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RE: Mar del Plata Investments

karthick9s — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 19:11:28 GMT

I now live in Argentina, 250 south of Buenos Aires on the Atlantic ocean. Properties are still very good value and will remain so due to almost non-existant mortgages.

I have been buying properties here for the last year and have seen a good return. Properties start from as little as 12,000 pounds for a studio apartment in the centre of town, with the most luxury house on the market at the moment for 150,000 pounds, for which you get a five bed/five bath detached house with swimming pool and maid quarters.

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 20:08:36 GMT

Hi Michael,

As yet, we haven't done any travelling around Argentina, although of course we have visited Buenos Aires many times. This year has been spent getting the children through their first year here at school and of course to pass the year. Once my daughter completes her final year at school, it will be easier to travel. Many people say Cordoba, Mendoza and Rosario are beautiful cities - as you know, the whole of Argentina has such different scenery from waterfalls, lakes, mountains and beaches, to the glaciers in the south. In one day you can go from skiing in the south, to the warm weather of the Amazon in the north.

The weather has not improved and most of the country has now been flooded as heavy and continuous rain is unusual, especially at this time of year. The weather all over the world is topsy turvy. There was even a tornado in Buenos Aires, by the River Plate

Keep in touch.

Saludos

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 10:47:07 GMT

Hi Michelle
Cant say i am a beach resort kind of person as they tend to be overcrowded which is why I prefer them off season. Just spent a few days in Cornwall which is one of my favourite regions . There the coastline tends to be very rugged with little sandy coves and is therefore interesting. I think with Mar del Plata I would look at other activities such as horseridinge etc. We always combine our trips with other areas therefore we might include the carnival at Gualeguaychu in Entre Rios. Its very much like the Rio carnival.

http://www.welcomeargentina.com/paseos/detras_de_escena/index_i.html

Another area we havent been to either is Cordoba a hilly region.

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 15:06:44 GMT

Hi Michael,

Gave the computer a miss yesterday. I can honestly say that after 16 months here, yesterday's weather was the worst we have had. Not only did it pour all day long, but the wind was terrible. I refused to leave my house. Today it is cloudy, but very warm and hopefully the sun will be out.

Please do come and see us the next time you are in this part of the world. It is great to meet people face to face after tons of e-mails. I have made two friends in Mar del Plata who I met through different forums and both of them live in walking distance to my house. Then of course there are the people who rent my flats - it's so nice to put a face to an e.mail.

All the children go back to school on Monday and a lot of Mar del Plata will empty out this weekend. Last March the weather was still very nice, so hopefully yesterday's bad weather was just a one of and beach weather will be back.

Will catch up soon.

Chau

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:46:41 GMT

Bueno Michelle
Thats sounds very enticing. I shall speak to the oracle and see what she says. I know she is very much in love with San Martin de los Andes but maybe a beach resort might tempt her, Think we shall have to pay a visit to mar del Plata next time we go.
Argentines have always looked up to Europe which is probably they think you are crazy moving there especially given all the troubles they had I would say you are courageous myself.
Saludos a ti
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:59:09 GMT

PS The telly is ok. We have cable TV and they show many American/British films and many American series. On Fridays we watch Little Britain and they love Mr Bean here. They also screen all the premiership football matches - watched Tottenham beat Chelsea last Sunday - fantastic match - I still follow Spurs. There are the usual music channels and CNN. The children are getting used to watching Spanish TV now.

I have to admit, we went from a 5 TV family in London to just one TV here and it is much better. The children spend more time going out than sitting at home watching TV or on the computer. A much healthier life style. My children never knew what their legs were for before we came here. I drove them everywhere, even to the local sweet shop.

Chau chau

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:51:27 GMT

Hi Michael,

I think Rumencó will be a holiday development. It is only a five minute drive to the best beaches in Mar del Plata, polo, horse-riding and golf are all within a few minutes walking and eventually there will be a bus service going into the development. There is also a gym, two swimming pools, tennis and football facilities in the development and wonderful bike riding and wonderful walks for the more energetic. Saying that, there are many people who like peace and quiet with the option of getting to the nearest high street in 12 minutes by car or half an hour by bus. We will have to wait and see. They have only been building houses for under a year, so it will take time to find out whether it will be residential, holiday lets or a combination of both.

There are other Anglo/Argentine families in London making plans to come back here, so I am pleased we are not the only crazy ones. The people here think we are crazy swapping London for Mar del Plata, but we wouldn't change it for anything. We love it - the blue skies and the sea just look so beautiful today.

Hope your knee is getting better.

Saludos

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 12:06:42 GMT

Hi Michelle
Rumenco sounds pretty much like a exclusive residential area only , not ideally suited for letting purposes.We ave a couple of gated communities near where i live. Not my cup poof tea must admit . They are so pristine and with a"keep the riff raff out " kind of snobbery.You are not allowed to park your car within and even if you so happen to walk past the houses you sense a kind" I am tresspasser" feeling.Blow that! Ideally, I would guess, a let should be near amenities like beaches, nightlife, shopping . The kind of area that would attract most tourists.Maybe I am wrong , dunno!Where do you have your situated?
Just off to work wth my dodgy knee ( groan!)If its not one thing its anotherNot had much rain of late mind and its pretty mild. The daffs are out and spring is in the air.What are your winters like and what kind of telly can you get. What I saw was fairly poor it has to be said but I gues a decent satelite system would sort that out
Best regards
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:28:10 GMT

Hi Michael,

Good afternoon from rainy Mar del Plata - it reminds me of your weather, except that it's much warmer.

We actually thought about buying land in Rumencó. but having 3 teenagers, we decided it would be too difficult for them and their social lives. I didn't want to be a chauffeur again - did all that in London. Rumencó is set in a very beautiful area and only a five minute drive from the best private beaches in Mar del Plata. It has some wonderful features and maybe in the future we will re-consider. At the moment they are only selling plots of land in three areas, but there are three more areas lined up for the development.

Mar del Plata is still busy and it is more noticeable when it is raining as everybody invades the cafeterias. We even had to wait for a table this morning - there are still many people here on holiday as most schools don't start until next week.

Yesterday I met a young British guy who has been in Mar del Plata for six months and loves it here. He has to return to the UK to work hard and then will be back as quickly as possible. It's great to see more people coming. My properties here have attracted people from all over such as Australia, America, Canada and England - so slowly slowly people are coming to visit. I hope to be able to encourage more and more.

Anyway, must go now, but hope your feeling better.

Regards to your family

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:55:04 GMT

Hi Michelle
yeah i am fine now, thanks.The development you mention ,Rumenco, my cousin mentioned as well. Ditto Eidico,. Both aiming upmarket.Dont think i'd want a palatial mansion somehow Just place I can let out and maybe move into one day.Its a question. I guess, of knowing where the best areas to let are and what type of property. T.here is also the matter of management etc
have to pick my goddaughter up npow
Bye for now

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:38:56 GMT

Hi Michael,

I hope you are feeling well. There are some new privated gated developments in the south of the city. The first one being Rumenco, which you can read about on my website. This being the first development of its kind and only a 12 minute drive to the Sheraton, is expensive for Argentines. They are selling plots of land of 600 2m for US$ 30,000. The latest two developments which are a bit further south, apparently are selling for half the above figure for the same measurements.

I have been keeping my eyes open on these places and I will send you some information if you want. As your cousin rightly states, they are very upmarket and exclusive. Some of the houses that have been built in Rumenco could come out of Dynastry - remember the Carringtons - I used to love that American soap.

Mar del Plata is seeing more and more foreign tourists - at the moment I have one flat rented to Americans and have some Australians and Canadians booked in also. Maybe I should show them the developments.

Saludos tu familia

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 19:52:25 GMT

just learnt my cousin from BA is looking to buy some property in Mar del Plata. She seems quite upbeat about is as well. Apparently there is an area south of the city about 22 kms which is upmarket and gaining attraction.Its called Marayui. She wont be buying for another 6 months as prices are set to drop due to growing inflation( ie interest rates going up i guess).i am becoming more and more interested.
Last friday i went to see my doc because i had chest pains . I had only just recovered from pneumonia so I felt somewhat anxious .My doc suspected angina and sent me to A@E for tests. Anyway to cut a long story short I had to wait a total of 7 hours before I finally walked out fed up to the teeth. Frankly it was a joke and now I can well see why people moan about the NHS.Worse thing about the whole experience is no one tells you anything . They just took my blood pressure and left me ,then returned after an hour, strapped some electrodes on and then left me another hour. Then a doctor arrived who asked a few questions took blood sample and disappeared . Two hour later he came back and told he thinks its indigestion and gave me some Gaviscon and then sent me home . An hour later he rang me to ask me to come back as the Registrar was supposed to see me first before being released.So i go back and he then tells me i would have to wait for the next shift's registrar as the current one was about to finish for the day. He took another blood sample and disappeared. I waited two hours being ignored and then my patience snapped and i walked out. Guess if I was an out and out Argentine I would have screaming and shouting and demanding my rights asa they are inclined to do. Seen it with mine own eyes the last time we flew to BA in Aerolineas Argentinas and the flight was held up for four hours in Madrid. The Argentine passengers circled whichever uniformed staff they could find and gave them what for. Brought back memories to me

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 19:43:59 GMT

Hi Michelle
Thankfully nothing serious but I'll tell you more about it another time as i am tired now.By the way its been really nice to "chat" to to you. My wifes been reading our exchanges too as she also has great affection for Argentina.
best regards
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:01:47 GMT

Hi Michael,

I hope you are well and it's nothing serious. Most people reading your post would automatically think that after a seven hour wait in the A&E, it is something minor, but you and I know that is not the case in the UK. People have died waiting to see a doctor.......

Catch-up soon.

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:09:14 GMT

Hi Michelle you enjoy yourself on the beach I have just wasted 7 hours waiting in an accident and emergency ward. I am flipping tired and angry. I now see why people get frustrated with the NHS
me voy a la cama
chau
michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:53:20 GMT

Hi Michael,

My children go to the only international school in Mar del Plata called Holy Trinity College. They provide the children with International GCSE's, which means the children can study anywhere in the world after they graduate. The exams are based on the old style O'levels and A'levels and are exam based. No such thing as course work.

Talking about British owned companies, the electric company in Mar del Plata is 50% British. With regard to names, what about River Plate, Boca Juniors, Newell Old Boys, Arsenal de Sarandi and Racing Club are just a few of the teams who chose English sounding names. Even the beaches such as Bristol beach, Popular beach and Arena Beach.

Have a good day - wonderful beach weather here at the moment, so will go and have a coffee on the beach.

Chau

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 20:14:49 GMT

Hi Michele , Must say you seem very positive! That and the fact you are adaptable is the key to your survival i would say.Good on you . Unfortunately I tend to be more cautious and apprehensive. Nevertheless i have great affection for the land of my birth as does my wife who often yearns to make another visit. Last time we took two friends with us on of whom was very apprehensive mainly due to the Falklands issue.She took to Argentina like a duck to water and the Argies loved her because she is very vocal and not at all reserved.My wife was often amused when in the ladies toilets because invariably an Argentine woman would start talking to her in Spanish thinking she'd understand. Her replies were si si si soy inglesa, no comprendo
Dont have to tell me about Argentine patriotism as i know it well They are very much like Americans in that regard.We were brought to pay allegiance to the flag every morning at school. Ironically whilst growing i was imbued with the same patriotism except not for Argentina but the UK .I use to look at an Atlas and find the countries coloured pink for they were once part of the Empire. I only ever wanted to buy British made products as well. I am not so daft today, nor am I nationalist any longer, except when it comes to footy or rugby and then its England all the way.
Are you sending your kids to a local state school?From memory they tend to be quite good.I myself went to what is now refered to as a colegio bilinguo namely St Johns school,. There are several "British"schools there- st Georges and St Andrews are the best known.You might of become aware that there are various institutions with English sounding names like "The Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis club" or "Tigre Rowing club".My mother was raised in a house adjoining the Belgrano Athletic club where tennis rugby and cricket are played. My uncle use to belong to the Hurlingham club where he played bowls. The British influence in Argentina as a whole has been considerable what with the railroads and ports.People here in the Uk dont know the half of it not they much care when I tell them.There is a book by Andrew Graham Yool called the Forgotten colny detailing the history of British immigration to Argentina:
http://www.nhbs.com/the_forgotten_colony_tefno_97976.html
also a website
http://www.argbrit.org/
I dont think Argentina is a hate-able country any more than any other but there are some aspects that I personally find either distressing ( poverty/ beggars) worrying ( economy /crime) or rather scary( the police). Argentines can also be incredibly volatile if you upset them(I well remember watching people jumping out of cars and having furious rows over fairly minor driving offences).One of my biggest concerns are the crooks and dishonest business people although they can be found in almost any country. Trick is to spot them.Anyway these are all negatives and if we allowed them to hinder us we would stagnate.
You seem to be full of good ideas what with boot sales etc. There is a thriving flea market in San Telmo BA so maybe they are opportunities. Sound the locals out and see what people would feel about buying second hand goods or setting up stalls.Nail bars or one of those Lush shops selling weird soaps or a Body shop would go down well ,even an english style brewery making bitter ( joking btw)Anyway as they say the world's your oyster
bye for now
Michael
http://www.hurlinghamclub.org.ar/
http://www.belgrano-athletic.com.ar/
http://www.stjohnsschool.edu.ar/

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:49:44 GMT

Hi Michael,

We haven't had time to tour Argentina yet. Getting the children settled into school and passing the year has been a lot of fun. So totally different to the UK. We plan to tour the country at some stage. I visited Tigre in December and saw the museum. It is strange seeing a house covered in glass to protect it. Tigre is such a beautiful place and it is difficult to imagine that you are just outside BA. We stopped at a place called Tres Bocas and fell in love with it. I can't wait to go back again and the water bus was exciting seeing how the locals get to and from their homes. Tigre I suppose is the Venice of South America with no road access.

I suppose I was the person who wanted to come and live here, more so than my husband. I can say since I was 14 and went abroad on a school trip, I realised that I didn't want to live my life in the UK. The children and I settled down really well. People are amazed at how quickly we adapated. I suppose it was the upbringing. We always talked about moving abroad and to the children it was second nature really. From eating dinner at 6 pm one day, we were eating dinner at 10 pm the next. Getting used to the lack of punctuality has been a big issue, especially with the children's friends, but really only this. I suppose I could say that my children and I are very friendly and very open, which is very unusual for Brits and so we found it easy to settle here.

When we left the UK, it never crossed our minds that we could hate Argentina. We were so positive. We had never even been to Mar del Plata and had only read what we saw on the internet - there was no one to discuss it with. We arrived here with lots of luggage and a hotel reservation for two weeks. We had no diea about schools or houses, but we did know that prices were very cheap and we really couldn't go wrong. I suppose if we had hated it, we would have left and gone somewhere else - we were not committed to staying here. We are a very adapatable family. You could put us in the middle of nowhere and we would cope.

We arrived on tourist visas and sorted everything out this end. We did try at the Argentine Embassy in London, but for us they were more than useless. Here it was very simple and we have permanent residency now. Next week we will sort out our DNI (National Identification Documents) which everybody has. Everybody in the UK compalin abotu ID cards, but here it is the norm. Even when you use a credit card, you have to show your DNI or passport, so there is much less fraud. The Argentines are also very patriotic and fly their flag all the time.

With regard to properties, we are in the process of selling one and have to decide whether to buy, renovate and sell another one or whether to start a small project. On the corner of my block is a really ugly old house of 400m2 which I am thinking about buying, knocking down and building 8 small flats and 2 loft apartments (not higher than the house next door). I suppose it depends on the finances and my American bank manger.

There are many opportunities here in Argentina and everyday my children think of something else that is missing. For instance car boot sales don't exist - in a country where money is scarce, this would be a great idea. There are no nail bars or nail art (ask your wife what I mean). My children realised that there are no hamma beads (ask your children or grandchildren about these) - such good fun we used to have creating designs. The list goes on and on. You just need to be business minded and be prepared to go through all the bureaucracy.

As you can see, I love talking about this country and this country could do with more like minded people. You need to forget about the broken streets and pavements, dogs mess and stray animals and think about how you can start to help the scoiety to progress.

As I say, this country has one foot firmly in the first world and is developing at a great pace.

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 18:28:48 GMT

Hi Michelle
Dont mean to sound overly critical of Argentina but it has had a difficult past to say the least.I happen to like the country as well and its people .We have visited it three times in the last 4 years - north south and swestThing is I am trying to weigh the pros and cons about moving there . Adjusting to a new way of life with a very different culture will take some doing. I f my wife and I did decide to go there we would first buy some property to let then we we both retired buy another to live in hoping that our UK pensions and rental incomes would suffice. At the moment of course they would be but ten years ago we might of struggled as there was rampant inflation.I suppose it comes down to having faith that finally stability has found its way to Argentina.
Dont know if you have travelled widely there but there are m any places worth visiting including my favourites San Martin de los Andes and Salta. The former is like Swiss alps with the mountains lakes and forested areas. Salta they call "la linda" as its so varied in beauty. Another favourite is Tigre( delta) near BA where there is ,amongst other things a museum in honour of Santiago Liniers the man responsible for repelling the English invaders back in 1806 and 1807
I understand why you left the UK but its not all bad, Worthing has a very low crime and there is plenty of work around .My main gripe is I dont find English people on the whole that friendly at least not in the south. Takes time to get to know people here . Did your husband have enough of the UK as well?Argentines ( in fact latinos in general)are quite different by nature and some have found it hard adjusting here.
I have been looking through your website with great interest. Your intention, I take it, is to promote Mar del Plata whilst at the same time letting some of your properties to would be visitors?Do you buy to sell as well?I hope you dont think me intrusive,for I was just being curious?
Nice to speak to you btw.
Kind regards
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:15:19 GMT

Hi Michael,

Unfortunately, crime is everywhere. Both my sons were mugged and the youngest was only 12 when he was mugged at 1.30 pm almost outside our house. According to the police, we lived in one of the better London boroughs. There is no such place as paradise and the countries which have strict laws are normally barbaric.

We love it here in Mar del Plata and have no intention of going back to the UK, except for the occasional family visit. The friendliness of the people and the quality of life is much better. You really don't need much money to go and sit on the beach and to chat to the people nearby. The Argentines love to be out and about including the youngesters. I don't think the words "couch potato" exist here.

Like everywhere in the world, there are problems, but each country has it own unique set of problems. When we were in London, everybody we knew or spoke to moaned and groaned about something. The people here do complain, but the majority will tell you that they love their country. I find the Argentines very patriotic.

I have met many many people here who have lived abroad and in the end, they return. Why? They all say the same. There is no place like Argentina when it comes to friendliness and openess.

My mother-in-law is in BA and my father-in-law has lived abroad for more than 20 years.

Regards

Michelle

PS I suppose my Spanish is quite good - need to go to classes to learn proper grammar.

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 17:12:54 GMT

Hi Michael,

Unfortunately, crime is everywhere. Both my sons were mugged and the youngest was only 12 when he was mugged at 1.30 pm almost outside our house. According to the police, we lived in one of the better London boroughs. There is no such place as paradise and the countries which have strict laws are normally barbaric.

We love it here in Mar del Plata and have no intention of going back to the UK, except for the occasional family visit. The friendliness of the people and the quality of life is much better. You really don't need much money to go and sit on the beach and to chat to the people nearby. The Argentines love to be out and about including the youngesters. I don't think the words "couch potato" exist here.

Like everywhere in the world, there are problems, but each country has it own unique set of problems. When we were in London, everybody we knew or spoke to moaned and groaned about something. The people here do complain, but the majority will tell you that they love their country. I find the Argentines very patriotic.

I have met many many people here who have lived abroad and in the end, they return. Why? They all say the same. There is no place like Argentina when it comes to friendliness and openess.

I suppose I should write a book about our new lives time permitting.

Regards

Michelle

PS I suppose my Spanish is quite good - need to go to classes to learn proper grammar.

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 19:40:37 GMT

Hi Michelle
not sure if you are aware but Brits have been migrating to Argentina for nigh on 200 years. Not sure of the exact number but there must be 500k + people of British descent out there.My family on my mothers side first went there during the 1850s. I had a Grandmother who was born in the northwest and was taught Quechua which is an indigenous language. My father went to live there back in the 1930s, taught at various British schools and became headmaster of St Johns School B.A. Anyway we all decided to come back here in 1969 which was just as well as missed the worst of the Junta years.
I have several cousins living in BA and one in Bahia Blanca and some dont speak a word of English.
Anyway i am living in Worthing sussex and am reaching a point in my life where I have to make a decision re my retirement ie where to live etc.The property market here is stagnating at the moment and things are looking rather bleak mainly because of the credit squeeze.We now have two properties ( although one is going through probate)and are wondering what to do next.Moving abroad has its attractions but its risky particularly outside the EU.
Argentina has had a very chequered economic history seemingly leaping form one crisis to the next.The last one was by far the worst as it hit so many middle class families. Its also rich in natural resources which means it can bounce back and usually does fairly quickly. The main problem , as I see it , is the corruption and the fact that pulling a fast one seems to be part of the mindset of so many of them. The vast majority are fine - generous honest and friendly. Unfortunately the rogues are difficult to spot.I have a cousin ( UK resident) who had his watch stolen from him shortly after landing at BA which turned him totally against the country of his birth.
Are your inlaws resident in Mar del Plata and did you make friends quite easily?Presumably you speak Spanish well.
kind regards
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 17:33:15 GMT

Hi Michael,

I am London born and bred, but married to an Argie for the last 25 years, most of which were spent in London. Like a lot of Brits, we were fed-up with the quality of life and rising crime in the UK, so it was an easy chocie for us, although we did consider Australia, but felt that it might be too far.

You are right about the economy being unstable here, but I remember clearly the early 1990's when the property market collapsed in the UK and we were stuck in a property we hated for ten years because of negative equity. After speaking to my sister today, things aren't too good in the property market at the moment in the UK, so I am pleased we sold all our properties when we did nearly two years ago.

I just feel that when proeprties are as cheap as they are here, they really can't fall much further if the property market collapsed, which I can't see happening. Although mortgages are not widely available here, more and more people are borrowing money so that they can buy their own home. I am sure that once mortgages flood the market and become easier to obtain, properties will go up a lot.

We love it here in Mar del Plata. The most difficult thing has been getting used to the laid back attitude such as making plans on the day or even a few hours before hand and poor punctuality. My children have learnt to ask their friends to text them when they arrive at the meeting place and then they go to meet them. They have spent hours hanging around for friends who just turn up when they feel like it.

Yesterday we were on the southern beaches and they are so wide, that you actually feel like you are in the desert. I love seeing the Argentines out enjoying the sun. Nobody tends to stay at home, even in the winter the people are still drinking mate near the beaches and filling up all the cafes.

I have noticed more foreigners trickling into Mar del Plata. Yesterday I was speaking to two Swedish girls and have met Americans, Canadians and Israelies.

What part of the UK are you in? How comes your family ended up there?

Regards

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:40:39 GMT

Hi Michelle
Thanks for your reply. I have never been to Mar del Plata but i have visited Miramar many years ago. truth is I was born in Buenos aires but have lived in the Uk since I was 16 so its been a very long time. My wife and I are looking to make investments so we can retire somewhere. We looked at Spain which is a nono because of letting saturation and weird legal aspects too.Now we are looking at France.Our options are open. Have thought about Argentina - mainly San Martin de los Andes, Salta and Mendoza as they appear to be all year round attractions- certainly the first two.Hadnt thought about Mar del Plata simply because I couldnt see many Europeans wanting to go there but of course you must be catering for the Argie market. Also there is always that fear of continuing economic instability and rising crime.BA is simply too noisy poluted and humid for .Anyway I am assuming you are English therefore it must of taken quite a leap of faith and courage for you to want to live there.Most people I think would do the reverse
Kind regards
Michael

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:39:55 GMT

We swapped London for Mar del Plata. We didn't want to live in a big city and we wanted to live by the sea. Before we arrived, we knew that the prices here were ridiculously low and it would be an ideal opportunity to make investments here.

Since we arrived 15 months ago, properties have gone up. For example, we bought a 2 bed apartment, 4 blocks from the sea for US$25,000. We have now put it on the market for US$38,000. This is a 50% return in 14 months.

There are still many bargains and recently more foreign people are coming to Mar del Plata because Buenos Aires is becoming too expensive, especially in the more ex-pat areas.

It is true about the beaches, but although the sea is not as warm as the med, I still prefer the beaches here as they are so family orientated and geared for all ages. The activities available on the beaches are incredible. You seem to know this town - have you visited the beaches in the south of the city? If not, you need to see where the elite go. They don't go to the central beaches which are too busy.

The first apartment we bought, we rented for 24 months, but the other apartments are only rented as holiday lets to both Argentines and foreign tourists. There is such a shortage of long term rentals, that we rented our first apartment to the first person that saw it within a week of buying it. We have a good guarantor and no problem receiving the rent. Small and cheap properties here are like gold dust. They sell very quickly. More and more people are buying holiday and retirement homes. There is a lot of new builds and very cheap land in the south of the city.

The first private gated community is selling plots of land of 600 m2 for US$30,000 and further south of this are some new developements selling the same size plots for US$15,000.

This town is progressing and although you say it is an Argentine holiay resort, to me that makes it more appealing than going to the Spanish costas and not meeting any locals.
I have been there and done it.

I hope this information helps.

Regards

Michelle

RE: Mar del Plata Investments

donmaico — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:57:30 GMT

Hi Michelle just wondered what made you invest there? I ask because although Mar del Plata is pleasant enough it doesnt begin to compare tpo most Meditarranean beaches.Its really more for Argentines. Did you buy to let or as long term invetsments?

Mar del Plata Investments

MichelleAlison — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 21:07:38 GMT