I take your point and thank you for your sound and generous advice – I am, thank goodness, not a “qualified” financial advisor (whatever that is just look at the mess the banks make of their own money) – when asked questions I do make it clear that what I say is my own opinion based on my own experience and that for, any individual, independent advice from insured experts is needed.

However I do have my own personal opinions and am am happy that I am still allowed to express this in my own personal blogs and newsletters – so, yes, I do think buying in a good Fractional Ownership property is a sound investment of time, money and experience, but I do make it clear that this is not just measured in financial return – it is a luxury/lifestyle thing as well.

It has always seemed odd to me that the Financial Services Agency laws still allow a casino to operate where the return is a guaranteed loss – weird. Mind you, much the same as most investments really.

Also be aware that with play.com you have to wait 21 working days if an item gets lost in the post before you are allowed to apply for a replacement or refund. Amazon are far more helpful than play in this respect. I ordered xmas presents mid november from Play but when none of them arrived had to wait unti mid december before I could actually get my money back. I won’t be shopping with them again.

Oh, I’d be careful in your spiel of saying “Owning shares in a Paris apartment will be a good investment”. This smacks of investment advice, which I don’t think you are qualified to give, and could land you in hot water (e.g. when the global recession really hits home and asset values correct). I just think brazen statements like that are a little amateurish (and possibly illegal under financial services laws).