Investment Property Watch - April 2008

Real estate in far-flung destinations proved to be massively popular again in March on TheMoveChannel.com, with some unusual locations dominating the top 10 list of hot investment properties on the site...

Once again, TheMoveChannel’s visitors shunned Europe’s top real estate markets, preferring to take calculated risks on cheaper properties in emerging property markets across the globe. Indeed, this is the third month in a row where the world’s most property established markets have been ignored by prospective investors.

In a major surprise, Sri Lanka clinched the top spot in this month’s chart. In a strong showing overall, the country also snagged 5th place in the chart, beating out more popular markets like Canada and Cyprus.

Dan Johnson, Managing Director of TheMoveChannel.com expressed his surprise at the result: “Sri Lanka is certainly not a country that I've seen feature on our radar before now. Hit hard by the Tsunami a few years ago and with continued unrest in some parts of the country, it certainly won't be everyone's cup of tea.

“But destinations don't get to be popular with honeymooners without having their fair share of idyllic locations and Sri Lanka is certainly a beautiful country. With prices as cheap as they are, it's certainly worth looking into”

TheMoveChannel.com’s hottest properties for March are below: 

Print Features Archive Show Full Table

<

*Results are based on number of sales enquiries generated per month.

A spokesperson for Exclusive Management Consultants, the company offering March’s top property, explained why the coconut plantation in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, was such a good investment:

“Land values in Europe are rising fast, but they are rising much faster in places like Sri Lanka, where they are starting from a far lower base. The coconut plantation in Puttalam is an eco-friendly plantation of 34 acres with no extra costs or yearly fees and comes with full management service. Where else can you buy 1/2 acres of Land for just 2500 pounds!”

Lalitha Saleem, Senior Manager of Ceylinco Housing & Real Estate, which is developing one of the Sri Lanka’s largest new developments added: "Sri Lanka is one of the best countries around in which to have real estate and land. The market can go up very fast, showing high returns".

Weak dollar = Investment bargains!

Apartments in Orlando, Florida were also popular in March, with the Regency Gardens development taking the number 2 slot in the chart.  Julianne Martin of Queen Anne’s Property Investment Group enthused:

“The Regency Gardens Condominium development is just minutes away from Walt Disney World and is conveniently located close to all major highways, Orlando International Airport and downtown Orlando.

 “No deposit is required to invest in Regency Gardens, and investors are offered a 30% discount. Furthermore, all closing costs are paid and the development is already leased, which means we can offer guaranteed rental returns. 

“Given the current weakness of the dollar against the pound, now is definitely the time to enter the US property market. And with prices starting at just £50,000 for apartments at this gated community, investors have the opportunity to snap up a bargain property in a wonderful location”.

To keep track of TheMoveChannel’s hottest property investments throughout the month, please visit the Investment Property Portal on our website.