Offshore Guidebook | Real Estate Investor Magazine Offshore Guidebook 2014 | Page 58

SPAIN BY HILARY DINGWALL-FORDYCE Upswing of Confidence Legal security & political stability B y all accounts and according to various statistics published recently, the economic crisis in Spain is coming to an end. There is an encouraging upswing of confidence in the Spanish economy with major US investors already investing in the bancassurance and property development sectors in the past months. With the advent of the long - awaited Spanish ‘Golden Visa’ late last year and property prices at often seriously discounted Non-EU investors interested in obtaining ‘Golden Visas’ will need to have at least 500, 000 euros in cash to invest in property in Spain. So why is Spain a more attractive country in which to invest in property than others offering the ‘Golden Visa’? All the experts point to the ‘legal security and political stability’ in Spain as one of the vital aspects which puts Spain ahead of it’s Mediterranean neighbours. Spain also offers a wide range of real estate products to meet every search criteria, much of which is being sold at levels seen in the last decade - making it an excellent proposition for all types of property investor. In addition Spain´s geographic location, ease of access, excellent infrastructure and unique climate and lifestyle makes a compelling case for your offshore investment or, at the very least, a serious investigation into the opportunities that exist in Spain. One of the best areas to invest in property is along the Costa Brava, or wild coast, part of the magnificent Mediterranean coastline of Catalonia, which is situated in the Northern part of Spain, stretching from the border with France to South of Barcelona. A cultural and historically independent province, Catalonia is also the wealthiest - boasting excellent infrastructure and business facilities and is well run by local government. It is served by the international airports of Barcelona, Girona and Perpignan and recently introduced a high-speed train to Paris direct from Girona. prices, Spanish property investment has become even more interesting, particularly to non-EU nationals. 56 Offshore Handbook 2014 One of the benefits of the Spanish ‘Golden Visa’ is that this minimum investment can be made up by the purchase of more than one property. This would suit those investors who are typically travelling and doing business in Europe by providing, on the one hand, a European base for conducting their business and, on the other, rental income from the second property. Of particular interest to investors would be properties for sale at between 250,000 and 600,000 www.reimag.co.za