Iraq and Afghanistan property: Started by “robh”, this is perhaps one of the most topical threads on the whole site, taking in high risk investment in Iraq and Afghanistan, areas which many investors would not even consider. While there are threads both in favour of and against investment in such areas, there are some interesting comments from members from that region of the world. The references to property price movements in the area are interesting, although further details would be required to clarify the situation. This is definitely something for investors willing to take that little bit of extra risk, although a member mentions buying land rather than property, which sounds very interesting..

If you are willing to take risks in the property market, then places such as Iraq and Afghanistan may interest you, although they will not be to everyone’s taste. Some of the most successful investors have made their biggest returns from buying in the face of adversity, but it can take time. As and when a market like Iraq turns, it will turn very very quickly with the “herd” mentality coming into play. The shrewd investor will know that they will never catch the bottom of the market, which is why many look to buy on the way down, maybe even staggering their purchases as the market falls further and further - ensuring they have a “position” for the bounce.

Buying Real Estate in Brazil

A very interesting thread begun by “David Belk”, who obviously has great links with the Brazilian market, and is fully aware of the legal requirement of the country. While his information is very useful and very detailed, a few of the UK members are concerned about the fact that lawyers are not normally used in the property purchase process. This opens up a new angle when you are dealing in markets in which you have no deep knowledge, and the need to have a third party acting for you. While it will cost you a little more to go down this route, many potential investors appear to think this is worthwhile.

Brazil has been a property market which has been popular for many years, especially with overseas investors. While the country has many attractions in its own right, in many ways it is a cheaper proxy for the US market due to the very close economic relationship. While the country has been known to experience volatile economic cycles on a regular basis, the last few years have been steadier than most. Brazil is a beautiful country which has much to offer, but all investors need to ensure they employ local knowledge to act on their behalf. While a lawyer is not essential, all investors need to be sure that their interests are being protected.

Italy Property v France Property

While this thread has yet to really take off yet, it does pose an interesting question about whether investors should be looking at Italy or France. As mentioned in the thread, the countries are very alike in many ways, although there is a difference in property prices, with Italy ahead of France in general. While both of these countries offer attractions to the property investor, they are very different in style and culture. A couple of people have appeared with property to sell in each of the countries, which in many ways highlights the attractions of both areas of the world.

An interesting question, France or Italy, and one which is not easy to answer bearing in mind the often volatile political nature of both countries, and the deep seated cultures of each country. It will surprise many to learn that France is the most popular holiday destination in Europe, with visitor numbers substantially higher than those of Italy. France seems to offer more of a range of climate and property styles than Italy, but Italy continues to grow as a popular romantic destination. In summary it really depends what style and price range an investor has in mind as to which country they should choose. While similar in many ways, they have their own unique selling angles.

High yield property, Sell & Buy

While “Andy” has introduced a thread which specifically covers the remortgaging of a buy-to-let property which has been the subject of a court order, it does bring other interesting subjects into play. The problem appears to be a legal argument, in that the ex-partner of “Andy’s” business partner will not sign over the property, even though the courts have instructed him to. The problem is that the house is currently yielding over 10%, which in any fairly stable property market is massive. A yield of that nature should be protected at all costs, something which is strongly recommended by posters on the thread.

A property with a yield of over 10% is very hard to come by, and sounds fairly unique, unless the property is located in a high inflationary economic area of the world. We get the impression that the property is held in the US, which makes it ever more vital to hold onto that kind of yield. Even if they were to remortgage the property, there is every chance that the interest rate on any mortgage would be well below 10% - a very unique position. For some reason the relationship between the yield on a property and the price is out of synch, although we are not aware of the exact location or reasons why this has happened.

Investing in Property in Manchester?

“Sky Blue” started a very interesting thread about investing in Manchester which has brought out some very good ideas and comments. Initially the thread centred on buying a two bedroom flat in the centre of the City, but the subject has developed quite nicely. There are some really valid points about looking along the tram line, which has major attractions for professionals wanting to live away from the city centre, but close enough to their place of employment. There are some really well informed posters on this thread, and for those looking at the area they will find some very valid points and great advice.

Manchester has for some time been one of the up and coming cities of the UK, and as well as having a great retail sector it also has an ever growing financial industry. Many of the major firms have relocated to areas such as Manchester, bringing with them increased demand for rented properties. As plans to expand the tram line continue, the catchment area of the city will expand. Interestingly areas such as Sale and Timperley have been mentioned in the thread, areas which have both grown in popularity over the last ten years. While there is no doubt there will still be demand for city centre properties, the surrounding areas may offer a greater return over the short to medium term.