BUYING PROPERTY ABROAD: HOW TO CURTAIL RISK WHEN MAKING OVERSEAS PROPERTY INVESTMENTS

Many people are buying property abroad today because of the investment potential. The price of foreign property can be especially attractive when exchange rates tip the balance in favor of a prospective buyer’s currency. Imagine buying a beachfront house in Brazil for $50,000 when you’d spend $400,000 for the same house in a place like Orange County. Buying property abroad is a way to get actively involved during retirement.

If you don’t want a hands-on management, this type of investment would still generate passive income for you, an income not depending on the US dollar, denominated in another currency. There are reputable property management companies that can help you take care of your new investment and help you make consistent rental income from your investment. The fact that many Americans are not preparing adequately (or even preparing at all) for retirement means many Americans are not living out their dreams after retirement. “About 60% of Americans have no savings in retirement accounts like 401(k)s or IRAs,” reports Business Insider. The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) estimates the shortfall in retirement savings to be at $4.13 trillion for heads-of-households aged 25 to 64.

One of the reasons why many Americans lack sufficient retirement savings is that the traditional means of saving are unreliable, according to USmoneyreserve.com. If protecting your retirement is important to you, buying property abroad can help you get the ideal retirement and offer the kind of security that other asset classes cannot provide.

Moreover, there are wasteful aspects in some markets that haven't worked themselves out yet, and those inefficiencies can work further bolstering your good fortune. For example, there are some markets in the world with restricted wellsprings of capital where people need money. Without access to easy credit, they frequently offer their property at a much lower cost to have fast access to money.

Furthermore, when you spend money on overseas property you do not just get the benefit for those market inefficiencies, you additionally have the advantage that a lot of shareholders are so concerned about risk that they create no real hazard, nor create any competition. But even though overseas properties offer a chance to diversify your investment and can help you get the retirement of your dreams, there are some risks. Here are some tips to help you curtail risk when buying property abroad.

1.     Read the books.

The key to successful property investments overseas is to do your homework and not cut corners. By all accounts, read books about the country you are considering buying an international investment property and read relevant forum posts online but do not get sucked in by the sellers and never overlook the power of local knowledge. Even a simple walk around the area can give you a great insight into the events and settings that take place on a daily basis, giving you a real feel for the place.

2.     Beware of overseas investment property in "emerging markets".

This term can be used to dress up areas of neglect. Look around for signs such as closing shops and boarded up houses, as these may suggest a struggling economy. If you come across something else that you do not feel at ease with, do not go with the property investment. Foreign buyers should feel 100% safe in the area before taking the plunge. Likewise, if you look at a series of new developments that are beginning to emerge, this could be a sign that the real estate market in the area is about to take off.

3.     Do not leave yourself at the mercy of the laws of the country when buying property abroad.

Buying investment property on foreign soil requires the advice and guidance of a local lawyer. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you are accredited and credited as well as fluent in English and the language of the country you wish to purchase.

4.     Don’t take the risk of using cash.

Using a bank with an office abroad to conduct large transactions is always the best. Foreign investment properties and those that sell them must be approached with caution and due diligence.

It’s normal to be apprehensive when buying property abroad for the first time or trying anything new. And yes, the risks are there but to be successful in property investing, you mustn’t let that hold you back.

Are you curious about what the future holds for the real estate industry? With the rapid evolution of technology and shifting market trends, it can be challenging to stay ahead of the game. In this article, we'll dive into the emerging trends in real estate 2023 that are set to shape the industry. From technological advancements to shifting demographics, we'll cover it all.

Introduction

Real estate has always been a dynamic and ever-changing industry, and 2023 is no exception. As we move towards the future, we can expect to see significant changes in the way we buy, sell, and manage properties. The real estate industry is set to undergo a major transformation as emerging trends continue to shape its landscape. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the most prominent emerging trends in real estate 2023.

The Emergence of Smart Cities

One of the most significant emerging trends in real estate 2023 is the rise of smart cities. As technology continues to evolve, so do our cities. Smart cities are designed to improve the quality of life for their citizens by utilizing technology and data to optimize city services and infrastructure. This includes everything from traffic management to public safety, waste management, and energy consumption. Smart cities are set to transform the real estate industry as they create new opportunities for developers, investors, and property managers.

Benefits of Smart Cities

• Improved quality of life for citizens
• Increased sustainability and energy efficiency
• Improved public safety
• Enhanced transportation systems

Increased Adoption of Virtual Reality

Another emerging trend in real estate 2023 is the increasing adoption of virtual reality. Virtual reality technology is transforming the way we buy, sell, and market properties. It allows buyers to take virtual tours of homes and properties, which can save time and money. Additionally, virtual reality can help property managers showcase their properties in a more engaging and interactive way.

Benefits of Virtual Reality

• Saves time and money
• Enhances property marketing
• Allows for remote property viewing

The Growth of Co-Living Spaces

As the world becomes more interconnected, we're seeing a rise in co-living spaces. Co-living spaces are shared living environments where individuals or groups of people live together in a communal setting. This type of housing is becoming increasingly popular among young professionals, students, and digital nomads. Co-living spaces are designed to foster a sense of community and provide affordable housing solutions in urban areas.

Benefits of Co-Living Spaces

• Affordable housing options
• Sense of community
• Shared resources and amenities

Shifting Demographics

The demographics of real estate are changing, and this is set to continue in 2023. The aging baby boomer population is downsizing, while millennials are becoming the largest group of homebuyers. This shift in demographics is creating new opportunities for real estate developers and investors.

Impact of Shifting Demographics

• Increased demand for affordable housing
• Demand for urban, walkable communities
• New opportunities for real estate investors

Sustainability and Green Buildings

As the world becomes more environmentally conscious, the demand for sustainable and green buildings is on the rise. Green buildings are designed to minimize their impact on the environment, reduce energy consumption, and provide a healthier living environment for occupants. In 2023, we can expect to see an increased focus on sustainable real estate development.

Benefits of Green Buildings

• Reduced energy consumption
• Healthier living environments
• Lower operating costs

This article explores seven basic reasons why people nurture the dream of owning foreign property

The ebbs and flows of foreign property rules in many countries have caused an influx of foreign buyers into their real estate markets. The current trend is that many countries are more accepting of foreign property buyers, unlike before. In some countries, like Australia, it is becoming a malaise, where the overpowering of foreign currency is causing an affordability crisis for residents. Hopefully, this would balance out soon. But, the fact still remains that more people are drawn to global property. In many cases, when countries have modified their laws to be more accommodating to foreign buyers, there have been real estate boom. The historical constitutional change of Thailand's foreign property laws in 1979 brought an influx of foreign investors and few months later, Thailand began experiencing its first real estate boom.

Motivations For Buying Property Abroad

It's not just about wanting to fulfill the lust for adventure. Recently, there have been an increased number of British buying foreign properties. Many of them buy for many reasons, let's just examine three:

·         Cost. Will you buy a house in Britain if you can buy two houses for the same price in Brazil? The principal motivation is pricing. The appeal of buying property abroad lies in the fact that you can buy a home conveniently and still have enough money left to have a whale of a time in your chosen country. For most people, cost is the strong motivation for buying overseas.

·         Possibility of an investment. Some property investment hotspots abroad are experiencing influx of foreign buyers. While these areas may not be the first choice for people who want to slash price in half; it is a catch for those who are seeking investment opportunities.

·         Second home. A personal reason for buying property abroad is to own a vacation property. For many affluent individuals, having a place, maybe a seaside location in Turkey to retire from the hustle and bustle, is important. With lower cost of living and interesting destinations, expats can live the good life abroad. These vacation properties also offer sound return on investment.

Benefits Of Buying Property Abroad

Broadly speaking, let's take a quick look at the 7 benefits of buying property abroad:

1.      Diversify your portfolio.

Buying property abroad is a great way to diversify your portfolio. Having all your investments, stocks and all, in your country of Birth, is like putting your eggs in one basket. Also, you can invest in a hard asset, real estate, which is proven to be more reliable than stocks.

2.      Diversify currency. Having all your investments denominated, in your local currency, is also 'putting your eggs in one basket'. You don't want to be at the mercy of the local economy.

3.      Reinvent your life. Apart from building your net worth, owning a home abroad is a way to gain a rich cultural diversity and more momentum, especially during retirement.

4.      Own a second home.  Instead of spending your life savings on a second home, buying a second home abroad can be 5 times cheaper. There could also be a chance to make good vacation rental income as your vacation home increases in value.

5.      Retire overseas. You can take advantage of the low cost of living abroad to enjoy your retirement.

6.      Tax deductible travel. In the US, the cost of traveling to manage your overseas property is tax-deductible.

7.      Earn income. A rental income overseas will generate an income that is not determined by your citizenship country's economy. For instance, rental returns in Medellin, Colombia can be up to 10% and the cost of property ownership there is low.

Buying property abroad is a smart move. But, anybody who wants to take the plunge must be ready to put in work. Don't just expect to sit and wait for your property to grow in value. An investment in real estate requires active and ongoing management.