If you have uttered these thoughts, you would be in very good company as thousands just like you ponder these and other similar questions every day. We know, we work with clients who ask us these very questions all the time. And what do we say?
First, we want to know about you. We develop a personal profile that really provides us a clear picture of who you are and what you want. Once we have that insight, we begin to look at investment options, be it securities, funds, insurance products or real estate. Why real estate? Because a great number of our clients are readily pursuing and investing in real estate and want to know more. We also happen to think it is a great long-term investment that has proven throughout history to be one of the best performing asset classes.
So where does one begin? Buying a home in your local area is difficult enough, but researching real estate in a foreign country can be daunting. The very first thing is establishing a "wish list". With a very open mind, write down the answers to these questions: Where are the three most compelling places you would like to travel/live? How do I imagine my lifestyle? What can I afford to invest? What is my personal goal: investment growth, investment income, seasonal personal enjoyment, full time retirement or a combination of the above?
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Your second step is finding a trusted partner to help you navigate all the possibilities. Begin with trusted sources, such as close friends, your financial advisor(s), personal attorney, successful real estate agencies and of course your own due-diligence thru web searches, focusing on top real estate advisors within your wish list. Compile your list of partners and start contacting them, getting as much information as possible about your focus countries.
As a way to help you get started, an area that continues to draw rave reviews year after year is the beautiful resort destinations of Thailand. Thailand has a long history of holiday tourism and has some of the most stunning, respected and established resort destinations in the world. Combined with exotic natural beauty, fabulous year-round weather, good infrastructure, a commitment to tourism and an ingrained culture of peace and friendly people, there are a number of outstanding opportunities for investing. Thailand also remains very reasonably priced given all it has to offer. You want proof? The average price per square meter of a luxury condo in Bangkok is roughly 2,000 - 3,000 USD/m2. Compare to Hong Kong - over 30,000 USD/m2; Singapore - 17,000-22,000 USD/m2; Shanghai and Dubai - over 6,000 USD/m2.
As you begin your search on retirement/investment opportunities, focus on resort areas that are known destinations, such as Hua Hin, Pattaya, Phuket and Ko Samui in the case of Thailand. Critical factors are the number of quality developers already in the area, what hotel chains have invested there, quality of the local infrastructure, ease of access to major cities and airports, in addition to the local beauty and facilities. The value of your investment and your personal enjoyment hinge on these factors, and understanding who has already made major investments in the same area can provide you valuable insight to the underlying value of your investment. Remember, "all ships rise with the incoming tide"!
One final thought is to search for seasoned developers that do more than just build and hope the customers will come, but rather they provide a true "turnkey" approach to real estate investing. These developers are providing a complete package that includes developer financing, rental program and property and hotel management. This approach simplifies your life and adds real value to your investment.
Enjoy your search and take it one step at a time. Before long, you'll be enjoying a life style you've always dreamed of! At Company Vauban, we are here to help you to do the best choice for you and your loved ones!
