International Investing

[Ryan M.]

So this site has been one of the most useful resources I've found.  

However I havent seen much discussion on real estate investing outside of the United States here.

Has anyone here invested or been interested in markets outside of the United States? What interested you in that market?

Can anyone recommend resources for studying or analyzing markets outside of the United States? 

What is your favourite world wide market?

Any other international real estate discussion is encouraged here.

[Joe Abughazaleh]

Hey @Ryan M. I've looked outside the US mostly Latin America due to its proximity. It's tricky every country has its own rules, regulations, eminent domain laws, corruption sometimes, different types of property taxes and becomes challenging even if your duel citizen. Some countries won't let you own real estate unless you are a citizen. Then of course there's the IRS this is a exert directly from the site:

 Federal law requires U.S. citizens and resident aliens to report any worldwide income, including income from foreign trusts and foreign bank and securities accounts. In most cases, affected taxpayers need to fill out and attach Schedule B to their tax return. Certain taxpayers may also have to fill out and attach to their return Form 8938, Statement of Foreign Financial Assets.

My personal conclusion on investing outside the US is I'd only do it if I were to live where ever the place may be. What happens when you die young or old, will your trustees have rights or even want to go claim. The money exchange between banks, that countries government and ours all will take a cut as well. Those were all things I considered to much risk and to many variables for me. 

I also looked into International REITS, funds that are traded on the stock market. That seemed a little more hands off and easier to control if you will. I got close to making a buy, but it ended up not making sense after doing more research. 

Just my two cents. Wouldn't mind reading stories about others who have actual experience in foreign real estate. 

[Benjamin Brasher]

Hi guys,

Latin America, and more specificaly Mexico is a haven for a selct few real estate investors. The market of bank real estate asset wholeselling for example is very closed to a select few companies that invest millions of dollars, but when you see that big names like credit suisse invested over 150 million euros last year with one local bank's properties you have to wonder why these guys are puting so many eggs in this basket. 

The Riviera Maya and Cancun area for example has has an 8 to 10% capital gain per year in the last 10 years, the politics are stable  and the country's international tourism is booming. Facts and numbers that make any investor curious.

I deal with wholeselling to international investors and let 

me put it this way, it is always a good sign when you have US and european investment funds knocking on your door to do business...

If anybody has any questions or enquiries I would be glad to help.

Best.

[Priti Donnelly]

Hi @Ryan M. nice to meet you on BP. Japan is considered a safe haven market which investors have been leaning toward recently. In a nutshell it is a cash flow industry with high yield (6% to 11% net pretax) affordable at USD$30K to $70K on average, and most importantly services are transparent. This is not for speculative investments based on capital gain but to benefit from rental income. Might be worth taking a look at. I can send you more information if you like.

Always happy to help.

Regards.

[Ryan M.]

@Priti Donnelly.

Absolutely, I would love to hear more!

[Account Closed]

Hi Ryan, I have recently learned a lot regarding international investments in Belize.  Tourism has increased 44% in the past 5 years meaning it is a booming area and still has room for a ton of growth considering it was just established in 1981.  The amount of direct flights has been increasing as there is more and more traffic.  Ambergris Caye was the top tourist destination on Trip Advisor in 2013 and 2014.  The amount of rooms available is barely sustaining the amount of traffic coming so from an investment standpoint, it is a very opportune time.  If you'd like more info, let me know!

[Chris Owens]

Hey Ryan ive recently got involved in foreign investments in Europe and would love to discuss further with you!