Probably one of the first questions we think about - Property Appreciation?
An overview of property appreciation in Brazil over the next 10 years:
New Mortgage Laws - These laws create a better environment for banks to loan money; the banks are able to make a safer investment when lending; In countries without sustainable mortgage products, there is very little domestic demand for property because purchasers are forced to pay in cash for property. This creates low property prices. By the end of 2008, wide-open mortgage packages will be available. Right now falling interest rates are making mortgages more common and due to the availability of mortgages, domestic demand for property is increasing.
New Ownership Laws protect the Buyer - These laws are some of the best in the Americas, designed to make ownership more appealing. Ownership is far more secure in Brazil than many other popular Latin American destinations in turn creating new international demand.
Easy Access from Europe and North America due to New Infrastructure - The Government is supporting tourism projects all across the coast by increasing the availability or utilities and infrastructure. The Government is financing the renovation of old airports and building new airports to meet the demand. For instance new Natal airport (the biggest cargo airport in Latin America) is being contructed. Currently Brazil has the 5th best infrastructure in the Americas.
Outstanding Currency Appreciation - Currency appreciation that has taken place with the Brazilian currency is outstanding. In 2002, Brazil's currency was almost 4 to 1 to the US dollar. Today it is 2 to 1. Its low was approximately 1.85 to 1 dollar July of 2007. If you had bought property in 2002, then you would have doubled your money with currency appreciation. In April 2007, the Brazilian reserve sat at $101 billion. As Brazil becomes more stable and builds up currency reserves, this appreciation will continue.
Undervalued Beach Property Compared to the Rest of the Americas - An acre of Beach Property in Florida goes for $10 million, in the Bahamas, an acre in accessible areas sells for $2 million and an acre of Beach property in Costa Rica sells for $100,000. However, in Brazil, there still are “non-developed places” where acres bought in quantity are as low as $5,000 to $15,000 or single acres on the ocean for less than $55,000 hence creating international demand and domestic demand.
Domestic population of almost 200 million people - Domestic population will embrace credit and mortgages and start buying houses and property. Costa Rica and Nicaragua have populations of roughly 5 million. These countries' real estate booms are not homegrown, but due to international speculation. This situation lacks long-term stability. Why buy a half acre on the ocean in Costa Rica for $1 million when you can buy it in Brazil for $35,000.
Currently the 10th Largest Economy in the World, Brazil will be the 5th Largest in 2050 as ranked by Goldman Sachs. When Brazil reaches its paramount in 2050, the beach property prices will be the same anywhere in the world. t is expected that beach property will continue to increase in value rapidly until 2050. This economic growth and stability creates international demand. It solidifies Brazil as a great place for real estate investors.
In Brazil, construction costs are half what they are in the United States and Europe. Currency is also 2 to 1 to the dollar and almost 3 to 1 to the Euro. This money goes a long way on everyday purchases. This bonus can lure property buyers seeking an affordable standard of living, will create international demand.
Interest Rates in Brazil are Dropping Fast - If you look at rates 18 months ago they were at 18%. Today they are under 12% and falling every few months. These rates are falling because Brazil has a huge trade surplus and account balance due to its raw material export driven economy. This surplus has assisted in Brazil have sufficient currency reserves and eliminate deficit spending. Further exports of sugarcane ethanol to Japan, United States and Europe will further Brazil's trade surplus and create a more stable economy allowing for interest rates to fall even lower.
Beautiful Beaches - Brazil is ranked for having some of the best beaches in the world. They feature white sand, warm water, warm climate and beautiful tall palm trees. Brazil has one of the longest tropical coast lines in the world.