Real estate in far-flung destinations proved to be hugely popular in February on TheMoveChannel.com, with exotic locations dominating the top 10 list of hot investment properties on the site...

What is immediately obvious from this month’s top 10 is the surprising absence of Europe’s top real estate markets.  The likes of France, Spain and Italy have been cast aside as investors continue to take calculated risks on cheaper properties in emerging property markets across the globe.

This month’s top property came from Cyprus, which is currently making its mark in the property investment world.  Indeed, the recent RICS European Housing Market Review revealed that Cyprus was one of only two European countries to achieve higher house price inflation in 2007 than in 2006.

Rising investor confidence in South American property market was reflected in the chart, with four of the ten properties coming from Brazil, Argentina and Panama.  Such results should come as no surprise though, given Brazil’s new status as the world’s biggest emerging market (Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) Global Emerging Markets Index) and Panama’s exciting new property tax regime.

TheMoveChannel.com’s ten hottest properties for February are below:

*Results are based on number of sales enquiries generated per month.

Neil Scott, Sales Director at Real World International, explained why apartments in Latchi are such a good investment: “Until recently, Latchi has remained one of Cyprus's best kept secrets. It is one of the last authentic Cypriot Marina Villages, with the best fish restaurants on the island and some of the most expensive property too.

“It is home to the most exclusive 5 Star Hotel in Cyprus, the Anassa and the legendary Baths of Aphrodite. News of the proposed new motorway extension sent property developers scrambling to Latchi only to find that the Government is allowing a select number of resorts to be built that will ultimately benefit from the 2 new 18-Hole Golf Courses and a new marina.

Mr Scott added: “Property in Latchi is some of the most expensive on the island. The reason for this is that most of the new properties in Latchi are large beach front villas which sell for up to €2 Million. This is about to change. Property in the resort will provide investors with strong capital growth and high rental returns at this very early stage of the market.”

Belmonte: Land prices soaring

Dan Johnson, Managing Director of TheMoveChannel.com extolled the virtues of Turtle Bay Beach & Golf Resort in Belmonte, Brazil, this month’s second hottest investment: “Belmonte is one of the top 4 tourist destinations in Brazil and the 2nd most popular region after Rio.

“Acute property supply shortages mean there is strong domestic market potential, and land prices are rising by 20% - 30% per year on this stretch of coastline. With a New airport planned for 2012 and massive range of facilities, local growth in land values will only accelerate even more.

Dan Johnson added: “In another boost for the project, major global leisure club chain, David Lloyd Resorts recently signed up to manage the resort.  They have access to 800,000 members which will provide the project with excellent exposure.  This is fantastic news for Turtle Bay, as it will boost the resort’s profile and help guarantee land banking exit strategies and future rental income alike’. .

To keep track of TheMoveChannel’s hottest property investments throughout the month, please visit the Investment Property Portal on our website.

Jaimie Kanwar