Thread: Who's Investing Where?

I have management interests in three REIT funds vested in part in Costa Rica, Panama and Belize. Our capital investment structure is in vacation homes and small to medium resort facilities.

Our overall return has been average, certainly below expectation. Management costs are high and government intervention (legal and tax defense) has cost more than double our actuarial predictions.

Investments in the United States, specifically in resort/vacation areas has been stellar. Our forward looking strategy is to develop properties around natural lakes and within a close radius to major metropolitan centers. There are several areas that meet this criteria and we will continue with this winning strategy.

i've heard great things about Belize. but i mean, that's just it, investing off shore, or even in other states - you just don't know exactly where to invest.

Thanks everyone. I was a bit concerned with the tax implications. Is this their taxes or US taxes from foreign investments? If you don't mind me asking .

Belize - people will sell anything these days LOL.

No, really I'm sure it has it's opportunities, but I think of belize more for offshore businesses and trusts than property...

Obviously you don't just want to invest blind in a country you know nothing about, but I definitely think there's room for a lot of americans to broaden there horizons, educate themselves and look for solid investments else where...how many of your investor clients would be happier right now if they hard bought a place or to in say Bulgaria, Dubai or Cape Verde where there investments would still be rising and seeing between 10-74% appreciation instead of falling values???
Just like stocks it pays to have a balanced portfolio!

There are many other countries that are coming up, and have great potential for growth and appreciation, probably far exceeding the good old US for the next 10yrs +

I love America, it is a great place and a great country in so many ways.
But, from a business standpoint you have to look at the numbers and other factors...anybody read the 'Bubble Boom' think by Harry S Dent?

I think even mayor Bloomberg himself said a couple days ago that NY is losing it's significance as a financial captial and that there are many other places that may take that top spot within a few years.

When I look to invest abroad don't just look at a nice project, but the whole picture - economic future and growth potential etc, population increase, government, tax advantages (many), and also how the governments are committed to making real estate & tourism suceed in the next decade...

Additionally, look at countries where you'd like to spend a couple weeks a year on vacation or end up retiring too.

Just got a great new ski development in Slovakia! Property prices have gone up between 30-60% in the last 9 months. Guaranteed rental package with professional management & 3 weeks personal use per year.

Or if you opt of of rental program 7% discount on sales price!

Originally Posted by noobdogs

so where are the places to buy and have prop management for when you're not around to manage the property?

New Zealand?