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Your Questions
ANSWERED
Overseas
investments!
by FIONA BOSTICKY,
Where are the best places to invest overseas?
MANAGING PARTNER
Fresh Property Co.
Everywhere you look at the moment, investment properties are 2. BRAZIL: In 2007 Brazil appeared on the radar of property
available in nearly every country around the world. Every agent investors. With a progressive president, the economy and
you speak to will throw numbers at you explaining why their infrastructure will only improve. Goldman Sachs argues that the
country and their development is the best investment. economies of BRICs (Brazil, Russia, India, China) are rapidly
developing and by 2050 will eclipse most of the current richest
So how do you really know, which is the best place to invest in countries.
property overseas?
As the 5th largest country in the world, how do you know where
At Fresh Property Co. we believe the best places to invest are to look? We believe if you focus on areas where a lot of Brazilians
locations that meet certain criteria: are living and buying, you will not have to worry when it comes
• Stable Government time to sell. We like the big cities of Sao Paulo and Rio and
• Improving and Growing Economy popular cities like Florianopolis in Santa Catarina and Salvador in
• Housing Shortage Bahia. Other holiday destinations like Porto Seguro in Bahia and
• Existing Local Rental and Re-sale Market Fortaleza in Ceara, are expecting huge capital appreciation as well.
• Undervalued Property Prices
• Foreign Direct Investment The tourism potential is huge. Only 8 hours flight from Europe, no
hurricanes, and year round summer weather are proving to be a
We have previous experience selling properties in the Baltics, holidaymakers dream. Also with mortgages coming soon for
Berlin, Romania, Bulgaria and Montenegro. And these markets foreign investors, this will only continue to push up prices. Meeting
have had fantastic growth, and created some very wealthy the “best place to invest” criteria, we highly recommend Brazil.
property investors.
3. ARGENTINA: Argentina is on a roll. The economy is taking off,
But now investors are looking for “the next big thing” and a chance exports are “through-the-roof” and property prices are still fantastic
to “get-in-early”. And our research has led us to some surprising value. This has created a market for serious investors, who are
markets that will steam ahead over the next 5 years, despite any happy to invest with cash, and take advantage of serious potential
American crisis. gains.
1. ALBANIA: It wasn’t that many years ago that people were But what happened to create this potential? In 2001/02
shocked if someone mentioned they were buying in Bulgaria. But Argentina suffered an economic crisis. After the crisis, the
now it’s surprising if someone hasn’t seriously considered investing government’s response was fast and decisive. By December 05,
there. due to successful negotiation by President Kirchner, Argentina was
able to manage their huge foreign debt and get the economy back
Albania currently suffers the same old stigma. But on closer on track. Industries flourished, which increased exports and
inspection, the picture looks completely different. Yes the country associated taxes providing a positive balance of trade, cash flow
still has its problems, from power shortages to corruption. But and reserves. Tourism is also booming and “Argentina travel and
once you visit, you cannot help but see the potential, and how tourism is expected to generate ARS84bn (US$26.6bn) of economic
everything is now changing. EU entry is currently set for 2014 and activity in 2007, growing to ARS206.2bn (US$46.1bn) by 2017.”
the government is determined to improve the economy and (WTTC)
encourage foreign investment. New car dealerships and
telecommunications offices are opening and mortgages are now There is renewed confidence in the economy and property market.
available. Locals and foreign investors are noticing the affordability of
property in Buenos Aires (average US$1,800/sqm). Also Country
Property is fantastically undervalued and very affordable – from Clubs near Buenos Aires are growing in popularity allowing
£20,000, and builders now must comply with strict building wealthy Argentinians a home away from the city hustle and bustle.
regulations. The only problem for foreign investors wanting to buy All the indicators point to Argentina being a “best place to invest”.
off plan property is the tough competition from locals and Albanian
nationals living abroad. Albania is a beautiful country – with In summary, Albania, Brazil and Argentina are currently our best
friendly people, clean beaches, and crystal clear water. Also in places to invest overseas. But we are constantly researching
summer, accommodation is so tight that you must book in markets with high potential, like Asia, and alternative
advance. So meeting all the “best place to invest” criteria, we investments like the New Brunswick Managed Timber
highly recommend Albania. Investment in Canada.
20/20 fifty
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