USA Investment Economic Factors

USA property market is vast and has many options to suit all needs and budgets, from stand-alone homes to units in condo-hotels.

Although in 2007 the market has shown signs of a slowdown, it has createc an ideal opportunity to buy property at reasonable prices. This is especially true in the property hotspots of Florida and Las Vegas, where, owing to climate and excellent leisure activities, the market is set to remain ever buoyant.

Low cost of living

Predictions for property investment in the USA indicate that the strong Sterling and Euro against the Dollar make for a sound property investment choice. The cost of living in the USA is still generally lower than in many European countries and the extensive availability of a wide range of consumer goods makes the USA a retail paradise.

Sound economy

The USA boasts the largest economy in the world and has long been a stable economic environment in which to invest. Despite a rise in interest rates having somewhat slowed the property market in recent years, the USA still represents a strong market into which foreigners continue to make wise investments in key locations.

Tourist industry

There are many areas of the USA that offer excellent tourist facilities, collectively attracting the USA’s annual tourist figures of some 40 million visitors per year. Investors who purchase wisely in tourist destinations rely on a healthy resale market with strong capital growth to fuel their investments.

Rental market

Spurred on by a strong tourist market, the buy-to-let investment in holiday areas offer strong potential to the rental investor. These areas include coastal regions of the east and west, ski resorts of California or year-round Las Vegas and Florida where investors benefit from the absence of any off-peak seasons. Rental yields in key locations such as Orlando reach 12% per annum, to which investors can add healthy annual capital appreciation upon resale. In addition, internal migration from the north to the south also stimulates the need for long-term rental homes in certain regions such as Florida and Las Vegas.

Capital growth

The USA offers a stable market with local capital growth figures in hotspots such as Las Vegas currently standing at around 30% per annum. Certain carefully selected off-plan schemes give investors strong opportunity for capital growth.

Finance

Mortgages, including various interest only options, are easily available for foreign property purchasers in the USA.

Buying process

The legal and buying process is highly developed in the USA. The system is easy to understand and transparent, while many of the taxes and specific requirements will vary from State to State.

Cheap transatlantic flights

The wide availability of direct budget flights to the USA from Europe makes property purchase all the more attractive to foreigners. Meanwhile an “Open Skies” agreement is currently being considered to abolish the exclusivity that British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have enjoyed as carriers over the years. This will undoubtedly bring great benefits to consumers and encourage far more competitive pricing.