ZONEZI

Edit Content

ZONEZI

Welcome!

Services

ZONEZI

List With Us
Log In
How Qatar Executive Takes Private Aviation to New Heights

Travelers who regularly use private aviation, be it for work or pleasure, hold some of the highest standards when it comes to quality, service and flexibility – which is why it’s vital they choose the correct provider. Qatar Executive is the private jet charter division of Qatar Airways, so it’s safe to say they know a thing or two about getting passengers from point A to B in a stylish and efficient manner.

Qatar Executive was established back in 2009 with the goal of transforming the private jet charter industry with its own brand of luxury, privacy and exclusivity. With Qatar Airways’ commercial wing over 15 years old at this point, the brand was already experienced in the challenging logistics of aviation, making adding a private charter division a smooth and natural process.

Today, 16 years later, Qatar Executive is now established as one of the industry’s main providers, with a loyal base of customers that return for trip after trip. With clients ranging from high-net-worth individuals and government officials to corporate clients, Qatar Executive is able to offer an attractive alternative to commercial aviation.

At the heart of Qatar Executive lies its exemplary fleet which is focused on the popular Gulfstream brand of aircraft. By concentrating on ultra-long-range travel, Qatar Executive has formed one of the most elevated fleets of aircraft in the business, while giving its customers the ability to reach almost anywhere in the world. This impressive reach, combined with bespoke schedules, personalized in-flight experiences and the privacy of exclusive terminals are just a few of the many reasons Qatar Executive customers keep coming back.

These high standards are set to continue long into the future, as Qatar Executive is both the launch partner and first commercial operator of the Gulfstream G700. Set to revolutionize the field of ultra-long aviation, the G700’s range of 7,750 nautical miles ensures private jet passengers can travel further and faster than ever before. While performance is greatly improved, those aboard these aircraft will also enjoy an impressively spacious cabin, that provides all the modern conveniences of luxury air travel.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
Best Luxury Cars for 2025

To determine the best luxury cars, iSeeCars analyzes data from over 12 million new and used vehicles to evaluate each luxury car’s reliability, value retention, and safety ratings.

Reliability is a reflection of a vehicle’s long-term quality and durability. It is often reflected in lower operating costs for a vehicle owner, as well as reduced time and energy spent visiting dealerships to address issues beyond scheduled maintenance.

Value retention indicates how much market value a vehicle has after several years of use. This is typically the most expensive factor in vehicle ownership. Models that lose a substantial amount of value over time contribute far less to a consumer’s future trade-in value for their next purchase, or what the vehicle can be sold for in the used car market.

Safety ratings come from a standardized set of safety tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These organizations perform comprehensive studies to determine the potential for occupant injury or death if a vehicle is involved in an accident.

For each model, the data related to these three components is aggregated across multiple model years and updated regularly. The data is combined to create a Quality Score, and that quality score is compared across all models within a segment to determine the ranking for best cars.

What Kind of Luxury Cars Are Available?

Luxury cars are offered in varying sizes and body styles, and with several drivetrains that include hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and electric models. They typically include premium styling cues, such as sleeker profiles, larger wheels, and generally more sporty design features. These visual upgrades are supported by upgraded powertrain specs and tech features, reflected in higher horsepower figures, more advanced infotainment systems, and a superior driving experience.

For a long time the most prominent luxury vehicles were full-size flagship sedans like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, Cadillac Eldorado, or Mercedes-Benz S-Class. And while luxury SUVs from brands like Range Rover have stolen some of their thunder in recent decades, there remain enough luxury cars across the automotive landscape to satisfy premium customers seeking luxury accommodations in a non-SUV form.

What Type of Luxury Car Should I Buy?

Whether seeking high performance, high style, or high fuel economy, luxury shoppers should first decide what form of luxury car they’re after. Premium sports cars from brands like Ferrari and Porsche possess powerful engines and deliver exceptional performance, but they aren’t very practical and, even by luxury car standards, they have a high MSRP.

Luxury sedans, whether casual cruisers like the Genesis G90 or sports sedans like the BMW 5 Series, offer a much better balance between premium and practicality. These models offer fully functional rear seats and can be equipped with all-wheel drive to take on inclement weather conditions. Luxury wagons are another option, providing many of the same traits as their sedan counterparts, but with more cargo capacity.

At the top of the luxury car price range are super luxury models like the Bentley Continental and Rolls Royce Phantom. These automakers don’t scrimp on material quality and often feature cutting-edge touchscreen entertainment and seating technology to coddle back seat passengers. But these brands also cost multiple times the price of a typical German luxury car, forcing buyers to decide how much those exclusive badges are truly worth.

Buyers who want to combine premium transportation with maximum fuel economy should consider the growing field of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric luxury models. Nearly every luxury brand offers at least one new car with hybrid technology, and while none of these models challenge the Toyota Prius in terms of maximum fuel efficiency, they all deliver better fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs. 

Here is a list of the best luxury cars across multiple categories ranked by their iSeeCars Quality Score.

Best Luxury Small Cars

  1. Lexus IS 350 – 9.1 / 10
  2. Lexus IS 300 – 8.9 / 10
  3. BMW 3 Series – 8.6 / 10
  4. Volvo S60 – 8.6 / 10
  5. Acura ILX – 8.6 / 10

Best Luxury Midsize Cars

  1. Lexus ES 250 – 9.0 / 10
  2. Lexus ES 350 – 8.7 / 10
  3. Lincoln MKZ – 8.6 / 10
  4. Mercedes-Benz E-Class – 8.5 / 10
  5. Lexus GS 300 – 8.4 / 10

Best Luxury Large Cars

  1. Buick LaCrosse – 8.4 / 10
  2. Acura RLX – 8.3 / 10
  3. Lincoln Continental – 8.2 / 10
  4. Lexus LS 500 – 7.8 / 10
  5. Mercedes-Benz S-Class (coupe) – 7.7 / 10

Best Luxury Hybrid Cars

  1. Lexus ES 300h – 8.7 / 10
  2. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid – 8.5 / 10
  3. Lexus LS 500h – 7.9 / 10
  4. Chevrolet Corvette (hybrid coupe) – 7.7 / 10
  5. Acura NSX (hybrid) – 7.6 / 10

Best Luxury Plug-in Hybrid Cars (PHEV)

  1. Volvo S60 (Plug-in Hybrid) – 7.6 / 10
  2. BMW 3 Series (Plug-in Hybrid) – 7.3 / 10
  3. Porsche Panamera (Plug-in Hybrid) – 7.3 / 10
  4. Audi A8 L (Plug-in Hybrid) – 7.2 / 10
  5. Volvo S90 (Plug-in Hybrid) – 7.2 / 10

Best Luxury Electric Cars

  1. Tesla Model 3 – 8.3 / 10
  2. Tesla Model S – 8.1 / 10
  3. BMW i3 (electric) – 6.8 / 10
  4. Porsche Taycan (wagon) – [Score not listed]
  5. Porsche Taycan – [Score not listed]

Best Luxury Sports Cars

  1. Porsche 911 (coupe) – 9.2 / 10
  2. Porsche 911 (convertible) – 8.6 / 10
  3. Audi TT (coupe) – 8.3 / 10
  4. Chevrolet Corvette (coupe) – 8.2 / 10
  5. Audi TTS (coupe) – 8.2 / 10

Best Luxury Convertibles

  1. Porsche 911 (convertible) – 8.6 / 10
  2. Audi TT (convertible) – 8.1 / 10
  3. Chevrolet Corvette (convertible) – 8.0 / 10
  4. Porsche 718 Boxster – 7.9 / 10
  5. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (convertible) – 7.7 / 10

Best Luxury Wagons

  1. Mercedes-Benz E-Class (wagon) – 8.7 / 10
  2. BMW 3 Series (wagon) – 8.5 / 10
  3. Volvo V60 – 8.3 / 10
  4. Volvo V60 Cross Country – 8.2 / 10
  5. Audi A4 allroad – 7.3 / 10

Best Luxury 2-Seater Cars

  1. Porsche 911 (coupe) – 9.2 / 10
  2. Chevrolet Corvette (coupe) – 8.2 / 10
  3. Audi TT (convertible) – 8.1 / 10
  4. Chevrolet Corvette (convertible) – 8.0 / 10
  5. Porsche 718 Boxster – 7.9 / 10

For the complete list of cars across all categories, refer to our full Best Luxury Car list.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
How does an island with high prices and few beaches attract tourists?

Inexpensive hotels and swaying palm trees have long attracted travelers to Southeast Asia, but Singapore is doubling down on a different strategy — focusing on increasing tourism receipts instead of traveler arrivals.

Officials on Friday outlined a plan to increase tourism revenue in the city-state from a record-breaking $29.8 billion in 2024 to $47 billion-$50 billion in the next 15 years.

Singapore’s “Tourism 2040” strategy centers on increasing demand from two distinct groups — business and stopover travelers, Grace Fu, Singapore’s minister for sustainability and the environment, said at the country’s Tourism Industry Conference 2025.

Officials aim to triple tourism revenue from so-called “Mice” travelers, or those who travel to attend meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, Fu said.

“On average, a Mice visitor spends two times as much as a leisure visitor, making it an exceptionally valuable segment for Singapore,” she said. “The global Mice sector [is] expected to double in value over the coming decade.”

The country is also looking to develop a new Mice hub in the downtown area of Singapore, said Fu.

Benefits of the Mice industry go beyond tourism receipts, Singapore Tourism Board CEO Melissa Ow said at the event.

They “will further deepen our connection to priority industries, enable us to grow our economic heft by convening influential actors and thoughts leaders in Singapore, thereby amplifying our status as the World’s Best Mice City,” she said.

Ow announced that Singapore had secured its largest Mice event yet, Herbalife Extravaganza 2026, which she said is expected to draw 25,000 visitor arrivals.

Stopover travelers are also expected to bring more tourism revenue, especially after the opening of Changi Airport’s Terminal 5, which is scheduled for the mid-2030s.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
Ferrari warns of U.S. tariff risks after 17% jump in first-quarter profit

Luxury carmaker Ferrari on Tuesday reported a significant upswing in first-quarter profit, citing robust demand for personalized vehicles — but warned U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policy could hit earnings this year.

The Maranello, Italy-based sports car manufacturer posted net profit of 412 million euros ($466.3 million) for the first three months of the year, reflecting a 17% increase from the same period last year.

Analysts had expected first-quarter net profit to come in at 410 million euros, according to Reuters poll.

“Another year is off to a great start,” Ferrari CEO Benedetto Vigna said in a statement.

“In the first quarter of 2025, with very few incremental shipments year on year, all key metrics recorded double-digit growth, underscoring a strong profitability driven by our product mix and continued demand for personalizations,” Vigna said.

Looking ahead, Ferrari warned that the introduction of U.S. tariffs on EU cars imported into the U.S. could negatively impact the firm’s profitability this year.

“The [2025] guidance is subject to a potential risk of 50 basis points reduction on profitability percentage margins (EBIT and EBITDA margins), in relation to the update of the commercial policy following the introduction of import tariffs on EU cars into the USA,” the automaker said in its earnings report.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
Wealthy shoppers are splashing the cash on jewelry — so long as it’s the right brand

With a diamond encrusted ring here and a rare gemstone necklace there, the world’s wealthiest are continuing to adorn themselves with the finest jewelry even as broader luxury shoppers pull back.

But make no mistake, one mother-of-pearl bracelet is not to be confused with another. As the super rich grow even more selective, increasingly only the best will do.

That spells positive news for Swiss luxury group Richemont, which boasts some of the luxury jewelry market’s most sought-after brands, including Van Cleef & Arpels, Buccellati and Cartier.

“Richemont’s jewelry brands are really at the top of consumer desirability,” Luca Solca, sector head for global luxury goods at Bernstein, told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe.”

“There’s no debate. Despite the efforts by LVMH to challenge this leadership, I think that other brands are clearly behind.”

Richemont on Friday reported better-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter sales, led by 11% growth within its Jewellery Maisons division. For the full year, jewelry was also the group’s strongest segment, growing 8%.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
The most common travel scams in 9 global cities

The travel industry is one of the sectors most susceptible to fraud, with scams rising 18% during the summer peak season and 28% in the winter peak season in 2024, according to a new report.

The report, published last Tuesday by the Mastercard Economics Institute, showed that fraud related to travel agency and tour company bookings is more than four times higher than the fraud average of other industries.

“Once paid, the tour may either never occur or be drastically different from what was promised,” it said.

However, scam risks vary significantly from city to city, said David Mann, chief economist at the Asia-Pacific division of the Mastercard Economics Institute. 

“In certain destinations, you can end up seeing a lot more of the fraud coming from the travel and the tour company side. In other cities, it can even be in things like food services. So a good example, over in Los Angeles, [food is] the biggest portion of where we see some of the fraud,” he told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Asia” on Friday.

According to Mastercard’s data, tourists reported the lowest rates of fraud in San Francisco, U.S.; Dublin, Ireland; Seoul, South Korea; Budapest, Hungary; and Edinburgh, Scotland.

However, travelers to other cities reported higher levels of fraud: Cancun, Mexico; Hanoi, Vietnam; Dhaka, Bangladesh; and Bangkok, Thailand.

The type of scams commonly reported in cities also varies, with taxi and car rental problems comprising just 2% of reported fraud cases in Hong Kong and Barcelona, but 66% in Jakarta, Indonesia, the report showed.

Read More

01/06/2025No comments
Read more 
The New Owner of Michael Jordan’s Longtime Chicagoland Mansion Is Turning It Into a Timeshare

After more than 12 years on the market, Michael Jordan’s longtime Chicago-area mansion finally sold at the end of 2024. Now, it’s available again, but this time, for co-ownership.

Chicago-area real-estate investor John Cooper closed on the home, named Champions Point, at the beginning of December, buying it for $9.5 million, records show. He got a steep discount for the Highland Park mansion, which was initially asking $29 million when it was first listed in 2012, Mansion Global previously reported. 

Cooper is turning the more than 32,000-square-foot megamansion into a timeshare, and bids for weeklong shares are available starting at $1 million, plus 2% of annual expenses, estimated at approximately $25,000 per co-owner, according to a news release on Thursday.

Read more…
10/01/2025No comments
Read more 
Summary Thailand Property 2024-2025

Thailand’s real estate market is expected to experience steady growth in 2024–2025, with some key trends including:

Luxury properties

Demand for luxury condos and beachfront villas is increasing, particularly in areas like Pattaya, Hua Hin, and Koh Samui.

Mixed-use developments

These developments are becoming more popular, especially with expatriates, as they offer a variety of spaces in one location.

Emerging areas

Areas like Chiang Rai and Rayong are gaining attention from foreign investors due to their affordable property prices and growth potential.

Alternative assets

Investors and developers are increasingly focusing on alternative assets, such as data centers, as a way to grow in sectors that are traditionally less active.

Foreign investment

The Thai real estate market is expected to benefit from increased foreign investment.

Tourism

The expanding tourism sector is expected to support growth in the real estate market.

However, there are also some factors that could negatively impact the real estate market in 2025, including: High household debt, Strict lending policies, Geopolitical conflicts, Economic policies of the new US president, and The fragile economic recovery in China.

The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) also expects housing prices to rise in 2025 due to increasing costs affecting new projects. 

19/12/2024No comments, ,
Read more 
Miami Beach Mansion for $35.5 Million

Hedge Funder Dan Loeb Just Sold His Waterfront Miami Beach Mansion for $35.5 Million.

The Choeff Levy Fischman-designed property overlooking Biscayne Bay on exclusive North Bay Road includes a roof deck, infinity pool and private dock.

Four years ago, Dan Loeb forked over $20 million for a modern mansion overlooking Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach. Late last year, the East Coast-based founder and CEO of the hedge fund Third Point hoisted the property back up for sale at $45 million. The price was subsequently reduced to $41.5 million before it was removed from the market this past June.

Read More

 

 

19/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
Lizzo’s Modern Beverly Hills Home Just Hit the Market for $16 Million

After buying Jeremy Renner’s snazzily revamped midcentury residence, the “Truth Hurts” singer has opted to sell her 90210 property once owned by Harry Styles.

Now that Lizzo has doled out $12.4 million for actor Jeremy Renner’s longtime midcentury digs in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Grammy-winning singer, rapper, and classically trained flutist has decided to put her other home that’s tucked away in a celeb-favored enclave in the mountains above Beverly Hills on the market. The ask is an impressive $16 million, which is a whopping million dollars more than she paid for the place a little more than two years ago.

Records show the Detroit-born musician acquired the modern spread from Warner Brothers CEO and co-chairman Aaron Bay-Schuck in spring 2022 for $15 million

Read More

 

19/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
Sylvester Stallone Drops $25 Million in Cash on a Ritzy Hamptons Estate

Purchased by the “Tulsa King” star for his daughters, the newly built home features almost 12,000 square feet of turnkey living space decked out with hand-picked designer furnishings.

Sylvester Stallone already owns a $35 million mansion in South Florida’s affluent Palm Beach community. But now the actor has decided to plump up his real estate portfolio, this time tacking on a home in the East Hampton enclave of New York for three of his most cherished family members.

As first reported by the New York Post, the veteran TV and film actor has doled out a speck under $25 million in an apparent all-cash deal for a newly built home owned by married interior designers Phoebe and James Michael Howard.

Read More

19/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
Thai property market down 13%

Thai property market down 13%, with transferred units at lowest level since 2018.

Thailand Business News

Thai property market down 13%, with transferred units at lowest level since 2018

Real Estate promotion billboards in downtown Bangkok

Real Estate promotion billboards in downtown Bangkok

In the first quarter of 2024, the transfer of residential properties in Thailand decreased by 13% compared to the same period last year, reaching the lowest level since 2018.

Key Takeaways

  • Residential property transfers in Thailand dropped by 13% in the first quarter of 2024, indicating a significant slowdown in demand.
  • New housing loans granted in the same period fell by 20.5% year on year, attributed to tighter loan conditions imposed by financial institutes.
  • The transfer of horizontal residences saw a larger decline compared to condominium transfers, with the total value of transferred units reaching its lowest point in 19 quarters.

In the first quarter of 2024, residential property transfers to buyers decreased by 13% compared to the same period in the previous year, as reported by the Real Estate Information Centre (REIC) of the Government Housing Bank. From January to March, a total of 72,954 units were transferred, which is the smallest number recorded since 2018.

Read More

19/12/2024No comments, , ,
Read more 
China housing : acquisition projects to stabilize real estate market

By Zhou Lanxu | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2024-12-18 20:14

China has executed housing acquisition projects in more than 10 cities, converting unsold commercial homes to more than 10,000 units of affordable housing in the latest progress of the country’s ratcheted-up efforts to stabilize the real estate market, industry data indicated.

The participating cities include Chongqing and others in provinces such as Jiangsu, Hubei, Henan, Jilin, Zhejiang, Hebei, Sichuan and Anhui, supported by a central bank lending tool that provides banks with low-cost funding to finance the acquisition projects.

Read More …

19/12/2024No comments, , ,
Read more 
2025 Investment Outlook – Asia Fixed Income: High Yield

In 2024, the JP Morgan Asia Credit Non-Investment Grade Index continued to build on its positive total return with the index up by 16.1% year-to-date (as of November 8), outperforming both US and European high yield (HY) indexes.1 The high total return has been driven by spread tightening across various sectors aside from just the real estate sector, as evidenced in Table 1.

Table 1 – JP Morgan Asia Credit Non-Investment Grade Index return attribution by sector

Source: JP Morgan, Aladdin, data as of 8 November 2024. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. An investment cannot be made directly in an index.

Read More 

19/12/2024No comments, , ,
Read more 
2025 Investment Outlook

We expect growth to continue to slow in the near term, followed by a reacceleration through 2025, which should foster a favorable environment for risk assets globally.

Executive summary

Many of the world’s central banks, having largely succeeded in curbing inflation, are now easing monetary policies with the aim of stimulating growth. In 2025, we anticipate signs of economic deceleration to be counteracted by the supportive impact of the global rate-cutting cycle. In other words, we think we are seeing a soft landing.

We expect a near-term growth slowdown followed by a reacceleration through 2025. This should create a favorable environment for global risk assetsR

 

Read More

19/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
‘Dumb and Dumber’ Producer Brad Krevoy

‘Dumb and Dumber’ Producer Brad Krevoy Lists His Ocean-View Malibu Estate for $8.5 Million

The Motion Picture Corporation of America CEO purchased the beach getaway in 2019 for nearly $7.8 million.

Brad Krevoy doled out a speck under $7.8 million for a bluff-top estate in the heart of Malibu, in the Sycamore Park enclave across Pacific Coast Highway from the Pacific Ocean, back in 2019. Now, five years later, the veteran entertainment industry executive’s coastal getaway has popped up for sale. But if you’re hoping to score the property, you’re probably out of luck. Records show it’s already under contract to be sold after barely a week on the market.

Listed by Kathryn Bentzen of Coldwell Banker Realty for a speck under $8.5 million, the roughly 1.7-acre parcel is tucked away behind high walls and gates. Multiple structures include an Australian farmhouse-style main home, plus a guesthouse, a pool house with changing facilities and a gym—for a combined total of seven bedrooms and nine baths in about 6,400 square feet.

Brad Krevoy House Malibu
The 1.7-acre spread has an Australian farmhouse-style main home surrounded by palm-laced grounds.Scott Everts/SAE Photography

RELATED: A Filmmaker’s Laid-Back Malibu Home Sits Right on the Sand. It Can Be Yours for $20 Million.

The fully updated two-story primary residence is adorned throughout with dark hardwood floors and soaring vaulted and beamed ceilings. Highlights include a living room sporting an ornate stone fireplace and French doors spilling out to a wraparound veranda, as well as a wood-paneled dining area that connects to a gourmet kitchen outfitted with stone countertops, dual islands, and a pricey La Cornue range. Five en suite bedrooms include a posh primary retreat flaunting a fireplace, a private patio, and a luxe bath equipped with dual vanities, a vintage clawfoot soaking tub, and a roomy freestanding shower.

Read More

11/12/2024No comments, ,
Read more 
‘Masters of Sex’ Star Lizzy Caplan

‘Masters of Sex’ Star Lizzy Caplan Lists Her Hollywood Hills Home for $2.85 Million

The 3-bedroom modernist retreat above L.A.’s Bronson Canyon has a peek-a-boo view of the famed Hollywood Sign.

About four years before Lizzy Caplan married English stage and screen actor Tom Riley (and not too long after she split up with late actor Matthew Perry), the veteran film and television actress plunked down a tad more than $1.8 million for a circa 1961 modernist home in Los Angeles that nearly a dozen years later has popped up for sale with a $2.85 million price tag. Patricia Ruben of Sotheby’s International Realty—Los Feliz Brokerage holds the listing.

Alternatively, the 2,100-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath Hollywood Hills home, on a quiet street above Bronson Canyon in the Los Feliz Oaks neighborhood, is also available for rent at $15,000 per month, down from the original ask of $17,500 per month.

Lizzy Caplan House Los Angeles
The kitchen’s emerald-green cabinets contrast with the wood ceiling and butcher block island.Jo David for Sotheby’s International Realty

Beyond the gated courtyard entry and through the front doors, an atrium is bursting with lush greenery. Pale wood floors flow into the living room, anchored by a whitewashed raised hearth brick fireplace. Glass sliders open the room to the backyard, and clerestory windows bring tons of light into the fashionably eclectic space. A cozy adjoining sitting area is decked out with a curvaceous built-in sofa alongside built-in bookshelves.

The nearby kitchen, fitted with chef-grade appliances, emerald-green laminate cabinets and a rustic butcher block island set below two Moroccan lanterns, is open to a relaxed dining area that spills out to the backyard through more sliding glass doors.

Read More 

11/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s

Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward’s Manhattan Pied-à-Terre Can Be Yours for $10 Million

The Oscar-winning Hollywood legends owned the terraced Fifth Avenue penthouse since the early 1980s.

One of Hollywood’s most successful and enduring couples, Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, long made their home on a 6.8-acre spread in Westport, Connecticut. For decades, they also maintained a penthouse pied-à-terre that Woodward, sixteen years after Newman’s death, has just hoisted onto the market for $9.95 million. Maintenance charges tally up to more than $13,000 per month, according to listings held by Noble Black and Jennifer Stillman of Douglas Elliman Real Estate.

 

According to The New York Times, the couple acquired the penthouse in the early 1980s and used it for weeks-long stays in the city and for entertaining prominent, high-powered friends such as Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, Tom Cruise, Cher, and Harry Belafonte. The sale is being handled by the couple’s children on behalf of Woodward, who largely retreated from public life after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. Carefully maintained but not updated much in recent years, the top-floor spread retains original prewar features like nearly 11-foot ceilings, herringbone wood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and decorative wood moldings and built-ins.

RELATED: This $20 Million Manhattan Penthouse Is Perched Atop the Tallest Residential Tower on Fifth Avenue

paul newman joanne woodward new york apartment
Newman was a skilled jazz and blues pianist who kept a grand piano in the living room.Evan Joseph Studios

The apartment is one of two penthouses atop a handsome, J.E.R. Carpenter-designed limestone-clad building, which was completed in 1925 and stands at the corner of East 93rd Street and Fifth Avenue across from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. One of the more distinguished cooperative apartment houses on Fifth Avenue, other notable residents over the years include another entertainment industry couple who have been married for decades, Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan, and James Gorman, the former CEO of Morgan Stanley, who will become chairman of The Walt Disney Company next year.

Read More 

11/12/2024No comments, ,
Read more 
Rupert Murdoch Takes a $20 Million Loss

Rupert Murdoch Takes a $20 Million Loss on His New York City Penthouse

The media tycoon took in just $23.8 million for the triplex aerie at One Madison that he acquired a decade ago for $43 million.

After a dizzying two years on and off the market and numerous price chops, Rupert Murdoch has finally sold his penthouse in New York’s Flatiron District to an as-yet-unidentified buyer for a speck under $24 million. The Fox News and News Corp owner bought the triplex at the One Madison tower in 2014 for a whopping $43 million, which means he took a stunning $20 million loss on the property, not counting carrying costs, improvement expenses and real estate fees. The nonagenarian billionaire originally aimed for a much higher (and profitable) sum when he first listed the apartment in 2022 for $62 million. Alas, failing to find an interested party at that sky-high price, the media magnate’s mansion in the sky received several price chops. It was last discounted in June to its final ask of $28.5 million.

The reason for the reductions was to keep the residence in line with comparable values in the area, Kyle Blackmon, the head of luxury sales at Compass, who represented the property, told Crain’s New York Business over the summer. “My client is a realist, and he is very astute about how markets function,” Blackmon explained to the newspaper.

rupert murdoch new york city penthouse sold
Rupert Murdoch’s triplex penthouse at One Madison in New York City just sold for $23.8 million.Anton Brookes | H5 property

RELATED: A Gold Dome Caps This $25 Million Manhattan Penthouse Being Sold for Charity

The condo occupies the 58th, 59th, and 60th floors of the bronze and glass skyscraper and has been renovated during Murdoch’s decade-long residence. Altogether, the three-level spread comprises six bedrooms and six and a half bathrooms across its 7,143 square feet and is decked out with double-height, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer up panoramic views of the Empire State Building, along with the gold dome that caps the New York Edition hotel. And, for those with no fear of heights, a slender terrace wraps around the great room.

Read More

11/12/2024No comments,
Read more 
Hugh Jackman trying again to sell New York home

Hugh Jackman trying again to sell New York home, one year on from shock divorce

Australian actor Hugh Jackman is making a second attempt to sell his $57.7m (US$38.9m) New York City apartment, two years after his first attempt to offload the triplex property failed.

The Wolverine star bought the “masterpiece” property for US$21m in 2008, living there with his wife, Deborra-Lee Furness, according to Realtor.

RELATED: Inside Hugh Jackman’s $12m Bondi bachelor pad

But one year before he and Furness stunned the world by announcing they were divorcing after 27 years of marriage, Jackman made the decision to part ways with the home in June 2022. The reason for selling was because they had bought a new apartment in the nearby Manhattan district of Chelsea.

Jackman is hoping for better luck this time around though, listing the property for exactly the same asking price now as he did in 2022.

Read More 

07/12/2024No comments
Read more 
Collingwood Premiership player puts sprawling property up for sale

Premiership-winning Magpie Ben Reid and his wife Erin are selling a sprawling alpine getaway where they turned a shed into a yoga retreat.

Reid played in the infamous 2010 AFL Grand Final draw against St Kilda, before Collingwood triumphed a week later in a major milestone for his 153-game career.

It was later revealed he had finished the second game with a fractured fibula.

RELATED: Hawthorn premiership star puts house up for sale with stunning sunken lounge

NRL v AFL: Star players’ secret riches exposed

How AFL champ Dustin Martin will spend life after football

 

Read More 

07/12/2024No comments
Read more 
The Whitlams’ Tim Freedman selling Sydney home

Selling agent and director Michael Harris at Raine & Horne – Newtown said he had sold the home to Mr Freedman in 2004, and was now selling it again on his behalf.

“Tim has been in the inner west for a long time, he actually owned a house nearby when he bought this one and moved across,” Mr Harris said.

“He loves this area… he’s staying local, he’s just downsizing.”

The three-bedroom terrace house has a price guide of $2 million. Picture: Realestate.com.au/buy

Mr Harris said the two-storey terrace had three bedrooms on the upper level, as well as a full-size bathroom.

“It has incredibly big living spaces right through the ground floor of the home,” he said.

“The aspect is fantastic for both the front and the rear of the property, with beautiful sun on the balcony of the main bedroom in the morning.

07/12/2024No comments
Read more 
Directory International
07/12/2024No comments
Read more 
Property Tax and Income Tax in Europe

Property Tax and Income Tax in Europe: A Comprehensive Overview

Europe, with its rich history, diverse cultures, and vibrant economies, remains a key destination for expatriates, investors, and business professionals. The tax system in Europe varies significantly from country to country, making it essential to understand the property tax and income tax regimes to fully leverage the opportunities available. In this article, we’ll break down the property tax and income tax systems across Europe, highlighting the benefits and challenges for individuals and businesses.

1. Property Tax in Europe

In Europe, property taxes are generally levied on both residential and commercial real estate, though the rates and types of taxes can vary widely by country and even by region within a country.

Types of Property Taxes in Europe:

  • Property Ownership Tax: Many European countries charge an annual property tax based on the value of the property, which can either be determined by the market value or a calculated assessed value. For example, in countries like France, the taxe foncière is an annual property tax levied on land and buildings, while in Italy, a similar tax, IMU, applies to real estate, with higher rates for luxury properties.
  • Capital Gains Tax: When selling a property, owners may be subject to capital gains tax (CGT) on the profit made from the sale. The rates and exemptions for capital gains tax depend on the country and how long the property has been held. For example, in Spain, CGT on the sale of property is taxed at progressive rates, while in Portugal, there are exemptions or reductions for primary residences under certain conditions.
  • Wealth Taxes: Some European countries, like Switzerland, Norway, and Spain, impose wealth taxes that consider the total value of an individual’s assets, including real estate. These taxes are usually based on the net worth of the individual, and the property value may contribute to the tax liability.
  • Property Transfer Tax: In many European countries, buyers are required to pay property transfer tax (or stamp duty) when acquiring property. The rates can range from 1% to 7% of the property value depending on the country. For instance, Belgium and France levy property transfer taxes on residential and commercial real estate purchases.

Notable Property Tax Systems in European Countries:

  • France: Property owners pay annual taxes such as taxe foncière and taxe d’habitation, although the latter is being phased out for primary residences.
  • Spain: Property taxes in Spain include IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles), an annual property tax based on the cadastral value of the property. Property owners may also face capital gains tax when selling their property.
  • Germany: Known for its Grundsteuer (property tax), Germany’s property tax is calculated on the value of the land and the buildings on it. The tax rates differ between federal states and depend on the value of the property.
  • United Kingdom: In the UK, property taxes include Council Tax for residential properties and Stamp Duty for property transfers. Commercial properties are subject to business rates.
  • Portugal: IMI (Imposto Municipal sobre Imóveis) is the annual property tax, and IMT (Imposto Municipal sobre Transmissões) is the property transfer tax.

2. Income Tax in Europe

Income tax rates in Europe are generally progressive, meaning that the rate increases as income rises. The exact rates vary significantly from country to country, with some European nations offering lower taxes and others imposing higher rates in exchange for expansive public services. Below are key details regarding income tax systems in Europe.

Key Features of Income Tax Systems in Europe:

  • Progressive Tax Rates: Most European countries have progressive tax systems, with tax rates increasing as income rises. For instance, in Sweden, tax rates can reach up to 60% for high earners, whereas Ireland has a top tax rate of 40% for income exceeding €36,800.
  • Corporate Income Tax: Corporate tax rates in Europe vary. Countries like Ireland offer low corporate tax rates (12.5%), which has attracted many multinational corporations. On the other hand, France and Germany impose higher corporate tax rates of around 33% and 30% respectively.
  • Social Security Contributions: In addition to income tax, many European countries also require social security contributions, which fund public services such as healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits. These contributions are typically shared between the employee and employer. For example, Germany has high social security contributions, which can increase the overall tax burden.
  • Dividends and Investment Income: In several European countries, dividends, capital gains, and other forms of investment income are subject to tax. Countries like Luxembourg and Switzerland may offer favorable tax treatment for investment income, whereas in France and Spain, dividends are taxed at the standard income tax rates.

Income Tax Systems by Country:

  • Sweden: Known for its high taxes and expansive social welfare systems, Sweden’s income tax rates can reach up to 57.19% for high earners. The tax is levied both on the national and municipal levels.
  • France: France has a progressive income tax system with rates ranging from 0% to 45%, depending on income levels. There is also a social contribution on investment income and a wealth tax on high-net-worth individuals.
  • Germany: Germany’s tax system is progressive, with rates ranging from 14% to 45%. In addition to income tax, individuals also pay for social security, healthcare, and pensions. Corporate tax rates are approximately 30%.
  • United Kingdom: In the UK, income tax is progressive, with the rates ranging from 20% to 45%. The UK also has a national insurance system, which acts as a social security contribution for workers and employers.
  • Switzerland: Switzerland is known for its relatively low income tax rates, which can vary by canton. The federal tax rate is around 11.5%, but cantonal taxes can increase the total tax burden, with some cantons offering tax incentives for high earners or corporations.
  • Netherlands: In the Netherlands, the income tax rate is progressive, ranging from 9.45% to 49.5%. The country also has various tax deductions, especially for research and development activities, which can benefit businesses.

Tax Benefits and Exemptions:

  • Tax Treaties: Many European countries have double taxation treaties to ensure that residents are not taxed twice on the same income. This is beneficial for individuals and businesses with international income streams.
  • Tax Exemptions for Certain Income Types: Some countries offer exemptions or reductions for certain types of income, such as capital gains, dividends, or inheritance. For example, in Portugal, foreign pension income is often subject to tax exemptions for new residents under the Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime.

3. Other Taxes in Europe

While income tax and property tax are the primary forms of taxation in Europe, several other taxes may apply depending on the country:

  • Value Added Tax (VAT): Most European countries have a Value Added Tax (VAT) system. The VAT rate typically ranges from 17% to 27%, with countries like Sweden and Denmark charging among the highest rates in the EU.
  • Inheritance and Estate Taxes: Many European countries impose inheritance taxes or estate taxes. For instance, France has relatively high inheritance tax rates, particularly for non-family members. Conversely, Switzerland and Belgium offer more favorable inheritance tax rates, depending on the relationship between the deceased and the heir.

Conclusion: Tax Efficiency in Europe

Europe offers a wide variety of tax systems and benefits depending on the country, making it an attractive region for both business owners and individuals looking to optimize their tax liabilities. While property tax and income tax rates can vary significantly, many European countries provide opportunities for tax planning and optimization, especially for those considering international investments or residency.

Whether you’re looking to invest in property, start a business, or relocate for employment opportunities, understanding the tax implications in each European country is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing your wealth. Always consider seeking professional advice to navigate the specific tax regimes, especially if you are an expat or plan to invest across multiple jurisdictions.

Check out

Lifestyle EUROPE
Visa EUROPE 
Ownership EUROPE

07/12/2024No comments, ,
Read more 

ZONEZI Luxury Marketplace

At ZONEZI, brokers gain access to a curated portfolio of premium listings, while private owners enjoy unparalleled visibility within a global network of discerning buyers. We are committed to facilitating successful transactions in the world of luxury, driving growth, and creating valuable opportunities in the marketplace.

Quick Links

Contact

Facebook Twitter Youtube Instagram
  • © Zonezi.net - All rights reserved