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

January’s top ten proves once again that investors are well and truly moving out their comfort zones and shunning established markets like Spain and France, preferring instead to take calculated risks on cheaper properties in expanding markets across the globe.

Last month’s top property came from Bulgaria, and this month there’s been no change, with ‘Super Borovets’ Apartments attracting huge interest from TheMoveChannel’s visitors.

This month’s major surprise was, however, the popularity of apartments in Albania. Apartments in Tirana, Albania. With the majority of investor interest focused on the Eastern European markets like Bulgaria, Romania and Slovakia, Albania is shaping up to the dark horse of 2008.

South America also put in a good showing, with three resort properties from Brazil and Argentina bursting into the top 5. 

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

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

Oliver Ramsden, of Dream Resorts Ltd (the company whose property that topped this month’s chart) outlined what was so special about the Super Borovets project:

“The project is worth over ˝ a Billion Euros and will see the construction of a Super Resort in the Rila Mountains of Bulgaria. Many believe the project will set a new benchmark for both skiing and golfing in Europe.

“We’ve just launched the Borovets Gardens Waiting List which offers investors a rare opportunity to buy front line ski property in the exclusive central Borovets district. Built by multi-award winning developers, Borovets Gardens it set to become the landmark project in Super Borovets.

“We’ve secured first pick on the resort and an ‘All Seasons Rental Program’ with the award winning GBS Tours. We’re advising investors to get in early because there are only a limited number of apartments at the Pre-Launch Price”.  

Albania: The new kid on the block

Simon Feek, Managing Director at Emerging Markets Understood, explained why the apartments in Tirana (which came in at number 2 in the chart) were such a great investment:

“Interest in our Albania properties has hit an all-time high. Investors are realising that Albania is one of Europe’s last true property hotspots and offers some of the lowest property prices in Europe along with some of the highest capital returns.

“Our high-specification development is just five minutes from the central business district and is situated right next to Tirana’s lake, one of the most prestigious areas of the city. With rental management already in place, these properties are set to perform in rental terms as well as capital growth.”

Dan Johnson, Managing Director of TheMoveChannel.com, agreed that Albania was on the rise, but urged investors to proceed with caution: "It's only in the last 12 months that Albania has started to figure at all on the investment radar.

"For most investors it's still a relatively unknown quantity - it's not easy to find accurate details on local prices, land securities, the purchase process or legal system. This makes it even more important to make sure you get a good lawyer that's familiar with the local practices and the particular issues they present.

”There's always a balance between risk and reward and the lack of transparency and information is something that brave investors will have to contend with in many emerging markets where there is the biggest potential for capital growth."

Other notable performers

The continued rise in popularity of South American real estate was reflected in the chart, as three properties in the top 10 came from Brazil and Argentina. Canada and New Zealand rounded out the chart as investors concentrated on long haul destinations in their search for property bargains.

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

Jaimie Kanwar