How to invest in overseas property
in a smart way..
Overseas
property investment can be both lucrative – if you choose the right market – as
well as a good way to diversify outside your home market.
The
Singapore market has traditionally been amongst the most exciting, with new
locations being regularly built. Also, the large expat community means there's
natively a large rental demand, offering the potential for both rental returns
as well as capital appreciation. To achieve this, here are some important
considerations:
1. Identify
the purpose for which the property will be used
Once
acquired, the property can be used for varying purposes. This can be either
residential or commercial. Residential property is acquired with the intention
to build a home while commercial is to be used either for rental or business
purposes. Commercial property is the ideal choice when considering an
investment. Identifying the purpose provides the platform to select the location
to buy property.
Prevailing
income on rental property in Singapore has continued to decrease over the past
years. However, this does not mean that it is not an ideal investment. The
location and nature of the property are among the key features that attract
tenants. Therefore, it is this choice that will determine the ability to
generate returns from the investment.
2.
Find
a great agent
Finding
the right property overseas can be a tedious job. Lack of adequate knowledge on
the desired localities and the local authority regulations among other things
can hinder efforts to get the right property.
Local
property agents come in handy in providing information on available properties
within a preferred area. It is important to seek out for registered and
approved agents while seeking property.
3.
Cost
of the property
The
cost of apartments varies widely between regions. Areas with high population
and close to social amenities naturally cost more. This is an important
consideration while buying overseas property. It is important to compare prices
and the expected returns from the investment. Despite the drop experienced in
recent years, Singapore property market is still expected by many to return to
growth and in such way the prospect of reasonable returns.
4.
Viewing
the property
One
of the greatest mistakes in buying overseas property is buying what you do not
see. It is difficult to realize what you bought is not exactly as you would
have liked. For this reason, it is important to take time and view the property
before making payments. In such way, you will have an opportunity to survey the
locality and ascertain if it meets your projections. Agents and brokers often
provide with attractive photos of the property on sale and not disclosing the
faults. Taking a trip to the property location may be expensive but is worth
than realization you were duped or cheated out of your money.
5.
Learn
local authorities’ regulations and taxation laws
There
are different laws regarding ownership of property in different jurisdictions.
Learning and understanding these laws is the right way to ensure you fully
adhere to the regulations required by local authorities. This applies in the
same regard to taxation laws imposed on foreign investors. The local
governments will demand a certain percentage in the form of tax from income
generated alongside other requirements.
6.
Engage
a competent contractor
One
of the biggest concerns - although not necessarily justified - is finding
contractors who will fully adhere to necessary standards. For this reason, it
is important to engage a contractor who is fully knowledgeable and conversant
with the set local regulations and building standards.
The
contractor should have the capacity to engage creativity in the construction of
the property to ensure it has the potential to attract the desired income. It
is important to undertake an extensive search, seek recommendations and advice
when selecting the contractor. This not only ensures you get the best output but
as well an opportunity to have the best possible returns from your investment.
Conclusion
Overseas
property investment is a great opportunity to diversify on one’s income
potential. Before acquiring such property, there is need to ensure extensive
research is undertaken to identify the best investment option with guaranteed
returns. This can be done easily through the assistance of agent and state
bodies that provide information on the available resources that are worth
investing in.