Looking for a tropical holiday but worried about the cost? Why more and more people are choosing The Gambia

In today's financial climate, we're all tightening our belts. With the cost of living rising, affordable holidays to a tropical paradise have become a thing of the past. Or have they? Over the past few months The Gambia has emerged as the perfect choice for those looking for an affordable holiday to a tropical paradise.

Mustapha Njie, CEO of Taf Gambian Property (www.tafgambianproperty.com), is delighted about Gambia's thriving tourism industry: "We've seen a big increase in holidaymakers from the UK and Europe, looking for some of our famous sunshine.Visitors can rent properties in Gambia or choose from a wide variety of hotels, apartments and Gambia holiday packages. Many of them love our country so much that they decide to buy a holiday home! I expect the number of tourists visiting Gambia to increase dramatically over the next few years."

But what is it about The Gambia that is so attractive for tourists? Well, where do you start? The Gambia, situated on the West coast of Africa, is known as 'The Smiling Coast'. The Gambia is situated on approximately the same latitude as Barbados and has all the attractions of a tropical paradise - year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery, amazing wildlife and a rich culture. Yet it's surprisingly affordable and only a five hour flight from the UK. You'll certainly receive a warm welcome in The Gambia, as the people here are considered some of the friendliest on earth.

The Gambia offers a truly rich experience. Yes, you can relax, unwind and spend all day drinking cocktails on the beach, but here you can also enjoy the real Africa. You can visit traditional Gambian villages, explore the African bush and experience the local wildlife - from tropical birds to monkeys and even crocodiles.

Want to find out more?

If you'd like to visit The Gambia, you can choose from all-inclusive Gambian holiday packages, or, if you prefer, there is lots of Gambia property to rent, from affordable apartments to luxurious holiday homes. A quick search online will help you find Gambian estate agents and travel companies.

Brufut Gardens, Gambia and its founder: Mr Mustapha Njie

Brufut Gardens is a stunning housing development in The Gambia, with over five hundred properties covering 3,700,000 square metres. Brufut Gardens overlooks the golden sands of Brufut beach, just a five minute drive from popular tourist destination Senegambia. Property consultants in Gambia recommend Brufut Gardens as one of the best places to invest, due to its impressive location, excellent facilities and thriving community. Property investors are snapping up its houses, apartments and villas, available to view at www.tafgambianproperty.com.

Turning vision into reality

Who had the vision to create Brufut Gardens and turn this dream into reality? The man behind this development, and many others across the country, is Mr Mustapha Njie. Mr Njie is one of Gambia's most successful entrepreneurs. He founded leading construction company TAF Construction over twenty years ago. Then, in 1998, the success of TAF Construction led Mr Njie to incorporate TAF Holding Company Ltd. The company has since expanded into real estate and lettings. Its property division, TAF Gambian Property, is a leading Gambia real estate agency that leases, rents and sells properties at Brufut Gardens, described by Gambian property dealers as 'a piece of heaven in The Gambia'.

Passionate about the Gambia

Mustapha Njie is passionate about his country and is dedicated to helping the progression of its people and its businesses. This passion is reflected in the activities of TAF Holding Company, which has over 400 Gambians in its employment. The company makes regular donations to philanthropic organizations and has set up a number of scholarships. It has also registered the 'Taf Skill Centre' - a non-governmental organization that aims to give young Gambian school leavers the opportunity to access formal vocational training in construction.

Awards and accolades

Mr Mustapha Njie has been awarded countless national and international accolades. These include the Gambian Businessman of the Year several years running and the European Commission Global Business Award for Excellence and Quality. Most recently he was awarded 'The Gambian Honorable Businessman of 2010' and 'The Ecowas Outstanding Service Award for Entrepreneurship and Innovation'. He was also decorated with the Insignia of Member of The Republic of The Gambia (MRG) by President Jammeh.

To find out more about Brufut Gardens, visit www.tafgambianproperty.com.

What you need to know about buying property in The Gambia

The Gambia is fast becoming a property buyer's dream. More and more people are moving to this tropical paradise, just five hours away from the UK. There is plenty of property for sale in Gambia, from apartments to houses and luxurious villas. Whether you want to retire, buy a holiday home, make an investment or set up a new business, The Gambia offers fantastic real estate opportunities.

However, before looking at Gambia properties for sale, it is vital that you do your research. Here are some tips to get you started:

Gambian property laws

In many ways these are similar to the British system, which is good news for those buying and selling properties in Gambia. Land is registered at the Property Registry, which you can check to confirm whether the seller owns the property. However, some land is not yet registered, and, most importantly, the terms 'freehold' and 'leasehold' are not the same as in Europe. You should therefore make sure that you instruct a reputable firm to make the right checks and give you the right advice.

Property conveyancing: The Gambian conveyancing process is also very similar to the British conveyancing process. A contract is drawn up by the respective lawyers, and a deposit paid to the seller. The completion period is usually 30 days, and upon payment of the full purchase price a deed of conveyance is issued to the purchaser.

Taxes and other costs: As with the British system, you will have to pay various taxes and associated costs. These can include stamp duty, land rent and lawyer's fees. Make sure you get this information before making a decision to buy. You should also get buildings insurance which is readily available.

Utilities in The Gambia: The electricity and water supply in The Gambia is generally good, but, when looking at properties, make sure you check that there is a reliable supply, preferably with a backup generator. You should also look into mobile access, internet supply and satellite TV.

Where to start: When looking for property for sale in Gambia, it can be hard to know where to start. There are plenty of good estate agents who can help you make the right choice. A good place to start is TAF Gambian Property, one of Gambia's leading estate agents. Find out more at www.tafgambianproperty.com.

Top Gambian property spots: profile of Brufut Gardens, Gambia

If you're considering investing in property in Gambia, or if you're looking for Gambia property to rent, you may be wondering where to look first. The best place to buy or rent properties in Gambia is on the fifty mile stretch of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean. You can't go wrong by starting with Brufut Gardens, a beautiful housing development overlooking the sandy Brufut beach and covering 3,700,000 square metres. Brufut Gardens is owned by Taf Holdings Company Ltd, led by one of Gambia's most successful businessmen Mr Mustapha Njie, who is passionate about the country and his people.

Location: Brufut Gardens occupies a choice position overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. It is located in the most popular area for discerning tourists, just ten minutes from the airport and a five minute drive to Senegambia, a popular destination for Gambia holiday packages. Nearby is the five star Sheraton Hotel and an array of shops and restaurants. Brufut Gardens is quickly becoming a thriving community.

Properties: There are over five hundred properties for you to choose from, ranging from small apartments to bungalows, houses with pools and luxury villas with their own land. Properties are built to a modern standard, are usually unfurnished, and carefully landscaped with gardens and trees. Whether you're looking to buy or rent properties in Gambia, Brufut Gardens offers a great choice of properties of all sizes.

Facilities: This development benefits from a regular electricity and water supply, street lighting, and bituminised roads. Residents enjoy a street cleaning service, weekly garbage collection and security. This is a safe, peaceful and secure area. Future plans include a shopping mall that will open in 2012, together with restaurants, and other facilities such as playgrounds and a sports club with swimming pool and tennis courts.

Special offers: The property developer regularly announces special offers, such as cash back on purchases, and free holidays to Banjul. View the latest offers at www.tafgambianproperty.com . You'll also find a gallery of properties to buy or rent.

About the developer: The Brufut Gardens development started in 2003. The property developer is part of Taf Holding Company Ltd, a leading Gambian construction company. Taf Holdings was founded by Mr Mustapha Njie, one of Gambia's most renowned entrepreneurs. Mustapha Njie has been awarded a number of accolades over the years, including The Gambian Businessman of the Year for several years running. He is passionate about The Gambia, and is involved in a number of philanthropic projects. This includes donations to charities, scholarships for students and contributions towards the development of sports.

Find out more at www.tafgambianproperty.com .

As property markets in the UK and Ireland continue to stagnate, investors look to The Gambia for growth

Mustapha Njie, CEO of Taf Holdings Company Ltd, has hailed an increase in investors from overseas as a "triumph for the Gambian property market." Investors are snapping up property for sale in Gambia fast.

The Gambia, a small country on the Western coast of Africa, is a popular holiday destination. Just five hours from the UK, it offers almost constant sunshine, tropical beaches and a relaxing, peaceful environment. Tourists flock to Gambia from the UK, Ireland, America and Europe all year round and so there is a growing demand for rental properties. Gambia properties for sale are also in demand from people looking for a holiday home, setting up a business, or retiring to Gambia.

Investors have discovered that buying property in The Gambia makes sense. The country has a liberal, market led economy and a stable political system. Buying and selling properties in Gambia is fairly straightforward - this is because land and property laws are based on the British model, and so buying property in the Gambia is usually simpler than in many other countries. And, as property is still relatively cheap, investors are achieving high capital growth returns, year on year.

One of the leading real estate developers in The Gambia is Taf Gambian Property, part of Taf Holdings. The CEO, Mustapha Njie, explains; "We have seen a huge growth in demand for property. For many years we have been involved in 'housing the nation' by building affordable homes for the people of Gambia. At the same time, we want to attract overseas investors, and so we have developed Brufut Gardens, a large development overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and containing over five hundred modern apartments, houses and villas."

Property owners are already seeing excellent returns on their investments, yet property prices in The Gambia are still remarkably low. Mustapha Njie continues: "Property in The Gambia is affordable for everyone, whether they are a professional investor, a family looking for a holiday home, or a couple looking to retire. However, they are rising steadily - so now is the time to get on board."  

Find out more by visiting www.tafgambianproperty.com

Looking to buy a holiday home? Why The Gambia could be your dream choice

If you're looking for a little piece of paradise in the sun that you can call your own, you may have considered Spain, Portugal, Turkey or France. But property prices are sky high and getting higher, property legislation can be complicated, and the weather can be less than perfect. More and more people are looking elsewhere.

Over the past few years, The Gambia has emerged as a destination that offers a unique opportunity for property buyers. Here's why...

Location

The Gambia is known as 'The Smiling Coast'. This small country in West Africa has a fifty mile stretch of coastline facing the Atlantic Ocean, and is part of the British Commonwealth. It enjoys a sunny, tropical climate, with beautiful beaches, palm trees, wonderful food and friendly English-speaking locals. It offers all the attractions of a holiday somewhere truly exotic, yet it's only a five hour flight from the UK! Gambia has a lively and well-established ex-pat community and is considered a peaceful, stable destination.

Property market

The Gambia enjoys a thriving property market, offering great opportunities to buyers both from inside and outside Africa. Compared with many other countries, buying property is very straightforward, as property laws and conveyancing rules are based on the British legal system. If you're looking for a Gambian property dealer, you can't go wrong with TAF Gambian Property, a leading Gambia real estate agency with a stunning portfolio of properties in Brufut Gardens, on the Atlantic coast. These include apartments, houses and luxury properties with their own land, with modern facilities and beautiful landscaping. Find out more at www.tafgambianproperty.com .

Price

Property prices in Gambia are very cheap compared to elsewhere, yet are consistently rising, giving owners a great return on their investment. The Gambian economy is stable and enjoys low inflation. Increasing numbers of travellers from the UK, Ireland, Europe and America are grabbing their own slice of this beautiful country. Not only are they getting a wonderful holiday home, but they're making a profitable investment for the future.

If you'd like to look further into buying property in The Gambia, and are looking for a Gambian property dealer, you can start by visiting www.tafgambianproperty.com .