International Investments: What is your opinion?

Question

Good day BP members!I was wondering, what do you feel about investments in foreign market like Asia? Do you think investing in other countries is a good move?Thank you very much and your opinion will be much appreciated :)

Dan Baker · Answer

from my understanding the market a very unique opportunity for us foreigners because the rising demand for the smaller single occupant rooms.  but you do have to jump through a few hoops to get there. for a new investor it is a worthwhile market to get yourself into.

Priti Donnelly · Answer

Hi @Richmond Jasper Cu ,

There is a trend right now of investing in Asian properties to take advantage of the currency. The Japanese Yen, for example,is at ¥123 to US$1.

The attraction to investing in Japan properties is mainly for monthly cash flow. With prices so low and on the rise, it is an active and healthy market.

Aside from the financial benefits, because of Japan's traditional and reserved culture, investors don't have the hassle of worrisome tenants and can trust the integrity of professional services without having to even visit the property.

So, yes, I think the time is right for investing in Asia.

Walter Ichikawa-Doyle · Answer

Hi @Richmond Jasper Cu , there are no restrictions for foreigners to invest in Japan and properties are freehold. Occasionally, some properties in the bigger cities are on leased lend, which I would avoid, but for the most part, freehold with unrestricted purchasing access (i.e. buy as many as you can afford).

Richmond Jasper Cu · Answer

Hello Walter!

Thank you for your advices sir, to be honest, I am also thinking about Japan. For me, Japan is also attractive when it comes to investments, if I may ask, are there any restrictions for foreigners to invest in Japan?

Thanks!

Walter Ichikawa-Doyle · Answer

Hi @Richmond Jasper Cu ,

In regard to Japan, agreed the price of land is very expensive, but also, it depends what you're looking to buy. To avoid a large land bill, smaller single unit apartments in bigger buildings can be very affordable and provide a nice return. With the Yen falling in value, there are even more good buys available. It's actually quite affordable and a good entry point to the Japan market and international investing experience.

Richmond Jasper Cu · Answer

Thanks Engelo,

The US market is one of my goals in the future, I heard that it is really good to invest there, but unfortunately as of the moment, my capacity is until Asia only, maybe in the future we can talk again and help me invest there in the States. Lets keep in touch! Appreciate your advice Sir Engelo, Thank you

Engelo Rumora · Answer

Thanks Richmond,

I haven't been in Australia for over 2 years now but can comfortably say that its too expensive for what I look for in my investments.

I invest based in cashflow and the numbers in the deal today and not future capital growth speculations.

The US is a great cashflow market at the momnt.

Especially the Midwest.

Thanks

Richmond Jasper Cu · Answer

Good day Sir Eric Tait,

Thank you for your advice, I will keep that in mind! To think about it, it is easier to communicate and exchange information if I will invest in a familiar culture and language

Richmond Jasper Cu · Answer

Good Day, @Engelo RumoraThank you for your advice sir, currently i'm living here in the Philippines and to be honest, what you're saying is true, the growth of real estate here in the Philippines is increasing quarterly. Sir Engelo, what about the market there in Australia? How is it there? In the near future, I want to expand my investment to other countries other than Philippines.

Richmond Jasper Cu · Answer

Hi Paul Granneman!

True, for foreign investors to acquire land property here in the Philippines, they must be married to a local or they must have a trusted Filipino Citizen who will be the one to carry the name of the title, on the other hand, foreign investors can invest here without getting married to a Filipino citizen by buying condominiums and letting them rent.

I heard that it is good to invest in Japan, that was one of my plans but land in Japan is a bit expensive for me because I'm just a starting investor. In Thailand, do I need to get married to a Thai women in order for me to acquire a property?