Where is it?

Officially called the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, it borders Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the Dead Sea and the Gulf of Aqaba.

What's so special about it?

Situated in the middle of one of the world's hottest political areas, Jordan has garnered a reputation as one of the most stable nations in the Middle Eastern block.

When the young King Abdullah II succeeded his father in 1999, he set about reaffirming Jordan's peace treaty with Israel and its relations with the US.

However, it is a small country with limited natural resources and most of its supplies come from neighbouring Gulf countries. Unemployment is a problem, unofficially thought to be as high as 30% Although part of the Arabian block, Jordan has always had a strong pro-western foreign policy and used its ties with the US and UK to boost its economy. A freetrade agreement and an 'open skies' policy with the US have seen textile and clothing exports to the US grow by nearly 2,000% in five years. Jordan also has an association agreement with the EU and is a member of the World Trade Organisation.

Best kept secrets: While Jordan has strong US and Western links 'The Iraq Effect' has been a major issue in the development of its economy and property market. Before the war, Iraq was one of its major trade partners, representing 20% of exports and, as Jordan has no oil, Iraq met all of its oil needs.

In recent weeks Jordan has been negotiating a free-trade agreement with Iraq worth over 570m. Iraq will also provide up to 30% of Jordan's oil needs at preferential rates, part of which will involve laying a new pipeline between the two neighbours. The regeneration of Iraq is good for the overall Jordanian economy and Amman, the Jordanian capital, will host the fourth international Rebuild Iraq exhibition in May 2007.

Jordan's healthy relationship with the US also means it is the gateway to Iraq so UN and US foreign bodies and companies have set up in Amman.

What's the property market like?

Jordan, and especially Amman, is currently experiencing a property boom and property prices are increasing by between 10% and 30%. Many developers, such as Mawared, the large state-owned construction company, and Emaar, the Dubai developer, have announced recent multibillion-euro projects.

In the first half of 2006 construction activity rose by 35%. One of the main contributing factors has been the rise in oil prices which has provided additional capital for rich Arabs, who have chosen to invest in property in Jordan.

How do you go about buying property?

A visa is required for travel to Jordan but there are no restrictions on buying property. Foreigners are allowed to buy a house or apartment provided they do not sell on for five years.

There are usually no lawyers involved but the buyer and seller go to the Department of Lands and Survey to process the sale, which takes about 10 days.

Local banks have started to offer mortgages for 20 years or more and interest rates are usually 7.5% to 8.5%.

Where are the best places to buy?

The main focus for property is in Amman but prices have risen steeply in many parts and land is expensive. More economically priced properties have been pushed out into the suburbs and the city outskirts.

Popular areas include those near the Queen Alia International Airport and Madaba. Along the coast a number of tourist resorts also make attractive investments, such as those planned at Aqaba, which also benefits from favourable tax conditions under the Aqaba Special Economic Zone.

What's the rental market like?

A recent major change to the buy-to-let market came about after amendments to the Landlords and Tenants Law meant the end of fixed rent, meaning landlords can now set rates at market value.

The Economist found Amman to be the most expensive Arabian city and, with a modern three-bed apartment generating an annual rental income of about 7,500 to 10,700, rental return is quite good.

What type of property is available?

There has been a move towards apartments. Thirty years ago they accounted for 5% of ownership but the figure is now at nearly 30%-40%.

Outside Amman the best options are holiday homes along the coast and reasonably priced homes or villas in emerging towns.

Average property prices?

A new three-bed apartment in a middleclass area of Amman costs around 86,000 and four-beds start at 107,000. The rising cost of land, strong local demand and growing construction costs mean land prices are continuing to increase, especially in Amman.

The Housing Investors Association report that in areas such as Khilda or Rabia prices have grown extremely sharply and have even tripled in some areas.

Tax breaks with Ireland?

FAST FACTS

Getting there: BA, Air France and Gulf Air Fly between Dublin and Amman, but not directly.

Area: 89,213sq km

Population: 5,460,265 (Amman: 1.9 million)

Currency: Jordanian Dinar (1.00 JOD = 1.07)

Weather: On average ranges from 7degreesC in January to 25degreesC in July, but is hotter in some areas.

Transport: Jordan has a good transport network and in 2007 plans to upgrade its rail infrastructure and build a new terminal at Queen Alia International Airport.

Going out: Alcohol is served in most restaurants and bars, except during Ramadan, and ranges from local drinks such as Arak-Mezze to Champagne, which is popular at receptions. Entertainment ranges from belly dancing to dance music and even the obligatory Bigfellows Irish Pub in Amman.

Eating Out: Eating out isn't common. Jordanians also eat later so restaurants open from about 7:30pm till late. Traditional dishes include Shish kebabs and desserts are popular. Coffee is considered an important symbol of hospitality.

Shopping: Gold and silver outlets are in the local souq or bazaar but many large stores are in the shopping centres and hotels. Most Amman shop assistants speak English and some stores are open 24 hours.

USEFUL CONTACTS

Mawared (Jordanian State Developer): 00962-65-665 825; www. mawared. jo

Irish Honorary Consul in Amman: 00962-6 5516807; Ireland_consulate@gmk. com. jo

Jordanian Embassy in London: 0044-20 7937 3685; http: //jordan. embassyhomepage. com

Jordan News: www. ameinfo. com/jordan/

Rebuild Iraq Expo 2007: www. rebuild-iraq-expo. com

Jordanian Tourist Board: www. visitjordan. com

Jordan Investment Board: www. jordaninvestment. com

Cairo Amman Bank: www. cabestate. com

Department of Lands and Survey: 00962 06 463 2601; www. dls. gov. jo