There are lots of people asking where they should buy.

This is where I reccomend that you buy: where you want to be.

There are a couple of really good reasons. First be aware that it is possible to make money in any real estate market and any location. You just have to figure out how the successful locals are doing their investing and do what they are doing.

Decide where you would like to live, or where you would like to vacation. You are going to be going to visit your property, so you might as well go and visit a location that you really like.

If you are doing vacation rentals, you will probably actually be using your property for a few weeks out of the year. So make it a location where you want to spend your vacation.

The most important reason is that you are good at recognizing what you like.

If you love nightlife and gambling and shopping, you'll like Maccau. But what is important is that everyone who goes there for vacation is going for the gambling and night life and shopping. You know what makes you happy, where you would like to stay while you are there, so you are qualified to pick out the best investment. Get something you want to stay in yourself and it will be a success.

If you love to sail, you are qualified to pick out a good harbour and sailing location. You know what a sailer wants in a place to stay.

I am looking at Uruaguay, because it has what I want. I like quiet strolls on the beach, happy families, enough nightlife, but not my primary consideration. I am not a shopper, and I like the food and the weather. (The national food is a roast beef sandwich, topped with egg and cheese. Count me in. In fact, give me two of them)

Since that is what people are going for if they have chosen Uruguay as their destination, I am qualified to pick out a good vacation rental for people who are attracted to the area. They like what I like.

If you want skiing or golf, look at my home town of Bend, Oregon. 2 ski mountains, 2 more ski mountians in day trip disrance, and over 30 golf courses. If you like to ski, you know what sort of rental makes you happy. If you like to golf, you know how to pick out the best golf course to be close to.

On the other hand, I think Macau looks like a good place to put some money, but the activities are not something I would do. So I might say "I'd never buy that apartment, it's too noisy" while someone who loves to do night clubs would love it because all they have to do is get on the elevator at 4 AM and they are home.

If you don't sail, how are you going to pick out the best marina for sailboats? If you don't trek, how are you going to know which mountains to buy next to?

You've got a built in talent for picking a good property. Take advantage of it.

Once you've chosen where you want to be, then you figure out how to make the best investment in that location.

Deciding what you like is only the first part.

Next you need to consider many things including;

EXACTLY who will manage the property rentals?

What are all the ongoing charges (many properties do not wash thier face)

What if I die - exactly how will the state administer my assets - this can be amassive headache especially in unknown territorie

How liquid is my property? If I suddenly need to sell is a resale likely? REMMEBER MILLIONS OF PROPERTIES IN ULTRA POPULAR SPAIN ARE NOT SELLING, THERE IS NO SECOND HAND MARKET - SO A SALE CAN TAKE YEARS.

What is the demand / supply ratio? You can be in Las Vegas (another gambling centre) yet find (as many have) it impossible to find renters.

How much do you trust the managing agent? It is almost impossible to judge on appearances or flasshy websites. What you need are legal commitments and or LOTS of personal recommendations.

How long is the rent season? You can have the best ski property in the wolrd, yet you still might find you get just 4 months rent per year (all will tell u there is a summer walking demand - but this is nearly always not a big enough demand to sustain the summer rentals).

Research, research, research.

Most important - will the seller go bust? There are many sharks out there that wont give a seconds thought to going bust and dissapearing with your deposit. A decent developer will have all this arranged to suit the buyer, for example independant lawyers Bank accounts - but you must check the law firm is lagre - a one man band lawyer may be in bed with said crooked developer.

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Been investing abroad a few years. Always amazed people invest in places that produce just a few months rent per year

Exactly,

Where should i buy can not be answered with a generic answer.

It is totally dependent on you, your rationale for purchase, your status, your budget, your exit strategy to name just a few variables.

In agreement with Oregon, there are good investments in many territories, my advice would be to research, research and research and once you are comfortable then look into multiple developments and compare like for like, above anything, if you buy well chances are you'll do ok.

AND WHATEVER YOU DO GET A "REALTYCHECK" - take legal advice. You would do it on your primary home, so why not do it one purchasing a home in the sun. Madness.

When you are buying, go and spend some time and look around and shop for property.

I'm looking at Uruguay and the fancy slick Englash language web sites have prices substantially higher than the web sites for local real estate agents that are written in Spanish. They are obviously expecting foreign investors to be bringing a lot of money and to pay higher prices. (the same is true for Fiji- local websites have lower prices than the ones targeted at foreign investors.)

I speak enough Spanish to get by, but I would think it would even be beneficial to hire a translator. Perhaps a student from the local university. The fee would be small compared to possible savings.

Maybe the English language brokers who advertise internatiionally will end up being the ones with the best deals. However, you don't know until you go out and look.

Personally, I would be looking at finished places and not off plan. You can see what you are getting. There is no chance of the developer quiting before the developent is finished. You can see how well the management is maintaining the property. Plus, income should start right away and not 2 years down the road.

I think the question "where should I buy?" is just the begining of someones research. such as myself. I am get feed back on everyones views and experiences good and bad! I feel that is why we are here to help one another not to make the same mistakes we did or give tip on how to do things smarter! In the end we all know the ultimate decision is our own! We/i just want to see whats out there! You may have found something that never even occured to me!