Which country should I buy in?

[AnotherPropertyGuy]

Originally Posted by fams

I can see why you dont really like Dubai , but it doesnt make a lot of sense to invest in something that only you like.

There are many investment opportunities to choose from. Having firm convictions which narrow down your options is a welcome relief.

I would not want to either live in or visit Dubai and I don't know why anybody else would. Living in extremely hot conditions, in a place almost devoid of history, built with a strong capitalist vision, made possible only with oil money. Not only does this seem like the last place I would want to live in, it seems like an investment into unchartered territory. A brave new world of skyscrapers, palatial shopping malls, man-made islands, indoor ski-slopes. It's a vision of fantasy reliant on massive consumption of fossil fuels to cool buildings down and provide fresh water.

Dubai just doesn't add up to me. Good luck to you if choose to invest there and beware of the people on this forum that are talking it up. There are people with vested interests trying to make Dubai seem like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't get swayed: be alert, do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

[Escott]

Originally Posted by AnotherPropertyGuy

There are many investment opportunities to choose from. Having firm convictions which narrow down your options is a welcome relief.


Good luck to you if choose to invest there and beware of the people on this forum that are talking it up. There are people with vested interests trying to make Dubai seem like a once in a lifetime opportunity. Don't get swayed: be alert, do your own research and come to your own conclusions.

Amen! Likewise every other investment presented here or anywhere else.

I have been reading about Eygpt here also and lots of people pumping it. Another place I would not consider but attracts lots of discussion. Lots of people with Vested interests.

I find it hard to believe people are even investing in places they haven't visited. Perhaps way too much money floating around?

[neustria]

Greetings all:
I know that this is a real estate forum but it is also an investment forum, isn't it?

So... I think that there might actually be some opportunity in the equity markets with the recent falls. You might look in that direction also. Many seem to be predicting a slowdown but not a recession and should a recession come anyway, the markets usually anticipate its end well before the consumer feels that anything has gotten better.

If the major makets finish the year even unchanged then you will still be congratulating yourself at having stepped in now... Sure it's risky but isn't all investment? Also, the lower the price, the less the risk. This goes for stocks as well as for real estate. Just an idea among many others....

Neustria

[Olly]

Hey FAMS...

To quote an old saying...'it ain't neccesarily so'...Dubai. "if you manage a pre-launch booking, your profit is already made."

Nice theory but with SO much new-build on the market and, a glut, under construction, experience of other so-called 'hot markets' indicates it'll be very difficult to realise the anticipated or paper profit.

This is a common mistake by the bulk of buyers listening to 'agent marketeers' rather than seeking the advice of trained & qualified advisers such as Independent Financial Advisers, RICS Members or Licensed Realtors with International qualifications.

Most of these 'internet gurus' are punting 30 or more countries and multiple locations without conducting proper due diligence. If they were to, they'd be well aware of the near-term future for Dubai real estate. The major winners will all be the developers. Why do you think Donald Trump is pumping so much into the UAE?

People should balance their desire to own property with looking beyond the purchase & rental income to ensuring a strong exit strategy. This way, there's a greater chance for making that elusive profit.

Wishing everyone success with whatever form of investment they employ...

Olly

Originally Posted by fams

I can see why you dont really like Dubai , but it doesnt make a lot of sense to invest in something that only you like. If you want to catch fish , you use worms, not Big Macs because YOU personally dont like worms and prefer Big Macs! Dubai is where the world's money is pouring in and it would be wise to park your investment there. As for prices already being high, newer constructions offer very good rates. THe prices go up only after the launch -if you manage a prelaunch booking, your profit is already made.

[dually]

If you buy in Euros or a tracking currency, the US may be the best currency hedge and growth opportunity around. Unless you know the dollar will continue to drop.

[fams]

Olly,
No personal offence here .
I dont know about speculation -I am only speaking what I am currently witnessing among my relatives. A whole bunch of them including family members have made a small....make that LARGE ...fortune in real estate in Dubai.WHile we are sitting and arguing the best place to buy,they are already laughing their way to the bank . I am no real estate genius -I am only telling you what I saw there and hope I can be personally responsible for making more people achieve the same.

[Rammah]

Originally Posted by fams

Olly,
No personal offence here .
I dont know about speculation -I am only speaking what I am currently witnessing among my relatives. A whole bunch of them including family members have made a small....make that LARGE ...fortune in real estate in Dubai.WHile we are sitting and arguing the best place to buy,they are already laughing their way to the bank . I am no real estate genius -I am only telling you what I saw there and hope I can be personally responsible for making more people achieve the same.

Yup!!! Bearing in mind, i knew so many pple who shared the same pessimistic view, but decided to "skeptically" trust my advise and put a little bit down in dubai due to their curiosity and/or their belief in my expertize ... and guess what, they are now coming back with "fortunes" to put in Dubai, and regretting every bit of delay they had while preaching... Anyway, this will always be the case, and no matter where you go ... as long as pple are happy and convinced with their views, it's a blessing...

Rammah

[oregon woodsmoke]

I actually think this is a very good time to look at the United States. Prices are down (buy low, sell high), interest rates on mortgages are very attractive. The exchange rate is very much in favor of foreign investors.

In areas where prices have dropped, sellers can get disheartened and accept low offers, taking large chunks off of the asking price.

A huge plus is that there is political stability and very clear property ownership rights. Your investment isn't going to get nationalized, and is very unlikely to get blown up.

The economy of the entire world is looking a little insecure right now, and worst case scenario, if there really is a world-wide economic meltdown (I hope not), real estate in the Unted States is a good place to ride it out.

[Damian George]

Oregon,

I agree - if US rates keep falling and hit 2% as expected it could end up being a bargin.

I like the idea of buying around Disney Land - but at a bargin basement price!

[Aegean]

Look at Istanbul Turkey - some off plan developments have made 100% over 12 months. You can even get a 70% LTV Euro mortgage there on completed projects.