The Brazil property market is offering fantastic opportunities in 2010 and buying a property in Brazil could be the realization of a dream for a lot of people.

Mark Bodega, director of currency specialists HiFX, said that as the Brazilian property will probably represent one of the greatest expenses in a person's life, a number of things need to be taken into account.

The Brazilian currency has been in consolidation mode for the last three months after a leading performance in 2009 and is off its highs against the US dollar and the pound. Its fortunes have been constrained not only by a feeling that it had strengthened too far, too quickly and there is still no certainty that the sterling/real exchange rate will move in any particular direction. So investors are advised to hedge their exposure, buying forward 50% of the reais they will need, according to Investment Management Co (Pimco) reports.

Mr. Bodega commented: "As part of the process, buyers will inevitably need to transfer a sterling sum." This could make a vital difference to the cost that people will eventually have to pay for their dream home. The expert told people interested in buying Brazilian property that specialist currency dealers will offer them a better rate of exchange than a bank, while also providing a more personalized service.

Meanwhile, a recent report by investment firm Obelisk said that a majority of experts are predicting that the right place for property in 2010 is Brazil and the right time is now.

"One after another, property analysts and economic experts are tipping Brazil as the place to invest this year. Whether your investment is in real estate, land, soft commodities or equities, Brazil is the investment location for 2010," it added.

Labels: Buying-property

Porto Alegre is an ideal and "authentic" location to invest in Brazilian property as it offers a classy and friendly atmosphere.

According to Brazilian Embassy in Washington DC, Porto Alegre, the largest city in southern Brazil, is the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The city, located on the Guaiba River, has received numerous expats from other parts of the world, particularly Germany, Poland, and Italy. Located at the junction of five rivers, it has become an important alluvial port as well as one of the chief industrial and commercial centers in Brazil.

Richard Fiander, a travel writer for Recorder Newspapers, said that while most people's images of Brazil are of the vibrant, colorful Carnival in Rio, it also has its quieter regions which would be ideal for setting up home. Porto Alegre is one of the richest metropolises in the country and has the highest life quality rate in Brazil.

"A fun place in the heart of Porto Alegre is the Mercado publico [public market] an magnificent neo classical style building that contains a vast mix of stalls selling household goods, meat, fish, vegetables, wine, regional handicrafts and a variety of herbs and teas," he added.

The writer added that the Serra Gaucha, The Gaucho Highlands is the mountainous region in the northeastern portion of the state, which is a popular destination between June and August as people go in search of snow, while hiking is also "excellent all-year round".

Labels: Market-Trends, Porto Alegre

Buying a property in Brazil outside of the major cities and look towards the quaint coastal regions of the country could be the realization of a dream for a lot of people, according to an industry expert.

According to the Brisbane Times, Property expert Steve McKenna said that classy beach resorts and gorgeous tropical islands add to the feeling of paradise, which he described as "stunning".

Just 105 miles from Rio de Janeiro, a pleasant 2-hour trip takes you to the peninsula of Buzios, Mr. McKenna said that the area has more than 20 magnificent beaches and crystal-clear water contrast with the exuberantly sculptured landscape and exotic vegetation, which a prodigal "Mother Nature" has privileged with a wonderful year-round summer.

The town elected one of the 10 most beautiful areas in the world, famous for its unique combination of rustic charm, architectural harmony, incredible beauty and sophisticated boutiques and restaurants frequented by discerning visitors who come from all over the world to savor its magic. "The [town's] walkway leads to the charming old village of Praia dos Ossos, which is sprinkled with cute little cottages, humble pousadas [guesthouses] and family-run shops and diners," he added.

Mr. McKenna added that Brazilian property in nearby Paraty would be ideal for investment. This lovely colonial town, 125 miles from Rio de Janeiro on Ilha Grande Bay, Brazil's southeastern coast is a favorite with Brazilians and visitors who want to get away from it all in a historic town, laze on one of the many beaches, and indulge in a restful vacation.

Meanwhile, Hello! Magazine said that in the far north-eastern corner of the country there are the "incredible turquoise waters" of Jericoacoara, surrounded by dunes and crags, while the Lencois Maranhenses national park encompasses a unique ecosystem of around 300 sq km.

"Just a couple of hours north of Rio, in the Buzios peninsula, there are a score of beaches offering a taste of paradise. Heading south, you'll find no fewer than 2,000 beaches divided among the eight bays and 365 islands of Angra dos Reis," the guide added.

Labels: Market-Trends, Seaside

Buying a Brazilian property could be an "exceptional investment" chance, according to an expert.

HomesGoFast.com conducted a survey of over 1,000 visitors which showed that simply having a second home was the second most popular reason for getting into overseas property, while relocation and retirement also featured in the research. Nicholas Marr, chief executive officer of HomesGoFast.com, said that International real estate is simply another vehicle for investors seeking to maximize their returns and may account for the popularity of emerging markets such as Brazil and Egypt.

Javier Fernandez-Pena, executive chairman at Spanish construction company Confide Brasil, said that international investors will soon be looking closely at Brazilian property as it is starting to be seen as a fashionable country. He also commented that in the short term, construction work on resorts in the South American country was going to be reliant on internal investors and the number of people looking into property in Brazil is likely to rise "dramatically".

However, Mr. Simcox, sales and business development manager at the International Homes Network suggested that investors need to look at the future management of each property that they buy. "It is going to be an armchair investment so people back in the UK need to make sure that everything is in place to ensure that that property ticks over quite nicely and yields well for them. The capital appreciation will take care of itself," he added.

As well as Rio de Janeiro is set to be a property hotspot in the coming years, with the city hosting the Olympic Games in 2016, while the 90,000 seat Maracana stadium is also expected to host the football World Cup final when the country hosts the event in 2014.

Labels: Buying-property, Investment-property

Brazilian property could be a great investment, after experts have predicted other countries investment prices continue to rise.

According to research from the Global Property Guide, house prices are set to increase in Switzerland, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal and Sweden, making Brazilian real estate more attractive to investors. In RP Data-Rismark's National Home Value Index, house prices in Australia increased by 11.3 per cent in the first 11 months of 2009, possibly forcing people to look towards looking investing in Brazilian property.

The current global economic crisis has had an effect on international property investment, with some areas either struggling or flourishing because of the strength of their currency. Property in Brazil could be one of the top areas to invest in over the coming years as it has one of the world's "healthiest economic growths".

The reports are backed up by Paul Fenelle, a regular visitor to Brazilian property for investment purposes, said that with tourist zones in the north east of the country improving in safety, the mounting market for holiday, residential and rental property could prove to be an "exceptional investment". The region’s stunning beaches, moderate tropical climate and cheap properties make it an excellent location for Brazilian real estate investment.

In related news, Building.co.uk has also commended on the country's investment potential, saying that the 2016 Olympics and the 2014 World Cup will make Brazilian property more attractive. The source added that the international competitions will "boost the country's already blossoming market", with the IMF predicting the GDP will grow by 2.5 per cent as a result.

Labels: Investment-property, Market-Trends

People looking to invest their money in Brazilian property should travel to some of the lesser-known places and a recent visitor has said that the area of Lencois provides a "great location" for real estate investors.

According to Gringoes.com, Travel writer Alison McGowan stayed in the Alcino Estalagem hidden pousada recently and gave the area a glowing review. She said that Lencois is the main town in the Chapada Diamantina … outside high season, it maintains a well preserved colonial atmosphere with very little traffic and cafes where tourists can sit and drink and chat or work without worrying when they might say it's time to leave.

Lencois, a county in the state of Bahia, Brazil, lies in the diamond highlands. Ms McGowan also commented that as it was once the business centre of the Brazilian diamond trade, the colonial buildings show off a wealth "beyond dreams".Sight-seeing in Lencois consists of all natural activities. Tourists can explore caves, swim in natural pools and waterfalls, and mountain bike old miner tracks. The Chapada Diamantina National Park is one of the most fascinating natural parks Brazilians. The mountainous landscape harbors an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. The Brazilian property expert recommended the trips to Poco Azul and the caves of Lapadoce and Torrinha is 'a must' for adventure lovers.

Meanwhile, Evan Soroka,moved to Brazil eight years ago and told the website that some of the smaller Brazilian property locations "are magical".

Labels: Market-Trends

Interest rates are kept at record low for Brazilian property owners, Brazilian monetary policymakers held the country's benchmark interest rate at 8.75% which have been maintained for the third successive bank meeting.

The interest-rate decision arrived ahead of report on third-quarter gross domestic product. Economists polled by Dow Jones Newswires expect expansion of 1.9% from the second quarter, and a decline of 0.3% from the third quarter of 2008. Latin America's largest economy continued to bounce back from the shrinking GDP figures recorded in the fourth quarter 2008 and first quarter this year. The Growth has been fueled by an aggressive monetary easing cycle, hikes to government spending and tax cuts on consumer goods.

The central bank slashed a cumulative 500 basis points off the benchmark interest rate this year in an effort to help jump start the then-flagging economy. The central bank's Copom rate-setting panel once again maintained the Selic at 8.75%. The panel, however, altered its statement that hinted at sooner-than-expected rate increases.

"The country is still on a growth trajectory, but it's a more moderate growth, and also more balanced," said Newton Rosa, an economist at the Sao Paulo-based Sulamerica Investimento fund. "But this has a positive side in that it shouldn't put pressure on the central bank to raise interest rates in the short term," he added.

Meanwhile, Brazil's government said it will lend an additional $80 billion reais ($45.3 billion) to the national development bank over the next two years to boost investment and pushing ahead with spending on infrastructure and new Brazilian property.The measures have increased consumers' access to credit and increased confidence. The government will also extend 369 million reais ($208 million) worth of tax breaks on capital goods items until June 2010 and authorize private banks to raise cash via the issuance of debentures, Brazil's Finance Minister Guido Mantega added.

According to Brazil's census bureau, Family consumption rose 2.0% quarter-on-quarter, while government consumption also increased 0.5% in the third quarter. They reported an uptick in November consumer prices. In More good news for investors, the annual inflation rate currently runs at 4.22%, below the government's target of 4.5. Economists expect inflation to remain below the target, not only in 2009 but also 2010.

Labels: Latest-News