All Forum Posts by: Israel Sternbuch

Have a Multifamily property in a tough area (Washington Park), and recently have 2 tenants who started selling drugs.... Have gone for eviction but meanwhile the place is attracting the wrong crowd so even beautifully renovated units can't be leased out (the units are broken in all the time).

Need a property manager who will tackle this head on, and fast! 

No Wouter, I'm not a agent - just a investor & syndicate leader who does him homework....

Really depends what you are after... So you have to think about it, and that - depending on your budget - will allow you to formulate a clear strategy.

Portugal can be very interesting, I would suggest you stick a bit closer to home (SW Germany, in your case!).

I am a European investor, focus on Benelux / Germany and the UK.

Happy to connect & assist!

Just to note:

"We'd like to learn more about whether this is smart financially from a tax perspective" - Tax planning is a very small part of your overall consideration. 

In all of those countries you mentioned (Spain, Greece & France) there are different circumstances that you will have to consider before investment (Acquisition costs, management of the property, maintenance, location etc) that will have a far bigger influence on your bottom line.

Good luck!

Thanks Kelly. 

I'm not familiar with the Lebanese tax system (unfortunately Lebanon is considered a enemy country where I live so no interaction with them at all:-( so I can't comment, but on the US side of things - The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion is (I believe) the largest tax advantage available to you as an expat. If elected, your first $97,600 ($99,200 in 2014) earned overseas is exempt from income tax. Speak to a professional CPA about your specific situation but even if the IRS chases you everywhere (unlike most countries which are residence based) there are some good loopholes... 

On the Dubai side you are much luckier, but talk to a pro on your specific situation.

The UK would be most similar to the US (in terms of dynamic market, info available, etc) compared to other markets, which are less developed. This doesn't mean it offers better opportunity, it just means the business is slightly more mature. To your question, almost no country is the same - it really depends what you are after.

What to be mindful? Besides legal difference, language & culture barriers - not much... Some places are slower (forget of a quick flip!), Some are less forthcoming with financing, but most of the rules remain the same everywhere.

You would have to mention your domicile, in order to get/accept any reasonable advice in this forum... Inland Revenue unfortunately exists everywhere, and every country treats it differently...