Hi Tracey
First I should say I am (amongst other things) a Harlequin Agent. You wanted a success story; well strictly, there are none yet as the first resort doesnt complete until July 2010. But if you want encouragement, I can tell you that I have just purchased one of their properties in Barbados and I am very enthusiastic about it in terms of capital growth and rental income.
I understand, there were problems a few years ago where there were delays in planning permissions etc and thus completion, which meant investors were quite rightly frustrated that their rental income was delayed. Harlequin tell me that about 100 people, from thousands, have asked for their money back and have been refunded. There was a November article in the Guardian claiming miselling, they later printed an apology as this was inacurate.
Since those early days Harlequin are more realistic about timescales, the product has been refined and there is better correspondence with investors. BIG corporations have done their homework and chosen to invest in the resorts (Elemis Spas, Liverpool FC, Gary Player etc) and Buccament Bay opening in July, should put to bed concerns over Harlequin's abilities to produce. Personally I am sure that when Buccament Bay proves to be a success the demand and price of Harlequin products will increase.
As always, property investment isnt for everyone, off-plan and overseas investment is even more prone to difficulties, also this is quite a unique and new concept - it really is a matter of doing your own DD before investing with confidence - and then holding your nerve!
Debbie
Looking for deals in Hants/Wilts/Manchester
sourcing UK residential opportunties and Hotel Room Investments