Lender · Sacramento, CA · Member since 2013 · 84 posts · 10 votes
Does anyone invest outside of the US? Specifically Europe? (I've seen some people do Mexico and south america) I can get my dual citizenship in Germany so I've pondered the idea since I may move there one day.
Haven't found much anywhere on investing in Europe though, so anyone who can share anything would be very helpful.
As I invest in Europe (Belgium and the Netherlands), feel free to ask away. I have gotten a basic grip on most markets. They vary immensely though, so watch out.
Germany for example is still booming, although the biggest growth has already happened. A known trap in Germany is that nothing is certain until the final agreement at the notary's office. So no option, lease or whatever is binding until the final signature is officalized. Also, pretty high taxes for investors in my opinion. That drove me away after checking out the Berlin market.
Stay away from France, though. Just read "Immobiliez-Vous" if you want an investor's nightmare scenario. I'm still looking into Paris for my sister (who lives there), but something is "gonna have to give" sooner or later, it's just impossible right now.
If I remember the Münich Real Expo report correctly, the most attractive markets for investors right now are Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands (in that order).
(Sidenote: Erik, I keep bumping in to you here, we must have the same keywords set up ;-) )