Anyone Ever Bought A Forest?

While this thread seems to have been missed by many, it offers a great alternative use for land, and the potential to make a steady income over time.  Forestry investments have been common place in the UK for some time, and while the tax incentives have been reduced over the last couple of decades, they still offer a decent tax efficient investment.  Some posters mention looking at some of the newer members of the EU and the prospects for forestry investment over there.  While some of the figures quoted are similar to the UK, these appear to be in markets where the property developers have already been very active. An interesting alternative use of land, with the potential for good returns.

While forestry investments have always been mentioned in the same breath as tax efficiency, they do have attractions on their own.  Timber, as mentioned by some on the thread, is a commodity and while prices have fallen dramatically since 1995, the new eco age we are entering does offer potential.  The replacement of your carbon footprint is an aspect of the green campaign which will surely go from strength to strength.  Even though it may not be as simple as planting a few trees and watching them grow, slowly but surely you would expect overseas markets to develop and prices to rise as their economies grow. As with any investment there are pitfalls, such as the location of the forest, the type of tree and the cost of up keep, but all in all, a very interesting thread. 

A Place in The Sun's 20 Best Money Making Locations

We thought it might be interesting to visit an old thread which proved very popular, and brought out a number of differing views and comments.  Initially released by Channel 4’s A Place in The Sun, this list of so called investment hotspots for the next 10 years surprised a number of members.  While the show itself promoted Romania as the country with the best prospects, members of the forum favoured Germany by a sizeable distance.  Cyprus and Portugal were neck and neck for second, with Romania was hardly anywhere to be seen.  In addition to the countries mentioned on the list, a number of other interesting locations where mentioned, giving readers a few more choices to think about.

Another group of people, another group of favourites areas to invest - well, that is what does make a market.  While some of the countries on the original list were appreciated by the forum members, some of their own favourite hotspots such as Bulgaria and Turkey were missing, and a few more as well.  When you consider that the media do influence markets movements, it would be interesting to revisit these again over the next few years to see who was right - the TV Show or the investors on the site.  This thread more than any other shows that markets are created by differing views and opinions, and what is right for one is not always right for another.

North Cyprus Property Hotspot 2007!!

While Northern Cyprus has figured quite prominently in certain areas of the forum, this particularly informative post seems to have slipped under the radar of many.  The post has obviously been well researched with some great economic figures and comments on the property market. Gems such as the fact the government are willing to guarantee property ownership (on the back of disputes with their southern neighbours) appear to have been missed by the majority of investors who have looked at Northern Cyprus.  The country appears to be having a new lease of life of late, and while the economy has been growing for a few years now, we are starting to see signs of improvement in the property markets.  Well worth taking a look!

There are few subjects on a property forum which have the potential to fill investors with fear, than Northern Cyprus.  There seem to be many many misconceptions about the area, the legal position and the potential for growth.  As a number of people have mentioned elsewhere, the country now has direct travel links to Europe, which in itself has attracted more visitors.  Often considered the poor cousin of Southern Cyprus, the country has been under a shadow for some time.  It seems as though the informed investor is now looking at Northern Cyprus for substantial future growth, but why does it never seem to figure in the thoughts of the masses? An opportunity going begging?

Property in Brazil - General buying and selling tips for Brazil

While it is interesting to see Brazil back on the forum again, it is even better to see a detailed thread showing the step by step process to buying and selling property in the country.  Earlier threads on the matter have been no where near as informative or detailed, and for those looking at the area, this thread is a must.  It seems that the process is not as complicated as many would have you believe, and the payment of a 20% deposit on agreement of a sale offers security for both parties.  The regulatory bodies in Brazil seem more than capable of closing any deals without outside legal assistance, although overseas investors may find it more comforting to involve their own representatives.

Brazil has been talked of under many misconceptions with people suggesting it is near impossible to transfer money into the country, or indeed take it out again.  There have also been many queries about the mortgage industry in Brazil, and while it is still in its infancy there are services available to the property investor.  Many people seem to be scared off by the fact that no legal representation is required, something which is taken for granted in many other countries.  This is one of the most concise and informative posts you will see on the process of buying and selling in Brazil, and something which investors in the area should book mark.

Want to invest in Morocco Advice Wanted

Morocco always seems to bring in a number of differing opinions, and especially the ongoing Dreamworld development in which a number of people have taken an interest.  The property purchase process is covered in detail, as is the potential for “flipping” investments for a quick profit or financing them on a longer term basis.  Quite why Dreamworld attracts so many differing views is unknown, but for each person who likes the project there seems to be another who doesn’t.  It seems that many have been put off by the indifferent responses from some Dreamworld employees, although this could be a chance missed, with even the more pessimistic agreeing that the figures stack up.

While we have seen a number of threads about Morocco in general, they always seem to turn around to the Dreamworld development which has caused so much differing of opinions on the forum.  Unfortunately, it seems that a number of investors may be letting their view of Dreamworld get in the way of some solid economic and property statistics for the country.  Quite why the Dreamworld project has provoked such controversy is unsure, but they do seem to be in the right area and their timing could not be much better.  Once you strip down the concerns about Dreamworld, you will see a country which offers great potential to both the long and short term investor.