Brazil: Hotspot Or Not..?????

This interesting thread about Brazil brings in a number of different angles to consider including travel, property bubbles,  the future and the potential for this area of the world.  Like many “new bubbles” the development in the country is very  concentrated in certain areas, and investors need to be sure they are looking at the right areas, areas which do have  potential for the future.  There are some concerns about travelling to some areas of the country, with confusion as to  whether direct flights are available - a vital element for any property hot spot.  Brazil has been a favourite of many for  some time, but it seems confidence and demand is growing.

Brazil has been on the lips of many property developers for many years, although historically there have been both economic  and political concerns. The economic and political situations have calmed over the last few years, and it seems as though  Brazil is entering a new era.  Much of the property hot spots in the country seem to centre around the coastal resorts and  business communities, with much of the country still be under developed.  The fact that the country is becoming a popular  venue for tourists is directly connected to the increased property demand, although it is essential investors get feedback  from the “ground” via agents with good local knowledge. A good starting point would be to talk to some of the advertisers in  our Overseas Property For sale section.

French LEASEBACKS IMPORTANT INFO

Anyone with an interest in French property will know that the country is the most popular tourist attraction in Europe, and  as such was thought to have a very developed property market.  Concerns have been noted with regards to leasebacks, and how  and when these can be renewed, the tax situation and the possibility of being hit with extra charges.  This is a very  worrying situation for many who have chosen to take a second home in the country, under the impression that all was well.  As  someone pointed out, “A salesman is there to make a sale” - never forget that!

The concerns regarding leasebacks appear to have been missed by many, and a number of useful points have been brought to the  discussion table.  The thread has also highlighted the different tax rules for French residents and overseas investors -  something which can drastically effect any dealings.  It seems as though some leaseback arrangements in the country may force  the investor into taking on a further lease term, something which may be both unexpected and potentially very expensive.  The  situation with regards to selling on the lease is also of concern to overseas investors, with the implication being that any  tax incentives will need to be repaid.  Watch this thread as it develops......

What is the current best overseas investment for rental returns?

This is a subject title guaranteed to bring all manner of opinions from a array of forums members, with each one having  useful local knowledge of various markets.  The many areas mentioned for investment include Egypt, Berlin, Cape Verde and  Panama to name but a few.  While the rental yields quoted vary wildly, it does give an insight into the yields you can  expect, depending on the level of risk which you are prepared to take. This thread also opens up the interesting area of  “private islands” which have been popular with the rich and famous for some time, but appear to be coming under the property  investor’s microscope.

A headline like this is always sure to bring a vast array of opinions and comments, but it does give an interesting snap shot  of what is happening in other areas of the world.  Obviously more home work would need to be done before actually investing  in such areas, but some of the risk reward ratios are very interesting.  For those willing to take a little more risk in  areas which have historically been volatile, there are some very attractive rental yields - and if the local political and  economic situations have become calmer then there is every chance of further upside.

Getting out of Egypt

This thread started with the idea of confirming how to buy and sell property relatively quickly, how easy it was and who had  actually done it.  It has quickly turned into a discussion about legal contracts, one contract fits all and if short term  trading really does happen.  It seems that while there are opportunities to take short term gains, these can be hampered by  sale restrictions - sometimes up to 5 years - as well as costs.  On the original subject of Egypt, it seems that the property  market is fairly young and may offer some interesting opportunities.

It is strange how often a simple thread post can lead onto a different subject which brings in so many points and opinions.   The legal side of property investment is something which is not often covered in depth, although this thread offers different  sides to the story.  On the side of developers you can appreciate the one contract fits all scenario, although some investors  need those agreements to be tweaked a little.  An interesting insight into what goes on behind the scenes, and why, with some  useful pointers for us all.

Want to invest in Morocco Advice Wanted

Many forum members will find this thread particularly interesting, as it offers both a number of different opinions as well  as some particularly informative posts.  There seems to be a difference of opinion with regard to a fairly high profile  development going on in Morocco.  If nothing else, it does give potential investors a wake up call to do their own home work  and see what is really happening.  It seems that those local to the market are able to resolve problems which overseas  investors (without a local contact) may struggle with.  There is also some great information about the country in general,  what to look at and what to avoid - priceless.  

The one thing which comes out of the above thread is the need for local contacts who know the market.  There will always be  differing opinions from different investors, who may be looking for slightly different terms, returns, etc - but this is what  makes a forum so attractive to those in the property industry.  There are some particularly informative posts on this thread,  which offer an “on the ground” view of what is happening with the sector and the economy.  If you are able to spot a market  where the perceived risk may be falling, there is the possibility of locking in attractive yields before other investors  realise.  That is the holy grail of property investment.