Real Estate Investment - Why it is Big Business? By Rhiannon Williamson Sep 5, 2005, 01:27

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When examining the different asset classes, real estate is generally far less volatile than shares and real estate tends to be the haven that investors flock to when other asset classes are suffering.

It is true to say that investment properties can have many benefits in terms of building long-term wealth, but we must never forget that this wealth is not guaranteed!

Following the global real estate boom of the late 1980’s many investors learnt this hard lesson when they found their properties were worth far less than they had actually paid for them and the bottom seemingly fell out of the over-inflated market. The bottom did not truly fall out of the market however as all real estate retained value; the real estate market simply experienced an overdue rebalance and has gone on to build from this point of stability.

Since the booming 80’s ‘sensible’ investments in real estate have still offered major attractions and advantages, and it is back to real estate that investors have turned in recent years.

With real estate prices in some countries soaring, and first time buyers struggling to get onto the first rung of the real estate ladder, many people are looking further a field for investment property opportunities.

A recent report in the UK highlighted a 130% rise in the value of farmland since the 1990’s for example – fuelled entirely by a new breed of non-farming buyers. With bricks and mortar real estate prices in the UK now so exorbitant, these non-farming buyers are looking for alternatives for their money.

They may be unable to afford real-estate investments and unwilling to risk their cash on the ever volatile stock market and so they are buying up fields and pastures to get in on the real estate investment game!

Others interested in property investment have been examining the real estate markets around the globe for value for money, return on investment, potential for growth and development, rental market opportunities and basic stability. With current research showing that up to one in eight Britons intend to purchase an overseas real estate within the next five years you can see that overseas real estate investment is very big business.

Relatively newly discovered property markets are opening up or expanding in countries such as North Cyprus, South Africa and Bulgaria for example – where potential buyers are afforded incredible value for money when it comes to real estate. The real estate market in countries such as these has been artificially restricted through the threat of war or political instability, and now with their recent history showing that they are stable countries with strong economies and populated and governed by those with a first world perspective, property investors are finding markets rich in diversity and potential.

Dubai is another country offering interesting real estate investment opportunities. Since May 2002 when the crown prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoom issued a decree allowing foreigners the right to buy freehold real estate there, the real estate market has exploded!

Properties available in Dubai range from modest one bedroom flats to freehold exclusive islands! And property there still offers very good value for money – furthermore the tax and business advantages in Dubai are very appealing and so real estate investment in Dubai is enjoying a buoyant upward trend.

And then there are the ‘old’ favourites – France, Florida and Spain for example are all countries with a long history of investment real estate appeal - especially for Britons and Northern European residents looking to escape the weather and invest in a home in the sun. Whether you are looking to secure a home for holidays, your retirement or you are looking for a long term investment opportunity these countries still offer the investor potential for real estate growth.

When it comes to considering real estate as an investment vehicle it is a tried and tested method used for attempting to secure long term gains – but as with any investment, gains, returns and security of investment are not guaranteed. Whether real estate investment is right for you and matches your circumstances and attitude to risk is something that you need to consider.

Rhiannon Williamson is an experienced publisher who has produced articles for leading travel and tourism guides and financial magazines. Her specialist knowledge about both travel and finance gives her site Shelter Offshore the unique ability to literally cover every single aspect of moving & living abroad - including the often less discussed offshore tax advantages that can be available when leaving our homeland.

Need information on Dubai Freehold Properties? here are links worth a click!
 

• Nakheel: The Landmark of Property Developments in Dubai - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel LLC is the uniquely focused property development company behind a variety of new landmark developments in Dubai. Its goal is to ultimately implement unique, iconic and genuine real estate propert in Dubai that have been created after detailed planning and research.

• Emaar Properties - Dubai Freehold Properties - All the information you need about the Emaar Properties. Listing of all Emaar key property projects in Dubai.

• Dubai Festival City - Dubai Freehold Properties - Dubai Festival City is a unique Festival Centre'mixed-use real estate project being developed in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Spanning approximately 1,600 acres, the project is set to transform the shopping, living, leisure and working lifestyles in Dubai. When completed, upwards of 75,000 people will live, work and play within the development.

• The Lost City - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel announces the launch of The Lost City. A Unique property development to offer investors a chance to own a piece of the old “Lost Cities” of the world in Dubai.

• Nakheel Falcon Tower at Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel, the Middle East region’s premiere property developer has announced the launch of ‘Nakheel Falcon Tower’, an exclusive high-rise residential waterfront development at Jumeirah Lake Towers. The Nakheel Falcon Tower’s one, two and three bedroom apartments totalling 208 units will go on sale from tomorrow (Wednesday, September 29, 2004).

• Nakheel Flamingo at Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel Flamingo will be a spectacular addition to the other Nakheel owned properties in Jumeirah Lake Towers development with 254- one, two and three bedroom apartments giving investors an unparalleled lifestyle in the trendiest district of Dubai, Jumeirah.

• Damac Park Towers at DIFC - Dubai Freehold Properties - Damac Park Towers at DIFC - A two tower residential project in the heart of (Dubai International Financial Centre) DIFC with freehold facility for UAE nationals and expatriates.

• DAMAC Lake View - Dubai Freehold Properties - DAMAC Lake View is an exclusive 40-storey waterfront residential property at Jumeirah Lake Towers, offering freehold property to all nationalities.

• DAMAC Palm Springs - Dubai Freehold Properties - Palm Springs - Freehold Apartments with 100% ownership in Dubai. The project will comprise a diverse range of commercial, business, retail, leisure, parking and lifestyle facilities, providing an outstanding home that offers the quality and services of a world-class hotel - a resort destination in its own right.

• DAMAC Lake Terrace - Dubai Freehold Properties - DAMAC Lake Terrace - Lake Terrace is situated in close proximity to some of Dubai's landmark sporting, leisure and recreational facilities.

• Damac Palm Terrace - Dubai Freehold Properties - Damac Palm Terrace - Dubai's Damac Group is to develop a 12-storey, 130-apartment residential tower on The Palm, Jumeirah, Dubai. The USD50m Palm Terrace will be on the trunk of the world's largest man-made island, The Palm Jumeirah.

• DAMAC: The Waves - Dubai Freehold Properties - DAMAC: The Waves - DAMAC presents The Waves, a 600,000 square foot, two-tower residential real estate project on the Dubai Marina with freehold property for UAE nationals and expatriates.

• DAMAC Marina Terrace - Dubai Freehold Properties - DAMAC Marina Terrace - Marina Terrace, DAMAC’s first luxury property development in Dubai. Every apartment is designed to maximize the panoramic views from Dubai Marina's finest waterfront location. As a resident of Marina Terrace you will have the privilege of having only the finest of leisure offered to you.

• The World - Dubai Freehold Properties - The World. The World is Nakheel’s $3 billion project, which has recently seen Eurasian and North American islands reclaimed from a depth of -16 m below the water’s surface. Nakheel Corporation unveiled the concept plans to construct another offshore island development just off the coast of Dubai.

• The Palm Jumeirah - Dubai Freehold Properties - The Palm Jumeirah. The Palm Jumeirah is a man-made island being developed off the shores of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, covers an area of 7 million square meters and extends 6.5 kilometres into the Arabian Gulf.

• Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai - Dubai Freehold Properties - Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai. Atlantis, The Palm will be located at the center of The Palm, Jumeirah, a $1.5 billion land reclamation project in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

• The Palm, Jebel Ali - Dubai Freehold Properties - The Palm Jebel Ali is an entertainment destination for both adults and children, which caters to both residents and tourists. The island will also be 50% larger than The Palm Jumeirah, and will include six marinas, a 'Sea Village', a water theme park and water homes built on stilts between the fronds and the crescent.

• Nakheel: Jumeirah Islands - Dubai Freehold Properties - Jumeirah Islands. Jumeirah Islands - An exciting new residential property edevelopment in Dubai comprising of a self-contained community of 50 man-made islands shaped in Dubai and designed on 300 hectares of land. Crystal waterfalls, lush parks, walkway bridges, marinas and boathouses will enhance this residential community.

• International City - Unique property development - Dubai Freehold Properties - International City - Unique and iconic property development in Dubai.

• Nakheel: Dubai International City - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel: Dubai International City. The International City project which was launched in November 2003 is yet another ambitious and practical project by Nakheel. The 800-hectare development is divided into six main areas, incorporating residential, commercial and retail buildings. Being developed as a world-class hub for international investors, traders and retailers in the Al Warsan area, just 12km from Dubai International Airport, International City will provide excellent business opportunities, superb tourist attractions and a variety of residential options with different country themes.

• Nakheel: Discovery Gardens - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel: Discovery Gardens. Discovery Gardens is Nakheel's new residential concept and is situated at a new interchange along Sheikh Zayed Road located between interchanges five and six. The 420,000 square meter development is a pre-designed complex comprising of six themed communities styled in a variety of garden experiences. The development encompasses the area between Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road. And as with all Nakheel properties, Discovery Gardens will be a self-contained unit with shopping amenities, a mosque, jogging and cycling trails, community swimming pools, football and tennis courts and close proximity to the new Gardens Shopping Mall.

• Jumeirah Lake Towers - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel - Jumeirah Lake Towers. Jumeirah Lake Towers – A series of attractive Dubai residences, offices and retail outlets set in the midst of man-made lakes, waterways and beautifully manicured landscaping. Comprising of 15 clusters of three towers each, every tower is unique not just in the number of storeys, but in concept, design and feel representing the epitome of ultra-modern property development by Nakheel.

• The Garden View Villas - Dubai Freehold Properties - Nakheel - The Garden View Villas: Garden View Villas are free hold properties available for UAE nationals and expatriates. The villas are distinctive, built on gentle slopes on a hillside rising 60 meters from the ground providing a view of the sea and the desert. The Pan Arab architectural design forms and imposing visual backdrop to The Gardens.

• Emaar's Real Estate Projects - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar's Real Estate Projects. Listing of Emaar's real estate projects in Dubai.

• Burj Dubai - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar Properties - Burj Dubai. Dubai has unveiled plans for the world’s tallest building, the latest in the rush to aim for the altitude title. EMAAR Properties, the leading real-estate development company in the region, has released an artist’s impressions of the tower which is to be built at a location close to the prestigious Sheikh Zayed Road.

• The Emaar Towers - Dubai Freehold Properties - The Emaar Towers. Emaar Towers are the first freehold residential apartments in downtown Dubai.

• Emaar Arabian Ranches - Emaar Arabian Ranches. Arabian Ranches situated on the Emirates Road, stems from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's love of horses. Dubai's Crown Prince pledged his support with the donation of 200 of Arabia's finest horses.

• Emaar Emirates Living - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar Emirates Living. Emirates Living is a collection of Emaar neighbourhoods that stand for premier location and quality in Dubai.

• Emaar: Hattan - Emaar Properties: Hattan. Hattan offers outstanding luxury and executive homes in one of Dubai's most enviable locations. Situated alongside the renowned Emirates Golf Club, these single-family detached homes are among the most sought-after in Dubai, both in spaciousness and comfort.

• Emaar: The Greens - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: The Greens. The Greens are residential apartments designed to provide more affordable housing options in Dubai. The Greens at Emirates Golf Course is well located, giving easy access to Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City and the American University of Dubai.

• Emaar: The Springs - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: The Springs. The Springs is an exclusive, gated community of elegant town houses surrounded by scenic waterways and lush landscaping. The Springs is in close proximity to Five Star beach hotels, Dubai Marina, the American university, Dubai Internet City and Media city.

• Emaar: The Lakes - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: The Lakes. The Lakes offer beautiful homes for families of all sizes. Tranquil and scenic with waterways, parks and landscaped greenery, the Lakes set the tone for expatriate living in Dubai.

• Emaar: The Meadows - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: The Meadows. This development is Emaar's premium villa project after Emirates Hills. The luxurious two-storey homes have proved particularly attractive to Dubai's young professionals. Luxury comes as standard in these communities with 24-hour security. Further phases of Meadows will be delivered in 2004-05. Prices start at less than AED1 million.

• Emaar: Emirates Hills - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: Emirates Hills. Emirates Hills was originally established as the “Beverly Hills” of Dubai. Opulent villas, tranquil scenery, lakes and the world class Montgomerie Golf Course define this cosmopolitan community.

• Emaar: Street Of Dreams - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: Street Of Dreams. Emaar’s Street of Dreams consists of nine distinct model homes displaying examples of villas from The Springs, The Meadows and Hattan. Being fully furnished and equipped, the project gives prospective buyers an impression of living within one of the communities’ homes.

• Emaar: Dubai Marina - Dubai Freehold Properties - Emaar: Dubai Marina. Dubai Marina is amongst the world's largest master planned waterfront development of its kind. Dubai Marina introduced the concept of pre-sold property to the United Arab Emirates, and elicited a strong response from both UAE nationals anxious to buy exclusive waterfront property, and expatriates seeking watertight investments.