Hi,

I am about to venture on my first overseas property however am getting overwhelmed at 'where'? I am hoping for a short term investment to built some equity. That or a long-term rental with somewhere that's likely to guarantee rental which will pay for the mortgage. Can anyone assist in pointing me in the right direction? The most I read the more confused I get

Places I have been reading about is Albania, Calabria, and Prague. Help greatly appreciated.

Chantel

From the suggestions that you made, my comments would be as follows:

Albania - too early at the moment - I think that it will be a couple of years before prices really start to take off as the infrastructure is just not there yet.

Calabria - no advice to give you as this is not a market we cover.

Prague - It would be a very safe investment, but not one that is going to increase your capital so much as prices are already high.

My personal tip would be Bratislava as I believe that it still has an enormous amount of growth and is also a very safe investment.

You can read my reasons for tipping it at:

Propertastic! International Property & Real Estate: Property and the Schengen Effect

Slovakia Property Investment: Buy Slovakia Real Estate Resources

__________________
EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property

Author of: Propertastic's Complete Guide to Hurghada Property and Egypt's Red Sea Riviera Real Estate

Hi Chantel

It depends alot on your budgets, your goals and your attitude to risk. However, here's my thoughts;

Morocco - if you look at Morocco, for a first time investment - ensure you have a good solid rental guarantee. Avoid large developments with 1000's of units. You need to remember that at any time 10% of your competitors will be looking to rent or sell at the same time as you. Really like Morocco - but choose your location and development carefully.

Silver Coast/ Eastern Algarve - Great capital growth opportunities here in an established EU country. These 2 areas are attracting plenty of interest now as more and more investment take place with new golf courses and new hotels springing up.

Istanbul - big local housing shortage and introduction of mortgage finance makes this a good cheap entry deal.

I agree with Propertastic - Albania is a good long term bet - but not for a first time investor

For details of all our investment oppoortunities - please visit Specialists in the sale of discounted off-plan worldwide properties for investment purposes » IQ Property Investments Limited » Welcome where you can download free Country Guides

Good luck and feel free to contact us if you need any help

Jeff
info@iqpropertyinvest.co.uk

I think you should look a little bit further afield,Turkey and North Africa are providing some ideal investment opportunities with good returns at the moment.You will also find with good all year round sun it might be a more favourable investment.

Hi propertastic,

Thank you for the information on Slovakia. I read the articles and was curious if Bratislava did see that rate of property growth/success in 2007? Would it be recommended that new builds, off plan are the best bet in terms of long term rentals to the locals?

Thanks

Chantel

Hi Chantal,

Yes, Bratislava did see very good growth during 2007 - 20% is one figure that I read.

It wasn't as crazy as Bucharest, but that to me has all the signs of burning out after a few years if it carries on growing at that rate.

Bratislava's growth seems slow but sure (as is the case with their economy).

Yes, new build offplan developments are always going to be attractive because the housing stock in Bratislava - as is the case throughout Eastern Europe - is very poor. Anyone with a bit of cash is going to want to live somewhere with all mod cons.

So I still stand by everything I said last year about the market. It's maybe not such a 'sexy' destination for investment as a resort or Prague/Budapest, but that just means less competition from those who invest with their hearts rather than their heads.

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EGYPT REAL - Your One Stop Shop for Hurghada Property

Author of: Propertastic's Complete Guide to Hurghada Property and Egypt's Red Sea Riviera Real Estate

I agree, its so overwhelming...

I am in my mid thirties and have lived outside the UK for 8 years. I have no pension planned yet, so I am planning that property will be my pension in 20 years or so....

As this will be my first international purchase, I want to be helped and sort of have my hand held along the way, therefore have been looking at off plan / pre construction, as my maiden purchase. I also realise this makes me very easy prey, so I am terrified, and close to deciding to stick my money under the mattress!!

I am sure I will become bolder with more experience, but can I ask if you have some good practical advice, can you recommend any reputable companies which you ahve used yourselves, and in terms of where you are putting your money for the next couple of years?

Any advice is welcome!

Thanks...

hi, i thinkyou should look in to dubai as your money will be put in to an ascrow account an will be safe if you buy off plan as i have done see my tread called sportyscity anyone in the dubai forum.

Thanks, but actually I live in Dubai, and am not planning to buy here for many reasons, but mostly as the real estate laws governing foreign owndership are still not fully developed, but if you have investment money to play with and can take a higher risk, then I believe this is the right place for you as growth is very good....

Personally, I am looking to buy in an area where the laws are more mature, but the opportunities are good too... maybe I'm searching for something that doesn't exsit....!!

Whats your opinions on:

1. Germany
2. Brazil
3. Albania
4. India

Thanks,

Hi,

In general we are concentrating on the following:

Spain - Murcia and Andalucia.
Cyprus - South East
Germany - Major cities
US - Florida
Turkey

I'll get you some more specific info when I get chance.

Be brave! (but wise!)