Property Investment Europe

Overseas Property Investment
The Opportunities for Investment in Europe

Europe is an overseas property investment goldmine. The fifty-four countries and territories that make up the European continent hold within their borders overseas property investment opportunities to suit every kind of investor. There are pure financial properties that are generating guaranteed rental yields for their owners; bargain basement properties that appreciate in capital at more than 25% per annum, and a plethora of opportunities to buy secondary income homes in some of the most beautiful locations on Earth. Add to this the numerous run-down properties and ruins that can be renovated or developed and then put back onto the market for a generous profit, and there seems to be no end to the number of overseas property investment possibilities available in Europe.

Traditional Overseas Investment Opportunities

Leading the way in overseas property investment opportunities are France and Spain. Both these countries are big players in the overseas property investment market, and have been for many years. France in particular offers stable long-term overseas property investment opportunities courtesy of their French leaseback system.

Operated by property developers and holiday management companies in France, the French leaseback system is an initiative introduced by the French government to attract overseas property investment in France. Property is purchased freehold and then leased back to the developer / management company, who then hire it out to tourists as a holiday residence. They do this on a long-term lease - normally over 9 or 11 years - and pay the owner a guaranteed amount of rent that is equivalent to 3% to 6% yield. If you're looking for a safe and ongoing overseas property investment French leasebacks are worth a look.

In Spain the focus for overseas property investment is on short-term lets to tourists. The Costas in the east and south of Spain are the most popular, and provide investors with the opportunity to own a second home in the sun, while at the same time earn an income from it. Portugal - especially the Algarve - is similar, and a hotspot to watch! Some overseas property investment pundits claim that Portugal is at the same stage as Spain was 20 years ago.

These countries, along with the likes of Italy and other regions of Central Europe, offer superb opportunities for overseas property investment that are tailored to specialist activities. The Alps and the Pyrenees for instance are top spots for overseas property investment if you want something that offers a mountain lifestyle, and an investment that provides all-year-round rental opportunities via sports activities like skiing, paragliding and mountain hiking.

Staying with the sports activity theme for a moment, you might want to consider an overseas property investment on a golf course somewhere. Golf is a very popular sport and can be played all year round in many parts of Europe. An overseas property investment on a golf course could provide you with some BIG income!

Coastal properties, especially around the Mediterranean, are much sought-after overseas property investments too. If you're looking for value and a great climate consider investing in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Croatian coastline, Greece, Turkey and Cyprus all offer affordable overseas property investment opportunities on the sparkling waters of the Med.

Eastern Europe - a New World of Investment Opportunity

Moving inland across Eastern Europe the astute investor will find a profusion of attractive overseas property investment prospects. Cities like Prague and Berlin are very hot right now. Residential properties are available for as little as 40,000 euros with a guaranteed rental offer for up to 5 years and prospects of high capital growth.

Bulgaria too offers some unique overseas property investment possibilities. The country has access to beautiful beaches along the Black Sea and mountains that nurture a growing ski industry. Capital growth in some areas of Bulgaria in recent times has been astounding to say the least!

Overseas Property Investment Success

The key to overseas property investment success in Europe is planning. Tax implications, such as inheritance tax, capital gains tax and income tax, should all be understood and planned for before making an overseas property investment. If you don't you could find yourself being clobbered by unnecessary costs.

You also need to consider how you are going to finance your overseas property investment, and what your total costs will be. Remember, property in Europe purchased from an agent will attract agency fees of up to 10%. It's always wise to know your costs before you buy and to have finance waiting for your overseas property investment so you can pounce while the deal is hot.

Top Ten Overseas Property Investment Hotspots in Europe

1) Turkey - Mediterranean coastline
2) Berlin (Germany) - financial properties with guaranteed income
3) Prague (Czech Republic) - financial properties with guaranteed income
4) Les Arcs, Val D'Isere and Meribel (France) - Prestigious leasebacks at ski resorts
5) Malta - luxurious waterfront apartments at a low price
6) Southern Spain - holiday villas with solid overseas property investment potential
7) Southern Portugal - golf property
8) Cyprus - low cost holiday homes in the sun and golf property
9) Bulgaria - Black sea coast properties
10) Croatia - coastal properties

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