Around the world, prime-located properties in world-class destinations are increasingly regarded not only as a resilient and reliable asset, but highly desirable as a lifestyle choice for partial or permanent use.
“Today, acquiring a quality property in a leading, global destination has never been easier, and with so many advantages”, says Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group.
“Apart from being recognized by astute investors for the purpose of portfolio diversification and an effective currency and inflation hedge, a wide variety of real estate opportunities are available to those who seek a property for leisure use, permanent relocation, pure investment, or even as a means of acquiring citizenship.”
For the convenience of property investors, and adopting a thorough and highly selective approach, Pam Golding Properties has launched an International Property Portfolio which presents a diversified collection of hand-picked properties situated in leading cities and locations from around the world.
Says Dr Golding: “As always specific location is key, with blue-chip destinations ranging from idyllic tropical islands such as Mauritius and Seychelles to traditionally sought after top cities of London, Paris, Sydney, Miami and Cape Town or the up and coming and rapidly regenerating central city in Lisbon”.
“In identifying prime new global investment opportunities we now also include Berlin – which is positioning itself to become the European start-up capital, and the latest property resurgence in Barcelona, with its exceptional climate, rich culture, cosmopolitan living and range of real estate offerings from traditional city centre apartments and chic designer penthouses to detached villas with private gardens and swimming pools.”
Chris Immelman, MD of Pam Golding Properties International & Projects Division, says the historic and revitalized city of Lisbon in Portugal continues to rapidly rise in popularity, with the Portuguese Golden Visa Programme catching the imagination of savvy investors seeking easy access to the Schengen Zone or ultimately, permanent residency.
“This is an ideal opportunity to make an astute hard currency investment while simultaneously obtaining European residency when you spend EUR500 000 or more. However, Barcelona in Spain, with its own Golden Visa Programme at the same entry level as well as access to permanent residency, is currently attracting increasing global interest”.
“The cachet has always been there – a vibrant city life, café culture and top international schools have seen the city enjoy a massive international following. A significant number of international corporates send their executives to Europe, where their residential address of choice is often Barcelona. While previously no new residential developments were taking place, since the end of 2014 momentum has been gathering as for the first time, new developments are being launched in both the old Gothic quarters and the new areas close to portside and the waterfront.”
He says included in this array of attractive prime real estate options are appealing investment opportunities in Berlin, which offers a good entry level into the residential market in one of the most important cities in the European Union. Over the past decade it has experienced a surge in demand for real estate, with an influx of university students as well as highly educated baby boomers looking to their retirement. Germany is said to likely become the largest beneficiary of Brexit, with Berlin and other major German cities set to host the service sector industries expected to move from the UK. A range of luxury property options are available priced from USD338 540.
Australia’s fundamentally sound economy, comparatively weak Australian dollar, 60-year low interest rates and political stability all contribute to its appeal for offshore real estate investors. According to New World Wealth, Australia also has one of the best healthcare systems in the world and is viewed as a highly desirable place to raise a family.
Immelman says Sydney is a city that has seen unprecedented growth over the last 12 months, with demand for real estate expected to remain constant and the New South Wales Government predicting that the population of the CBD will increase 33 percent by 2036, creating an ongoing need for additional housing. Defined by its beautiful beaches, world renowned harbour, iconic buildings, award-winning restaurants and a vibrant culture, this is Australia’s largest city. Currently Pam Golding Properties is marketing high end properties priced from AUD545 000.
Acclaimed for its historic landmarks, art, museums, fashion and quintessential Paris culture, Paris is also a financial capital and leading European city. Its solid tourism demand underpins a strong property market which, coupled with an attractive mortgage system creates appealing opportunities for investors, with a range of residential property options priced from EUR314 000.
Adds Immelman: “The island of Mauritius continues to attract global buyers drawn by its tropical island resort-type lifestyle, international educational facilities and ease of access for South Africans. A model of stability and economic prosperity, Mauritius has for the past 10 years consistently achieved economic growth of between three and 5.9 percent. Apart from its natural beauty and sought after lifestyle, Mauritius has performed exceptionally well in the global business arena and in attracting high net worth individuals into the country. Focusing on the coastal towns of Grand Baie and Tamarin, we are marketing a selection of villas and apartments from USD430 000 with permanent residency for all purchases over USD500 000.”
In the award-winning residential marina development, Eden Island in Seychelles, investment in residential property has proven lucrative with capital values appreciating significantly, achieving an average six to eight percent year on year increase and also providing foreign buyers with the opportunity to apply for residency. Maisons and apartments, all with their own private moorings are priced from USD455 000. With its stable political environment, favourable tax regime for investment and absence of foreign exchange restrictions and benefit of no property taxes or capital gains taxes, the Seychelles economy attracts investors from countries worldwide.
