Offshore Guidebook | Real Estate Investor Magazine Offshore Guidebook 2014 | Page 8

GETTING STARTED BY GEORGE RADFORD Offshore Investing Back to Basics H aving invested more than half a billion pounds on behalf of our clients as specialists in building strong performing property portfolios, IP Global has identified a number of crucial factors which can assist offshore property investors to guarantee strong results when building a solid property investment portfolio. Starting point Property is an asset class which, in markets such as London and New York, has consistently outperformed most other asset classes. Therefore, look for robust, established markets w ith strong underly ing economics, where growth is stable: this is where you will make money in the medium to long term. To identify these markets, remain focused on the actual numbers, taking all emotional elements out of your decision-making process. Your focus should be on asset appreciation and a strong yield. Look at markets where there is a historic track record of 6 Offshore Handbook 2014 consistent growth and avoid highly volatile markets, which could appreciate 15% in one year and drop 30% in the next year. Emotion should not play any part in your investment decision. Understand the playing field A crucial factor for investment success is a thorough understanding of local property laws, particularly those that relate to foreign ownershi