A new portal for Catalunya has been launched www.directlinecatalunya.com.
This covers the whole of northern Catalogne in France and Cataluña south in Spain. So whether you are looking for a sea side villa, apartment in town or country retreat check out www.directlinecatalunya.com

In addition it has a very comprehensive and fuctional A to Z business directory  and is available in five languages, Catalan, English, French, Spanish and German.

The newspaper El Pais today 18th April 2008, reports the first downturn in the Spanish housing market in a decade. The economy is bracing itself for the knock on effects of the slowdown and reversal of fortunes in this sector of the economy.

For property seekers now is the time to negotiate a great deal, many developers are borrowing heavily with the banks and are pleased to offload property at some 30% less than the original asking price just to clear the debt with the banks.

The European news channel reported today 18th April 2008, that Endesa the Spanish electricity company has conceded that there was a leak from their Nuclear power Plant in Asco, near Flix, Catalunya last November 2007.

The nuclear leak was 100 times more powerful than was originally reported by the plant and over 800 people have been receiving medical attention and tests for possible radiation problems.

The chief of the nuclear power plant has been dismissed.

The oldest established association for Overseas Property Developers and Agents - LandBank International in association with BuildIt Ireland - member number 1416F.

The Catalan government approved the pre-project and study of the environmental impact of the Directive Plan for Lleida-Alguaire airport and the project for the area of aircraft movement and parking (Phase I) of this airport, the first to be constructed by the Generalitat.

Work is expected to begin this summer and the infrastructure should be operative by next year - excellent news for those people who live in the west of Catalonia and for winter sports enthusiasts.

This will be a considerable boost to Catalan tourism and also maintain over 4000 jobs in this sector we at LANDBANK  are situated in Cambrils and just 20 minutes from Reus airport. This is an important boost to all property owners and property seekers in the Catalunya region opening up the proximity of home ownership in what has been described as one of the most desirable areas in which to live by virtue of its infrastructure, health and education systems and general low stress lifestyle.

The referendum was the final step in a process which began last September, when Catalonia's parliament approved a new version of the Statute - the document that organises the relationship and the division of political powers between Spain and Catalonia. As one would expect the low turn out has seen mixed reportage both from the residents within Catalunya and the rest of Spain.

Please be observant and ENSURE that the UK property agencies or consultancies that you may deal with in the UK introduce you to a legally registered inmobiliaria in Spain.

Overseas Property Agents found at property exhibitions and in your local press should have (copies at the very least) the following documentation available for your inspection.

Here in Catalunya the legal requirements are:

1. The inmobiliaria is regsitered at The Ayuntamiento (Town Hall)
2. The inmobiliaria has an escritura for the business as aregistered company or name.
3. There is a stamped authenticated of the office plan and insurance for trading (issued by the ayuntamiento)
4. The agency or consultancy that you may deal with in the UK is fully bonded to trade in the nature of Overseas Property Consultants.

Any property consultants or Overseas Property Agents purporting to be able to assist you with a mortgage should hold a credit consumer licence.

Even asking you to complete a form for finance without such a licence is a criminal offence.

The flight foresees operating from Barcelona on Fridays and coming back from Shangai on Saturdays, in one of the biggest and most comfortable planes in service, a Boeing 747, with capacity for 392 passengers (346 in tourist class and 46 in business class).

Catalunya (Catalonia) is an autonomous region with an industrial history dating back many years, as well as having an active, enterprising population. The country's vast experience as a popular tourist destination also makes it an ideal location for business and working meetings. In Catalonia, excellent trade fair facilities and convention centres are combined with matchless complementary leisure amenities for those moments of relaxation between deals.

Why not consider relocating to this lovely corner of Europe?

Nature-lovers will discover not only a pleasant, temperate Mediterranean climate, but also a wealth of landscapes and rich diversity in Catalunya. From steep, rocky coasts to gently sloping sandy beaches, from inland plains and wooded mountains to deep Pyrenean valleys and snow-capped peaks, the opportunities to enjoy nature are endless here as to are the opportunities to invest in a business catering for the day to day requirements of the increasing tourism that is welcomed here.

LandBank International have many commercial opportunities available - looking for something special? Ask us and we´ll source your ideal property.