Tuesday, 5 June 2007

Where the smart money is...

With Spain still under the cloud of the "claimed" property downturn, buyers are now turning on to new overseas property opportunities. These include France, Montenegro and USA...

France
With the new priminister promising reforms both in business and social habits and the property prices in many regions already rising rapidly, France looks to be the next big one. With endlessly beautiful countryside and the huge choice, from the quaint little Normandy towns to Large glitzy Mediterranean resorts, the previously slow burning french property market is well overdue for a Renaissance period. To quote Jeremy Clarkson when discussing the vacation habits of the french "If you lived in heaven, why would you choose to holiday in hell". So whether you fancy a traditional farmhouse, a grand apartment or just maybe your own Chateau, we say that now is the time to buy.

Montenegro
Emerging from a previously checkered history with a guest appearance as the sophisticated resort in the latest bond flick Casino Royale, the former Yugoslavia promises to be the new darling of the rich and famous. With anual sunshine matching many more commonly considdered eportedly a "famous Russian businessman" is buying up coastal plots as quickly as he can get his hands on them. This in itself sounds like a plot from a James Bond film but it can only be good news for anyone looking for either capital return or a unique and prestigiously located holiday home.

USA
With the GBP/USD exchange rate at an a very advantageous level, there are some serious bargains to be had on the other side of the pond for the Brits. So if you ever fancied a dream house in Orlando or Log cabin in Colorado, this is a good time to jump in and do it. The really brave are considering the urban sprawl of Detroit, where entire tower blocks are changing hands for around the price of a 4 bed semi in the UK!!

Remember...where ever you invest your hard earned, always do your research and use the services of qualified property professionals.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi, A great blog but I was a bit surprise that you hadn't mentioned Mexico as the new up and coming place for overseas property investment. It has the strongest economy of all the Americas with the exception of Canada and is the number one holiday property investment location for Americans and Canadians...now with the very strong Euro and Sterling it should soon become very popular with Europeans as well.
Its blue skies, palm trees, colonial architecture and tropical climate will seduce you, and the remarkably affordable cost of living and peaceful lifestyle will entice you to stay.


With extensive infrastructure, safe investment, ease of access, an established expatriate community, Merida, capital of the Yucatan, has become one of the most attractive places for foreign property investment.

With a population of over 800,000, Merida, designated as the Cultural Capital of the Americas offers a cosmopolitan lifestyle with small town charm and friendliness. Whether you enjoy exploring Mayan ruins, a day a the beach or strolling along the European inspired boulevards, Merida and its surroundings have everything you could want including theatres, museums, libraries, universities, restaurants and markets.


As one of the most beautiful and safest cities in Mexico, Merida has become a haven for foreign property investors looking to find a tranquil retreat to call home. From the grandeur of European style mansions, to the charming Spanish colonial homes , few places rival Merida in architectural variety and charm. Founded in 1542 the city is home to the oldest Cathedral in the Americas situated in the heart of the city on the Plaza Grande.

Throughout the week, the theaters, plazas and galleries offer countless events, including music, dance, theater, youth concerts, exhibitions and other special events related to the designation of Cultural Capital of the Americas Year 2006... all usually held within walking distance of the Plaza Grande which forms the heart of the historical center where most foreign investors have decided to purchase.


This old colonial neighbourhood boasts French and Spanish colonial architecture and most homes have either central courtyards or gardens and the area is currently being transformed by the influx of American and European home owners. With real estate prices starting as low as $30,000.00 USD for a fixer-upper on the beach or in the city to upwards to 2 million for a classical mansion, Merida has something to offer to all investment portfolios. Construction prices are very reasonable, currently running below $50.00 USD per sq. ft. to build new or remodel. With its growing GDP, a higher level of foreign direct investment than any other Latin country, and a current political climate, investing in Mexico today offers high rewards with limited risk.

The peso is strong and direct foreign investment is at an all-time high. In fact, in the past year the flow of foreign capital into the Mexican stock market rose more than 6%, helping make it the seventh best performing stock market in the world. In February of 2003, the Wall Street Journal published an article entitled Mexico Real Estate is a Haven for U.S. Institutional Investors.


This enthusiasm has now overflowed to the private property investor. The property taxes are minuscule compared to the U.S. and Canada, usually costing just a few hundred dollars per year. It is also very easy to be exempted from paying the capital gains tax - you just have to prove that you reside in the property for at least six months. The appreciation in many areas, especially on the coasts, can be very high, with 50% or more per annum being a realistic number. And above all, buying Mexican real estate is safe and easy.

Infrastructure and the standard of living are high. The Merida International Airport provides service to most Mexican and US destinations and connections to Europe. Local transportation is efficient and car rental very inexpensive.


Wonderful clean beaches are less than a half hour's drive away and a variety of Mayan ruins and wildlife parks are within a short drive or bus trip from the city. The city is well served with wireless, cellular and high speed communications and internet capabilities. Healthcare in Merida is on par with the USA, Canada and Europe and many of the doctors are US trained. Many facilities are state of the art but costs are about 30% of those elsewhere.


Here, in this sophisticated, safe cosmopolitan city you can own a beautiful historic home with garden and pool for a fraction of the cost you would be paying back home and enjoy a higher standard of living.

So if you are looking for a wonderful lifestyle, a secure investment, and year round blue skies then purchasing a home in Merida may be the investment opportunity for you.

Stephen.design@gmail.com

VFI Overseas Property said...

Another area you left out is Italy, the Italian Southern Riviera. In cities like Calabria. I believe that this area of Italy will be huge. The benefits are numerous, it's Italy, stable economy, beach side villas, the list goes on... It really is an emerging market.

When a you go to Italy, there are certain things they look for: Culture, Food, Wine, History, Art, Beautiful Landscape....the list goes on. The fact is Calabria delivers all of these things. With strict planning laws the region will never look like the Costa Del Sol; and without high rise building, the beauty of the area will always remain.

So be sure to check out Italy as well.
VFI Overseas Property

Unknown said...

Spain is good property market if anyone is looking for property investment in spain and according expert reports at this points of time spanish housing prices are now falling..so it's good time for property investment.
Newbuy