2009 Property Investment Overseas Top Ten

Country Life the home of premium property has the list all drawn up;

1 Paris
Paris was recently voted best risk adjusted investment location by PricewaterhouseCooper. It is the most visited city in the world and well placed to weather the current recession. In Paris, location is everything. The third and fourth arrondissements are good areas to search, with heavy rental demand and reasonable prices compared to the more fashionable sixth.

2 Miami
The city was heavily hit by the property crash, and you can pick up good, central homes at half the price they were a year ago. Property is being sold at less than the amount it cost to build it – always a good test of value. Experts think the bottom of the Miami market has been reached – or nearly reached – so it is a good time to buy for capital growth in the mid-term. Buyers must choose well and a sensible rate of return – 4-5% - should be possible.

3 London
There are startling bargains to be had in the English capital. Riverside apartments are being shifted at half their original value, and they should let well until a capital gain is made. Another plus is that there are no currency exchange risks to worry about if you invest in London.

4 Berlin
Berlin has in fact proved to be an unexpected top destination for investment for the last two years. Property prices fell sharply with reunification and Berlin is a place where locals still predominantly rent, thus a supply of middle-class tenants. Taking a 5-10 year view, Berlin is a fantastic investment spot.


5 Spain
Despite recent problems, Spain will always be the nearest destination where you can guarantee good weather for most of the year and the infrastructure can support large numbers of British retirees. The overpriced market has, in effect, collapsed. Now spectacular bargains are available.

6 Distressed sales
Many people are in financial difficulty and are desperate to sell. Investment properties not pulling in a quick profit can be picked up at give-away prices. Another variation is to buy heavily discounted units direct from the developer.

7 Repossession
As ghoulish as this might appear, you can get hold of true bargains once homes are repossessed by banks. But, you need local advice and you should inspect the property before purchasing. Buying a repossession at auction can be expensive and it might be better dealing direct with the bank.

8 Investment in developers
Rather than buying a property with all the attendant worries, you can instead make a welcome fixed interest investment with a developer. Your money will be tied up for only a couple of years, but obviously you need to check out the status of the developer to ensure your money will be safe.

9 Commercial property in Slovakia
It may sound strange, but Slovakia has one of the most successful economies in Europe and is a recent entrant to the EU. Whether you are investing in a small corner shop or a warehouse, prices are competitive and returns good.

10 Morocco
A more adventurous location, but Morocco appeals for several reasons: it is close, French-speaking and has good weather almost all year round. The Moroccan government has made a commitment to improve the country’s infrastructure and there are three different markets here: on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts and in Marrakech

There were also very cheap flights with the budget airlines to Morrocco last Autumn so it is not so far out of the way, no jet lag and a flight time similar to Cyprus. Morrocco is also building golf resorts and gated community resorts, so its safe but with that element of the new and unknown. If I were going to Africa though I would cost in the extra flight time and cost and go for the Gambia.

Slovakia Property

The Slovakian Property Market is just beginning to take off again as it follows the pattern of the Czech Republic and enters its second phase of rapid growth.

This new growth is taking place against a back drop of huge economic growth built on a sustainable basis with strong exports.

As the Slovakia Property market matures this strong export base will ensure it can balance the economy as consumer spending takes off and drives property prices further ahead.
Of the Eastern block European Union countries, only Slovakia is due to join in the near future (January 2009) and with its economy generally in good shape, there is little risk of it not joining.

Along with their economic expansion, the Slovakian property market has also seen substantial growth. Slovakia is a good opportunity for overseas property investors, with low rental income tax and no capitals gain tax on long-term property holdings. Slovakia is one of Europe’s most attractive real estate investment propositions.

1 Bed apartment,Karpatska, Bratislava, Slovakia, Price: € 256,550 Bratislava District I, Old Town
Slovakia EXTRAS Bratislava district I, Old Town Windows, duplex anti – noise windows - external plastic windows frames Doors, safety antifire entrance doors - wooden inside doors with cap board Walls
Floors, there are floating wooden floors,tiled floors in hall, bathroom, toilet and kitchen Kitchen,complete kitchen unit with built-in white goods: ceramic hob and oven, fridge with freezer, dishwasher, washing machine and microwave oven
Bathroom, bath, wash-basin - mirror, box
Heating,digitally operated air-conditioning Electrical installation,TV and internet connection,switches, plugs,connector for telephone,video door-keeper.