Philippine Real Estate Investment and Retirement

The Philippines offers affordable real estate investments and retirement opportunities in a tropical climate

2009-11-02 14:34:19

For many British, Australians and Americans, retirement time is just around the corner. At home, with low interest rates and high cost of living, the prospect of trying to live on a pension, in old age, is a daunting one unless you are prepared to substantially downscale your lifestyle. For some, moving to retire in another country is an option which has been successful in the past with Spain, Portugal, Mexico and Puerto Rico being among some of the more popular destinations. But why not consider retiring in the Philippines?

Over the past decade, the Philippines has become a retirement haven for thousands of foreigners, particularly the Japanese, Korean, and Northern Europeans. Along with Thailand and Malaysia, the Philippines developed communications, infrastructure, and service delivery systems specifically geared to meet the needs of foreign retirees. Better yet, unlike most European Countries and South America, nearly everyone speaks English in the Philippines.

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The Next Middle Class

In this article, published in NAR’s quarterly magazine, Global Perspectives in Real Estate, Economist Lawrence Yun explains how the rise of international trade leads home purchases inside and outside the United States. Enjoy. . .

http://www.realtor.org/IntUpdt.nsf/Pages/TheNextMiddleClass

Americans Tame Their Wanderlust

U.S. Housing Market Still Attractive to Foreign Buyers

NAR has just released its 2009 International Home Buying Activity report. While the report shows a further decline in home sales to foreign buyers from the 2008 and 2007 studies, the percentage of decline has narrowed. According to the study, 23% of REALTORS® served international clients in 2008/2009, compared to 26% reported in the 2008 study and 32% reported in 2007. The decline mirrors the overall decline in the existing home sales market, which decreased 39% between September 2005 and January 2009. There is confidence that once the global economic market conditions improve, the rate of home purchases by foreign investors and buyers will increase as well. The reports offers detailed information on sources of in-bound buyers and buyers’ location and property type preferences. New with the 2009 study is data on commercial purchases and also information on barriers to successful transactions by foreign buyers of U.S. property. Download the full report.

In Focus: Regional and State Housing Trends

By Ken Fears, Manager, Regional Economics

Although every market is unique they share similar demographic, economic, and migration fundamentals. Consequently, some trends repeat themselves around the country to varying degrees. Foreclosures are having a substantial impact in some markets, while unemployment is the primary concern in other locations. This article highlights some of the broader patterns that are making an impact on regional housing markets.

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Top 10 Cities to Earn a Living

Aspen Real Estate Market Picks Up With Summer

Another positive article about the real estate market gaining positive momentum.  Is this happening in your area?  Let us know!

Friday, August 28, 2009
ASPEN — Despite an “astounding” number of properties for sale in Aspen, summer real estate activity has been encouraging, according to one local broker.

From June 1 through this week, sales have roughly kept pace with last summer’s numbers, according to Carol Hood of Mason & Morse Real Estate.

“When I compare it to last year, it seems like we’re in line with last year’s sales,” she said.

READ MORE:   http://www.aspentimes.com/article/20090828/NEWS/908289998/1058

Best Places for Aging Entrepreneurs

This article came from the REALTOR(R) Magazine Daily News on June 30, 2009.  If you missed it . . .

Entrepreneurs don’t retire, they just find a new project.

Over the past decade, baby boomers produced a high rate of entrepreneurial activity, and Dan Stangler, senior analyst at the Kauffman Foundation, says the number of baby boomers starting a business in their traditional retirement years is likely to increase.

In response to that analysis, U.S. News & World Report identified 10 places that it says are the best places for an entrepreneurial baby boomer to retire. It picked the areas because they have an affordable cost of living, proximity to healthcare, fun recreational amenities, and access to information, particularly colleges and university with technology-focused departments.

Here are their 10 best suggestions:

1. Arlington, Va.
2. Columbia, Md.
3. Fargo, N.D.
4. Fayetteville, Ark.
5. Fort Collins, Colo.
6. Knoxville, Tenn.
7. Lincoln, Neb.
8. Madison, Wis.
9. Round Rock, Tex.
10. West Des Moines, Iowa

Source: U.S. News & World Report, Emily Brandon (06/29/2009)

Ideal Living’s Top Places To Retire

Below is an article pertaining to the resort and second-home market. It is derived from a survey of the Ideal Living Magazine readers who identified “Lifestyle” as a major motivator in buying a retirement home. What do you think about the results? ~ jmiller

Ideal Living’s Top Places To Retire

By leeh • Jul 7th, 2009

Taking a break from media doom and gloom, remember why you want a place in the south. Isn’t it time to re-ignite your passion and dream?

Based on our reader surveys, the “lifestyle” is most desired…

Active year-round outdoor activities, small-town flare with big city access, a sense of community, golf, boating, abundant walking trails and more. Read more

Shift in Global Investors in Florida

The Florida market, one of the hardest hit by the recession, is reporting an increase in sales for existing properties for the 8th consecutive month. The Florida Association of REALTORS® (FAR) reported that existing home sales increased by 18% compared to a year ago, and existing condo sales rose by 21%. While promising, the value of new properties has fallen as much as two-thirds from the 2007 price peak, making a quick recovery of the previously hot development market unlikely. Low prices and the large number of bank-owned distressed properties are attracting investors, including overseas buyers. While Florida has long attracted international buyers, FAR reports a shift of the source of those buyers with Canadians overtaking the British as the largest source of buyers. REALTORS® working with foreign buyers seeking retirement properties in Florida will be interested in an April ‘09 report from Florida Tax Watch. The report advocates for the introduction of a national retirement visa, but also outlines current visa options. Read a two-part article ( Part I / Part II ) article in FAR’s magazine on increasing exposure to global buyers.

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