With The Best Group having again been named 'Best Fractional Company for 2009' at the Overseas Living Awards, the July/August issue of the magazine asks if 2009 is the year that will see the full emergence of shared property ownership.

Citing increased media coverage, and the emergence of developers and brokers looking to the fractional concept to maintain buyer interest at a time when full ownership is proving too costly to some, the magazine says that the fractional “pioneers are starting to make some real noise, and given that they stand out so starkly against a background of uncertainty it is hard not to listen”.

For Brad Lincoln, CEO of The Best Group, the current economic downturn has placed an emphasis on safer products that offer a lower entry cost - increasing the attractiveness of the fractional proposition.

The Best Group offers a range of services to developers and the fractional offering at The Emerald Monkey Resort in Panama (pictured) is one example of both the company’s recent activities and the type of offering available to fractional buyers.

The 5-star resort, set in the Bocas del Toro archipelago, is designed to be the world’s first carbon-neutral luxury community - with electricity produced by hydropower and all transportation on the Island solar-powered.

As well as a dedicated village offering shops, dock and a range of activities, buyers will have access to a five-star restaurant and bar, butterfly farm, spa and swimming pools, and two private beaches.