Asia Property

Many Asian countries today boast metropolitan areas and thriving industries capable of competing with the most advanced western nations. As a result, investors are flocking to areas such as the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, Malaysia, China, India, and the Philippines in order capitalize on a booming real estate market. While all of these countries are in the Asian region, each one presents its own unique opportunities and challenges for potential foreign investments.

United Arab Emirates Property
Investing in United Arab Emirates Property—particularly Dubai—is wide open for foreigners. As a matter of fact, the UAE welcomes foreign investments, and is currently under development on all levels—offering opportunities to any type of entrepreneur. From shopping malls, to theme parks Dubai has something offer for virtually every type of investor. In addition newly constructed luxury condos and houses offer the perfect opportunity for those seeking to make a profit off of the ever-growing rental property market.

Thailand Property
As the most popular South Asian destination for tourists, even the devastating tsunami of 2004 has not deterred foreign investment along Thailand’s pristine beaches. As a matter of fact, the tsunami was perhaps the largest reason for Thailand’s eagerness to welcome foreign investors with open arms. However, that doesn’t make purchasing property here easy. For example, foreigners are technically not allowed to own Thai land—although there are some relatively simple ways around this rule for those interested in doing a little extra legwork.

Malaysia Property
Like Thailand, Malaysia has stringent rules on who can purchase land. However, they aren’t as stringent. For example, only Malaysian nationals may purchase houses on reserved land. Non-Malaysians seeking to purchase other Malaysia property must be approved by the Foreign Investment Committee of the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department based on FIC guidelines.

China Property
Despite an annual growth rate of ten percent, foreign investors can often buy more square footage with their foreign currency than possible in Tokyo or Hong Kong. Be warned, though. Buying property in China can be tricky, at best. Just recently, the Ministry of Land and Resources recently announced that 60% of real estate transactions since September 2004 have been illegal.

India Property
The growing outsourcing industry boom, as well as a growing number of expatriate retirees, has contributed to India’s real estate boom. While purchasing India Property is not necessarily easy for foreigners, the Indian government is easing regulations—only adding to an already promising real estate trend.

Philippines Property
Property in the Philippines comes in all categories; with subdivision homes specifically geared towards non-Filipinos and upper class natives. Even these pricey homes tend to only run around $20,000, making owning Philippines property a tempting offer. However, non-Filipinos are not allowed to own land outright (although they can own buildings). Foreigners seeking to purchase land in the Philippines must either rely on a Philippine-born spouse to make the transaction—unless they can meet guidelines to obtain a Philippine/Special Retirement Visa.