Real Estate in Vietnam

Vietnam Real Estate

First Published Date: October 1, 2016

Vietnam has come out a long way from the dark chapter of the Vietnam War. In a survey done by the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate, Vietnam ranks as the fourth emerging global real estate market after Brazil, China, and India. With its strong economy, growing middle class, growing urban population, rising tourists numbers, Vietnam real estate market will grow at a fast pace and no wonder global real estate investors are paying more attention to Vietnam real estate than ever before.

Before 1990, Vietnam had no real estate market as everything was owned by the state. As a result of the "Doi Moi" reform that was introduced in 1986, the first laws recognizing the concept of private ownership came into effect in 1990 and 1998. From 1998 to 2004, there were several revisions and reforms took place. Due to these new reforms and revisions, starting in 2004 the real estate market in Vietnam started to attract foreign interests and investments.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

Starting in 2009, legal foreign residents (after meeting certain conditions set by the government) in Vietnam are allowed to purchase property in certain areas under a 50-year leasehold. The property can also be resold after 12 months of ownership. Vietnam does not allow foreigners to have freehold property.

Vietnam is home to about 90 million people. The majority of its population live in the countryside. However, the residential sector is currently showing strong growth due to the rising income of the middle class and their willingness to purchase their own residential places. Demand for Vietnam’s two major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi is strong and it is estimated that the properties that are coming to the market will not be enough to meet its demand. The office market also shows strong demand for quality spaces, as the occupancy rate is around 95 percent. The leisure and resort markets are also going through strong demand. Vietnam has 3,000 kilometers coastline and its tourist numbers and accommodations have increased significantly. Hotels, resorts, and villas have high occupancy rates in this sector and real estate demands will increase in the coming years. The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts that Vietnam will be one of the top ten tourist destinations in the next ten years.

The property market in Vietnam still offers low entry prices with growth potential in the future. However, because it is an emerging market, transparency still can be an issue. Having a local partner or agent is a huge advantage dealing with real estate issues in Vietnam. Also, keep in mind that all real estate transactions are carried out in pure gold. Real estate investors need to pay close attention to gold prices and conversion rates.

Seoul Gets New Cross Hash Towers Skyscraper

The Cross # Towers in Seoul, South Korea

First Published Date: October 17, 2016

A Danish architectural firm BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) has recently announced a new skyscraper project in Seoul, South Korea that will add a new dimension to the world of skyscrapers. Their new project "The Cross Hash Towers" or "The Cross #Towers" will push the limits of building skyscrapers with these gravity-defying towers in
this modern age.

These two towers, 214 meters and 204 meters high, will be 21,000 square meter cross-hatched interlocking building with its ability to accommodate 600 residences and amenities such as a library, gallery, and kindergarten. The two towers will be connected by bridges at different levels, such as street and sky levels. The upper and lower bridges will have sky gardens on them and will offer breathtaking views of Seoul’s skyline.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

The Cross Hash Towers will be positioned next to the future development zone Yongsan business district in Seoul. The tower suites will have a unique design to optimize spectacular views and sunlight. Also, at the ground level visitors at the arrival deck will be able to see the impressive links above and the submerged plaza beneath them.

Due to the Yongsan business district’s height restrictions for skyscrapers, architects came up with this unique design of these two towers – adding two bridges between them. For sure, Seoul’s skyline and skyscraper portfolio will change dramatically upon completion of The Cross # Towers.

The World’s Riskiest Real Estate Bubble City

Canada’s Vancouver Tops List

First Published Date: October 25, 2016

The recently-published UBS Global Real Estate Bubble Index 2016 ranks cities across the globe that are considered top real estate bubble risks and Vancouver tops the list this year. There are a total of 18 cities that made it on to this year’s bubble list.

According to the report, there are several factors working together to make Vancouver the world’s riskiest bubble city such as higher Asian demand due to the weak Canadian dollar, loose credit conditions, accelerating mortgage growth rate, etc.

Because of the higher foreign demand, the local government recently implemented an additional property tax for foreigners to buy in Vancouver – making it a higher risk property market because of the higher chances of price correction.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

The report also names some other riskiest global property markets such as London, Stockholm, Sydney, Munich and Hong Kong. Some of the fairly-valued property markets are in Singapore, Boston, Milan, and New York. And real estate value in Chicago is actually undervalued.

Home prices in top-risk cities have increased on an average by 50 percent since 2011. The rate of increase at other major cities is only 15 percent.

On a separate note, Canadian site globalnews.ca reports (based on numbers provided by Chinese realty website Juwai.com) that foreign buyers are not flocking to Seattle and Toronto, instead of Vancouver, since the new additional foreign tax implemented in Vancouver.

There was a staggering 81 percent drop in Vancouver buying inquiries from August 2015. However, Seattle and Toronto real estate inquiries were up by 143 and 142 percent. Toronto has seen the highest searches in August for the last three years. Other Canadian cities foreign buyers have an eye on after Toronto are Calgary and Ottawa.

Bargaining A Beach Property In Malaysia

Malaysia Beach Properties Real Estate

First Published Date: August 31, 2016

Beach properties anywhere in the world are hot and no, it is not because of the weather. When it comes to Malaysia, the beach properties become a little too hotter. It is the best chance especially for foreign investors to reap five star luxuries at two star prices. Though a rapidly growing real estate market of South East Asia beach resorts in Malaysia are still low cost option, not to forget that the beaches of Malaysia are some of the best in the world. Add to this the impeccable service available on most Malaysian beaches, the friendly locals, the high standard of living which is on par with that of any European city, it is little doubt that Malaysian beach resorts have gained the repute of favoured tourist destination.

For years now Thailand and Malaysia have been popular tourist destinations but it is only recently that Malaysia is being taken seriously as real estate hotspot as it is safe from the "ring of fire" that leads to natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis. Malaysian beach properties not only hold lesser risk but with the government actively encouraging investments from foreign quarters these are providing greater rewards. The government has introduced new property laws that are buyer friendly, providing tax incentives for better foreign investments and also fast tracking approvals of licenses so that the government and international developers can mutually benefit from the booming real estate market.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn

With numerous beaches Malaysia offers plenty of opportunities to invest in real estate. The West coast has luxury island retreats, the east coast happens to be the ultimate diving destination, Sarawak and Sabah states in Bornea has an eco-friendly appeal, Sepang not only has the F1 grand prix circuit attraction but coined as the "Gold Coast" it is the weekend getaway resort for many people, Port Dickson is a holiday home to many Singaporeans and with its high profile projects is also a favourite with other international developers.

But what is it that makes beach properties in Malaysia a better deal than elsewhere or as compared to past? The government recently abolished the capital gains tax on property purchase in Malaysia thus the investor can save in a major by investing in real estate in Malaysia. Over 15 years foreigners investing in Malaysian properties can get 70% mortgages. Foreign buyers will not have any restrictions on renewing leases after 99 years. Foreigners owning property in Malaysia will automatically get residency permit. So what more could one be asking for.

Currently Malaysia is offering the best investment opportunity as far as global property market is concerned. There are many factors that are encouraging this rapid development. These are rental yields, capital growth rate, government policies that are investment friendly, spurt in investments by corporate companies. This combined with increase in tourism and creation of newer better equipped luxury resorts all are heating up the property investment market of Malaysia. Intelligent investors will surely not want to be left behind as low cost opportunities especially in real estate industry don’t really last for too long

Real Estate In Chile

Chile Real Estate

First Published Date: November 6, 2016

Is it possible to buy property in a South American country where foreigners are protected by the same rights as citizens? Where the police force is known for its honesty and does not accept bribes? A country with the highest GDP per capita in that region, a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), A+ Sovereign Credit Rating, and one of the lowest risk countries in the world for foreign investments? If you are looking for such a country for real estate investments in South America, look no further than Chile.

Author/Copyright: Ahmed Dawn www.adawnjournal.com

In order to buy property in Chile, you don’t need to be a resident or even visit the country. Chile has the most developed real estate market in South America. The property market has remained fairly stable during the global economic crisis and has shown growth momentum. Although Chile is the world’s longest and narrowest country, stretching more than 4000 kilometers, the population and real estate volumes concentrate in the center region known as The Central Valley – where the capital, Santiago, is located. Thirty percent of the population lives in Santiago and it is the most visited spot by tourists. Also, Frutillar and Puerto Varas have become the fastest growing real estate markets in Chile and southern Chile.

Like anywhere else, you should be aware of some rules and regulations when buying property in Chile. Real estate agents are not regulated in Chile and it is advisable to hire a lawyer to perform real estate transactions in Chile. A title search must be conducted by a qualified attorney. Based on the title search, have the attorney draft a buy/sell agreement. Once completed, this agreement has to be signed in front of a CHILEAN Notary Public and then property has to be registered with the regional registry. You will also need a Chilean taxpayer ID number (RUT) to complete the whole process.

There are many investment or legal firms available to make your real estate expedition in Chile a breeze. Always do your research to find a firm that is reputable and meets your needs.