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, and Turkey--and even Malta, Gibraltar, and North Africa.

The unique new title Buying a House on the Mediterranean gives an up-to-date overview of the possibilities in all the different countries around the coast of the Mediterranean to let readers judge their pros and cons. The factors considered for each country include where to get best value for money, the ease of getting there, comparisons of their infrastructure, the cost of living and, of course, their climates around the year.

Buying a House on the Mediterranean gives general advice for prospective buyers on topics such as raising money for the purchase, taking a pet abroad, and health insurance. For each country it then includes more specific information including a regional section covering both the popular and the relatively unknown areas along the coast explaining where to look for a dream house and providing background information on the way of life and guidance on the local house purchasing procedure, regulations and property taxes. This information is supported by a wealth of useful addresses, and illustrated with quotes from people who have bought houses on the Mediterranean.
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Save money—and save the planet! This informative and practical guide will show you how.

Packed with facts and figures, The Energy Saving House covers every aspect of home energy use: from designing and building, through choice of materials, proper insulation, heating options, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, water consumption and heating, super windows, renovation and retrofitting, to choosing household appliances and fuel suppliers. Throughout, it emphasizes the benefits of "negawatts"—the energy you don’t use—and shows how you can retain the comforts of life, yet save 60% of your energy and water use.

Thierry Salomon is an applied engineer whose company, Gefosat, specializes in energy efficiency and developing renewable energy resources. Stephane Bedel is a heat engineering specialist with Gefosat.

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For everyone looking for property abroad whether they are moving to live, work, start a business or retire, or want somewhere to use as a holiday home or an investment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Comprehensive
One of many books on buying a house in France that I have bought since embarking on the road to home ownership in France. This one, like many, is written from a primarily British perspective, but it contains enough general information to make it a useful addition to your library. It has a particularly good section describing the various regions in France (and what a variety!) for those not yet decided where to settle.

informative for the right person
This book is written from a BRITISH perspective, so comparisons and examples of protocol won't make much sense to most Americans (myself included). There are, however, shorter sections relating to Americans moving to/living in France, so skip the parts that explain what EU citizens need to do and you'll probably find a paragraph about what you need to do. Some knowledge of architectural and/or building terms will be helpful, but is not entirely necessary.

Still, overall this is an informative and surprisingly enjoyable read. ... Read more

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Portugal is one of the most popular countries in Europe with those wanting to buy a second home, or even start a new life, overseas. This is of course in part due to its welcoming climate around the year, which on its south coast is like that of the nearby Mediterranean and further north is warmed by the Gulf Stream. But the country has further attractions; although it is fast catching up with its more sophisticated European neighbors, it still manages to retain an unspoiled picturesque charm and a relaxed, easy-going way of life, especially further away from the bustling tourist developments of the Algarve and the larger cities.

Buying a House in Portugal is a complete guide for anyone considering buying property there. It gives essential background information on Portuguese history; culture and the economy; the visa, work permit, and residence regulations; and the way of life in general--including descriptions of the health care and education systems, plus run-downs of food, drink, and shopping. A detailed geographical guide goes on to give profiles of the different regions including their climate, topography, and attractions; the types of property available; and comparative tables of prices to help readers select the best places to look for a house.

The book also describes all the different stages of the purchasing procedure, from raising finance, tackling the red tape, and taking on legal and other experts to exchanging contracts and conveyance. It concludes by covering the stages after the purchase, such as employing local craftsmen, improving the house or garden, and earning money from the property by renting it out.
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The Global Report on Human Settlements is the most authoritative and up-to-date assessment of conditions and trends in the world's cities. It is an essential tool and reference for researchers, academics, public authorities and civil society organizations around the world.

The 2007 Global Report is devoted to three major dimensions of urban safety and security: crime and violence; security of tenure and protection against forced eviction; and natural and human-made disasters. The report focuses on appropriate urban planning and management methods designed to: (i) reduce the incidence and impacts of crime and violence; (ii) reduce the incidence and consequences of tenure insecurity (including forced evictions), with respect to both shelter and informal sector enterprises; and (iii) mitigate the impacts of disasters (both natural and human-made). The volume is essential reading for all professionals and researchers in the relevant fields and a valuable resource for teachers and students of urban development. ... Read more

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Aimed at anyone who spends a lot of time in France, or who owns or rents property there, this book offers up-to-date information on building and restoring houses and on the most recent developments in telecommunications, taking account of the changes that 1993 will bring. ... Read more

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Price includes postage and packaging. ... Read more

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This digital document is an article from Real Estate Weekly, published by Hagedorn Publication on July 16, 2008. The length of the article is 359 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Hunter Roberts provides construction management services for Reed Smith LLP.
Author: Unavailable
Publication: Real Estate Weekly (Magazine/Journal)
Date: July 16, 2008
Publisher: Hagedorn Publication
Volume: 54Issue: 46Page: 6B(1)

Distributed by Gale, a part of Cengage Learning ... Read more