All Forum Posts by: Tim Uittenbroek

@Fernando Pizarro , I agree that real estate prices are out of control in Singapore - especially these days. It might have been better in the past. From a cash flow standpoint it's potentially one of the worst investments you can make here. How long ago did you flip that studio?

The States is definitely the place to be from a cash flow point of view. 

There are still deals to be had in neighboring countries here in Asia though. You just have to do a bit of extra work to find them. The fact that there are restrictions on foreign ownership and that there's is lack of transparency creates a risk, but it can also mean that there is an opportunity if you can find a way around these difficulties. It's more about building properties from the ground up here rather than rehabbing/renovating and renting out.

Like I mentioned, I lived in the US for around 3 years before moving here. Unfortunately I didn't buy any properties at the time since I knew I wouldn't be there for the long-term. I may come back at some point. 

Hi @Melissa Oostendorp , 

Thanks for the warm welcome. It's the same in Indonesia, but you can buy through a nominee. It always remains a little risky though - more so than if you had the title yourself. 

Are you thinking of developing the land in Alabang or just holding onto it?

There is currently talk of opening up the market in Indonesia to foreign ownership as well (although whether that will actually happen or not is anybody's guess). If it happens, it should have a positive impact on prices, but that is just speculation. I prefer to focus on the cash flow side of things. 

Thanks @Dave Visaya ! 

I see your based in the Philippines. How's the real estate market there? Any restrictions on foreign ownership?

I agree with @James Stevens . Speculating on appreciation is a risky game. With speculation, you're basically giving up all control yourself and hoping for the best. You're basically getting into a vehicle and letting go of the steering wheel hoping you end up at your destination.

Focus on things that you can control and build a plan around that when you invest. Whether that is through renting the unit out long-term, or adding value to the property through improvements that you make, or developing a property on a plot of land that you purchased. Of course, do your research before and make sure the numbers stack up, but focus on things that you can control and don't depend on the things you can't.

Thanks @Brandon Turner 

@Dawn Anastasi , it's quite a while away from the US indeed. More or less exactly on the opposite side of the world :)

Singapore is actually just a city-state and I live close to down town, but originally from the Netherlands as I mentioned (and just moved to Singapore from the US).

Nice to meet you guys. If you ever have any questions about investing in this part of the world, be sure to let me know!

Thanks @Brett Synicky - I will check it out.

Any other folks on here from the Asia or anyone that has any investments in the region?

Hi all,

Thought it was about time I officially introduced myself. Been lurking the forums for a while, but the time has come to break the ice and take the plunge. Seems like a good place here with lots of like-minded folks and a good place to learn. Definitely somewhere I wouldn't mind getting to know some of you guys.

Just a bit of background on myself. I'm originally Dutch but have lived abroad most of my life in all parts of the world. Currently in a corporate role which I'm enjoying in Singapore but always had the entrepreneurial drive to do some things on the side. Running a small business out of Indonesia at the moment where I'm exporting furniture to Europe, and recently also invested in a plot of land there which I'm hoping to develop and sell once completed. I think there is further opportunity in Indonesia and I'm looking for further investments there so we will see how that goes.

Lived in the US (Cincinnati, OH, Tampa, FL & Beloit, WI) for around 3 years prior to moving to Asia (about 10 months ago) but unfortunately never picked up any properties there at that time. Kicking myself for that now since the US is definitely a market where there are deals to be had -- more so than any market that I have seen so far. Who knows, maybe I'll have to chance to do it from abroad at some point.

Anyway, that's about it for now I'd say. Eager to start meeting some of you guys. Cheers.