In a blink of an eye it is now September 2023. The year has already reached its final quarter, Mariah Carey is defrosting as we speak and resolutions for the year 2024 are already rolling out or making their way into journals. Amidst all such meticulous plans, you may also be planning to buy a house or to invest in real estate. As a result of such ambitions you might be on the lookout for global hotspots that may look alluring to dip your toes into. Despite the fact that the global property market has had a tumultuous journey so far and has been affected by rapidly bloating cost of living, inflation and at times even energy crisis, property markets in some locations are still holding the end of their bargain and fuelling stable growth.
The global real estate market is currently witnessing an unprecedented boom. Investing in real estate abroad has become a compelling option because it offers tangible assets, opportunities for diversification, and the potential for favourable currency advantages. Even against the current real estate backdrop where interest rates are highly volatile and will make investors think twice, the right investment in the right market can still be a win and result in lucrative returns.
Things to consider when venturing out into international property investment
A theme that has defined the recent years, especially 2023, and will define all years down the line are the ‘3Ms’. The Millennials, The Migrants and The Millionaires. Writing for Morgan Stanley, Jitania Kandhari: Deputy CIO, Solutions and Multi Asset Group, Head of Macro and Thematic Research, on ‘Key Themes 2023’ delineates how trends in investments made in property markets were mostly spelled out by these 3Ms.
There are two truths and one lie about the millennials. Truth number one is that the millennials; a generation considered to be the digital natives, who also make up 23% of the world population and are considered to be the most educated generation, are entering their first-time home-buying age. Truth number two is that they are under immense pressure, as they can barely afford rent let alone purchasing houses. The lie? Millennials are haphazardly entering the property market and that their thoughts are governed by seeking financial advice on social media and spending $10 on avocado toasts. However, recent data shows that they do make informed decisions about investing where one of the main things they consider is interest rates. And this is a factor that needs to be considered by any and everyone alike, irrespective of your age and financial status. Changes in interest rates have a direct connection to the demand for homes. When interest rates rise, it becomes more expensive to borrow money for a mortgage. This affects people differently based on their age and housing situation.
In addition to this, a few other factors that should be considered when investing can be listed out as property appreciation where real estate accumulates value in most locations, over-time and not with immediate effect, population growth (be on alert about areas with an expanding population as this can affect the demand for housing and rental income), job market (regions with a stable job market and low unemployment rates), property taxes and local regulations.
Following the map that leads to you
A surprising and unexpected fact is how millionaires can be used as a very precise indicator for economic health of countries where their movement patterns can hint at future economic trends. Their preferences can help gauge the countries that one should invest in and the ones that need to be assessed a bit more. For instance, millionaires are withdrawing themselves from countries that are facing geopolitical tensions or conflicts, such as Russia, China, Hong Kong and Ukraine. Russia saw a decline of 15,000 millionaires. Notably, even countries that are not subjected to conflicts like Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, there has been a departure of the financial elite. It is important to mention that India actually gained more millionaires than it lost due to migration, with its millionaire population growing by 11.0% in 2021, the second-highest increase globally after the United States. However, the loss of millionaires in China has created a brouhaha, especially as the country’s political leadership is taking measures to control and regulate the affluent class.
However, a real estate market that has made its way to the front lines as an irresistible magnet for global investors is India. This transformation can be attributed to factors from its robust economic growth and surge in disposable incomes to a favourable investment environment, a housing shortage that is consistently present, enticing rental yields and the steady growth in the interest of Non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the real-estate market.
Another country that seems to be an attractive choice due to its favourable economic conditions is The Philippines. The country’s real estate market is expected to turn over an entirely new leaf in the year 2024 thanks to its stable economic landscape, government support and growing investor interest. Backing this positive outlook is the World Bank. A recent article published by Philstar, states that the World Bank had expressed support for the government’s infrastructure projects, recognising their potential to stimulate economic growth and provide opportunities for both domestic and foreign investors. The fact that the largest financial institution in the world endorsed their economic growth brings in a new layer of credibility to the anticipated growth in the country’s real estate sector.
Apart from India and Philippines, Dubai stands out as one of the most appealing destinations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for real estate investment. Several factors make it an attractive choice, including a favourable tax system, well-developed infrastructure, a growing population, and a diverse economy. These factors collectively contribute to the robust growth of Dubai’s real estate market.
The Dubai government has made substantial investments in new residential and commercial projects, further fueling the demand for real estate in the city. It also boasts world-class infrastructure, and this was reflected in the record number of real estate transactions in 2021, totaling approximately 61,241.
A significant advantage for real estate investors in Dubai is the absence of various taxes, including annual property tax, income tax, rental value tax, and value-added tax (VAT). This tax-friendly environment is attractive for investors. Moreover, Dubai’s flourishing tourism industry plays a crucial role in driving demand for hotel and resort properties, making it a diverse and dynamic market for real estate investment.
The hotspots that are listed here and even the ones that are unlisted are considered to be on top of their game mostly because of their robust economic growth. Once a country displays stability in terms of their economy they will reinforce their status as a much sought-after destination. However, when investing in global hotspots it is always advisable to do a thorough research that sums up the history of the country as well as the future because an investment should be made with minimum risks and even lesser regrets.
(Sandunlekha Ekanayake)