GLOBAL MARKET
BY ANGIE REDMOND
World Housing Market
Where are the opportunities?
W
ith globalisation on the rise and the
steady increase in population, people
a re becoming more interested in
buying property not just in their own country but
also in other cities around the globe. There are
many factors to consider when looking at global
opportunities in the housing market, factors
such as the price of the property, costs involved,
the legal aspects, property ownership laws, taxes
and whether you are acquiring the investment as
a year-round basis or as holiday accommodation in
a tourist hotspot. Two factors that should weigh
heavily on the decision are the current price and
the scope of the price rise, as this influences the
resale value and, in turn, any profit you stand to
make on it.
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Offshore Handbook 2013
What is the general state of the global market?
Cer ta in housing ma rkets such as t he U K ,
China, US and Australia promise stability and
even improvement, while others are more risky
investments, as the markets are not as stable.
European countries have been hard hit by the
recession, unemployment and tight credit and while
they should not be ruled out entirely, they have a
higher risk factor associated with them. The UK,
Sweden and Switzerland continue to be strong and
promising for the near future. In North America,
Canada is going through a soft period, while the US
is a fast growing hotspot for property investment.
Both Columbia and Chile have shown steady price
increases in 2012. Looking towards Asia, China is
the leading destination for buying property. India,
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