Anyone buying property outside the USA?

Question

I know there are internationals who buy property in the USA but wondering if there were Americans who were buying property outside of America.   If so where?  How has the process been?

Personally, I'd love to do this eventually!

Mike Lambert · Answer

American investors should invest in international investors for many reasons. Most importantly, it would increase the returns and decrease the risk of their portfolio (which is possible because of the diversification international investing provides).

Too few investors do it but most do not because they have no idea how to do it and they do not have the right contacts. Of those who do it, some have success but others not because they don't know what they are doing.

However, it is possible to do it successfully. My mission is actually to provide partners and investors with better returns than they would get if they were investing internationally by themselves and if they were investing at home. Thanks to a combination of connection and knowledge, I can provide investors with a combination of both high cash flows and capital gains. The only exception is the development opportunities, for which there is no cash flow but the capital gains are substantial.

So I'd say go international but educate yourself of find partners who are educated.

Ali Boone · Answer

I bought in Nicaragua back in 2011. The process was fine, but the aftermaths weren't :) But I think that was more a result of buying pre-construction than the country itself, but when things went sour, the country couldn't really support much like the US can if things happen here.

I haven't done out-of-country since but the major thing you have to know is whether or not a particular country will let international investors own freehold title to the property or not. A lot won't and it's that whole 99-year lease thing and they could technically take it from you.

But either way, it's an adventure and I love adventures! :)

Julie Toh · Answer

@Elizabeth Wilson My clients that are Americans qualify for a mortgage from Canadian bank to purchase rental properties. Americans can get 80% LTV - only 20% down payment needed.